Demoscene.TV Screen Saver
Version 1.0 by Plasma  [02-18-2006]
http://dtv.phatcode.net/


What Is This?
=============
It's a screen saver that shows Demoscene.TV streaming video full-screen. If
you have no idea what the heck this is, visit http://www.demoscene.tv/.


System Requirements
=====================
* Windows 98/Me/2K/XP
* 512Kb internet connection (1Mb+ recommended)
* IE5 or IE6 must be installed
    (It doesn't have to be the default browser, it just has to be installed.)
* Javascript must be enabled in IE
* Signed ActiveX controls must be allowed to run in IE
* Nullsoft Video (NSV) ActiveX control must be installed (see below)

Basically, if you can already watch the videos on demoscene.tv with IE, then
you're good to go.


Screen Saver Setup
==================
1. Using Internet Explorer (*not* Firefox/Opera/Lynx/etc) go to
   http://www.demoscene.tv/

2. If the video starts playing, then the NSV plugin is already installed.
   Skip to step 5.

3. Install the ActiveX control when prompted. If you're not prompted, see the
   troubleshooting section below for details on how to enable ActiveX.

   (And yes, the control is safe. It's from Nullsoft, the same people that
   make Winamp. There's no spyware or adware, and it won't sell your soul to
   Bonzi Buddy.)

4. Verify that you can now watch the videos on demoscene.tv with IE. If you
   can't, see the troubleshooting section below for details on how to enable
   Javascript.

5. Copy nsvplayx_vp6_aac.dll from this archive to C:\Program Files\Common Files\NSV
   overwriting the current file there. If you get an error stating the file is
   already in use, make sure that you have closed all browser windows that are
   using the NSV control.

   (The above step is optional, but it eliminates the annoying "badframes.stt"
   file that occasionally appears on the desktop when video frames get corrupted.)

6. Copy ssdtv.scr from this archive to your Windows folder.
   (Usually C:\Windows; C:\Windows\system32 also works)

7. Select and configure the screen saver as usual.
   (Display Properties -> Screen Saver)


Troubleshooting
===============

How To Enable ActiveX in IE
---------------------------
1. Start Internet Explorer

2. Select Tools -> Internet Options -> Security -> Custom Level...
   -> ActiveX controls and plug-ins

3. Select "Enable" for "Download signed ActiveX controls"
   Select "Enable" for "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins"


How To Enable Javascript in IE
------------------------------
1. Start Internet Explorer

2. Select Tools -> Internet Options -> Security -> Custom Level...
   -> Scripting -> Active Scripting -> Enable


Problem: Displays "Connecting To Stream" forever (no sound)
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you can watch the videos on www.demoscene.tv (using IE), then the relay you
have selected in the screen saver setup is unavailable. Try another relay.
(Main ADAN is the default relay used when you go to www.demoscene.tv)

Otherwise, the Nullsoft Video ActiveX control is not working or not installed.
Uninstall it if it is currently installed by right-clicking on "NsvPlayX Control"
in "C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files" and selecting remove.

Next, (re)install the control by following steps 1-5 in the setup above.


Problem: Display "Connecting To Stream" forever, but there is sound
         Video keeps pausing or appears corrupted
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The selected relay needs more bandwidth than your internet connection can handle.
If you are using an HQ relay, try a Main or Oldskool relay. If the same thing
happens, then I'm sorry, but your internet just can't keep up.


FAQ
===

The screen saver doesn't quit when I move the mouse?!
-----------------------------------------------------
This is actually by design. Reason being that if you're watching one of your
favorite prods and bump the mouse, you won't have restart the saver. ;)
You can end the screen saver by clicking any mouse button or pressing any key.


How come the video looks crappy?
--------------------------------
Choose an HQ relay :P


How come this program needs IE and an ActiveX control?
------------------------------------------------------
It plays the video stream using the ActiveX control via IE. Which is actually
a really crappy hack, I agree. If anybody knows how to interface directly with
the ActiveX dll from C or FB, I'd be very interested. Or if there is an
alternative VP6/AAC NSV decoder somewhere that I could use, please let me know.


This screen saver sucks, it crashed
-----------------------------------
Shit happens.


Is this the offical Demoscene.TV screen saver?
----------------------------------------------
NO. This is just a program I made as an experiment, for fun. I am not connected
with Demoscene.TV in any way. In fact, if you like this screen saver, you should
really thank the guys at www.demoscene.tv, because all the videos are streaming
from their servers. ;)


[EOF]