Windows Media Center Edition
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First released in 2002, Windows Media Center Edition has since spawned a major overhaul in 2004 followed by our current 2005 version, which is the first with built-in support for over-the-air local High Definition TV (HDTV) viewing and recording. Media Center Edition (MCE) is the first fully integrated multimedia superset built over a regular Windows XP Professional Kernel.
It allows for easy media management and playback. It is operated through a proprietary remote that allows the user to access all of MCE's fonctions at the touch of a button. A proprietary wireless keyboard with built-in pointer and MCE quick access button will soon be available to further enhance the digital experience.
--Squaredcorp 23:41, 10 Jul 2005 (EST)SquaredCorp.com CEO (contact@squaredcorp.com)
Windows Media Center Installation Hints and Tips
Online TV Guide (EPG) For MCE:
- IceTV Iceguide is an EPG service compatible with MCE2005.
- BladeRunner BladeRunner is an automated setup program for the QuickGuide TV EPG Harvestor.
- bmpbargains.biz Online guide to setup TVHarvest to work in Australia.
- EPGRunner EPGRunner us a easy-to-install EPG that provides a pre-compiled XML file for MCE2005.
HTPC Applications:
- Free killer apps for your HTPC... A huge post on the AVS Forums chokeful of useful HTPC Applications, most of them Freeware.
Online Help:
- XPMediaCentre Community website dedicated to MCE. Based in Australia
- The Green Button Community website dedicated to MCE.
What it can do:
- Control a set-top box (Optus/Foxtel) using the MCE remote
- Install two identical tuners and you can record/view different channels
- Record programs based on EPG selections
- Allows pausing/rewinding of live shows
- MCE remote has a handy skip button for 30-second jumps to avoid Ads
- Play FM radio or Internet radio
What it couldn't do, now with Windows 7 Media Center all these things can be done:
- No AC3 audio - means that you get no audio in HDTV channels
- No EPG built-in - look for a 3rd party one
- No decoder built in - PowerDVD6 and nDVD work OK
- Can't mix analogue and digital capture cards
- Digital cards with analogue inputs can't use the analogue inputs
- Hybrid cards with analogue/digital tuners work as digital cards only