Can't send keystrokes to UWP apps

[dp250f]

Describe the bug
Can't send keystrokes to a UWP application (HDHomeRun or Calculator for example)

To Reproduce

1. Using Windows 10, open the in-box Calculator UWP app.
2. Attempt to send number keystrokes to Calculator with EventGhost

Expected behavior
When sending a '3' to calculator, 3 should show as being input into Calculator

Screenshots
Not really necessary

Additional context
Ultimately, I would like to control HDHomeRun application with EventGhost when it is not the active window. It opens on a 3rd display on my HTPC, and I would like to be able to use the computer for other things while HDHomeRun is being used by the wife.

EventGhost version
Software
Program Version: 0.5.0-rc6
Build Time: Mon, 24 Dec 2018 09:01:48
Python Version: Stackless Python 2.7.12 final 0
wxPython Version: 3.0.2.0

System
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional, 64-bit (build 18362)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Six-Core Processor
RAM: 15.9 GB

USB-Devices
USB Input Device: USB\VID_041E&PID_3100
Logitech USB Wheel Mouse: USB\VID_046D&PID_C00E
Logitech Driving Force Pro USB: USB\VID_046D&PID_C298
USB Composite Device: USB\VID_046D&PID_C52B
Logitech USB Input Device: USB\VID_046D&PID_C52B&MI_00
USB Input Device: USB\VID_046D&PID_C52B&MI_01
USB Input Device: USB\VID_046D&PID_C52B&MI_02
Generic USB Hub: USB\VID_05E3&PID_0608
eHome Infrared Receiver (USBCIR): USB\VID_1784&PID_0008
Generic USB Hub: USB\VID_2109&PID_2811
Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R): USB\VID_8087&PID_0025

[kdschlosser]

OK this is not a bug. It is how uwp applications are made. They do not support using the traditional SendMessage and SendKeys functions. You have to use a C# class in order to "inject" keyboard input.

Now There is a variety of hurdles in order to get the keyboard input to work properly. A c# dll would need to be made that is able to make the calls correctly using c# code. a special nuget package would need to be installed and compiled into the dll in order to export the c# functions. Then another dll would need to be written in c++ that can access the c# functions. then yet another dll would need to be made this one being a python extension dll that would access the c++ dll. and the last bit would be the python end of thing...

My suggestion.. don't use uwp applications. It is not something that is going to last anywho. It is Microsoft's attempt at competing with Google. It is designed so that a programmer can write a single app and have it work on Windows, Windows Mobile (not being developed anymore) and Windows IOT (This is going to go no where also). So basically Windows... So there is no need to use uwp applications.

I own an HDHomeRun as well and I cannot fathom why on earth you would want to use their software.. It's HORRID! There are a bunch of HTPC or Media Center like applications available that are able to use the hdhomerun. hell even Video Lan (VLC) can view the streams on an hdhomerun.

I do not see support for keyboard emulation support for uwp applications happening any time soon. Not unless someone makes a python library for it, I have not stumbled upon such an endeavor yet.

[dp250f]

Thanks for the detailed info. I agree on all points - and since discovering the KODI zuki.pvr.hdhomerundvr plugin I've been working on setting it up. I'm switching from Plex DVR since they can't keep it from corrupting recordings and clearly don't care about HTPC users. So far, KODI is pretty good - I only really need to use HDHomerun app to schedule complex series recordings like team-specific NFL games.

[kdschlosser]

I would use media portal. only because it is capable of handling multiple tuners properly.