Windows Media Center Edition

Revision as of 16:32, 2 March 2010

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

More Links

• Audio Visual, HTPC, Digital TV on your PC, MythTV, Sound Card, Windows XP DVB Tuner Setup, Windows MCE