Windows Vista Media Center (May 17, 2007)
Chat Topic: Windows Vista Media Center
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2007
Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity.
Moderator: Tyler Welch
Expert Zone Site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/chats/default.mspx
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Windows Media Center chat!
Today we are answering your questions about Windows Media Center.
Introductions
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Now, I'll have our hosts for the chat today introduce themselves:
Joe [MS] (Expert):
Hello everyone. My Name is Joe McClanahan and I'm a Development Lead on the Media Center TV team.
I'm Tyler Welch, and I'm the MVP Lead for Windows Media Center, and the moderator for this chat.
Go ahead and begin sending us your questions, and we'll get the chat underway.
Start of Chat
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: If I upgrade my Desktop MCE machine to Vista will my HP Media Center Extender still work?
A: The first generation Extenders do not work with Windows Vista, so you should stick with MCE2005 if you want to continue to use it. We are working with multiple OEMs to bring Vista-compatible Extenders to market.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I am running xp pro on a Dell laptop with a docking station and dual monitors. Every time I open and run a video clip it will open a window on one monitor but at the same time run in full screen mode on the other monitor. I can’t seem to find out how to
A: I can't quite remember the key combo that you press to set the monitors but iirc it's Fn+F4 or something along those lines. http://support.dell.com would have more info. But basically this is something the system and display drivers control.
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: When the VISTA Media Center is turned on and a scheduled TV show starts recording then the Media Center will NEVER go into sleep mode. The only way it WILL go into sleep mode is if the Media Center comes OUT of sleep mode to start recording a TV show.
A: JP - Are you hoping that the MC PC go into sleep mode *while* recording? Or something else?
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Any idea if cable card capabilities will be available to small system builders anytime soon? Whether it's an internal or external solution.
A: There are no plans to make the CableCARD capabilities available to system builders at this time. We don't have information about whether they will be in the future.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is there any information regarding the performance of VMC on 64-bit Vista vs 32 bit?
A: I've not seen any specific reviews, keep in mind this is a Media Center chat. At any rate I've tried both 64-bit and 32-bit with VMWorkstation and didn't really see much of a difference. Of course both were slower than running it natively.
Joe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Does Vista correct the problem with the XP version of MCE where if you do NOT have a TV card installed the MCE Recorded TV menu item will not find/play recorded TV programs you have stored (.DVR-MS) on your server unless you click on the file itself.
A: Yes. In Vista, we show RecordedTV link even if there is no tuner hardware present.
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: The only Vista-ready extender available is the Xbox 360. It's my understanding that the MCX code on the 360 is owned by the Windows team, and that updates would be provided through Windows. How does this affect support? Will Pika be owned by Windows?
A: Correct, the MCX code that runs on the Xbox 360 is owned and delivered through Windows. From a support perspective, if there is a need to update the code then it would be delivered through Windows Update, not Xbox Live (unless there is a general issue on the Xbox itself). For Pika devices, support can come either from Windows Update (there is a bug in the code that runs on the PC) or from the Pika OEM (there is a bug on the device).
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: In your usability/usage studies, do you find that Media Center users who have their MC located in the living room actually use that PC for anything else but Media Center? A followup to that.. Have you guys ever thought of creating an edition of Vista tha
A: John - Good question...Our data has shown that most MCE users actually don't have their PCs in the living room (most still have them in dens/offices/bedrooms). We don't (as far as I know) have info on whether they use it as a dedicated PC though...
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: MCE 2005 users seem to be having ABC HD playback issues related following the installation of update KB925766, or any other rollup that contains the same fix. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=760579&page=1&pp=30 Any suggestions?
A: Yeah, we've heard about this. Our sustained engineering team knows about it and I believe they're investigating. None of the experts on today know anything else.
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I am sorry, but this is the first time I have entered a Microsoft chat. When and where can I get help for Movie Maker for Microsoft XP?
A: You can try the PIX team blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/pix/default.aspx. This covers both the Photo Gallery and MovieMaker. There should also be newsgroups for it, but I do not know of their names/locations. Sorry.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Do you have any idea what changes i would need to make in the drivers ?
A: Not without more information, this really isn't a Media Center question. I'd definitely suggest checking out the Dell support site.
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: I am sorry, but this is the first time I have entered a Microsoft chat. When and where can I get help for Movie Maker for Microsoft XP?
A: Thanks for joining! Unforunatley none of our experts here can answer movie maker related questions, but I can point you in the right direction. A great community site is http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net or you can go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp and look for Movie Maker
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Cory - my Q re: 64 bit was specific to Vista Media Center (VMC). Does Media Center run better/faster on 64-bit Vista?
A: Oh sorry, I've been playing with VMWare stuff and immediately read VMC as that... Anyway, unless you have 4GB or more of RAM you probably won't see any difference between x86 and x64. Even then I doubt you'd notice anything in MCE.
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: That is dedicated to Media Center? More locked down, less of a personal computing platform...very similiar to the approach Windows Home Server team did with Windows Server 2003.
A: John - Well, prior to Vista we *did* have a MCE dedicated OS version. ;-) But it was still a general purpose OS as well (ie, you could use it for other PC activities). But no, we don't have any plans for a software that is only for Media Center - apart from our Extender efforts, of course (but that's only a remoted experience).
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Dell support said i should check with MS. What else do you need to know or do you know of another person i should talk to?
A: You'd have to check on the public Microsoft newsgroups. Depending on the laptop the key combo might be Fn+F4 or Fn+F8. Try pressing that to switch monitor outputs. Also check with Dell's support site for updated drivers.
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hello Jessica, let me rephrase my question. If my VISTA MC happens to be on when it starts recording a TV show then the unit will NEVER go into sleep mode even after being idle for any amount of time. The only was is to manually set it to sleep. However,..
A: JP - Do you happen to have an Extender on your network? (or have you changed the power settings such that when you're sharing media, you prevent the PC from going into Sleep)?
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: If a Vista MC is recording TV and sharing it's recorded TV folder, can an XP MCE machine on the network see and playback that TV content?
A: Not while it's still recording. I want that too. :)
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: If the unit happens to be in sleep mode and wakes up to record a scheduled TV show then it WILL go back into sleep mode after the specified idle time. This is a well documented problem on the internet. Can we expect a solution soon?
A: JP - Also...Have you checked your BIOS settings to make sure that sleep is enabled? (sometimes the OEMs include these in the BIOS as well...)
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: When will we be seeing Extenders other than Xbox360 for Vista?
A: As we announced at CES earlier this year, look for new Extenders coming to the market for Holiday 2007.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How are non-square pixel displays supported with MCE?
A: You can change the desktop resolution and the resolution in MCE. So you should be able to match whatever the native resolution is of the display. But I'm not sure what you mean by "support". You'll definitely see some abnormalities with an PC plugged into a display with weird aspect ratios and resolutions like 1024x1024. Check AVSForum for more info.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: When might we see DirecTV ship a VMC tuner?
A: We're actively working with DIRECTV and we will get it done as fast as we can - both technically and with regard to business negotiations.
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How many minutes does Vista wake up a "sleeping computer" before a "Scheduled" show?
A: Jason - It's 5 minutes before the show...
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How many minutes does Vista wake up a "sleeping computer" before a "Scheduled" show?
A: Jason - Quick clarification: it's 5 minutes before you've scheduled to start the recording (so if you 'pad' your recording to start 5 minutes before a show, then it will wake up 10 minutes before the show).
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: If you would, please pass on the idea to higher echelions that they should consider acquiring Sling Media. I think there is alot potential synergy between their products and Media Center. Thanks.
A: Thanks for the suggestion John. We'll pass it on. ;-)
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I have over 300 DVDs digitised on a NAS at home. There is a very long delay every time I click on DVD Library. I assume it gets all the DVDID.xml files. Is there a way to tell MCE to cache this between sessions. I only update my archive one a week.
A: I assume you've got the media organized like \Media\DVDs\Movie\dvdid.xml and \Media\DVDs\Movie\video_ts... Regardless I don't think you can set a cache mode. I personally run into the same problem as my set up is similar. Are you running GigE? I've seen a noticeable difference after switching over. Anyway, while I can't comment on future product enhancements this is feature area that I'd imagine is under consideration for improvement.
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: At WinHEC, Bill Gates said, "We'll enable PCs themselves to be "Pika" display terminals so you can do the extensions that way." Is this something that will be embedded or a future enhancement to Media Center?
A: Bill was communicating the idea is that you should be able to get access to your media content on any PC in your home. That is something we are working on and will likely take multiple releases to fully realize. Unfortunately Bill used the term Pika to describe it, which is misleading. Pika is the name for technologies to allow hardware OEMs to build MCXes.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How many people actually use MC to watch and record TV, especially HDTV, according to your research? In other words, what MC features are the most popular?
A: TV is definitely a very popular feature among daily Media Center users, and we know the use of TV increases the use of Media Center overall (i.e. users with tuners do more with Media Center more often). We can't share exact numbers, and obviously with CableCARD systems beginning to ship, HDTV users are growing, but still at this point a smaller part of the broader TV usage (the only HD we're doing right now is ATSC and CableCARD).
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: NetMeeting, Home computer access from laptop, able to use EDI software?
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Media Center, so I am not sure if we can troubleshoot your issue with the Experts participating in this chat. You may wish to post this question to the <technology> newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Does anyone have experience using MojoPac and a USB key and installing Windows Vista on it?
A: Kevin - This chat is focused on Media Center software and PCs...Perhaps you can come back later for a general Windows chat.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: MCE goes to movies.metaservices.microsoft.com to retrieve the movie synopsis. I need to write my own web service to return this data, so I can write my own reviews for the DVD’s I own, how can I configure a different MetaServices provider? Thanks.
A: There currently is no supported way of changing data providers in Media Center or WMP.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Looking at the rest of 2007, is there anything you can discuss that excites you about VMC? (Anything we've not already touched on.)
A: I'm sure I can speak for all of the Experts and say we're all super-excited about the work we're doing in 2007 - I know I am. But we can't give details about what exactly that is. I want to say this, though: I think we'll make a lot of our current users happy, and help bring Media Center to a ton more people!
Nick [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Are there any plans to allow you to control your Desktop MCE interface remotely i.e. via a laptop while on the road which would then provide similar/better functionality than Slingbox?
A: We're always looking for ways to make it easier for you to get access to your media content through Media Center. Features like MSN Remote Record (http://tv.msn.com/tv/RR/RRInfo.aspx) are an example of this type of thing, and we're evaluating other features of this sort for the future.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Are there any plans to release any Media Center specific Vista Sidebar Gadgets? I know WebGuide has one, but I was just curious if that was something you were planning.
A: There are some corrections that can be done in Media Center. There are also some Zoom Mode's available that will also help. But the problem you might see is that your 16:9 content will be in a 4:3 frame stretched to 16:9 to fit the screen. There's definitely some options available and there's a lot of info about this on AVSForum as well as The Green Button.
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hello, is anyone there?
A: These are not the droids you're looking for...
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hello, is anyone there?
A: Yup, we're all here...7 MSFT folks and over 40 chat attendees...Ask away. :-)
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Dennis - per your previous answer, it sure sounds like Bill announced SoftSled at WinHEC. When can we (finally) expect this?
A: See my blog post at http://blogs.msdn.com/denmor/archive/2007/05/15/what-billg-said-at-winhec-about-pika.aspx.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Are there any plans to release any Media Center specific Vista Sidebar Gadgets? I know WebGuide has one, but I was just curious if that was something you were planning.
A: I assume you mean: http://iandixon.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!36983156CAA83EA9!1827.entry. At this time there hasn't been anything announced coming from Microsoft.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I've dug this in many many fora but with no real help. With e.g. WMP you can set aspect ratio correction as a percentage for every display connected. I guess what you are saying is that this is not supported? I have a 16/9 plasma screen 1024x768 resolution
A: There are some corrections that can be done in Media Center. There are also some Zoom Mode's available that will also help. But the problem you might see is that your 16:9 content will be in a 4:3 frame stretched to 16:9 to fit the screen. There's definitely some options available and there's a lot of info about this on AVSForum as well as The Green Button.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Why do you think MC doesn't get much media attention or marketing backing from Microsoft? It's such a cool feature and it seems that not that many people, outside of hardcore audio and videophiles know about it?
A: Well, first, I'm not sure we agree that not many people know about it - we have a lot more users than our enthusiasts on The Green Button and other forums think. And if you look at stuff like the back of the Vista packaging, TV and Media Center features are prominent in the comparison charts, and you can see our stuff in the Vista TV commercials. I've also seen in the past Dell and other OEM TV commercials for Media Center. But what do you think we ought to be doing that we're not?
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: CAN ANYONE HELP WITH REMOTE CONTROL PROBLEMS IN VISTA MC
A: POSSIBLY, YES, MAYBE, Please see the Vista Media Center newsgroups.
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I run a home business, computer illiterate. I have netmeeting, can i access my office computer from a laptop and run my software, like EDI, without anyone being at the office, and if so, how is this done?
A: Hi Fred - This chat is focused on the Media Center software and PCs...so this really isn't the right place for such a discussion. I'd suggest you check the chat schedule and come back later for a general chat.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I think you mixed a couple of questions up. OK I'll go search the forums again. Finally: any idea why the zoom option menu disappears when using ffdshow to as scaler and deinterlacer?
A: There are some interesting issues with FFDShow. I couldn't possibly answer the question here though, please see the Vista Media Center newsgroup or forums like The Green Button or AVSForum.
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: NC6000 laptop hard drive crashed, want to install a new hdd. Question: how do I know what version of Windows XP was originally installed. I cannot use the disks supplied by hp as they are restore cds. I have the COA on the m/c.
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Media Center, so I am not sure if we can troubleshoot your issue with the Experts participating in this chat. You may wish to post this question to the Windows newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Joe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Is there a way to convey to MS management how much we appreciate the time you folks take to communicate with us? Not just these chats, but participation at TGB (Jessica, Ian...), Denmor's blog, newsgroups... I love the interaction you're providing.
A: You just did. I'll pass this along. Thanks.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: INSTALLS CORRECTLY BUT DOESNT CONTROL MC
A: First press the caps lock key. Then go through the initial Media Center setup to check and see if it can detect the IR signals. Otherwise please see the public newsgroups.
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: If I cant get answers here where am I to go to get them?
A: Fred - You can check out the Expert Zone schedule here: http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/expertzone/chats/default.mspx
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: In Denmark, Australia and other countries it's i very big problem, that MCD don't support suptitles in DVB-TV, because subtitles are transmitted in a different channel than the TV signal. Any solutions??
A: DVB-T subtitles is a feature request we've heard many times, and we do care about it. We do plan to do this in the future. Can't share exactly when, though.
Nick [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Nick .. remote record is a great start but the real feature I believe several MCE usres are looking for is complete control of the desktop MCE interface in order to view, record, change channels of all multi-media content remotely.
A: Yes, we've heard this as a feature request once or twice. :) We don't have anything to announce about this other than that we're aware that it's a feature that would be popular with some of our users and we continue to evaluate ways that we can make your media easier to access in the future.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: When i originally purchased this machine i had the same problem and it was a matter of either checking or unchecking a box to fix the problem. the hard drive crashed and now that it has been replaced no one seems to be able to help me find that box?
A: Unfortunately this is outside of the range of support we can provide in this short chat. Please see the public support newsgroups where a friendly MVP would be more than happy to help.
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Am I doing this properly or just being ignored?
A: Hi Fred, we're not ignoring your question, but unfortunately were not able to answer it in this chat.
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: hello can any one help I have a laptop and when I turn it on all i get Is NTLDR is compressed pre ctrl alt del to restart, this ia a never ending cycle, what do i do to fix it ?????
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Media Center, so I am not sure if we can troubleshoot your issue with the Experts participating in this chat.You may wish to post this question to the Windows newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Jessica re.Q45 . when I show people my MCE machine the common comment is "this thing is doing what my TiVO does and there is no service charge per month" My presonal view is Msft and the OEM's need to spend much more marketing MCE is Tivo and much more
A: You know, I was running with one of my friends this morning - she works on MSN - and she asked me if I TiVo'ed something. I was like, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING!!!" (Pathetically, she works on tv.msn.com and knows all about Media Center.) So yeah. TiVo has a verb and a service fee. We don't. Promoting that fact is probably a good thing - I will pass that along to our marketing folks.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: hello can any one help I have a laptop and when I turn it on all i get Is NTLDR is compressed pre ctrl alt del to restart, this ia a never ending cycle, what do i do to fix it ?????
A: This isn't a Media Center question so I'd suggest checking the public newsgroups. But you'll probably want to start with http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318728
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: How do i get to that public suport news group?
A: A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How do i get to that public suport news group?
A: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: My old room mate messed with my computer cause I kiked her out and now my account is only a limited one and I cant do anything how do I fix this???
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Media Center, so I am not sure if we can troubleshoot your issue with the Experts participating in this chat. You may wish to post this question to the Windows newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Dennis - I saw your post. The quote from Bill at WinHEC seemed very clear (from transcript)... "We'll enable PCs themselves to be"Pika" display terminals so you can do the extensions that way." Was he wrong? How does something that get miscommunicated?
A: Again, Bill was communicating the idea of having content be accessible on all PCs and devices in the home. He used the term Pika as a way to conceptually link the idea together as that's the current project for remoting Media Center to devices. In this case people are getting too hung up on technologies vs. concepts.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Viiv - can you use Viiv certified hardware with non Viiv OS's like earlier MCE,XP etc. VEndor will not sell Viiv CPU without implying the extensions lock the CPU to specific OS which sounds crazy, surely will run just as normal CPU under XP, MCE2003,
A: Yes you can install install any OS you want on Viiv certified hardware.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: (to jessica, con't)..might also be an issue...but the Extender functionality, which is pretty darn cool and useful, is virtually hidden on MS's website and hardly ever talked about in ads.
A: Speculation only, but maybe we'll see more marketing when Pika devices are available. When I started a thread on TGB about why people wanted v2 Extenders and not the 360, there were a zillion reasons, right (and that thread was read by a ton of people, including management). Some people don't want a game player; those who do probably discover Media Center pretty easily once they have their game player. I don't know anyone except me who has a 360 and doesn't play games (but I do own some).
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is it just me, or does the volume of general Windows questions today support the concern some of us have that the public doesn't "get" Media Center? How would MS develop, support, market MC if it was an application, not a feature of the OS?
A: Kinche - No, I don't think so...It's just so happens that folks may be stumbling into the chat room for the first time and haven't checked the chat schedule. Don't think it's any indication of lack of support for MCE. ;-)
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: sjb: I am having issues with a lifecam 3000 that my wife sent to me when I install it, it gives me an error such as the following:Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)????? What do I do?
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Media Center, so I am not sure if we can troubleshoot your issue with the Experts participating in this chat.You may wish to post this question to the hardware newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Seems like there's been a lot of false-starts re: availability of Cable-card certified MC's, and a very limited number of OEM's pursuing CableLabs certification. When will we really be able to get them??
A: While there have been some support issues and certification issues. You can most certainly buy a PC today with OCUR's. For example: http://www.velocitymicro.com/wizard.php?iid=89
Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: well can someone answer my question in 15 mins or doe I have to ask it again?
A: Wasco - It depends on the question, of course. ;-) But try us anyways.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: So basically Microsoft is leaving non-Tier1 system builders out of the HD arena? That is a shame because these smaller system builders are the ones who build true specialized home theater MCE systems
A: Don't place all the blame on Microsoft - you can read the Engadget interview with JoeB (http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/02/the-clicker-a-sitdown-with-microsofts-joe-belfiore-part-i/) to understand more about the limitations we're working with. But yes, it is a shame - small system builders definitely create some of the coolest machines we see.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Jessica, I don't play games on my Xbox 360 either!
A: That makes...two of us. :-) I played Viva Pinata for a week straight, but I have a short attention span and lost interest after that.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: (To Jessica). Well, put me in that club...I have a 360, and except for an occasionally Gears of War session, I mostly use it to play music and show off pics of my toddler in my living room. Anyway, thanks for fielding my questions. You guys do good work.
A: Thanks!
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: sjb: I am having issues with a lifecam 3000 that my wife sent to me when I install it, it gives me an error such as the following:Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)????? What do I do n
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Media Center, so I am not sure if we can troubleshoot your issue with the Experts participating in this chat.You may wish to post this question to the hardware newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: my wife got me the cam and sent it to me, I am deployed and would really like to see my kids now and again can someone help figure this error out,
A: Try starting here: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1108211&SiteID=1 and if that doesn't help search for LifeCam 3000 code 39 on Live.com
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Any news on when we might see transcripts posted for recent months?
A: Yes, transcripts from the past several months are scheduled to go live in the next 24-48 hours.
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Jessica - Like you, I use 360's exclusively as v2 Extenders... but only because they are the ONLY extenders available. The MCX functionality in 360 is excellent, but there's far too many negatives (noise, size, cost, gaming overhead, etc)
A: FYI, for those of you using the Xbox 360 primarily as an MCX, with the recent Xbox update you can now boot directly into MCX mode. For how to do this see my blog post at http://blogs.msdn.com/denmor/archive/2007/05/09/boot-your-xbox-360-directly-into-extender.aspx.
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Could someone help me IE 7 is getting an error on customize my settings screen. It is a blank screen.
A: This is outside the realm of the chat today. Please try Live.com as well as the public Microsoft support newsgroups. http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Okay, we'll be ending the Windows Media Center chat in 5 minutes. Last chance!
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Has there been any discussion about switching Xbox 360s to a reduced power/noise mode when acting as MCX devices? It's the noise, especially, I find distracting.
A: Yes, we have discussed if we should go into a reduced power mode when running as MCX, but after looking at it we decided to keep things the way they are for now. I'm sure we'll discuss it again.
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hi, the UK EPG issue reporting process is broken and needs fixing. I have multiple issue submissions going back to October last year that remain unfixed. What can be done to fix this?
A: Yeah, this is a problem - I know your feedback goes into an apparent black hole. The issue is, sometimes we don't get enough data to be actionable, and we can't get back to the user to find out more. In addition, until recently, we've been understaffed in this area. Hey Corey! Didn't we just hire you to deal with EPG problems? :D
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Jessica - Does the Xbox update also turn off the noisy fan when in MCX mode? ;) *-)
A: Unfortunately no. But this is something that's definitely of concern
Jessica Zahn [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hi Jessica. I've mentioned this on your page on thegreenbutton, and raised the issue with the information requested. I'm getting frustrated now. (Sorry, didn't tick the button)
A: I know you have mentioned it, and seriously, we care. You posted info I requested, and I did pass it along.
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Thanks guys, appreciate your answers!
A: Thanks for participating Shahn.
Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is MSFT delaying availability of 3rd-party Pika devices so that it doesn't cannibalize the exclusivity of having MCX in Xbox360??
A: Yes, you've figured us out! Actually we are working very hard with our partners to get Pika devices to market. It's taking longer than we'd like, but we feel everyone will be happy with the results.
Tyler Welch [MSFT] (Moderator):
This concludes our Windows Media Center chat for today. Thanks for coming, everyone!
Nick [MSFT] (Moderator):
Thanks, all - see you next month!
Corey Gouker [MSFT] (Expert):
Thanks for the great chat everyone. :)
