Windows Media Center Edition (April 21, 2005)
Published: April 25, 2005
Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity
Introduction
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Media Center chat!
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Today we are answering your questions about Media Center.
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Now, I'll have our hosts for the chat today introduce themselves:
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
I'm Andrew Brown, and I'm the MVP Lead for Media Center, and the moderator for this chat.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Hi! I'm Andy Vanosdale, an MVP for Media Center. Fire away with the questions!
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Hi, I'm Barb Bowman and I'm a Windows XP MVP
Todd_MS (Expert):
Hi, my name is Todd; I’m a program manager in Windows eHome working on Media Center Extender technologies.
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Hi, I'm Robert Schlabbach, MVP for Windows XP Media Center Edition, from Berlin, Germany!
Joe_MS (Expert):
Hi, I’m Joe - a developer on the Windows Media Center TV team.
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Go ahead and begin sending us your questions, and we'll get the chat underway.
Start of Chat
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: How do I get internet radio stations (like those in WMP10 - Radio Tuner) to play under My Radio in MCE2005?
A: Media Center does not access radio in the same way as WMP10. For MCE, you need to plug in an FM antenna to the coax connection on your tuner card. Then Media Center will let you listen to radio stations that are in range.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: any plans to enable this in future MCE
A: There are no announced plans, but it's a great suggestion that I will pass along.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I have heard conflicting reports. Does MCE 2005 support HD? Any patches required to enable if it isn't out of box?
A: Media Center does support Over-The-Air (OTA) HD through a tuner card that supports it. I would recommend that you visit Windows Update to get all the Media Center updates as some HD components may have been fixed.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: any information on a uk release of the extenders? customers keep asking!
A: We are certainly aware of the great demand for Extenders in Europe, however I do not have anything to announce at this point in time.
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: How does MCE record (either on demand or scheduled) video from cable or satellite? (e.g. use an IR transmitter to change channels on the cable/satellite box)
A: Yes, that's the way it works. The MCE PC should include an IR transceiver which not only receives the signals from the MCE remote, but also includes a "blaster" cable which you stick to your cable/satellite box to transmit IR control signals to it.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: How much memory would you recommend for MCE 2005?
A: The minimum recommendation is 256 MB. I would go no less than 512 MB. If you have dual tuners and an OTA HD card, I would even go 1 GB.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I have connected my MCE PC to Hme Theater through optical output, is there a way so I can also use the regular 1/8th jack output and plug it into another set of speakers? I baisically want to be able to reach the sound in my bed room
A: Most sound cards will allow for both 1/8" and optical at the same time.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: In response to MCE recording Cable shows, that means I will still use MCE remote to change channels even though I have a cable set top box as long as I have the IR blaster connected right?
A: You've got it.
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Q: Is Microsoft working with Dish / DirecTV to provided an integrated HD solution?
A: We have announced no plans in that area at this time.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Would this solve a jerky video problem with a dual tuner card?
A: It is possible. It can also depend on your processing speed as well.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Will MS create a generic 16x9 TV Driver to be used for sets that arent monitor capable???
A: Recent Nvidia cards (e.g. 6600, 6800) support component output via a pigtail cable. Within the Nvidia control panel you can select “treat as HD” and then set the output resolution to 720p for example. I have not personally done this with an ATI-solution, but ATI does offer a component output solution that supports 480p, 720p and 1080i.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I tried playing a protected dvr-ms file in Media PLAYER, and I could NOT even though on the MS page it says I should as long as I recorded the file from the same computer. This messes up 3rd party applications like My Movies. Are you going to fix this?
A: I will take a look at the page for the wording. But the jist is that if the file is protected, it can only be played back on the same computer. However, if the file has an expiration date, then that will take precedence.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Where does Microsoft stand on the OpenCable card standards? Can we expect an integrated cable HD solution?
A: The ability to directly tune digital cable content is very interesting as it would allow us to eliminate the IR blaster loop for channel changing as well as delivering higher video quality. I cannot comment on any specific product plans or dates right now.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: when I maximize MCE 2005 when connected to both a LCD monitor and TV, the resolution automatically changes so it fits on my TV (AWESOME!), but on the LCD monitor, the MCE interface is all fuzzy. Is this a known limitation/bug?
A: How fuzzy is it? If it is TV, there may be some fuzziness since the LCD may want a higher resolution. If it is the interface, then that is another issue.
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: when I maximize MCE 2005 when connected to both a LCD monitor and TV, the resolution automatically changes so it fits on my TV (AWESOME!), but on the LCD monitor, the MCE interface is all fuzzy. Is this a known limitation/bug?
A: Configure your display type to VGA or DVI instead of S-Video or Composite to fix this. The MCE UI will then look better on your monitor, but not be quite optimized on your TV anymore.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: the fuzzy interface is on the LCD monitor when I maximize MCE 2005. And it only affects the navigation. The video display is unaffected. Is this a known issue? Is there a way to solve this short of removing the TV to the computer?
A: The ATI Radeon PRO is not a supported card for Media Center 2005. You would need to upgrade to one on the Media Center compatiblity list shown on the Media Center website.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Sorry, I mistyped. The graphics card is "ATI RADEON 9800 Series", which is listed as being designed for MCE05
A: Then it would more than likely be a driver issue. I would upgrade the drivers to the latest ATI drivers found on their site.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Is there an easy way to cut out 5 minutes of a recording and send that to a freind over web? (assuming there are no file size limitations)
A: There are several programs that let you edit Recorded TV. You might want to take a look at DVR-Edit on thegreenbutton.com for starters.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q:Q: Would this solve a jerky video problem with a dual tuner card? A: It is possible. It can also depend on your processing speed as well. I have a AMD 64 3000 , wouldn't that be fast enought?
A: I don't think it has anything to do with speed. Check that you a) have the recent video driver, b) open display properties, setting, advanced, troubleshoot and check that acceleration is set to "full", c) open Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager, find under IDE ATAPI COntrollers Primary IDE Channel, open its properties and check on the Advanced Settings page the DMA mode set at least to Ulrta DMA 5
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I have 4 UTV's (Microsofts earlier abandoned PVR). Without OpenCable or Satellite support, I would be taking a dramatic step back in capability... so what compelling reason do you have for customers like me to "upgrade" to MCE?
A: Media Center Edition offers the functionality of Windows XP with the Media Center interface. Microsoft is always looking to the future with their products (as shown by three versions of Media Center so far) so there is no telling what may come next.
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: as to the protected dvr-ms file, I did try to play it on the same computer. It wouldn't let me play it within Media PLAYER. However, it did allow me to play it within Media CENTER. Should the wording be changed that it can only be played w/in MCE too?
A: Which version of Media Center and Media Player?
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: MC 2005, Media Player 10
A: What do yo see when you try playing the file in WMP? An error message? If so which error?
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: "you are not allowed to open this file. Contact the content provider for further assistance"
A: ANd just to confirm, you can right-click onthe dvr-ms file and select Open With/Media Center and it will play, but if you select Open With/Media Player, you get the error?
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: Are you implying that I should be able to play protected dvr-ms files within WMP if I can play them within MCE?
A: Yes, this is correct. The recordings are copy-protected. WMP should be able to play them seamlessly on the same machine
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: What is the status of MCE and Sky TV in the UK?
A: Microsoft is always concerned about your feedback, especially in the overseas markets. Can you try using the Sky TV set-top box and running an S-Video or composite cable to Media Center and use the IR emiter to have Media Center change the channels?
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: It seems that I can only expand my MCE 2005 window to cover 75% of my display w/o maximizing the window. Is there a way to get MCE to cover 98% of my window w/o maximizing the window?
A: 1024 x 768 is the limit - the percentage of screen coverage will vary based on what your screen resolution is. What are you trying to do?
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Hi my question is that I have MCE2005 but the video is kind of jumping at time. I have 512MB ram, AMD64 3000 CPU and a Hauppauge 500MCE card. Can anybody give me some suggestions of how I can fix this?
A: According to your later post, you’re using an MPEG decoder that is not on the Designed for MCE list; there is a good chance this is the cause of the problem. For a list of decoders that carry for the Designed for MCE logo, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/partners/dfw/partnerlisting.mspx
AlexFeinman_MVP (Expert):
Q: IF you have a SATA drive can you set the DMA mode to ultra DMA 5?
A: Yes. You should be able to do that. Notice that if you have nForce chipset and installed nForce drivers, the UI looks somewhat different and there might be not such setting, but there would be at least a label that tells you the current mode
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Upon pivoting it back to straight ahead the LED was off and it works again. Any idea what could cause this behavior?
A: Are there any plasma displays, fluorescent lights, or lightning behind glass desktop toys (plasma-based) in the room? These can all cause IR interference.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Todd_MS, you raise an interesting point. Today, unlike before, I had some fluorescent lights on directly overhead and they are daylight balanced.
A: Fluorescents can have pretty nasty interference with IR, depending upon the specific light bulbs. The Microsoft reference IR receiver is a pretty robust design and generally resilient to fluorescent light, but it’s still a possible source of interference.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: Any plans to put out a patch for Media Center Extenders that would give the same Slide Show experience as MCE?
A: I assume you are talking about the transitions, etc. I'm not aware of any announced plans for this, but I'd love to see it myself. It's a feature others have asked for so it's already been submitted to the "wish list"
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: How can I submit a 10-sentence question involving a series of symptoms related to your eHome remote receiver?
A: Longer and more complicated questions are better asked in the newsgroups. If you are an OEM, see the OEM partner website for details about accessing the MCE OEM newsgroups, where Microsoft staff is constantly monitoring and answering questions.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: Can I upgrade to media center from xp home edition?
A: Upgrades are not allowed from non-Media Center Edition versions to Media Center Edition 2005
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: some screensavers/visualizations allow you to display a slideshow with a user defined song. Is there anyway to configure MCE slideshow to play a user defined song IF there isn't a song already playing when you start a slideshow?
A: No, there isn't. I've used Photo Story to create wmv's from my images with the background music I want though, and played these through MCE My Videos.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: last month i asked if i can have a tv channel for the alarm. got anything?
A: I'll pass this suggestion along to the right people on the team.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: In the next version of MCE, can you have it so a user can designate a siong asbeing the default song to play whjen a slideshow begins, IF no songs are currently playing?
A: That's a nice feature suggestion. We'll pass it along.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: what hardware requirements are there for media center pc's? And if my pc satisfies the requirements then can I upgrade?
A: Media Center is not available as upgrade, however OEM versions of the full OS may be purchased via the system builder channel along with qualifying hardware. For information regarding hardware that carries for the Designed for Windows XP Media Center Edition logo, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/partners/dfw/partnerlisting.mspx
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Are there any known issues with any critical updates that will cause Media Center boot times to exceed 4 minutes?
A: I’m not aware of any issues (I’m running all of the released critical updates and have not observed this behavior). I’d recommend checking other things that have changed on your system recently (e.g. added hardware or software)
Corey Gouker [MVP] (Expert):
Q: what can I do to get a disc to automatically run when i put it in the drive?
A: When you insert the disc (DVD movie, audio CD, etc) you should see an Auto Play window, it should have an option to play the disc in Media Center, select that and check the box to always use that option and it should always play in Media Center. If you have Media Center in Full Screen mode the message will pop up there asking you if you want to play it.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Q: I would love to be able to randomly play a bunch of videos in a folder within My Movies, or better yet be able to create a playlist of videos and randomly play the video playlist -- like how you can do with Window Media Player - just a suggestion :-)
A: Interesting idea - I'm not sure how long your videos are, but it sounds like something I'd like for shorter videos myself.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: I am able to watch only 2 channels on MCE. How can i get rid of this?
A: Given your other question noting that you received “no signal” during first run, it’s likely that your reception is poor (if you have an antenna), you have a bad cable (if you have a set top box), or that there’s an issue with your tuner card.
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: with digital tv in the uk we have lots of extra content available when you press the red button on the set top box remote. This has in effect replaced teletext. will this function be added to MCE?
A: You are referring to MHEG-5, which isn't supported by MCE, nor have any such plans been announced. Microsoft is aware of this technology, though.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I've set my "recorded storage" to point to a dedicated external harddrive. If the recorded storage reaches 90% full MCE 2005 crashes .. is this a known issue?
A: This definately should not be happening. We will start investigating this.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: Was there a technical obstacle that stopped you from allowing us to search for any movie w/in the Movie Finder instead of just being able to search for movies within the currently downloaded TV guide? Like how you can search for ANY actor?
A: Not that I know of. It was just a way to find movies that you could watch/record. In the Cast & More section we show movies that aren't in your guide. I'll pass along your suggestion to the product team. Thanks!
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Q: I get occasional stattering when watching recorded video. My PC is AMD 1700+, 512MB ram, 120GB 7200 rpm 8mb cache HD and Nvidia GeForce 4 TI4400. What could be cause of this?
A: The processor does not meet the minimum specification required by Media Center. I would recommend upgrading the processor to something higher. Also, the video card is not supported, so you would need to upgrade the video card as well.
Corey Gouker [MVP] (Expert):
Q: is there any news on getting Media Center Extenders in the UK?
A: Not at this time, stay tuned though... Microsoft has definitely heard the requests from the UK and the rest of Europe.
Joe_MS (Expert):
Q: is there a way to recall last channel with the remote?
A: Sure, when you're in fullscreen tv mode, just press OK on the remote.
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Q: The experts on MCE should go here and help out with the problems with mce 2005 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windows
A: Our MVP experts can be found in the microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter newsgroup, answering questions all the time! It's a great place if you're looking for help between these chats, or if you have a more detailed question.
RobertSchlabbach-MVP (Expert):
Q: i use a shuttle xpc for media center - is there a dual DVB-T card for use in one PCI slot?
A: I haven't seen any dual DVB-T tuner card yet, and I'm following the DVB card market pretty closely, so I'd say no such product exists yet...
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: Are there any plans to allow Media Center to work with cable and sat systems without the external set top box?
A: We are continually investigating ways in which we can broaden the appeal of Media Center in all countries.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: is there any plans for teletext / MHEG for media center DVB-T in the UK?
A: We are continually investigating ways in which we can broaden the appeal of Media Center in all countries.
Todd_MS (Expert):
Q: What is the reason why the Media Center Extender can not "wake-up" the MCE machine out of standby .. similar to how a PC can wake-up on a modem ring?
A: It is possible to configure your PC to wake up based on network traffic in such a way that MCX devices could awaken it. Note that not all PC network cards support this functionality and that non-MCX traffic could trigger your PC to wake up.
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
This concludes our Media Center chat for today. Thanks for coming, everyone!
Andrew_MSFT (Moderator):
Please feel free to stay and continue to chat about Media Center or other Windows topics.
Barb_MVP (Expert):
Thanks for joining us!
Todd_MS (Expert):
Thanks everyone.
AndyV_MVP (Expert):
Thanks everyone! This was a great chat and we will see you next month!
Joe_MS (Expert):
Thanks!
