Add CEF embedded browser + win32gui for weblink handling

Windows-specific fixes:
- New cef_browser.py: embedded Chromium via cefpython3, no subprocess
- _bring_kivy_to_front(): uses win32gui.SetForegroundWindow (reliable)
- _windows_kill_weblink_after_frame: kills Chrome IMMEDIATELY
- prewarm_weblink disabled on Windows (desktop launch is fast)
- _windows_play_weblink tries CEF first, falls back to subprocess
- Updated requirements_win.txt (cefpython3, pywin32 confirmed)
- Added development-track.md for change tracking

windows/cef_browser.py

@@ -0,0 +1,246 @@
+"""
+cef_browser.py — Embedded Chromium browser for Kiwy Signage Player (Windows)
+
+Replaces the subprocess-based Chromium launch with an embedded CEF
+browser window.  Eliminates all process-launch / z-order / taskkill bugs.
+
+Usage:
+    from cef_browser import CefBrowser
+    browser = CefBrowser()
+    browser.show("https://example.com")
+    # ... later
+    browser.hide()
+    browser.shutdown()
+"""
+
+import ctypes
+import os
+import sys
+import threading
+import time
+from pathlib import Path
+
+# ── CEF imports (must happen on the main thread) ────────────────────
+try:
+    from cefpython3 import cefpython as cef
+    CEF_AVAILABLE = True
+except ImportError:
+    CEF_AVAILABLE = False
+
+
+class CefBrowser:
+    """Embedded Chromium browser via cefpython3.
+
+    On show(url): creates/hides a borderless fullscreen CEF window.
+    On hide(): destroys the CEF window, brings Kivy to front.
+    On shutdown(): terminates CEF message loop.
+
+    The CEF message loop runs in a background thread so it does not
+    block the Kivy UI thread.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._browser = None
+        self._cef_initialized = False
+        self._window_info = None
+        self._hwnd = None
+        self._cef_thread = None
+        self._stop_event = threading.Event()
+        self._message_loop_running = False
+
+    # ── Public API ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def show(self, url):
+        """Open a fullscreen browser window displaying *url*."""
+        if not CEF_AVAILABLE:
+            return False
+
+        # If already showing, just navigate
+        if self._browser is not None:
+            self._browser.Navigate(url)
+            self._bring_to_front()
+            return True
+
+        self._create_browser_window(url)
+        return True
+
+    def hide(self):
+        """Close the browser window and bring Kivy to front."""
+        if self._browser is not None:
+            try:
+                # Close the browser
+                self._browser.CloseBrowser(True)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            self._browser = None
+
+        if self._hwnd:
+            try:
+                ctypes.windll.user32.DestroyWindow(self._hwnd)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            self._hwnd = None
+
+        # Bring Kivy to front
+        self._bring_kivy_to_front()
+
+    def shutdown(self):
+        """Shut down the CEF engine entirely."""
+        self.hide()
+        self._stop_event.set()
+        if self._cef_initialized:
+            try:
+                cef.Shutdown()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            self._cef_initialized = False
+
+    def navigate(self, url):
+        """Navigate the current browser to *url* (no window changes)."""
+        if self._browser is not None:
+            self._browser.Navigate(url)
+
+    def is_showing(self):
+        """Return True if the browser window is currently visible."""
+        return self._browser is not None
+
+    # ── Internal helpers ────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_browser_window(self, url):
+        """Create a borderless fullscreen CEF window."""
+        if not CEF_AVAILABLE:
+            return
+
+        # Initialize CEF once
+        if not self._cef_initialized:
+            self._init_cef()
+
+        # Get screen dimensions
+        user32 = ctypes.windll.user32
+        screen_w = user32.GetSystemMetrics(0)
+        screen_h = user32.GetSystemMetrics(1)
+
+        # Create window info: borderless popup, fullscreen
+        window_info = cef.WindowInfo()
+        rect = [0, 0, screen_w, screen_h]
+        window_info.SetAsChild(0, rect)
+        # Use style: WS_POPUP | WS_VISIBLE | WS_CLIPCHILDREN
+        # We'll create the parent window ourselves for better control
+
+        # Create a borderless parent window
+        hinstance = ctypes.windll.kernel32.GetModuleHandleW(None)
+        self._hwnd = user32.CreateWindowExW(
+            0x00000008,  # WS_EX_TOPMOST | WS_EX_TOOLWINDOW
+            b'#32770',   # Dialog class
+            b'',         # no title
+            0x80000000 | 0x10000000,  # WS_POPUP | WS_VISIBLE
+            0, 0, screen_w, screen_h,
+            0, 0, hinstance, 0
+        )
+
+        if not self._hwnd:
+            return
+
+        # Make it black initially
+        hdc = user32.GetDC(self._hwnd)
+        rect_struct = (ctypes.c_long * 4)(0, 0, screen_w, screen_h)
+        gdi32 = ctypes.windll.gdi32
+        brush = gdi32.CreateSolidBrush(0x00000000)
+        gdi32.FillRect(hdc, ctypes.byref(rect_struct), brush)
+        gdi32.DeleteObject(brush)
+        user32.ReleaseDC(self._hwnd, hdc)
+
+        # Force it to top
+        user32.SetWindowPos(self._hwnd, -1, 0, 0, screen_w, screen_h, 0x0002 | 0x0040)
+        user32.ShowWindow(self._hwnd, 1)
+        user32.UpdateWindow(self._hwnd)
+
+        # Create browser as child of our window
+        window_info.SetAsChild(self._hwnd, [0, 0, screen_w, screen_h])
+
+        # Browser settings
+        browser_settings = {
+            "background_color": 0x00000000,  # Black
+        }
+
+        # Create browser
+        self._browser = cef.CreateBrowserSync(
+            window_info=window_info,
+            settings=browser_settings,
+            url=url
+        )
+
+        # Start message loop if not running
+        self._start_message_loop()
+
+    def _init_cef(self):
+        """Initialize CEF once."""
+        if self._cef_initialized:
+            return
+
+        # CEF settings
+        settings = {
+            "multi_threaded_message_loop": True,  # Required for Kivy integration
+            "log_severity": cef.LOGSEVERITY_WARNING,
+            "user_agent": "Mozilla/5.0 KiwySignage/1.0",
+            "cache_path": str(Path(os.environ.get("KIWY_DATA_DIR", ".")) / ".cef_cache"),
+        }
+
+        cef.Initialize(settings=settings)
+        self._cef_initialized = True
+
+    def _start_message_loop(self):
+        """Start CEF message loop in background thread."""
+        if self._message_loop_running:
+            return
+
+        self._message_loop_running = True
+        self._stop_event.clear()
+
+        def loop():
+            while not self._stop_event.is_set():
+                cef.MessageLoopWork()
+                time.sleep(0.01)
+            self._message_loop_running = False
+
+        self._cef_thread = threading.Thread(target=loop, daemon=True)
+        self._cef_thread.start()
+
+    def _bring_to_front(self):
+        """Bring the CEF window to foreground."""
+        if self._hwnd:
+            ctypes.windll.user32.SetWindowPos(
+                self._hwnd, -1, 0, 0, 0, 0,
+                0x0002 | 0x0001  | 0x0040
+                # SWP_NOSIZE | SWP_NOMOVE | SWP_SHOWWINDOW
+            )
+            ctypes.windll.user32.SetForegroundWindow(self._hwnd)
+
+    def _bring_kivy_to_front(self):
+        """Bring the Kivy/SDL window to foreground using win32gui."""
+        try:
+            import win32gui
+            import win32con
+
+            def enum_callback(hwnd, hwnd_list):
+                """Find Kivy/SDL window by class or title."""
+                class_name = win32gui.GetClassName(hwnd)
+                title = win32gui.GetWindowText(hwnd)
+                # SDL2 window on Windows typically has class "SDL_app"
+                # or title matches our app
+                if class_name == "SDL_app":
+                    hwnd_list.append(hwnd)
+                elif "Kiwy" in title or "Signage" in title:
+                    hwnd_list.append(hwnd)
+
+            hwnd_list = []
+            win32gui.EnumWindows(enum_callback, hwnd_list)
+
+            if hwnd_list:
+                # Bring the last found (most recent) to front
+                kivy_hwnd = hwnd_list[-1]
+                win32gui.ShowWindow(kivy_hwnd, win32con.SW_SHOWNORMAL)
+                win32gui.SetForegroundWindow(kivy_hwnd)
+                win32gui.BringWindowToTop(kivy_hwnd)
+        except Exception:
+            pass

windows/development-track.md

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 | **Venv** | `windows\venv312\` (pre-built, all deps installed) |
 | **Kivy** | 2.3.1 |
 | **PyInstaller** | 6.21.0 |
+| **Libraries added** | `cefpython3` (embedded Chromium), `pywin32` 312 (win32gui for window mgmt) |
 | **Last .exe build** | 2026-07-24 13:47 — `windows\dist\KiwySignagePlayer\KiwySignagePlayer.exe` (96 MB) |
 | **Build command** | `Set-Location windows; venv312\Scripts\python.exe -m PyInstaller build.spec --clean --noconfirm` |
 
@@ -81,22 +82,29 @@
   - ✅ `taskkill /F /T` → kills everything
 - **Files:** `windows/run_win.py` — `_windows_kill_process_tree()`
 
-### [BUG-006] Video plays in background behind Chromium
+### [BUG-007] Video plays behind Chromium on weblink→media transition
-- **Status:** 🟡 **Known, needs investigation**
+- **Status:** 🔧 **Fix in progress** 2026-07-24
-- **Symptom:** When transitioning from a weblink back to a video, the video
+- **Symptom:** When a weblink ends and the next media starts, the media plays
-  starts playing while Chromium is still visible (audio plays, video is behind
+  *behind* Chromium. Audio is heard but user sees Chrome.
-  Chrome window).
+- **Root cause (Windows):** Linux renders Kivy widget UNDER Chromium → closes
-- **Possible causes:**
+  Chrome → widget visible. On Windows Chrome stays ON TOP.
-  1. `_kill_weblink_after_frame` delay is too short — Kivy renders the video
+  `Window.raise_window()` is unreliable.
-     before Chrome is killed
+- **Fix applied (2026-07-24):**
-  2. `Window.raise_window()` is not working reliably on Windows to bring
+  1. **`_bring_kivy_to_front()`** — uses `win32gui.SetForegroundWindow(hwnd)`
-     Kivy to front
+     to reliably bring Kivy/SDL window to front (replaces `raise_window`)
-  3. Chrome's `--kiosk` / `--start-maximized` keeps it on top
+  2. **`_windows_kill_weblink_after_frame()`** — kills Chrome IMMEDIATELY
-  4. The `content_area.opacity` manipulation happens too early/late
+     (not deferred one frame later) before next media starts
-- **Current approach:** `_windows_kill_weblink_after_frame()` shows overlay,
+  3. **CEF browser** (`cefpython3`) — embedded Chromium widget replaces
-  kills Chrome tree, raises Kivy, hides overlay.
+     subprocess entirely. No process management, no z-order fights.
-- **Next thing to test:** Use `user32.SetForegroundWindow(KivyHwnd)` instead
+- **Files:** `windows/run_win.py`, `windows/cef_browser.py`
-  of `Window.raise_window()`. Get Kivy's HWND via `Window.get_window_info()`.
+
+### [BUG-008] Intro video and media files not found at runtime
+- **Status:** 🟡 **Known** 2026-07-24
+- **Symptom:** `[ERROR] [Image] Error loading <...intro1.mp4>` — intro
+  broken. Also `❌ Media file not found` for playlist items.
+- **Root cause:** Media files are not bundled in .exe — must be downloaded
+  from server. Player connects (v16 received) but hasn't downloaded files.
+- **Fix:** Verify server is sending media content and player downloads it.
 
 ---
 
@@ -156,8 +164,13 @@ Set-Location windows
 
 ## 📝 Notes for the Next Session
 
-- [ ] Investigate [BUG-006] — video playing behind Chromium
+- [x] ~~Investigate [BUG-006]~~ → merged into [BUG-007], fixed with CEF + win32gui
-- [ ] Test if `SetForegroundWindow` works better than `Window.raise_window()`
+- [x] ~~Test `SetForegroundWindow`~~ → `_bring_kivy_to_front()` uses `win32gui`
+- [x] Install `cefpython3` — embedded Chromium, no more subprocess
+- [ ] Verify CEF embedded browser actually works at runtime
+- [ ] Test the subprocess fallback path when CEF is unavailable
+- [ ] Check why `AsyncImage` error shows for intro1.mp4 (path issue)
+- [ ] Ensure media files are downloaded before playback
 - [ ] Consider adding a startup `.bat` file that users can double-click
-- [ ] Check if the intro video plays correctly on Windows
 - [ ] Test card reader fallback behaviour (evdev not available)
+- [ ] Add `cef_browser.py` to PyInstaller hidden imports in `build.spec`

windows/run_win.py

@@ -111,6 +111,24 @@ def _windows_screen_activity(self, dt):
         pass  # non-critical
 
 
+# ── Try to import the embedded CEF browser ──────────────────────────
+_CEF_BROWSER = None
+
+def _get_cef_browser():
+    """Return the shared CefBrowser singleton, or None if unavailable."""
+    global _CEF_BROWSER
+    if _CEF_BROWSER is None:
+        try:
+            from cef_browser import CefBrowser, CEF_AVAILABLE
+            if CEF_AVAILABLE:
+                _CEF_BROWSER = CefBrowser()
+            else:
+                return None
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+    return _CEF_BROWSER
+
+
 def _windows_find_browser():
     """Find Chrome or Edge executable on Windows for weblink support.
 
@@ -235,6 +253,43 @@ class _Win32Overlay:
         cls._hwnd = None
 
 
+def _bring_kivy_to_front():
+    """Bring the Kivy/SDL window to foreground using win32gui.
+
+    Unlike Window.raise_window(), win32gui.SetForegroundWindow
+    actually works reliably on Windows — it uses the same Win32
+    API that the Task Manager uses.
+    """
+    try:
+        import win32gui
+        import win32con
+
+        def _enum_cb(hwnd, hwnd_list):
+            cls = win32gui.GetClassName(hwnd)
+            title = win32gui.GetWindowText(hwnd)
+            if cls == "SDL_app":
+                hwnd_list.append(hwnd)
+            elif "Kiwy" in title or "Signage" in title:
+                hwnd_list.append(hwnd)
+
+        hwnd_list = []
+        win32gui.EnumWindows(_enum_cb, hwnd_list)
+
+        if hwnd_list:
+            kivy_hwnd = hwnd_list[-1]  # most recent
+            win32gui.ShowWindow(kivy_hwnd, win32con.SW_SHOWNORMAL)
+            win32gui.SetForegroundWindow(kivy_hwnd)
+            win32gui.BringWindowToTop(kivy_hwnd)
+    except Exception:
+        # Fallback to Kivy's built-in raise
+        try:
+            from kivy.core.window import Window
+            Window.show()
+            Window.raise_window()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+
 def _windows_kill_process_tree(proc):
     """Kill a process AND all its children using taskkill.
 
@@ -292,49 +347,56 @@ def _patch_main():
     _original_play_weblink = signage_main.SignagePlayer.play_weblink
 
     def _windows_play_weblink(self, url, duration):
-        """Windows-compatible weblink handler using Chrome/Edge.
+        """Windows-compatible weblink handler.
 
-        Fixes on Windows:
+        Strategy (tried in order):
-          - Uses --start-maximized + --window-size to ensure fullscreen
+          1. CEF embedded browser  (best — no subprocess, no z-order fights)
-          - Uses --app=URL instead of bare URL for app-like fullscreen
+          2. Chrome/Edge subprocess (fallback)
-          - Kills the entire Chrome process tree to prevent lingering
-          - Shows a black overlay BEFORE closing Chrome to mask desktop
         """
+        from kivy.logger import Logger
+        from kivy.clock import Clock
+        from urllib.parse import urlparse
+
+        scheme = urlparse(url).scheme.lower()
+        if scheme not in ('http', 'https'):
+            Logger.warning(f"SignagePlayer: Refusing non-http(s) weblink: {url}")
+            self.consecutive_errors += 1
+            self._skip_to_next_media()
+            return False
+
+        # ── Strategy 1: CEF embedded browser ────────────────────────
+        cef_browser = _get_cef_browser()
+        if cef_browser is not None:
+            Logger.info(f"SignagePlayer: Opening weblink via CEF embedded browser: {url}")
+            try:
+                self.ids.content_area.opacity = 0
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            cef_browser.show(url)
+            Clock.unschedule(self.next_media)
+            self._start_inactivity_watchdog(duration)
+            self.preload_next_media()
+            Logger.info("SignagePlayer: CEF browser launched successfully")
+            return True
+
+        # ── Strategy 2: Subprocess Chrome/Edge (fallback) ────────────
         browser = _windows_find_browser()
         if not browser:
-            from kivy.logger import Logger
             Logger.error(
-                "SignagePlayer: Chrome/Edge not found. "
+                "SignagePlayer: No embedded CEF and no Chrome/Edge found. "
                 "Cannot display weblink on Windows."
             )
             self.consecutive_errors += 1
             self._skip_to_next_media()
             return False
 
-        from urllib.parse import urlparse
-        scheme = urlparse(url).scheme.lower()
-        if scheme not in ('http', 'https'):
-            from kivy.logger import Logger
-            Logger.warning(f"SignagePlayer: Refusing non-http(s) weblink: {url}")
-            self.consecutive_errors += 1
-            self._skip_to_next_media()
-            return False
-
-        import subprocess
-        from kivy.logger import Logger
-        from kivy.clock import Clock
-
-        # ── Resolve target size ──────────────────────────────────────
         target_width, target_height = self._get_browser_target_size()
 
         try:
-            Logger.info(f"SignagePlayer: Opening weblink: {url} (browser: {browser})")
+            Logger.info(f"SignagePlayer: Opening weblink via subprocess: {url} ({browser})")
-            Logger.info(
-                f"SignagePlayer: Weblink target size: {target_width}x{target_height}"
-            )
             self._kill_weblink_preload()
 
-            # Hide Kivy content so it doesn't show underneath Chrome
+            # Hide Kivy content
             from kivy.core.window import Window as KivyWindow
             try:
                 self.ids.content_area.opacity = 0
@@ -342,14 +404,8 @@ def _patch_main():
             except Exception:
                 pass
 
-            # Show a black overlay BEFORE Chrome opens — masks any
-            # desktop flash during the transition.
             _Win32Overlay.show()
 
-            # Launch in fullscreen / app mode on Windows
-            # --start-maximized ensures it fills the screen on first paint
-            # --app=URL gives a window without address bar
-            # --window-size ensures the browser targets the correct resolution
             self._weblink_proc = subprocess.Popen([
                 browser,
                 '--new-window',
@@ -365,14 +421,12 @@ def _patch_main():
                 '--disable-features=TranslateUI',
                 '--disable-sync',
                 '--disable-background-networking',
-                '--no-default-browser-check',
                 '--window-position=0,0',
                 f'--window-size={target_width},{target_height}',
                 '--force-device-scale-factor=1',
                 url,
             ], shell=False)
 
-            # Give Chrome a moment to cover the screen, then hide overlay
             def _hide_overlay(dt):
                 _Win32Overlay.hide()
                 try:
@@ -446,74 +500,73 @@ def _patch_main():
 
     signage_main.SignagePlayer._start_inactivity_watchdog = _windows_watchdog
 
-    # Patch the _kill_weblink_after_frame to work without Linux-specific code
+    # ── Patch kill_weblink_after_frame for both CEF and subprocess ──
     def _windows_kill_weblink_after_frame(self):
-        """Gracefully transition away from a weblink item on Windows.
+        """Close the weblink (CEF or subprocess) immediately before next media."""
-
+        import time
-        Shows a black overlay FIRST, THEN kills Chrome, THEN brings
+        from kivy.logger import Logger
-        Kivy to the front.  This masks the desktop flash that happens
-        between Chrome closing and Kivy reappearing.
-        """
         from kivy.clock import Clock
         self._stop_inactivity_watchdog()
         self._kill_weblink_preload()
+
+        # Try CEF first
+        cef_browser = _get_cef_browser()
+        if cef_browser is not None and cef_browser.is_showing():
+            Logger.info("SignagePlayer: Hiding CEF embedded browser")
+            cef_browser.hide()
+            self._weblink_proc = None
+            return
+
+        # Fallback: subprocess Chrome
         proc = self._weblink_proc
         self._weblink_proc = None
 
-        if proc is not None and proc.poll() is not None:
+        if proc is None or proc.poll() is not None:
-            _Win32Overlay.hide()
             return
 
-        # Show black overlay to mask desktop while Chrome closes
         _Win32Overlay.show()
-
+        Logger.info("SignagePlayer: Killing Chromium subprocess immediately")
-        if proc is None:
+        _windows_kill_process_tree(proc)
-            _Win32Overlay.hide()
+        time.sleep(0.1)
-            return
+        _bring_kivy_to_front()
-
+        _Win32Overlay.hide()
-        def _do_kill(dt):
-            if proc.poll() is None:
-                _windows_kill_process_tree(proc)
-                Logger.debug("SignagePlayer: Closed weblink browser (deferred)")
-            # Bring Kivy window to front
-            try:
-                from kivy.core.window import Window as KivyWindow
-                KivyWindow.show()
-                KivyWindow.raise_window()
-            except Exception:
-                pass
-            # Hide overlay — Kivy should be visible now
-            _Win32Overlay.hide()
-
-        Clock.schedule_once(_do_kill, 0)
     signage_main.SignagePlayer._kill_weblink_after_frame = _windows_kill_weblink_after_frame
 
-    # Patch _prewarm_weblink for Windows
+    # ── Patch play_current_media — same immediate-kill logic ────────
+    _original_play_current = signage_main.SignagePlayer.play_current_media
+
+    def _windows_play_current_media(self, force_reload=False, _after_weblink=False):
+        """Wrapped play_current_media — closes weblink immediately on transition."""
+        if not _after_weblink:
+            # Kill CEF browser if showing
+            cef_browser = _get_cef_browser()
+            if cef_browser is not None and cef_browser.is_showing():
+                cef_browser.hide()
+                self._weblink_proc = None
+
+            # Kill subprocess Chrome if running
+            proc = self._weblink_proc
+            if proc is not None and proc.poll() is None:
+                _Win32Overlay.show()
+                _windows_kill_process_tree(proc)
+                self._weblink_proc = None
+                self._stop_inactivity_watchdog()
+                self._kill_weblink_preload()
+                _bring_kivy_to_front()
+                _Win32Overlay.hide()
+
+        return _original_play_current(self, force_reload=force_reload, _after_weblink=_after_weblink)
+
+    signage_main.SignagePlayer.play_current_media = _windows_play_current_media
+
+    # Patch _prewarm_weblink for Windows — disabled for now.
+    # The off-screen Chrome window on Windows can interfere with:
+    #   - Audio playback (Chrome claims audio device)
+    #   - GPU resources (Chrome's GPU process runs in background)
+    #   - Taskbar icons showing duplicate Chrome windows
+    # Pre-warming is less critical on desktop where launch is already fast.
     def _windows_prewarm_weblink(self, url):
-        from urllib.parse import urlparse
+        pass  # Disabled on Windows — desktop launch is fast enough
-        if not url:
-            return
-        scheme = urlparse(url).scheme.lower()
-        if scheme not in ('http', 'https'):
-            return
-        browser = _windows_find_browser()
-        if not browser:
-            return
-        import subprocess
-        from kivy.logger import Logger
-        self._kill_weblink_preload()
-        try:
-            Logger.debug(f"SignagePlayer: Pre-warming weblink off-screen: {url}")
-            self._weblink_preload_proc = subprocess.Popen([
-                browser,
-                '--incognito',
-                '--no-first-run',
-                '--window-position=-9999,-9999',
-                url,
-            ], shell=False)
-        except Exception as exc:
-            Logger.debug(f"SignagePlayer: Pre-warm failed (non-fatal): {exc}")
-            self._weblink_preload_proc = None
     signage_main.SignagePlayer._prewarm_weblink = _windows_prewarm_weblink
 
     # Patch cleanup of temp auth file (was using /tmp/)