Windows Vista Media Center Expert Zone Chat (June 21, 2007)

Chat Topic: Windows Vista Media Center Expert Zone Chat
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2007

Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity.

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Windows Vista Media Center Edition chat!

Today we are answering your questions about Windows Vista Media Center Edition.

Now, I'll have our hosts for the chat today introduce themselves:

Introductions

I'm Tyler Welch, and I'm the MVP Lead for Windows Vista Media Center Edition, and the moderator for this chat.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Hi; my name is Todd. I am a program manager working on Media Center Extender technology. Welcome to today’s chat!

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Hi, I'm Bryan Socha, also known as accident on thegreenbutton.com. Media Center MVP (www.microsoft.com/mvp).

Go ahead and begin sending us your questions, and we'll get the chat underway.

Start of Chat

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is Fiji an all new Media Center or a Rollup?
A: Fiji is a small island in the South Pacific, which I one day hope to visit. Beyond that we don't have anything to say.

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: I have three pc's one came with word 2000 as a single person household can I install it in the other two pc's ?
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, so I am not sure if we can answer your question with the Experts participating in this chat. You may wish to post this question to the Word newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Will there be a rollup this year?
A: If by rollup you mean a collection of fixes, that's something we do on occasiondepending on need (for instance there was a cumulative update posted on Windows Update a month or so ago). We have not announced any new major update to Media Center.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [2] How will firmware upgrades to upcoming Pika devices be handled? Centralized/delivered by a Microsoft "Update" type service? Or will it be up to the OEM? I'm strongly encourage a Microsoft managed approach.
A: Microsoft provides a platform and operating system independent porting kit to third party licensees who then use that kit to integrate Extender functionality into their device’s firmware. The firmware is created and shipped by the OEM, subject to certain guidelines and compliance requirements.

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Where is the Urge plugin
A: Are referring to a MCE plug in for Urge?

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [9] What's going on with Zap2it? I hear they're dropping their TV listings.
A: This question would better be directed at Zap2it.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [11] Are any changes planned for the photos functionality? I really like the rich selection and filtering options in Windows Photo Gallery and always feel lost when I try to create a custom slideshow in Media Center. Its filtering tools are so limited.
A: What sort of features/options would you like to see in Media Center related to photos that aren’t there today?

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: i have a qpvision tv with computer embeded, using 2 tv cards, one is an hauppauge tv card the other one is pinnacle pctv dual sat pro 4000i installed all drivers plus support site software for wmce 2005
A: Are you trying to use dvb-s?

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Does Vista have the data police in it ? if it don't reconize a program does it lock the user out with a blue screen ?
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, so I am not sure if we can answer your question with the Experts participating in this chat. You may wish to post this question to the Vista newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: can the experts be on any help?
A: The Media Center team participates in helping people through various means, such as this chat, participation in newsgroups, forums and blogs. Is there some place specific you are wondering about?

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [18] Is there a way to change Windows sounds from wav to WMA Pro 5.1?
A: If you are referring to the sounds played in Windows Explorer as you navigate and perform tasks, no - they are not encoded as 6-channel audio. I’m curious, why are you interested in surround encoding of the Windows sounds?

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: 5.1 is cool.
A: totally agree. ;-)

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [19] I'd like to see ability to filter and sort by multiple tags and to use the star ratings I assign in Photo Gallery. Currently, in Vista Media Center, I get to choose only one tag and can't see ratings at all.
A: Thanks for the feedback; I’ll pass it along to the folks working on this area of Media Center.

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: The administrator on my computer forgot his password. I can only log in as a non administrator. What can i do do log in as the administrator or find out the password
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, 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 XP\Vista newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Will "Pika" extenders rely on Media Center for all GUI rendering? Basically, I am looking to create a uniform experience for my customers. If I change the background color for example, I want that reflected on all the extenders.
A: Yes, all Extender UI is sent from the PC and displayed on the device. There is no way to change the background color outside of going into high contrast mode.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [23] I've noticed that there are ac3 and dts audio files in the ehome folder. WMP won't play them. How do you play them? What are they for?
A: Can you provide the path/name for the specific files you’re referring to?

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: how to make a pctv dual sat pro 400i work under wimdows media center 2005 when it says windows media center compatible?
A: That is a question that is best asked to the manufacturer of the hardware.

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: will vista media center support 2 tv cards? one dvb-t and one dvb-s ?
A: dvb-s is not supported at all.. that type of tuner will not work in media center.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [25] I'm using HDMI from my MCE PC to my 7.1 receiver out to Plasma TV. Everything works in Vista except for the audio doesn't want to seem to play nice. Does VISTA take complete control of the audio coming from HDMI?
A: What is feeding the HDMI connection on the PC? (your graphics card, your motherboard, etc., including make/model of that component). Also, what exactly happens - do you get no audio, distorted audio, or … ?

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: makes sense
A: Does for me too.... ;-)

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: so does this mean that it is impossible to watch sat tv from media center?
A: You can use a set top box to convert the signal to a format an analog tuner will be able to use..

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: I need help with what I believe is a codecs problem
A: Please be more specific with your question.

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: I am not able to view videos online
A: online is a big place.. is this within media center?

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: My media center in vista takes an hour to compress and prep for burn , then it should let you make as many copies as you like without all the prep. mine just makes the one there's a fault someware. any suggestions ?
A: Unfortunately, we don't have an expert on the call today from that specific team. Can you ask this question in the Windows Media Center newsgroup or maybe post the question in The Green Button forums?

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How do Vista MCE and XP MCE compare in terms of graphical UI performance? Does the change in video driver model still slow Vista vs. XP?
A: The main issue is around video drivers. Video card manufacturers obviously have more experience with developing drivers for XP and have more time to make them performant and robust. As they gain more experience on Vista you will see performance and robustness improve.

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Where is the Urge plugin for Media Center?
A: Excellent suggestion...It's not something we're prepared to talk about today, but definitely worthy of consideration for future releases.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [33] Todd: It's an AMD 690G Chipset. MSI K9AGMA2 I. When I play back Dolby Digital 5.1, my receiver keeps processing it as 2 channel.
A: Hmm… I don’t see specs for this motherboard listed on MSI’s website. Absent specific product info, I suggest checking your audio driver settings to see how they are configured.

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Can I use SilverLight within a Media Center application? Just thought I'd ask if you one of you perhaps has dabbled with that.
A: This is an excellent question for the developer discussion forum that is run by Charlie Owen from the Media Center team. Can you ask this question in this forum? http://discuss.mediacentersandbox.com/forums/default.aspx

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Which of your partners are currently working on plugins for Media Center?
A: There are probably too many to count or list here. ;-) And likely there are many partners that may not want to talk about their efforts publicly b/f launch. Is there a content partner you're particularly excited to see?

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: so how shall i connect the set topbox?
A: this article by another MVP will help you out. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mce/expert/bowman_dualtuners.mspx

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Blockbuster, Urge. I'd like to see movie rental services. Not Vongo as they're limited. Not Napster because their UI is clunky and HTML. We want a cool UI.
A: Good suggestions...Definitely noted. we'd love to see more movie rental services added as well. Have you tried MovieLink or CinemaNow though?

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [45] Do any of you use filters to improve video playback? Things like ffdshow... How does this work in Vista MCE?
A: I do not use any third-party filters on my Media Center PC. If you’d like to swap notes with folks regarding such software, I suggest checking out the public Media Center newsgroup (Microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter), which is accessible on the web via <http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter>

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: Is there anything built into Media Center that will send WMA Pro 5.1 out to my receiver as Dolby Digital 5.1 instead?
A: a quick search of the internet shows another mce mvp saying the choices are to use analog out or changing your receiver to one that will support wma pro decoding on its own.

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: I have windows xp home with sp2, ie7, and windows media player 11. The videos online show only a green screen with two error codes ie: 'd' is null or not an object or object expected
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, 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

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: can you by any chance help me understand how to set up a network between two of my computers?
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, 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 networking newsgroup. A list of all Microsoft-hosted support newsgroups is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/default.asp

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Either is Newsgator.
A: Good to note. I'll ask around. Very likely this is a partner-decision, actually (not supporting Vista technologies, etc..).

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: can you by any chance help me understand how to set up a network between two of my computers?
A: there are a bunch of help topics on this, including topics within Help in Windows (available online at http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/76174f4a-7522-425a-9424-324dd299265e1033.mspx)

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: So do I need to uninstall windows media player 11 to watch some videos online?
A: No, you shouldn't have to do this...

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: So do I need to uninstall windows media player 11 to watch some videos online?
A: Can you clarify your question? If you're having trouble watching online videos you may be experiencing a codec issue. The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, 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

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [54] Is there a place for Live MarketPlace in Media Center? For example if I own Zune, shouldn't be able to access the Music store in Media Center? The same goes with XBox and Movies/TV downloads.
A: This is not currently exposed in Media Center, but is an interesting suggestion we can consider for the future; I’ll pass it along to the appropriate folks.

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: The administrator on my computer forgot his password. Is there any way I can find out he password when logged in as a non administrator. Or is there any other way of getting my administrator account back. I also dont know if the passowrd is expired
A: The current topic for this chat is Windows Vista Media Center Edition, 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: Can you tell your partners to write in MCML?
A: We do. Getting current partners to move from the old framework to MCML takes a while since they've already invested resources in their current app.

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Please send me a Surface Compute.
A: I could use one too! :-) It's a very cool product indeed...

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Hi all. We've got about 10 minutes left. Get those questions in!

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I'd like every wall in my house to be a surface computer. Can you tell Bill G. to make my dream come true?
A: I'll do my best. But he has to help me out first. ;-)

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
Okay, we'll be ending the Windows Vista Media Center Edition chat in 5 minutes.

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I'm sure they'll be anti-gravity by then
A: :-)

Bryan Socha (Expert):
Q: will media center ever be abble to support dvb-s tuner cards?
A: I have heard of third party developers creating dvb-s support in a separate product. you may want to check out a site like www.thegreenbutton.com to see if there is a discussion about it or ask that community.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [60] Congrats on 4-5 million units/mo you are selling! Do you have any statistics as to how many of those are actually using Media Center? And does Vista include any user data feedback opt-ins that would give you that information?
A: Thank you. We’re very happy with the rate at which we’re attracting new users to Media Center. Beyond that, I do not have specific usage data I can share.

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: will media center ever be abble to support dvb-s tuner cards?
A: Support for dvb-s and other formats is something that is evaluated on an ongoing basis. we do not have any announcements at this time.

Dennis [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: When are you gonna advertise Media Center? A lot of people don't know what it is, but they know about Apple TV.
A: Yes, that's something we want and are working on. We have started a Media Center Extender campaign which you can see at http://www.xbox.com/windowsmediacenter. You should be seeing ad banners on popular websites.

Todd [MSFT] (Moderator):
Thanks everyone for joining in today.

Bryan Socha (Expert):
thanks for coming.. see you next month...

Tyler [MSFT] (Moderator):
This concludes our Windows Vista Media Center Edition chat for today. Thanks for coming, everyone!

Mark [MSFT] (Expert):
Thanks folks. Signing off, and until next time...

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