[Hardy] gnome preferred applications for multimedia doesn't fully accept custom setting

[Jim J]

Binary package hint: gnome

I like to have gtkpod launch whenever I attach my ipod to my Ubuntu system. In previous version of Ubuntu, I would just set gtkpod as the preferred application to launch in the Preferred Applications System Preferences.

After upgrading from Gutsy to Hardy (8.04), I noticed that whenever I plugged my iPod in, Rythmbox would launch. Not what I wanted to happen and what was previously configured (having gtkpod launch).

After confirming that I gtkpod was upgraded as part of my dist upgrade, I checked out the Preferred Applications settings (System -> Preferences -> Preferred Applications -> Multimedia tab) and saw that Rythmbox was indeed the configured application for the Multimedia Player.

So I clicked the drop down menu which only lists Totem as the other alternative and Custom.

So I chose custom, typed in gtkpod, then closed the window.

Then I re-connected my iPod and Rhythmbox started again, followed by gtkpod which gave an error because the iPod was already loaded somewhere else.

I was only able to use gtkpod after closing both applications and then relaunching gtkpod.

So I tried setting the Preferred Multimedia application to None (Custom with a blank field) and Rhythmbox still lauches.

I even disabled the iPod plugin in Rhythmbox and it still launches and attaches to the iPod when I connect the device.

This is SERIOUSLY broken behavior from an end user standpoint.

-----
1) lsb_release -rd:
    Description: Ubuntu 8.04
    Release: 8.04

2) Not sure which package the Preferred Applications option is under, I presume gnome.

3) I would have expected that the application that I set to launch would have launched by itself and given me access to my device. Also, if I set the configuration for no action, I would have expected nothing to happen other than my device's filesystem being automounted.

4) See above

[dodmo (dodmo)]

I can confirm this behaviour. I had Grip configured as preferred application for CD's in 7.10.
After upgrade to 8.04 (via update manager) the preferred application defaulted to Rhythmbox.
I also set the dropdown to custom and entered "grip" as the command (as it was previously)
Insertion of a CD still resulted in Rhythmbox starting.
I have uninstalled Rythmbox but grip still refuses to start.
I have also tried "/usr/bin/grip" as the command. but no change.

[Matt Hanyok (matthew-hanyok)]

I'm also having this problem. Ubuntu Hardy 64-bit.

I've installed Banshee 1.0 from their repository following the instructions here:

https://edge.launchpad.net/~banshee-team/+archive

I've set "banshee-1" as my custom command for preferred multimedia application and Rhythmbox keeps opening whenever I put in a CD, etc.

[dodmo (dodmo)]

WorkAround

Warning: I am a total noob with Linux - This is what I did... try it at your own risk.

Find file /etc/gnome/defaults.list.
open it for editing as root. (terminal -> sudo gedit)
Find these lines:
    x-content/audio-cdda=rhythmbox.desktop
    x-content/audio-dvd=rhythmbox.desktop
    x-content/audio-player=rhythmbox.desktop
Change the line(s) that is (are) relevant to your needs. Mine looks like this.
    x-content/audio-cdda=grip.desktop
    x-content/audio-dvd=rhythmbox.desktop
    x-content/audio-player=rhythmbox.desktop
It works for me.
(sorry if this is not the place to post this)

[Hew (hew)]

Not meta-gnome2, and not gtkpod or Rhythmbox specific. The preferred applications dialog comes under gnome-control-center. Confirming based on comments.

[Pedro Villavicencio (pedro)]

that's known.