Transcript: Windows Media Center Edition, April 15
Published: September 22, 2004
Chat Date: April 15, 2004
Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity
Introduction
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Media Center chat!
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Today we are answering your questions about Media Center.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Now, I'll have our hosts for the chat today introduce themselves:
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
I'm Andrew Brown, and I'm the MVP Lead for Media Center, and the moderator for this chat.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Hi, my name is Todd. I am a program manager working on Media Center Extenders.
Host: Jeff (MVP)
I am Jeff Griffin, a moderator at www.thegreenbutton.com and developer of MCE programs.
Host: Barb (MVP)
I'm Barb Bowman, I'm a Windows MVP and an Expert Zone columnist, a home theater "nut" who loves MCE. By day I'm a Product Development Manager for Comcast Online.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Hi, my name is Andy Vanosdale working with the Windows XP MCE Support Team. I hope you all have many questions... and give Todd a lot of questions! :-)
Host: Chris (MVP)
Microsoft MVP and a Media Center Edition enthusiast.
Host: Justin_Harrison (MVP)
I'm Justin Harrison - I am a Media Center MVP.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Hey, all, I'm Nick, a developer on the Media Center Extender team.
Host: Walter_Waltz (MVP)
Hi everyone! My name is Walter Waltz and like everyone else I am a Windows Media Center MVP and have been one since the beginning.
Host: Tom_Porterfield (MVP)
Hi I'm Tom Porterfield, Media Center MVP
Host: Andrew (MVP)
Andrew Clark Toronto Canada, Media Center lover
Host: Corey_Gouker (MVP)
Hi, I'm Corey Gouker a MCE MVP and a part time student – for more info check out my site at http://blogs.coreygouker.com.
Host: bob (MVP)
Hi, I'm Bob - Media Center MVP
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Go ahead and begin posting questions in the bottom window, and we'll get the chat underway.
Start of Chat
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: Where in the registry is the pointer to which codec MCE uses?
A: To find out what codec you use, you can go to Start -> Run and type in 'dvdupgrd /detect' without the quotes and press Enter.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: video coder is corrupt when I open my TV media center
A: Unfortunately, we can't handle specific technical support issues in this chat. Try posting your issue to the Media Center newsgroup - directions for accessing it are at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp.
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: Does anybody know of an email integration into MCE?
A: Not currently but that is an excellent idea.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: Mark was talking about MCE Extender supporting multiple tuner cards in 1 MCE?
A: Media Center currently only supports one tuner.
Host: Walter_Waltz (MVP)
Q: Any chance to see integration with the Video/Audio offerings from MLB.com within online spotlight for this baseball season?
A: That's an excellent suggestion, and one that I would like to see too! I hope so, however no official announcements have been made about that.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: How will dual tuners work in an extender environment? Will tuner A be able to service extender A, and tuner B service extender B?
A: Media Center does not support a dual tuner environment. This is a highly requested feature, however.
Host: bob (MVP)
Q: Does the CallerID actually tells you vocally who is calling
A: No. It is just a graphic notification on the screen.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Any chance to see an updated SDK that can actually be used for more interesting stuff (correct scrolling panels, no script error when getting remote events while loading a page, ...)
A: If you have issues, questions, or suggestions for the SDK, please post them to our developer newsgroup - this is the best way to get your feedback to the SDK team. The developer newsgroup is at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/developer/ .
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Please note that we cannot comment on unannounced products, and in many cases cannot discuss specific aspects of announced products (such as Media Center Extender). This chat is primarily to discuss questions or issues with our current products. Thanks!
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: Any plans to offer you to "queue-up" songs in the playlist within MCE .. the playlist editor is one work-around but you end up having a new playlist .. I just want to say .. this is the next song I want to play for that session
A: No plans have been announced but that is a great idea!
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: What about MSN Messenger integration, I saw it in an Ad once when MCE was in beta stage, what happened to it?
A: That is a fantastic suggestion and one that I will bring up with the product team!
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: will there be an SDK that is supported in Visual studio .net?
A: You can edit the JavaScript for the current SDK in VS.NET
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: Will the extender technology support TV tuner in the Media Center? and if so, how?
A: Yes - Extenders will take advantage of the TV tuner in the Media Center
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: We noticed an undocumented feature when going into a partner site like Napster, then go back to MCE menu, then back into Napster - it looks like an error message, and it happens on every one of the machines I've used. Is this behavior expected?
A: Can you elaborate further on this error message? I have not seen it...
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: re the undocumented feature: "Unable to Display Page - Media Center has detected that you are not connected to the internet. Connect to the internet and try again."
A: I will look further into this... Thanks for bringing this up.
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: Are there plans to make the IR blaster/remote into a rf remote so that it doesn't require a line of sight aiming?
A: Good idea, it will be passed along to the correct folks for consideration.
Host: Joe (Microsoft)
Q: On a regular, non-HDTV, analog TV with S-Video, should I be running MCE at 640x480 or 1024x768?
A: 800x600 is the optimal resolution for 4x3 SDTV.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Who do we go to with OEM issues at MS regarding MCE?
A: If you're having an issue with your MCE device, we suggest you first contact your OEM's support line. A list of contact information is at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/support/ . If you are having issues working with your OEM and you'd like to make us aware of it, please describe your issue at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/using/featurerequest.asp.
Host: Tom_Porterfield (MVP)
Q: How can I join beta tests, I would love to test MCE since is one of my favorite OS/program
A: Go to http://beta.microsoft.com, sign in with your passport and enter BetaReq as your GuestID
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
If you post a question and some time goes by without an answer, please repost your question - we're trying to get to everyone!
Host: bob (MVP)
Q: Jeff: Is MS monitoring TGB as well?
A: Microsoft monitors all communities related to Media Center
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: Suggestion: Occasionally my Internet goes down for a minute, or something gets interrupted and the Guide can't download. Can there be an option to "fade out" error msgs after a set period instead of sitting there indefinitely?
A: Good suggestion; I’ll pass it along.
Host: Justin_Harrison (MVP)
Q: Any plans to allow you to access the program guide/set-up recording on the WEB tied to your MSN log-in that can then be read by the MCE client allowing you to program recording remotely and securely.
A: Great idea - Suggest it at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/using/featurerequest.asp. The product team will keep your idea in mind for the future.
Host: Barb (MVP)
Q: For dev purposes, is there any way to *upgrade* from XP Pro to XP MCE without having to do a complete install?
A: No, unfortunately there is no upgrade path. You need to clean install (MSDN has MCE for developers)
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: It would be cool to have MSN Messenger video conferencing doing fullscreen on MCE. Any plans for that?
A: Different groups at Microsoft are always looking at opportunities for synergy between the groups, but I'm afraid we can't comment on specifics like that at this time. But definitely a cool idea.
Host: Corey_Gouker (MVP)
Q: Any way to tell MCE "when" to schedule the guide download each day?
A: Not at the moment, but that's a good idea, we'll be sure to pass it along to the product team.
Host: Tom_Porterfield (MVP)
Q: BetaReq fails with my passport, any suggestion ?
A: Start with http://beta.microsoft.com/content/AboutMicrosoftBeta.htm, if you still can't get it to work, send an e-mail to bpsup@microsoft.com
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: Is there currently an easy way to "skin" or at least "theme" MCE (i.e. green instead of blue backgrounds & buttons, etc.)
A: No, not currently.
Host: Walter_Waltz (MVP)
Q: ATI announced ENCODE to allow AIW to work with MCE. Since they also announced the HDTV Wonder to work with AIW, can we surmise there will be HDTV function with MCE and the HDTV Wonder? Or any input at all on HDTV devices with MCE?
A: HDTV is one of the most commonly requested features with Media Center Edition. However, no official announcement has been made on if and when any HDTV functionality will be implemented with Media Center at this time, but keep your fingers crossed! :-)
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Dev question: Is there any way to capture/use the transport controls on the remote control from our MCE app? Or is that strictly for use by the MCE shell?
A: Unfortunately, we don't have an SDK expert present today - try posting your question to the newsgroup or following one of the other support options at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/developer/
Host: Justin_Harrison (MVP)
Q: For "newbies" to Media Center... what are some good web-sites and resources to visit/check out?
A: Check out http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/ - There are a lot of great links to various community and Microsoft sites on MCE. Check out the Expert Zone section.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: are there people here who actually worked on MCE?
A: Yes.
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: Is there a way to record shows with 5.1 digital input if you have the right hardware? That is, does MCE support digital 5.1 input for recording?
A: Great idea but it needs to be supported by hardware before the software can make use of it. You can't use your soundcard for input because of A/V sync issues.
Host: Mark (Microsoft)
Q: Without commenting on UNANNOUNCED PRODUCTS, can somebody discuss the hurdles keeping HDTV out of MCE? Is it a hardware performance issue? Is it a legal/DMCA issue? Is there any key partner who is not on board(i.e. studios, cable co., PC builders)?
A: Very good question. And you can rest assured that the product team WANTS to support HDTV in MCE. Key challenge though is finding good hardware components (i.e. TV tuner cards) that support HD. And of course, the related drivers. There unfortunately aren’t a lot of HD-capable TV tuner cards out in the market currently for us to test against. But trust us that we’re talking to all of the card manufacturers to encourage them to do this. It’s a key customer request - and we’re definitely listening.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: Ok, I was wondering if with the new MCE you could put on a Audio outputs for the TV, would that be possible?
A: Audio ports are up to the OEMs themselves. However, if the Media Center PC you have does not have the correct audio ports, you can get adapters that will convert the plug to something different.
Host: Walter_Waltz (MVP)
Q: with the extenders you showed at CES, will they have VGA output? Component output? Composite output? All of the above?
A: The outputs of the extender devices will be up to the manufacturers and they have no official announcements about this yet. Stay tuned however!
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: Is there a possibility to address the Notification option in MCE from another program?
A: Not currently but it is a great idea.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: Following up on what dsteele just said... are there many third party apps in development for media center right now?
A: While I can’t comment on what is currently in development, there are already many third-party applications available - everything from Napster to DVD burning to interactive content for ABC’s Celebrity Mole.
Host: Barb (MVP)
Q: with the new MCE can you include a *bluetooth* wireless mouse and keyboard so that people like me can operate the computer from the couch and it well have a better range?
A: The choice of mouse and keyboard is up to the individual OEM. You can add a USB bluetooth adapter and BT mouse and keyboard if you want to.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Any updates on a RETAIL BOX of MCE? Perhaps with a compatible tuner in the box?
A: There is no new information at this time, but we're very aware that this is a common request.
Host: Corey_Gouker (MVP)
Q: Is there an easy way to create "slideshow" playlists for photos on MCE so you don't have to mess around with moving photos in and out of specific folders?
A: There currently isn't a way to create a playlist for photo slideshows in MCE. It's a great idea, and I'm sure it's being considered. You can however place shortcuts to various photo folders to include them in your slideshow.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: with MCE can you include a *bluetooth* wireless mouse and keyboard so that people like me can operate the computer from the couch and it well have a better range?
A: The OEMs decide what to include with their PCs. As an example, some OEMs are including wireless keyboards and mice with some of their Media Center PCs.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: Can you buy a package to change your regular XP Home computer to a MCE 2005 computer?
A: No - Media Center is only available pre-installed on an OEM PC.
Host: Justin_Harrison (MVP)
Q: Are you going to make MCE laptop/notebook computers?
A: MCE laptop/notebook computers already exist! Check out Toshiba's site, for example. See http://www.microsoft.com/ehome for more information.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: Can I find the Media Center Device in China?
A: Yes, there is a Chinese version of Media Center.
Host: Justin_Harrison (MVP)
Q: Will u make special games for MCE so you can play it from the remote?
A: These games already exist, and are included in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: What does MS see as the optimal "mix" in the home next year of MCE PCs vs. MCE Extenders? (Can one MCE PC feed multiple extenders?)
A: One MCE PC can host more than one Extender, however you experience will vary based on the power of your Media Center. At this time we have not released hardware requirements/recommendations.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: Suggestion: Can the slideshow feature include video clips?
A: Great suggestion! I will send this along to the product team.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Some people feel the MCE best video recording quality is not as good as TiVo's best recording quality. Do you expect this to change? MCE free TV with better quality than TiVo for $13/month is a home run!
A: Video quality is going to vary from machine to machine based on a lot of different factors, but we are always looking for ways to further improve our video quality across the board.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: In MCE 2004 there is support for 3rd party programs, I was wondering what sort of applications/uses you envision for that capability
A: We envision many developers out there creating programs of many different kinds for Media Center.
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: In any version of MCE, can you support composite video out (in lieu of Supervideo)?
A: You can use a s-vid to composite adapter to accomplish this.
Host: Walter_Waltz (MVP)
Q: Are all media center remotes infrared based? I have a RF remote for my TV, really nice to not have to be in line of sight.
A: At this time all remotes are infrared based. It is a great suggestion and I know the product teams are considering it, but no official announcements have been made yet.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: Does/could MCE support multiple TV tuners?
A: Media Center does not support multiple TV tuners. This is a top feature suggestion and the product team is aware of it.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: Will the future MCE be able to extend to more then one TV? So you can watch one show on one TV and the other show on the other TV, just like with computer monitors.
A: Using a Media Center Extender, you can watch TV in one room at the same time you are watching TV on your Media Center PC in a second room.
Host: AndyV (Microsoft)
Q: Are all media center remotes infrared based? I have a RF remote for my TV, really nice to not have to be in line of sight.
A: As a follow up, Gyration creates an RF remote. You can find out more information here: http://www.gyration.com/mcrsuite.htm
Host: Jeff (MVP)
Q: What format does MCE use to encode/compress video. Are materials recorded on MCE easily transferred to other Windows machines?
A: MCE uses a format known as dvr-ms. It is basically MPEG2 video surrounded by a wrapper to contain metadata about the program. dvr-ms files are playable on any XP SP1 machine provided you have downloaded the patch from windows update and have a compatible MPEG2 decoder installed.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Can we expect any speed updates on loading large Music Libraries in MCE
A: We're continuing to look for opportunities to improve performance throughout MCE.
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Q: When can we expect the next release of MCE and will it be available as an upgrade for current MCE customers?
A: We have not made any announcements regarding future versions of Media Center at this time.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Are you Microsoft guys on this chat developers? Or customer support? Or other?
A: There are some developers and program managers on this chat, as well as several of our MVPs (community volunteers).
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Could you start the search only when 3 letters are keyed in the Music Search, as the two first ones just takes a lot of time because of the number of matches and freeze the whole thing while retrieving these results ?
A: This is a good idea - I'll forward it to the product team.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Q: Any chances to have folder images (folder.jpg/.gif) used for My Videos folders thumbs when available instead of contents ?
A: I don't believe so, but it's a good idea. I'll let the product team know of your request.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
This concludes our Media Center chat for today. Thanks for coming, everyone!
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Please feel free to stay and continue to chat about Media Center or other Windows topics.
Host: Barb (MVP)
Thanks for joining us! Bye!
Host: Todd (Microsoft)
Thanks everyone for joining in today.
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
Thanks for coming, all ...
Host: Nick (Microsoft)
See you next month.
For further information on this topic please visit the following:
Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter
Transcripts: Read the archive of past Windows XP chats.
Website: Visit the home page for Windows Media Center Edition
