Fix IPC Windows For Enhanced Emby Server Integration

by Kenji Nakamura 53 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a fix for the Inter-Process Communication (IPC) feature, which is super crucial for seamless integration between your media player and Emby Server, especially on Windows. If you've been scratching your head over why your progress isn't updating on Emby while using MPV, you're in the right place. Let’s break it down and get things working smoothly again.

Understanding the IPC Issue

So, what's the big deal with IPC? IPC, or Inter-Process Communication, is essentially the behind-the-scenes magic that allows different applications to talk to each other. In our case, it’s what lets your media player (like MPV) communicate with your Emby Server. This communication is vital for updating playback progress, so Emby knows where you are in your movie or TV show.

The issue we're tackling here is that MPV, a popular media player, might have changed the way it names or stores its default IPC. This can throw a wrench in the works, preventing Emby from receiving those crucial updates. Imagine watching a movie and then Emby not remembering where you left off – super annoying, right?

The root cause of this problem lies in how MPV creates its communication channel, or “pipe.” On Windows, MPV typically creates this pipe at a specific location: \\.\pipe\tmp\mpvsocket. However, changes in MPV might mean this location is no longer the default, causing the connection to fail. This fix ensures that our setup correctly identifies and connects to MPV’s IPC, no matter the changes under the hood.

This fix is especially critical if you rely on Emby's progress tracking features. Without a properly functioning IPC, Emby won't know how far you've watched, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. This can affect everything from resuming playback to syncing watch statuses across devices. So, getting this sorted is key to maintaining a smooth and integrated media ecosystem.

The Solution: Updated Code Snippet

The hero of our story is this updated snippet of code. It's designed to correctly identify the IPC path, ensuring that MPV and Emby can chat without any hiccups. This code tweak is like giving Emby Server a new set of glasses, so it can see exactly where MPV is hanging out and get the updates it needs.

def mpv_player_start(cmd, start_sec=None, sub_file=None, media_title=None, get_stop_sec=True, mount_disk_mode=None,
                     data=None):
    # These lines were missing and caused the NameError
    intro_start, intro_end = data.get('intro_start'), data.get('intro_end')
    is_darwin = True if platform.system() == 'Darwin' else False
    is_iina = True if 'iina-cli' in cmd[0] else False
    is_mpvnet = True if 'mpvnet' in cmd[0] else False

    # Hardcode the default MPV pipe name
    pipe_name = 'mpvsocket'

    # On Windows, mpv creates its pipe at \\.\pipe\tmp\mpvsocket; on Unix it’s /tmp/mpvsocket.pipe.
    if os.name == 'nt':
        ipc_socket_path = f'tmp\\{pipe_name}'
    else:
        ipc_socket_path = f'/tmp/{pipe_name}.pipe'

    osd_title = '${path}' if mount_disk_mode else media_title
    if sub_inner_idx := data.get('sub_inner_idx'):
        cmd.append(f'--sid={sub_inner_idx}')
    if sub_file:
        if not is_iina and not is_mpvnet:
            cmd.append(f'--sub-files-toggle={sub_file}')
        if is_iina and not mount_disk_mode:
            srt = save_sub_file(url=sub_file)
            cmd.append(f'--sub-files={srt}')
    if mount_disk_mode and is_iina:
        pass
    else:
        cmd.append(f'--force-media-title={media_title}')
        cmd.append(f'--osd-playing-msg={osd_title}')
    if not mount_disk_mode:
        cmd.append('--force-window=immediate')
        if proxy := configs.player_proxy:
            cmd.append(f'--http-proxy=http://{proxy}')
    if start_sec is not None:
        if is_iina and mount_disk_mode:
            pass
        else:
            cmd.append(f'--start={start_sec}')
    if is_darwin:
        cmd.append('--focus-on=open')

    # Set IPC pipe name for mpv
    cmd.append(f'--input-ipc-server={pipe_name}')

    cmd.append('--script-opts-append=autoload-disabled=yes')
    if configs.fullscreen:
        cmd.append('--fullscreen=yes')
    if configs.disable_audio:
        cmd.append('--no-audio')
    
    cmd = ['--mpv-' + i.replace('--', '', 1) if is_darwin and is_iina and i.startswith('--') else i for i in cmd]
    logger.info(f'{cmd[:2]}\nargs={cmd[2:]}')
    
    player = subprocess.Popen(cmd, env=os.environ)
    activate_window_by_pid(player.pid)

    # Connect to the chosen IPC pipe
    mpv = init_player_instance(MPV, start_mpv=False, ipc_socket=ipc_socket_path)
    
    if sub_file and is_mpvnet and mpv:
        _cmd = ['sub-add', sub_file]
        mpv.command(*_cmd)
    if mpv and intro_end:
        chapter_list = [{'title': 'Opening', 'time': intro_start}, {'title': 'Main', 'time': intro_end}]
        event_name = 'file-loaded'
        mpv.command('set_property', 'chapter-list', chapter_list)

        @mpv.on_event(event_name)
        def fist_ep_intro_adder(_event_data):
            has_chapters = mpv.command('get_property', 'chapter-list')
            if not has_chapters:
                if media_title != mpv.command('get_property', 'media-title'):
                    logger.info('skip add opening scene chapters, cuz media_title not match')
                    return
                mpv.command('set_property', 'chapter-list', chapter_list)
                logger.info('opening scene found, add to chapters')
            else:
                callbacks = mpv.event_bindings[event_name]
                if len(callbacks) == 1:
                    del mpv.event_bindings[event_name]
                else:
                    callbacks = {i for i in callbacks if 'fist_ep_intro_adder' not in str(i)}
                    mpv.event_bindings[event_name] = callbacks

    if speed := mpv_play_speed.get(media_title):
        mpv.command('set_property', 'speed', speed)
    if not get_stop_sec:
        return
    if mpv:
        mpv.command('script-message', 'etlp-cmd-pipe', ipc_socket_path)
        mpv.is_iina = is_iina
        mpv.is_mpvnet = is_mpvnet
    return dict(mpv=mpv)

This code snippet is a targeted update for the mpv_player_start function within the players.py file. It specifically addresses the way the IPC socket path is defined, ensuring it aligns with MPV's current behavior on Windows. By hardcoding the default MPV pipe name and constructing the IPC socket path based on the operating system, the fix bypasses any potential naming or location discrepancies that might have arisen due to MPV updates.

The key part of this snippet is the section that defines ipc_socket_path. It checks the operating system and sets the path accordingly. On Windows (os.name == 'nt'), it constructs the path as f'tmp\\{pipe_name}', while on other systems, it uses f'/tmp/{pipe_name}.pipe'. This ensures that the correct IPC path is used, regardless of the environment.

Another crucial aspect of this code is the inclusion of the lines that retrieve intro_start and intro_end from data. These lines were previously missing, which could lead to a NameError and prevent the code from executing correctly. By adding these lines, the fix ensures that all necessary variables are defined, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the IPC connection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing the Fix

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and implement this fix. Don't worry, it’s not as daunting as it might sound! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you through it.

  1. Locate the players.py file: This is your treasure map. You'll typically find this file within the utils folder of your Emby-to-Local-Player installation. The exact path might vary depending on your setup, but it’s usually something like Emby-to-Local-Player/utils/players.py.
  2. Open players.py with a Text Editor: Notepad++ is a fantastic option for Windows users, but any decent text editor will do. Just make sure it can handle code formatting without mangling it.
  3. Find the mpv_player_start Function: This is where the magic happens. Scroll through the file or use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find the block of code that starts with def mpv_player_start and ends with return dict(mpv=mpv). It’s a fairly chunky block of code, so it should be easy to spot.
  4. Replace the Code Block: This is the key step. Carefully select and delete the entire mpv_player_start function, and then paste in the updated code snippet we shared earlier. Make sure you replace the whole block to avoid any compatibility issues.
  5. Save the File: Once you’ve replaced the code, save the players.py file. This will write the changes to disk, making them effective.
  6. Restart Emby Server (If Necessary): In some cases, you might need to restart your Emby Server for the changes to fully take effect. This ensures that Emby reloads the modified players.py file.

A pro-tip: Before you make any changes, it's always a good idea to back up the original players.py file. This gives you a safety net in case anything goes wrong, and you can easily revert to the original version.

Another helpful tip is to double-check your work. After pasting the new code, take a quick glance to make sure everything looks right. Pay attention to indentation and make sure there are no missing lines or characters.

After implementing the fix, it’s a good idea to test it out. Play a video through Emby using MPV and see if your progress is correctly updated. If everything works as expected, congratulations! You’ve successfully implemented the fix and enhanced your Emby Server integration.

Why This Fix Works

So, why does this particular code tweak solve our IPC problem? It all boils down to accurately pinpointing where MPV is creating its communication channel. The original code might have been looking in the wrong place, leading to a breakdown in communication.

The updated code explicitly defines the IPC socket path based on the operating system. For Windows, it uses the path tmp\\{pipe_name}, which directly targets the default location where MPV creates its pipe. This ensures that Emby knows exactly where to find MPV and establish a connection.

By hardcoding the pipe name as mpvsocket, the fix also eliminates any ambiguity or potential naming conflicts. This ensures that the code consistently uses the correct identifier when attempting to connect to MPV’s IPC.

The inclusion of the missing lines for retrieving intro_start and intro_end from data is another critical aspect of the fix. These lines prevent a NameError, ensuring that the code can execute without crashing. This is like patching a small hole in a dam, preventing a potential flood of errors.

This fix is not just a Band-Aid solution; it’s a targeted adjustment that addresses the root cause of the IPC issue. By ensuring that the correct IPC path is used and that all necessary variables are defined, the fix provides a robust and reliable solution to the problem.

Furthermore, this fix is designed to be future-proof. By explicitly checking the operating system and constructing the IPC path accordingly, it can adapt to potential changes in MPV’s behavior. This means that even if MPV updates its IPC naming or location in the future, this fix should continue to work seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to fixing IPC issues on Windows for enhanced Emby Server integration. By implementing this fix, you'll ensure that your playback progress is accurately tracked, providing a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience. Remember, a little bit of code tweaking can go a long way in making your media ecosystem sing. Happy watching!