Transcript: Windows Media Center Edition, October 21
Published: October 26, 2004
Chat Date: October 21, 2004
Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity
Introduction
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Media Center chat!
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Today we are answering your questions about Media Center.
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Before we begin, I would like to begin by posting the chat rules and instructions for customers:
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Now, I'll have our hosts for the chat today introduce themselves:
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
I'm Andrew Brown, and I'm the MVP Lead for Media Center and the moderator for this chat.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Hey, all - I'm Nick, I'm the content protection developer for Media Center Extender.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
I'm Barb Bowman and I'm a Windows MVP. MCE 2005 rocks!
Todd_MS (Expert):
Hi, my name is Todd; I’m a program manager working on Extender technology (MCX and MCX for Xbox)
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Hi Everyone! My name is Andy Vanosdale, an MVP for Media Center and a Student Ambassador for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. If you haven't tried MCE 2005, you have no idea what you are missing... :)
RobertSchlabbach_MVP (Expert):
Hi, I'm Robert Schlabbach, the one and only German Media Center Edition MVP :-)
BillD_MS (Expert):
Hello all! I'm Bill Dollar, a Program Manager in the Media Center Extender (MCX) team at Microsoft.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Hi, my name is Joe and I am a developer on the Media Center TV team.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Hello, I'm Alex Feinman, Media Center MVP
Eric_MS (Expert):
Hi! My name is Eric, I'm a developer on Media Center, and I work on the TV Program Guide feature.
John_MS (Expert):
I'm John Elsbree, a developer on the Media Center Edition product team.
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Go ahead and begin sending us your Media Center questions, and we'll get the chat underway.
Start of Chat
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: If I'm using MCE 2002 do I want to upgrade to SP2?
A: Yes, most definitely. SP2 offers security enhancements AND includes an upgrade to MCE2004. You can read about SP2 on the Expert Zone.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: I have a problem with the TV guide: there is "no available data" only on some channels (always the same ones). All other channels are OK. French system. On my "production" MCE 2004 and brand new MCE 2005. Reported to Microsoft and BDS (data supplier in EU)
A: We don't always have program data for all of the channels in your guide. Reporting to MS and BDS is the right thing to do. We're working to improve our data feeds in the future.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: In MCE 2004 is there a way to automatically switch to a drive with more storage w/o user interaction, how about in 2005?
A: There isn't a way to automatically switch the drive. You could write a program that detects when that drive begins to fill up and automatically switch it to other drive. In the newsgroups, I posted a response similar to this question.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Will the NEXT version of MCE be the first of the Longhorn wave?
A: As Andrew mentioned, we can't talk about future unannounced products. Sorry.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: I have a problem with the TV guide: there is "no available data" only on some channels (always the same ones). All other channels are OK. French system. On my "production" MCE 2004 and brand new MCE 2005. Reported to Microsoft and BDS (data supplier in EU)
A: In the meantime, it's always possible to assign listings to a channel that has no data available. This is a new feature in MCE 2005
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: Anything public for availability of Portable Media Center, Media Center Extenders, and Xbox MCX in Europe ?
A: I don't have any information on PMC availability in Europe, and there have not been any announcements for Media Center Extender or Media Center Extender for Xbox availability in Europe.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: I have a problem with the TV guide: there is "no available data" only on some channels (always the same ones). All other channels are OK. French system. On my "production" MCE 2004 and brand new MCE 2005. Reported to Microsoft and BDS (data supplier in EU)
A: Go to settings->TV->Guide->assign listings to channel
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Is there any way to use the remote to return to the desktop when in Media Center?
A: You could close the window from within Media Center, but not minimize it through the remote.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: In MCE 2004 is there a way to automatically switch to a drive with more storage w/o user interaction, how about in 2005?
A: No there isn't such feature in MCE2005. You have to configure Media Center manually to tell it which drive is it ok to use
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Are there any plans in the near future to offer Windows Media Center as a stand-alone retail version to purchase?
A: Media Center is currently available via OEMs and system builders. We have not announced plans at this point regarding retail availability of Media Center. For individuals who wish to spec out every component of their system, purchasing from the system builder channel is a great way to accomplish this.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: I heard a long time ago that there were going to be HDTVs with a media center interface and media center extender technology built in. Is there any truth to this, and if so, when are they due out?
A: This is a feature request that we've heard from people before and it's on our list of things to consider. Nothing announced on this front so far.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: I am running 2004 edition of MCE, but I would like to upgrade, I have an OEM copy of 2005 can I upgrade or should I do a clean install?
A: Technically, the 2005 version will upgrade 2004. From the license standpoint the OEM build is supposed to be sold with hardware
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: AndyV_MVP (Expert): what language to script drive selection?
A: You could write any type of application that runs in the background like a system tray or probably that would be even better would be a service since Media Center can record when no one is logged into the computer.
John_MS (Expert):
Q: as of now, I still have MCE 2004; if this is fixed in 2005, I’m sorry. I have an external (USB) hard drive which contains some video files of random stuff. how is it possible to have the contents of this drive show up in "other media" in "my video"?
A: Yes, this has changed in 2005. When you go to the My Videos page the first time, you'll be asked if you want to add videos. Answering yes will start a short wizard that will let you pick drives and folders on your computer that contain videos. When you complete the wizard, each drive/folder you selected will show up on the My Videos page.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Are you releasing a Swedish version of MCE in the near future?
A: At this point we have not announced plans regarding a release of MCE for the Swedish market.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I bought an HP CTO (configured to order) pavilion MCE laptop (as an early adopter) and hp is giving me grief on my upgrade--product no. vs. sku vs. serial number vs. coa vs. order number vs. whatever--and I have about had with my direct purchase. help?
A: Keep the pressure on HP. They need to understand that there are customers out there who want the upgrade. It also may be that they are still doing tests on upgrade scenarios with the laptop. Just keep the pressure on them for now.
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: Can you tell me about the 3 tuner aspect of MCE 2005? Can I record two cable channels at once, while watching a third, or even record 3 at a time, and what are the hardware requirements for this (set top boxes, tuner cards, etc)?
A: Windows Media Center Edition 2005 has support for up to 3 tuners. However, the tuners must consist of 2 standard definition tuners, and 1 high definition tuner. These tuners function in the way that you describe, where you can record 2 and watch a third, or record 3. Additionally, the PC can intelligently make use of the multiple tuners if you have an Extender - meaning that multiple tuners will allow you to not conflict with the tuned channel when viewing live TV with an Extender.
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: how can one become a MCE builder? we build high end home pc's and networks systems centralizing the pc's into a rack to save space and distributing through KVM's for high net worth individuals and MCE would be a good application for them!
A: A great place to get started is http://www.microsoft.com/oem/programinformation.mspx. This should answer most (if not all) or your questions.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Is there any way to force automatic authentication with shares on a domain? I can live with MCE2005 not being on the domain, but it's awful having to login every session to access shared drives for video etc.
A: You could write a batch file and let it run when the user logs into the computer. Look up the syntax for net use.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Using remote desktop I've been unable to change record settings and schedule records, are any of the MCE services available through RDP?
A: You should be able to access the MCE User Interface to perform these tasks through RDP in MCE 2004 or later. If you're using the original release of MCE, you should upgrade to XPSP2 to get the MCE 2004 upgrade and enable this functionality.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: The skip feature on the remote works very slowly when playing WMV 9 videos... on MPEG, MPEG2, AVI files, and recorded TV shows, the skip feature goes through videos very fast. Have you considered increasing the speed of the skip button with WMV 9 files?
A: I'll pass this along to the feature team. Thanks for the feedback.
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Sorry kind of new to what’s new in MCE...Is 2005 a free upgrade?
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is an update to Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004. For further information, contact the OEM of your Media Center PC. OEMs are responsible for handling the updates, and depending on the OEM, it may or may not be a free update.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: Will Media Center ever be released as a standalone piece of software to install over XP Home or Pro?
A: There were no plans announced about a releasing a standalone version. Starting from the version 2005 the MCE is available as an OEM product to qualified system builders
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: How do you clean out references in MDE 2005 to old music files that no longer exist on the computer or network?
A: You can use the 'Delete' button in the Album Details or the Song Details page.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Why not posting the MCE2005 update for everyone on ms.com like for MCE2004 ?
A: When Microsoft released MCE 2005, there were some major changes to the code to make Media Center even better such as full support with DX9. Software DVD decoders typically need to be upgraded so that they will work better with Media Center. Also, TV tuner card and graphics card drivers may need to be upgraded as well, and the OEMs can help distribute that easier to their customers.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: Would you consider making the guide problem reporting more transparent (i.e. have a web page showing current issues, when they got fixed, the status of the issue you would have reported, etc.)? Currently, you have no idea of the status of the EPG data.
A: We'll take this feedback back to our team and data providers. Currently, Guide accuracy and issues can vary based on your region. Ideally, once you have configured your guide and mapped/blocked channels in your lineup, you shouldn't have to configure things anymore, it should just download automatically each day.
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: My photos are stored on my external hard drive "J". When I am in Media Center, can I view them? The "My Pictures" choice only searches for pictures in the C: drive. Please Help. thanks
A: Media Discovery in Windows Media Center Edition 2005 will allow you to discover media located in other locations on your PC, or on network shares. Media Discovery can be accessed by pressing the "More Info" button on your remote control when you are in the "My Pictures" section on your Media Center PC. After pressing "More Info," select "Add Pictures," and follow the wizard.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: I can't seem to get media center (2004 and 2005) to work with my DISH satellite set top box, even after manually training it. Do you have any idea why it's not working?
A: This is a good question for the MCE newsgroup (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter) - we have MVPs who can take a look at your specific issues there and try and address them. Please make sure to give details of your setup and exactly what isn't working properly.
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: is media center edition professional or home/
A: Windows Media Center Edition is built on Windows XP Profession Service Pack 2
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: If I upgraded to MCE 2004 from the original is it a good idea to upgrade twice, or reformat and upgrade twice?
A: You should be able to upgrade from your current scenario to MCE 2005. I do highly recommend that you backup any important data on your computer before you attempt the upgrade process. You could go from MCE to MCE 2005, and start off with a clean slate. This is typically what I would do.
John_MS (Expert):
Q: In the three tuner scenario, can I record three things while at the same time watching a previously recorded show?
A: Yes, you can. As BillD_MS mentioned, two of your recordings can be on standard tuners, and the third one can be on a Digital TV tuner. All at the same time, and you can be watching something completely different at the time.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Nick: It should work huh? I get the same error when I enter MY TV as if I was trying to watch video playback. Something else affecting it?
A: Video playback will not work over RDP, only the UI. You should either set your My TV page to not play Live TV automatically through the settings or jump directly to the guide to schedule your recording.
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Just to clarify, if I don't have HDTV input, I can only record two things at once?
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 supports only two analog tuners simultaneously. You can use them to watch one show while recording another, or to record two shows at once, while watching one of the two.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Sorry, I lost the thread. 'Keep the pressure on hp'? Since when does the 'customer', me, have to keep the pressure on the vendor, hp and ms? How about I dump MCE and get one of the third party solutions that don't require me to beg?
A: MCE and MCE 2004 were both released as OEM only products. Microsoft has provided the upgrades to the OEMs. They may just need some extra time to ensure upgrades will go smoothly.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Will the next MCE be based on Longhorn?
A: No information has been released yet about potential future versions of MCE.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q:
How does MCE2005 burn to DVD? Does it simply put the DVRMS file on the DVD or does it actually "produce" a DVD that can be played in stand-alone DVD players?
A: If you have the proper encoders installed, you can burn video DVDs. Otherwise, you will get data DVDs. Check with the manufacturer of you Media Center to be sure.
John_MS (Expert):
Q: Are there future plans to have MCE2005 support more than 2 analog tuners?
A: No information has been released yet about potential future versions of MCE. Sorry, we can't comment further.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I saw a question about scanning TV, is there a way to make the "back" function go as far as the "forward" I invariably go into my show and then it takes 2 or 4 presses to get back to the end of the commercial break.
A: The Replay button (what you call the "back" function) is basically just a replay function. Imagine if you were watching a sporting event and wanted to watch an action again. If the Replay button was programmed for 29 seconds, you might be pulling your hair out...
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Can the video recordings of television be file transferred to other PC's (Win XP)?
A: Yes. Television recordings, provided that they are not content protected, can be transferred to any other Windows XP PC and played, providing you have a DVD Codec and the DVR-MS Update installed.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Is there an easy way in MCE2005 to edit recorded TV files before burning to DVD, to get rid of commercials, etc. without using 3rd party software?
A: Sorry to say, there is not. You still need 3rd party programs.
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: Is there an easy way in MCE2005 to edit recorded TV files before burning to DVD, to get rid of commercials, etc. without using 3rd party software?
A: There is nothing built into Media Center Edition 2005 that will allow you to edit out commercials from Recorded TV.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: should the IR blaster with the Phillips OEM remote work with the Comcast digi boxes? Specifically the Comcast Washington boxes. Thanks!
A: What is the exact model number? I've used DCT 2000's, 5100's, 6200's...
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Does MEC 05 allow me to rip a DVD to my hard drive to watch it later and/or watch it via. a MCE extender? If so, what file format is best for these ripped DVDs?
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 does not allow for you to rip DVDs to your hard drive, and ripped DVDs in their raw format can not be watched over Extenders.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Will there ever be support for HDTV via Cable/Satellite?
A: No information has been released yet about potential future versions of MCE. That said, we know this is a common feature request and it's on the list of things to consider.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: wanted to see if I read this correctly... in 2005, if there's a channel without information of its programs, you can add it manually?
A: If you are in Europe, or you are a USA user with ATSC, you may add schedule information manually, yes.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: wanted to see if I read this correctly... in 2005, if there's a channel without information of its programs, you can add it manually?
A: Go to settings->TV->guide->Add listings to channel
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: MCE can not join a domain, right? Are there any other obvious limitations that are different from Win XP?
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 does not allow for you to join a domain but a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 PC upgraded to Media Center Edition 2005 can join domains. That is the only difference from Windows XP Professional.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: When will extenders be available in Canada?
A: MCX for Xbox will launch in Canada on November 19th.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: wanted to see if I read this correctly... in 2005, if there's a channel without information of its programs, you can add it manually?
A: The only caveat is that you must perform a channel scan, and the listings must be present in the guide file you have downloaded.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: Is there also a programmatic way to add guide information to a channel (e.g. in C#)?
A: There no way to programmatically add guide information to a channel in media center.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: Regarding burning DVR-MS to DVD. When you say 'the correct encoders', do you mean apps like NVDVD etc or full applications such as PrimeTime?
A: These are separate encoders that are specific to DVD video burning supplied to OEMs as part of a Bonus DVD.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Is there a way to schedule recordings from another computer?
A: For now you can use Remote Desktop to do this.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Sorry for my lack of knowledge here, but it seems like you said that HDTV over cable cannot be recorded. Is that right? So it can be two analog cable inputs (via 2 ATI TV tuner cards, for example) and one broadcast HDTV signal? Am I understanding correctly
A: That's correct.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Any ETA on MCX machines in the UK or Europe yet?
A: We have not yet announced details regarding bringing MCX to Europe.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Barb: Not at home now but...it's the Microsoft branded one, model may be A90-00007. This is to convince a friend to adopt MCE to record all his soccer games. Thanks!
A: I'm not familiar with this one. Can you post this question to the Media Center Newsgroup?
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Regarding your DVD rip answer, would it not be possible to rip the DVD into WMV format using third party software that would then allow it to be watched and streamed to an extender?
A: Most WMV files will play properly on an Extender device. As for DVDs, this functionality doesn't exist in MCE - it's possible that third-party software might enable this, but you'll have to explore this for yourself.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Where did you guys round up all the experts! Dang! Thanks for hosting this, you ROCK!
A: You guys rock for using the product. We love hearing your feedback on the product!
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Okay, so would USA imported MCX boxes work in the UK?
A: In general, no - If you obtain the appropriate converters for power and video, then possibly, but it is better to obtain one from the UK if you intend to use it there.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Any plans to introduce something like progressive scan?
A: This is a feature request that we are aware of, but nothing has been announced.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Can I add a hard drive for as a source for my Media Center to read recorded TV from? I have an external hard drive for added space
A: I've successfully used an external Firewire hard drive. -- Be sure it's a fast hard drive if you go this route.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Is their any work between set top box (STB) companies and MSFT for a direct control path between the STB/DVR and the PC with MCE?
A: Nothing announced so far. This is a request we hear quite a bit, though, and we're aware of it.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: What are the MPEG2 recording bit rates for the MCE settings (i.e. Fair, Good, Better, Best)?
A: This will vary depending on the specific version of Media Center you have (v1, 2004, or 2005). As a general guide, Fair will be around 3 Mbps and Best will be around 6 Mbps.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: This is a low priority, off topic question, but what do the MVP and MS titles stand for in people sigs?
A: MVP are Most Valuable Professionals. For more information about MVPs, visit www.microsoft.com/mvp. MS are actual Microsoft Employees with the Media Center product team.
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: I assume that you can only configure 1 partition as the target for your recording, is that correct?
A: You can configure any logical drive as a recording destination in Media Center - but Media Center will only record to one drive at a time. You must change the recording destination to record to another drive or partition.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: AndyV: on topic of scripting drive selection, I can't seem to find anything on the MS MCE newsgroup...can you zero me in?
A: Post something in the newsgroups and either I or someone else will answer the question there. Thanks!
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: What I mean is, where in the media center program can you add a second drive? and can you have more than one?
A: In the Recording settings (under Storage), you can set which drive you want to store your recordings to. While MCE won't dynamically be able to switch between them, you can do so manually based on available disk space and MCE will keep track of recordings regardless of which drive you stored them to.
RobertSchlabbach_MVP (Expert):
Q: What are the MPEG2 recording bit rates for the MCE settings (i.e. Fair, Good, Better, Best)?
A: In MCE 2005, the video bit rates are 2.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 Mbps, audio is 384kbps for all quality levels. When recording digital (i.e. ATSC or DVB-T), the original bit rate will be retained and the quality setting has no meaning.
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: Does the MSFT USB IR Receiver dongle have an IR Blaster port on it?
A: Yes - The dongle has two IR Blaster ports on it.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Regarding DVD-burning of recorded-TV... what does the software do when the show is longer than what will fit on the DVD? Does it ask for a second DVD and just continue the show?
A: It will either try to fit it in on one disc through a decrease in the quality or won't allow it to be recorded on a DVD.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: I know I won't get any answer but... what about enabling customers to rip DVDs to WMV, even if you have to include DRM, that would allow parents to rip movies for children to play through MCX without damaging the DVDs (often requested here in Europe).
A: I'll forward your request on to the right people.
John_MS (Expert):
Q: I don't have an HD tuner or 2005 (yet), but I'd like to know if I feel the need for it.. when tuning to a digital station, does the program guide change the channel number for those signals (channel 3 broadcasts on 30, but 30 is also an analog station)
A: The digital stations are listed in a separate part of the guide, where they won't conflict with other existing channels you have. The physical broadcast channel doesn't matter. If you have digital channel 3.1, for example, it will show up in Media Center's guide as channel 1031. This assumes that you don't have any other channels in the 1000-1999 range -- if you do, it will automatically place them in a higher-numbered range (2031, 3031, etc.).
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: DVD->WMV would also allow to take lots of DVDs at once from video clubs and watch during the week without having to travel every time...
A: It definitely would... :)
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: when recording the recorded show to a DVD, what is the maximum time at Best Quality? and can you adjust the quality settings when recording to a DVD to fit more on to it?
A: 90 minutes of best quality content will be about the size of a DVD. If you record video at a lower quality setting (e.g. Better, Good, or Fair), you can fit more on a DVD.
Corey Gouker MVP (Expert):
Q: Does MCE2005 play DVD-Audio DVDs?
A: Yes it plays DVD Audio since it's still a standard DVD.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Why does adding music via the MCE interface take longer than doing it through WMP 10?
A: Media Center does a full search on each folder to ensure it does not miss a music file. It also goes out and grabs the album art as well.
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: If I have an Xbox running as a media center extender will I be able to record, watch and time shift live TV using the Xbox?
A: Yes, you will be able to do all of the Live TV functions on the Media Center Extender for Xbox that you can do on the PC, including scheduling recordings, watching live TV, and time shifting.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Will there be any support for non-OTA HD Signals? If so what will the minimum system requirements be?
A: This is currently not supported, though it is a common feature request. Nothing has been announced about this potential feature at this time.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: Already suggested some time ago, but what about moving Satellite Radio to the Radio part of MCE, even if it's technically Video, blue screens don't really add anything, and it would make sense to have all "audio broadcasts" in Radio
A: I'll pass this suggestion along to the team. Thanks for the feedback!
BillD_MS (Expert):
Q: can a media extender output to a tuner card on another pc? I can't imagine why not.....
A: Sure - this will work. Media Center Extender outputs include composite, S-Video, and component connections.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Are the any 3rd party Media Extenders (e.g. Linksys WMCE54AG) that are actually shipping?
A: HP Extenders are out in limited quantities. The Linksys Extenders should be out this weekend or early next week from what I am hearing.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Biz decision you can't comment I guess, but since we won't see any MCX enabled Smart Display (Mira 2.0 dropped if I remember correctly), an MCX software for XP, especially Tablet PC would rock to watch video in bed / bath / kitchen / ...
A: This, like many of the other good ideas mentioned so far, is on our list of things to consider down the road. Nothing announced, though.
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Does MCE 2005 support analog recording - Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 through Sony Vaio PC? My current version (v1) does not support.
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 supports analog recording via supported TV Tuners, as listed here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/partners/dfw/partnerlisting.mspx - It not record video inputted through any other sources.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Question: I have a question regarding MCXs and streaming DRM protected content over the internet. Does the stream need to first go to the MCE PC, and then to the MCX. Or, does the MCX stream directly from the content provider's server?
A: All content played by an MCX device is sourced from the MCE PC. If the original source is an online service, then this content will have to go through the MCE PC before being passed to an Extender.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: Sorry again for my ignorance regarding things HD, but will OTA HD broadcasts be viewable on a non HD TV?
A: Since MCE scales the image to the screen size, this should not be a problem
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: While recording TV, can MCE2005 record from a digital audio input, and retain the digital quality on output to a digital audio out (i.e. sound card has digital out), or does it convert it to an analog, compressed format?
A: Media Center will record from what the TV tuner card sends to it. If you use OTA HD, then it will record the digital audio that is sent over the air with the signal.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: Is HDTV supported in Canada?
A: Our ATSC support is for US only
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: Thanks. So it would stream to the MCE PC from the content provider, and then the MCE PC would stream to the MCX?
A: That's correct.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: I have the Hauppauge 250 tuner card and an ATI 9200SE 128mb G card. I notice a marked difference in quality (worse) thru MCE vs. straight from cable. What factors influence this? video card? tuner card, both?
A: This can easily be caused by bad cabling. Another factor is the Video connection from ATI card to your TV. Older ATI cards had lower (as compared to Nvidia) quality when connected to an analog TV (via S/Video or composite). There are new ATI cards coming that have marked improvement in video quality
John_MS (Expert):
Q: Someone in the newsgroup said some UK sat tuners uses IrDA, and was not able to use the blaster from Media Center for it.... any idea (I never heard of IrDA used for remotes), could it be supported ?
A: Yes, there are some tuners in the UK that use IrDA. Media Center's IR blaster uses consumer IR, and therefore is not directly compatible. However, there are adapter products (not from Microsoft) that will convert from consumer IR to IrDA. Try doing a web search to find them.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: when will HD support be available in Canada?
A: We will take this feedback to our product team for future consideration.
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: Is the ATI TV Wonder VE compatible with MCE 2005?
A: No. See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/partners/dfw/partnerlisting.mspx for a list of supported tuners.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Regarding installation of an MCE PC, is it recommended to install all the basic hardware, install MCE and finally the tuners, or should the tuners be installed before MCE is installed?
A: The tuners should be installed before MCE is installed or started.
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: Any plans to support DVB-T Radio channels (UK) through Media Center?
A: MCE 2005 does not support DVB-T Radio services directly, only through an external receiver. Rest assured that direct support for DVB-T radio services in MCE is a much requested future feature...
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: Regarding installation of an MCE PC, is it recommended to install all the basic hardware, install MCE and finally the tuners, or should the tuners be installed before MCE is installed?
A: The hardware should be installed entirely prior to MCE being launched for the first time.
Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
Q: is there a website to see if computer hardware is compatible with MCE?
A: Yes. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/partners/dfw/partnerlisting.mspx for a list of supported television tuners and video cards.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: What about adding a separate Audio/Video in, which could play from other source (VHS, audio tapes,...)? right now we can play VHS through MCE, but need to reconfigure as a fake Sat. set top box and back each time.
A: Sounds like a reasonable idea - I'll forward this request to the feature team.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: What are the MPEG2 recording bit rates for the MCE settings (i.e. Fair, Good, Better, Best)?
A: Video 2.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6Mbps. Audio is always .375Mbps
Andrew Brown [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Kudos on a Great and fun OS!
A: The team thanks you for your kind words - everyone worked very hard to make it happen!
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: BlackGold.TV say they are working on a UK solution for "MCE 2005 does not support DVB-T Radio services directly, only through an external receiver."
A: FWIW, there is a registry switch which makes MCE 2005 find DVB-T radio services - but it doesn't do any good, as the reception will be interrupted with a blue "Video error" screen, because these services have no video. I'm not aware for any workaround for this. However, it should be possible to provide a third-party application for DVB Radio, but you'll have to ask BlackGold about what they'll do.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Adding names to FM channels ?
A: Great suggestion! I would like this as well... I'll recommend this to feature team...
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: when recording the recorded show to a DVD, what is the maximum time at Best Quality? and can you adjust the quality settings when recording to a DVD to fit more on to it?
A: The maximum you can burn is about 2hrs & 15mins of Best quality dvr-ms
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: why not allowing MCE2005 to join a domain, it's useful for large home networks, and enterprises are not likely to use MCE over Pro anyway (unlike cheaper Home).
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition is designed as a home-focused operating system. In order to clarify Media Center Edition’s role as an operating system for the home, business features will now be available in Windows XP Professional, 64-bit, and Tablet PC Edition as the best versions of Windows designed for the workplace.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: Can you advise data on the "FWIW, there is a registry switch which makes MCE 2005 find DVB-T radio services" switch? So one can play :)
A: DVB-T radio isn't supported in MCE 2005, but we will take this feedback back to our product teams.
Joe_MS (Expert):
DAron_Brewood - The Bonus DVD and the encoders are only available to OEMs and system builders.
Eric_MS (Expert):
Q: For us in Scandinavia, any chance of an EPG? Are you aware of any third party EPG products for MCE2005?
A: Unfortunately, there is no EPG in Scandinavia today. Third party EPG products are not supported in MCE 2005.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: can MCE process 64 bit code with a 64 bit processor?
A: No. Current build of MCE only exists in 32-bit flavor. It is possible that future versions will run in 64-bit mode on appropriate hardware but no such plans were made public
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: Can you advise data on the "FWIW, there is a registry switch which makes MCE 2005 find DVB-T radio services" switch? So one can play :)
A: Apply the usual disclaimers about editing your registry, please: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Media Center\Service\GLID] "DVB Radio Services"=dword:00000001
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: *should* the Hauppauge pvr-250 be supported by MCE 2005? it's not in the list at the URL just provided
A: I haven't heard of any problems with it work with MCE 2005. In order to be listed on the web site, manufacturers need to go through a process to get it certified. Instructions are on the website.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: I have a Sony Vaio Media Center Computer. I wrote to them asking about the possibility to get an upgrade to MCE 2005 and have heard nothing. How should I go about searching for the upgrade? Will I someday be able to get one?
A: You will need to direct your query to Sony as the OEMs are responsible for MCE upgrades.
Nick_MS (Expert):
Q: I have read that the Hauppauge 250 tuners deliver the best quality video. Have any of you had any experience with the unreleased NVIDIA encoder cards, and how do they compare picture wise?
A: We try to work with all of our vendors to provide the best video experience possible on MCE. As to which card provides the right experience for you, that's something you'll have to judge for yourself. :)
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
