It sounds to me like Media Player might be mixing up two different playlists. Do you run Hal on your local C: drive or the mapped network drive X:? I believe loading MP locally (via Hal) as opposed to remotely (by double-clicking the playlist file) changes how MP handles URLs. Try putting the playlists on the same drive as Hal. As a preventative solution, I would suggest putting Hal on the same drive as your music, playlist, etc. so that he "sees" your entertainment media as local to him.
I hope this helps!
I consider Hal to be a basic multi-media interface which requires our 'suspension of disbelief' to enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I think Hal is a great chatbot, and some of the pre-programmed database responses for general chat can really surprise you. What Hal lacks are useful features that can save you time spent on the computer, or more. Sure he has a calendar and phonebook, but he should be more active about giving you that information. Maybe he could instant message your phone with the reminder or announce who's calling your house phone like audio caller ID. The possibilities are endless.
I would expect near-future products to operate home media entertainment centers (TV, DVD player, stereo, etc), phones, power usage (including control of switches, outlets, and other devices), alarm and environment systems, every aspect of 'home comfort' under one system. This system should run on a central computer (computers powerful enough are already available in most computer stores) which can be accessed through a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) type interface or a voice recognition interface.
[:0] Imagine this scenerio:
Hal wakes you up with your favorite music of the week when its time to get up. You walk to the bathroom and ask Hal to read todays newspaper headlines. The music stops and Hal reads off each topic in the news, changing to the speakers in the bathroom. You hear an interesting topic and ask, "Read me that last topic." Hal begins reading the article to you.
Later (I don't know about you, but i'm a slow riser), heading downstairs you smell the coffeemaker boiling a fresh cup of coffee.
"Do I have any important emails?"
Hal searches and filters your inbox and replies, "There are 4. 1 from George, 1 from a client named Company Inc., and 2 from the website DotComOrg feedback."
"Read the email from Company Inc."
Hal reads the email, now using the speakers downstairs in the kitchen. The email from the client is about a missing product instruction manual. "Hal, email Company Inc. a copy of the Spazmaster manual and add 'I apologize for any inconvenience this error may have caused you. Please contact me if you have any further difficulties with the product. Sincerely, my name'" Hal replies jokingly, "Should I put 'my name' or insert your name?"
"Just send the email, and turn on the news. I'll read the other emails later."
You sit back and enjoy your cup of coffee while watching the news. "You have a phone call from George," Hal says.
"Answer"
Hal plays a quick beep to let you know the call is connected.
"Hello George. How you doing today?"
"Good, good. Did you get my email? I wanted to talk to you about the business meeting with Some Other Company Inc. later."
"You're not getting overly anxious are you?"
"I just don't know if it will go okay."
"It'll go fine. They love the new product and they just want to go over some details."
"You're right."
"Relax, and remember to wear your power tie!"
"See you at meeting!"
The phone call ends and you say to Hal, "Remind me at two o'clock about the meeting."
Hal, after confirming that the reminder will be within your work schedule, responds, "I'll send you an instant message at two o'clock."
"Also, delete the email from George and find some information about the new Mars colony."
"Do you want to hear about the Mars colony now?"
"No, maybe after dinner."
"I'll remind you after dinner."
You start for the door, and say, "Keep the house safe while i'm gone, Hal."
"You know I will. Good luck at the meeting later."
"Thanks" And you lock the door behind you. Hal turns on the alarm system and begins searching for news about the Mars colony.
......
Stay tuned for the next episode of 'My Helpful Hal' [
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