MediaPortal 2 Alpha 2 released

After you might have read about the new release here, finally there it is! The next MediaPortal 2 alpha release - dubbed Alpha 2 - is out the door.

Although progress since the winter-release has been immense, please be aware that this is still an alpha release and therefor not meant to be used on a productive system. Make sure that you read the instructions at the end of this news regarding installation, upgrade and extension compatibility.

Summary of changes

Server as a Service (#3823): see MP2 Updates thread
- Improvements of share importer (#4402), media shares are automatically imported once per day
- Configuration of Server settings from within the client (#4283):
- Defining the server's Dokan drive
- Defining the credentials the server uses to access network shares
Installer and configuration improvements
- Simplified access to installation log files by providing a batch file (#4329)
- Automatic download and install of LAV Filters during installation by offbyone
- LAV filters are preferred codecs (#4364)
New and improved plugins:
- New shutdown menu (#3998)
- Weather plugin improvements by Valk: improved first run experience and a new feature to suggest location
- OnlineVideos plugin is included in this release
- News plugins includes new default news feeds per country
Experimental 3D support (GUI / Video rendering of SBS/TAB videos, press F12 to toggle modes) (3D Video Support for MP2)

The full change log is available here: MediaPortal 2 Alpha 2 change log

Screenshots

Installation

Before installing MediaPortal 2, you need to make sure all requirements are installed.

Then extract the downloaded .zip archive and simply run the .msi installer file. For screenshots refer to our installation wiki.

Upgrade notes

If you had an earlier version of MP2 installed you might not see your media items inside the libraries. The metadata for the media items have been extended (like the added geographic location support for images). Remove your existing share, then add a new one for the same location. Local cached online data will be kept (like covers and backdrops).

Feedback & Support

Discuss this release in the official release thread MediaPortal 2 Alpha2

If you are looking for further information please check out MediaPortal 2 wiki first. We are heavily working to improve it.
If you don't find an answer there create a new thread in MediaPortal 2 forums.
If you found a bug, please check Mantis & bug report forums first. If it has not been reported already, create a new thread.