1273: Global Media Keys in Win7 x64 Not Working Properly

[djshack]

Note: This was the case in 1272 and probably some prior versions as well (of the beta).

In Windows 7 64-bit, I have the typical Media Play/Pause, etc. all set as global hotkeys to the corresponding keys (MS keyboard and built-in Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard... neither work). The hotkeys work when MM is in focus, and as far as I've tested, when Firefox and Word are in focus (strange), but not when Windows Explorer is in focus. In the current stable release of MM, the global media keys function as expected. I even found some older threads referencing a MediaMonkey.ini addition, which I added to no avail.

I consider this somewhat important, so is this a known bug, or can you offer any suggestions (not including uninstalling IntelliType)? Thanks!

[rusty]

Hi,

I just tested global hotkeys in Win7 X64 and they're working correctly for me. Any other hints about what might be going on?

Is anyone else experiencing trouble with this?

-Rusty

Edit: I tested with build 1273

[djshack]

The issue is only with the media keys, not other hotkeys I have setup.

[nohitter151]

Have you tried simply resetting the keys in the options? I find sometimes that after an upgrade or reinstall that the hotkeys can behave a little strangely -- not something that is 100% reproducible, but happens every so often.

[etheriau]

I can confirm I have the problem as well (or else I wouldn't be here!).

Play/Pause button works 1/5 of the time it's like double-clicking on it.

Was working fine with 1267.

Win 7 x64 with logitech keyboard (using the native win7 drivers for the keyboard i.e. didn't download the bloated logitech drivers)

[etheriau]

Oh and if this helps like djshack I have a lenovo laptop..

[djshack]

If the keyboard is relevant, I have a wireless Microsoft keyboard (but the problem is also present on my laptop).

FWIW, I vaguely remember iTunes 9 working with the media keys globally on Vista, but that stopped when I installed Win7 (again, I'm not 100% they worked on Vista, but I seem to remember that being the case). Perhaps it's an issue with Win7?

[djshack]

I've realized this has to be a Windows 7 issue. I downgraded to the stable MediaMonkey (uninstalled iTunes and QuickTime), and the media keys still don't work when MM or another application is focused. Same exact behavior as the beta versions.

[Rave_Zero]

This problem has been discussed earlier too:

Global hotkeys not working while gaming: http://www.mediamonkey.com/forum/viewto ... 44#p215144
Global hotkeys not working with specific keyboards: http://www.mediamonkey.com/forum/viewto ... =1&t=41461

In many cases the focused application has taken away hotkey-functionality.
It would be nice if there is a way to fix this annoying problem at all.

[rusty]

Since the problem appears non-specific to the beta, you can adding the following to the [options] section of the MediaMonkey.ini file:
PreferLLKeysHook = 1

-Rusty

[djshack]

Tried that... doesn't fix the problem.

[Peke]

No there is no way to fix that in MediaMonkey The reason why hotkeys are not working is that Focused application tell MM that hotkey is already Handled

As of Vista Windows API support handling priority to avoid such issues if implemented properly.
Example:
1. Minimize MediMonkey
2. Start WMP
3. Start Playback of DVD movie in WMP Full Screen
4. Press Play/Pause on Remote to Pause movie Playback

Results:
Win XP: MediaMonkey would start playback and Movie would be paused
Win Vista/7: Movie would be paused MediaMonkey would not start playback

5. Minimize Paused WMP
6. Restore MM Main Window
7. Press Play/Pause on Remote to Play music in MediaMonkey

Results:
Win XP: MediaMonkey would start playback and Movie would be Unpaused
Win Vista/7: MediaMonkey would start playback and Movie would be still paused

I do not find any bugs here.

Problem is when focused app registers handling of media commands even they do not use it, due the fact that it is easier to register global handler instead only filtered devices/commands where there is risk to compatibility with some devices.

NOTE: Tested on four different remote controls (MS MCE Remote, ATi Remote Wonder [not thru ATi remote plugin], CyberLink Remote, Generic MCE Compatible Remote)

[Rave_Zero]

Interesting sidenote:
I've tested some fullscreen apps today on Windows 7 (64Bit final), and Windows MediaPlayer still recieved the multimedia-hotkeys (play/pause/stop/mute/next/previous).
Curiously tested the same keys in MediaMonkey 3.1.2.1274 and it worked too!

Then tried to use non-multimedia (custom)keys but no success.
Maybe there is a way to "smuggle" any hotkeys through the Win7 multimedia-hotkey "backdoor".

[Peke]

Sure there is There is always ways to move around system issues, but are they right way.

[etheriau]

Still an issue with 1275. Was ok with 1267. Seems to have started when the Windows 7 features of MM were implemented...