Media Player Classic + laptop's volume knob

I like to use Media Player Classic for most of my video needs, and it works fine on my laptop (Toshiba Satellite Pro A200). Even responds to the multimedia keys for playback. Only problem is, for some reason, the volume control knob near the front of the laptop is captured entirely by MPC when it's running, and so adjusting the volume adjusts only the volume of MPC and not the global Windows volume, as it normally does.

Is there an option in MPC to release exclusive access of the volume control? I want to be able to adjust the Windows volume entirely using the knob, and don't want MPC to take control of it when running like it does.

 

Nope, no way as long as MPC is running. Just adjust is manually via the volume control panel (volume button on desktop).

 

Does MPC have control even when the MPC window is not selected? A previous release of iTunes exhibited the same behavior: when iTunes had the focus, the volume keys only affected iTunes, but when the window did not have the focus, the volume keys controlled the Windows audio levels.

 

No, it gives the volume button control over to windows.

 

Actually, I just did a test and found that when I click out of MPC and onto the desktop say, the volume control does NOTHING! Doesn't affect MPC, but doesn't modify the Windows volume either. Once MPC closes though, the volume knob operates as usual.

My solution seems to work however - take the maximum volume in MPC a couple of points below the maximum, and adjust the Windows volume to the level I want. If I need a bit more volume, I can still adjust MPC's volume using the volume control a bit, which is generally enough.

 

Sounds like a bug report is needed. Have you visited the MPC website and filled out a bug report?

 

Maybe you should use the new one that is unofficially released because filing a bug report for either won't get you any actual help. Both aren't being worked on any more.

 

I probably should also mention I'm using the latest version of a modded version of MPC, taken from here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/mpc-hc/

I like this version because of some extra additions, in particular, support for the Haali Media Splitter. The original MPC was taking too long to put out new versions. In any case, since there's no real option available, I suppose my workaround technique can continue. Thanks anyway.

 

Oh, for that version, you can post about the bug on their forums.

 

Original MPC 6.4.9.0 releases control when the window is not active, unfortunately window is active during full screen. MPC_HC 1.0.11.0 doesn't release control even when window not active. Have tried turning it of in the General->Keys-section of Options to no avail.
Regards,
Kent

 

No wonder it releases it for me but not for him. We use different versions.

 

I have this problem too!! It's so friggin annoying. The volume buttons worked just fine on my old laptop running XP, so I think this is a Vista compatibility issue. Also, some games that I play don't respond to the volume buttons either.

 

No it isn't vista, i use vista and it works fine for me. You're using the unofficial updated version which has the problem, i'm using the official so i don't have this problem.

 

I have to official one, but the problem still remains.

 

You have 6.4.9.0?

 

I had been having this problem for a while too and could not find a remedy. My volume wheel and mute button would control MPC when it had focus, instead of the Windows volume control. Here's how to fix this and any other related issues regarding MPC control keys:

1. Load MPC and go to View -> Options...
2. Expand the Player option (if it isn't expanded already) and click Keys.
3. Scroll down to Volume Up, Volume Down and Mute (listed in the left column).
4. The keys I disabled were under App Command, the 7th column. You will need to click once, then again after highlighting to bring up the drop down menu. Pick the first (blank) option for each control to disable and you're done.

Hope this helps.

 

^this worked! thanks

 

Excellent tip j1ggy. +Rep

 

Awesome! This really works,thanks.

 

You're awesome!