Welcome to Media Center
With Media C enter, you will feel at home right away. You can:
Watch your favorite TV shows, or record and save them for later viewing.
Share your digital pictures with others, or play them as a slide show—you can even include music.
Play digital videos of family events, or play digital videos of your own creation.
Listen to all of your favorite digital music.
Play CDs and DVDs.
Listen to FM radio (on radio-equipped Media Center PCs only).
To get Help on these tasks and more, click the Contents, Search, or Index tab.
Use the Contents tab to display the table of contents. You can browse by feature area.
Use the Search tab to find a specific word. Type the term you want to find, and then press ENTER to get a list of topics that contain
that term.
Use the Index tab to see a list of commonly used terms. Click the term to get the topics associated with a specific term.
Make Media Center accessible
Microsoft is committed to making its products and services easier for everyone to use. To learn more about the accessibility features
included in Media Center, click the Search tab in Help, and then type accessibility in the Type in the word(s) to search for box.
Related topics
About My TV
About My Pictures
About My Videos
About My Music
About DVD
About Radio
Accessibility for people with disabilities
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 1
Get started using Media Center
You can use Media Center in two ways:
Using the remote. In the same way you use your home entertainment system, you can use the remote control and Media Center to
watch and record TV, play videos and music, and view pictures. Pressing the START button on the remote always starts Media
Center in full-screen mode.
Using the keyboard and the mouse. You can run Media Center at the same time as other Microsoft Windows programs, viewing your
pictures, watching videos, playing music, and even recording TV shows.
When you start Media Center, the Media Center Start menu appears. Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select menu options. When
you make a selection, press the OK button on the remote, and then the menu choices for that selection appear. If you make another
selection while you have media such as music or TV playing, then the currently playing media appears in the inset window in the
lower-left corner of the screen. To display the media in full-screen mode, use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the media, and
then press OK.
When an item such as a folder, picture, or video is selected, the item is highlighted with a green border. To make the selection, press
OK.
Related topics
About My TV
About My Music
About My Videos
My Pictures
Change settings in Media Center
Get help in Media Center
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Page 2
What's new in this release of Media Center
Better handling performance of DVDs and videos, including support for wide-screen displays.
<Placeholder Web Site Name>, the site with the latest technical tips and tools to get the most from your Media Center PC.
More of the features you depend on in Windows Media Player, include CD copying and music visualizations.
Support for browsing removable media such as CompactFlash cards, memory sticks, and wireless drives.
Extended handling of picture files, including picture rotation, picture captioning, picture printing, and animated slide shows.
If the computer is equipped with a radio tuner card, then the Media Center PC plays both FM radio and Internet radio.
Related topics
Learn more about Online Spotlight
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 3
Learn more about Online Spotlight
Get the latest on what's new for the Media Center PC: downloadable files, tips for power users, newsgroups, information from the
experts, and more—all this right from the Media Center Start menu.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Online Spotlight.
Related topics
Troubleshoot your Internet connection
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Page 4
Information for upgrade users
As part of the upgrade process, some settings have been changed from per-user settings to system-wide settings. For example, the
default TV recording settings are now system-wide, making it easier for users who upgraded to make the most of the recording storage
space available.
System-wide settings are applied for all users of the computer. Per-user settings are applied only for the user who is logged on.
Related topics
Apply system-wide settings and per-user settings
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 5
Get help in Media Center
There are five ways to get help and information about using Media Center:
Online Help. Move the mouse to activate the toolbar, and then click the Help button.
The Media Center booklet. The booklet covers basic setup tasks and introductory information about Media Center.
Technical support. If you have technical questions, then you can contact the computer manufacturer.
The Media Center Web site. Get the latest technical information and tips and tools on making the most of Media Center.
The Media Center newsgroups. Post your questions, and get answers from Microsoft professionals and expert users.
Related topics
Get Help in Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 6
Navigate Media Center
Media Center Start menu
Start Media Center
Use the Media Center Start menu
Customize the Media Center Start menu
Remove items from the Media Center Start menu
Browse and make selections
Search for an item by name
Work with removable media
Tools for navigation
Switch to Toolbar view
Show the Media Center menu bar
Show the Transport Controls toolbar
Use Media Center with other programs
Use Media Center and other programs at the same time
End the session
Close Media Center
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Page 7
Start Media Center
To start Media Center by using the remote
1.
Press the START button on the remote.
Note You can also start Media Center from the Windows Start menu.
To start Media Center by using the mouse
1.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar.
2.
Point to All Programs, Accessories, Media Center, and then click Media Center.
Related topics
Use the Media Center Start menu
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 8
Use the Media Center Start menu
Press the START button on the remote to go directly to the Media Center Start menu.
From the Media Center Start menu, you can choose what kind of media you want to play: TV, DVD, music, pictures, or videos. You can
also gain access to the Media Center Settings menu and use the arrow buttons on the remote to select menu items.
You can also go to the Media Center Web site and start any add-ins from the Media C enter Start menu.
The buttons that all Windows programs have—Minimize, Resize, and Close—are located in the upper-right corner of the screen and
make it easy for you to use Media Center.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 9
Customize the Media Center Start menu
You can add new programs to the Media Center Start menu.
Microsoft has created Power Toys, including a version of Solitaire that you can play by using the remote. You can learn more about
Power Toys on the Media Center Web site.
When you download a Power Tool, a new shortcut is automatically added to the Media Center Start menu.
Note Shortcuts for the Media Center Start menu are located in C:\Documents and Settings\User folder\Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\Media Center\Media C enter Programs.
Related topics
Remove items from the Media Center Start menu
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Page 10
Remove items from the Media Center Start menu
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, right-click the Start button on the taskbar.
3.
Click Explore.
4.
Go to the folder where customized Media Center Start menu shortcuts are located.
Note Shortcuts for the Media Center Start menu are stored in C:\Documents and Settings\User folder\Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\Media Center\Media C enter Programs.
5.
Right-click the shortcut you want to delete, and then click Delete.
Note Deleting the shortcut does not delete the program itself. For more information about removing programs, see Help and
Support Center.
Related topics
Customize the Media C enter Start menu
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 11
Search for an item by name
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select one of the following: My Pictures, My Videos, or My Music.
2.
Select the folder that you want to search.
3.
Use the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote to select an item in the list. The list must have an item selected in order for the
search to work.
4.
Using the numeric keypad on the remote, enter the first letter of the item you want to find. Media C enter jumps to the items that
start with that letter.
Tip If you have ever used the address book in a cellular phone, then you are familiar with how to use the numeric keypad to
enter text. Press a button on the numeric keypad once to get the first character available on that button, twice for the next
character, and so on.
5.
When you have found the item you want, use the arrow buttons on the remote to select it.
Related topics
Input text by using the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 12
Work with removable media
Media Center plays pictures, music, and videos that are stored on removable media such as smart cards, CompactFlash cards, and
memory sticks.
Insert the removable media into the card reader. You might have a media slot built into the front of the computer (1) or a
USB-connected reader device (2).
After the media is installed, you can go to it by selecting Other Media when you are using My Pictures or My Videos.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 13
Switch to Toolbar view
When you move the mouse, the Media Center menu bar and transport controls appear. You can then use the mouse to click the buttons
on the Media Center menu bar or the Transport Controls toolbar.
The Media Center menu bar and the Transport Controls toolbar disappear after a few seconds or when you press a button on the
remote; move the mouse to make them appear again.
Related topics
Show the Media Center menu bar
Show the Transport Controls toolbar
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 14
Show the Media Center menu bar
Move the mouse to make the Media Center menu bar appear. From the Media C enter menu bar, you can go to the previous screen, get
online Help, restore or minimize the Media Center window, go to the Media C enter Start menu, and close Media C enter.
1.
Start. Goes to the Media Center Start menu.
2.
Back. Goes to the previous screen.
3.
Help. Starts online Help.
4.
Minimize. Minimizes Media Center and places it on the taskbar.
5.
Restore. Switches Media Center to windowed mode and places a resize handle in the lower-right corner of the window.
6.
Close. C loses Media Center.
Related topics
Show the Transport Controls toolbar
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 15
Show the Transport Controls toolbar
The Transport Controls toolbar appears when you move the mouse. You can click the on-screen transport controls with the mouse or
use the transport controls on the remote.
When you press a button on the remote, the toolbar disappears and Media Center returns to full-screen mode.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
Show the Media Center menu bar
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 16
Use Media Center and other programs at the same time
You can work in programs like Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel while using Media Center to watch TV or listen to music. Press the
START button on the remote at any time to start Media Center in full-screen mode.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Restore.
2.
Using the mouse, click the resize handle in the lower-right corner of the Media Center window, and then resize Media Center.
3.
Start the program you want to use.
Tip To maximize the media that is playing while you are using other programs, switch to full-screen mode before you resize
Media Center.
You can also minimize Media Center. When you minimize Media C enter, the audio still plays from any media that you have playing. To
stop the currently playing media, press the STOP button on the remote.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
Related topics
Watch a TV show in full-screen mode
Keep the Media Center window always on top
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 17
Close Media Center
1.
Press the START button on the remote.
2.
In the upper-right corner of the screen, select the Close button, and then press the OK button on the remote.
Note C losing Media Center does not log you out of Windows. Scheduled TV recordings still take place.
Related topics
Use Media Center and other programs at the same time
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 18
Volume settings in Media Center
When you use the remote to turn up the volume in Media Center, you are turning up the master volume for the entire Windows system.
You can gain access to the master volume by using Control Panel. For more information about working with volume controls, see Help
and Support Center.
Warning If you turn up the volume and then turn off the computer, then the system volume might be very loud when you
reboot the computer. You might want to turn down the volume when you are finished using Media Center to play media.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off Media Center sounds
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 20
Make Media Center the default CD player or DVD player
When you are using Media Center, C Ds or DVDs play automatically, but you can also set Media C enter to play C Ds or DVDs
automatically regardless of whether you are using Media Center at the time.
1.
Close Media C enter.
2.
Insert a CD or DVD in the drive. A dialog box appears asking you what you want Windows to do.
3.
Click Play… using Media Center.
4.
Select the Always do the selected action check box, and then click OK.
Related topics
Restore the default media settings for Windows
Play an audio CD
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 21
Restore the default media settings for Windows
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click My Computer.
3.
Right-click the CD drive or DVD drive (usually the drive D), click Properties, and then click the AutoPlay tab.
4.
From the drop-down list, select Music CD, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Related topics
Play an audio CD
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 22
Change Internet Explorer settings for use with Online Spotlight or other Media Center programs
If you have disabled cookies or set the security settings in Internet Explorer to "high," customized content that you have selected, such
as stock tickers and local weather reports, might not appear.
In addition, Online Spotlight uses ActiveX controls. A message might appear if you have disabled ActiveX controls and plug-ins.
You can change your settings to activate cookies and to use ActiveX controls by changing the security and privacy settings for Internet
Explorer.
For more information about changing Internet Explorer settings, see Internet Explorer Help.
Related topics
Learn more about Online Spotlight
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 23
Apply system-wide settings and per-user settings
Some of the settings for Media Center can be set and changed only by someone who has administrator privileges on your computer.
Other settings are accessible by all users and can be changed by each user to suit individual preferences.
Administrators can:
Run setup
C onfigure the Internet connection
Set up the remote control
C hange the privacy settings
Set parental controls
C ustomize the Program Guide
C orrect for NTSC
View scheduled recording times and related information
Set language defaults for DVD playback
Set TV recording and storage defaults
All users can:
C hange appearance settings
C hange sound settings
Turn on or turn off transition animations
Turn on or turn off notifications
Related topics
Change settings in Media C enter
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 24
Windows XP Media Center Edition hardware
The computer manufacturer includes hardware with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition that makes the unique remote
interaction possible. The remote commands are received by the remote sensor. The computer might have either a built-in remote
sensor or a remote sensor that is connected to the computer with a USB cable. Take note of where the remote sensor is located. To
ensure that the commands are received by the remote sensor, point the remote at the remote sensor.
For more information about what type of hardware you have and how to set it up, refer to your hardware documentation.
Related topics
Troubleshoot the remote
About the remote sensor
Use the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 25
About the remote sensor
The remote sensor takes input commands from the remote. Depending on the model of the computer, you might have a remote sensor
that connects to the computer with a USB cable or a built-in remote sensor. No matter what sort of remote sensor you have, make sure
to point the remote at the sensor.
For more information about what type of hardware you have and how to set it up, refer to your hardware documentation.
Related topics
About the remote sensor
Use the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 26
Use the remote control
The remote is how you interact with most of the features in Media Center. The arrow buttons can be used to select items from a menu
list or items from a folder, like a TV show from the Guide or an album from My Music. In Search, you can use the numeric keypad on
the remote to enter a message or address as you would with a messaging device. Just point the remote at the remote sensor, and then
enter your commands.
If you have minimized or left Media Center, then the remote control commands might not be processed. To reactivate Media C enter,
move the mouse, and then click anywhere in the Media Center window. Now you can return to using the remote control.
Related topics
Troubleshoot the remote
Remote commands in Media Center
Get help in Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 27
Remote commands in Media Center
The remote control has four types of buttons:
Navigation. Use the arrow buttons to move between items on the screen.
Transport controls. Use the transport controls to control your media (for example, the PAUSE button or the STOP button).
Audio-visual (AV) and power. Use these buttons to change channels and adjust the volume.
Numeric keypad. Use to enter alphanumeric characters into the search field much as you would enter a message or address in a
messaging device.
Related topics
Remote commands in Media Center
Input text by using the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 28
Remote commands for Media Center
Use the navigation buttons on the remote to move between items on the screen in Media Center. Some buttons, such as GUIDE and
LIVE TV, act like shortcuts.
To - Press
Start Media Center or go to the Media Center Start menu if Media C enter is already running START
Move to the selection above UP
Move to the selection below DOWN
Move to the selection to the left or move to the menu - LEFT
Move to the selection to the right or move from the menu to the folder items - RIGHT
Select the active item - OK
Go to the previous screen - BACK
Show information about the selected item - MORE INFO
Go to the Program Guide - GUIDE
Go to live TV or jump ahead 29 seconds - LIVE TV
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
AV controls and power controls in Media Center
Input text by using the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 29
Transport controls in Media Center
Transport controls in Media Center act just like those on common home electronics such as a CD player or VC R. The transport controls
are used to control the playback or display of all of your media: music, pictures, videos, and TV.
To - Press
Play the selection. PLAY
Skip to the next selection. SKIP FORWARD
Skip to the previous selection. SKIP BACK
Stop the selection completely. Press PLAY to start the selection again from the beginning. STOP
Pause the selection. Press PAUSE again to resume. PAUSE
Mute the sound without stopping playback. MUTE
Turn up or turn down the volume. - VOL+ or VOL-
Related topics
Remote commands in Media Center
AV controls and power controls in Media Center
Input text by using the remote control
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Page 30
AV controls and power controls in Media Center
Use the audio-visual (AV) controls and power controls to change channels, adjust the volume, go to a DVD menu, or to put Media
Center in standby mode.
To Press
Adjust the volume VOL+ or VOL-
Change the channel C H/PG+ or CH/PG-
Mute the sound MUTE
Show the menu on the DVD DVD MENU
Put the computer in standby mode STANDBY
Related topics
Remote commands in Media Center
Transport controls in Media Center
Input text by using the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 31
Input text by using the remote control
If you have ever used the address book in a cellular phone, then you are familiar with how to use the numeric keypad on the keypad to
enter text. Each time you press a button on the numeric keypad on the remote, you scroll through the characters that are available for
that button.
When you enter text for a search, results returned for the first character entered in the search field are those that contain that
character. For example, if you enter the letter E, then the results are all items starting with the letter E and those that contain the letter
E. If you enter the letter N next, then the results are all items containing the letter E and the letter N in sequence. The search narrows
the results as you enter more characters.
1.
Press a number to scroll through the choices that are available for that number. With each repeated press of a number, a different
character appears. To backspace, press the CLEAR button on the remote. To enter a space between words, press the (0) button
on the remote.
2.
When you find the character you want, press the ENTER button on the remote. Continue until the search term is entered or until
the search has narrowed the results enough so that you can select the item that you are looking for.
Tip You can make your search faster by entering less information. Try entering only the last name of the artist you are
looking for or only a keyword from a TV show. For example, if you are looking for "The Late Show" and enter The, the search
might give you "The 5
th
Wheel" and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" in addition to "The Late Show." But if you enter only Late
, then the search gives you fewer results, making the show easier to find.
Related topics
Remote commands in Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 32
Media Center remote control commands
By using the following Remote Control commands in Media C enter, you can quickly accomplish many common tasks.
My TV remote control commands
My Music remote control commands
Radio remote control commands
My Pictures remote control commands
My Videos remote control commands
DVD remote control commands
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 33
My TV remote control commands
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in My TV. For quick reference, a list of remote commands is provided
below.
To - Press
Go to the Guide listings - GUIDE
Display information about a show - MORE INFO
Go to live TV - LIVE TV
Jump to the previous channel - ENTER
Start recording TV RECORD
Stop recording or stop live TV STOP
Fast forward in three different speeds FAST FORWARD
Rewind in two different speeds REWIND
Pause live TV or recorded TV PAUSE
Resume paused TV PLAY or PAUSE
Advance frame by frame while paused FAST FORWARD
Go back frame by frame while paused REWIND
Jump forward 29 seconds SKIP FORWARD
Advance to end And hold SKIP FORWARD
Jump back 7 seconds SKIP BACK
Advance to beginning And hold SKIP BACK
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 34
My Music remote control commands
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in My Music. For quick reference, a list of remote commands is provided
below.
To - Press
Play the selected song, album, or playlist. PLAY
Skip to the next track in an album or playlist. SKIP FORWARD
Skip to the previous track in an album or playlist. SKIP BACK
Stop the track completely. Press PLAY to start the track again from the beginning. STOP
Pause the audio. Press PAUSE or PLAY to resume. PAUSE
Mute the sound (does not stop playback). - MUTE
Turn up or turn down the volume. - VOL+ or VOL-
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 35
Radio remote control commands
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in Radio. For quick reference, a list of remote commands is provided
below.
To - Press
Play the selected song, album, or playlist. PLAY
Skip to the next track in an album or playlist. SKIP FORWARD
Skip to the previous track in an album or playlist. SKIP BACK
Stop the track completely. Press PLAY to start the track again from the beginning. STOP
Pause the audio. Press PAUSE or PLAY to resume. PAUSE
Mute the sound (does not stop playback). - MUTE
Turn up or turn down the volume. - VOL+ or VOL-
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 36
My Pictures remote control commands
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in My Pictures. For quick reference, a list of remote commands is
provided below.
To - Press
Play a slide show starting with a selected picture. PLAY
Go to the previous or next picture.
Pan across a photo in full-screen mode. RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW
Pause a slide show and any audio that is playing.
Resume a paused slide show. PAUSE
Stop a slide show and any audio that is playing. STOP
Enter the selected menu item.
Show the selected photo.
Zoom in a photo in full-screen mode. - OK
Related topics
My Pictures keyboard shortcuts
Remote commands in Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 37
My Videos remote control commands
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in My Videos. For quick reference, a list of remote commands is provided
below.
To - Press
Play a video PLAY
Stop a video STOP
Fast forward a video FAST FORWARD
Rewind a video REWIND
Pause a video PAUSE
Advance frame by frame while paused FAST FORWARD
Go back frame by frame while paused REWIND
Advance to the end of a video And hold SKIP FORWARD
Go back to the beginning of a video And hold SKIP BACK
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 38
DVD remote control commands
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in Play DVD. For quick reference, a list of remote commands is provided
below.
To - Press
Go to the DVD menu - DVD MENU
Play a DVD in the drive PLAY
Stop DVD play STOP
Fast forward FAST FORWARD
Rewind REWIND
Pause PAUSE
Advance frame by frame while paused FAST FORWARD
Go back frame by frame while paused REWIND
Jump to the next chapter SKIP FORWARD
Advance to the end And hold SKIP FORWARD
Jump to the beginning of the chapter SKIP BACK
Advance to beginning And hold SKIP BACK
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 39
Change the aspect ratio of the display area
Note This feature is available only for wide-screen displays.
1.
While your media is playing in full-screen mode, press the MORE INFO button on the remote.
2.
At the bottom of the screen, select Zoom. Select Zoom again to change your display area setting.
To set your display format to Icon shown Select Zoom
Standard 4x3 One time
Full screen Two times
Letterbox Three times
Note The aspect ratio can be set differently for TV, videos, and DVDs. The aspect ratio you select for each media is applied as
the default for that media.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Change the display resolution for wide-screen display
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 41
Change the display resolution for wide-screen display
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, right-click the desktop, and then click Properties.
3.
Click the Settings tab. Move the Screen resolution slider to select the appropriate resolution for the monitor, and then click OK
.
Note For information about how to determine the correct screen resolution for the wide-screen display, refer to your
hardware documentation.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Change the aspect ratio of the display area
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 42
Set up Media Center
The first time you start Media Center, use the Media Center Setup wizard to:
Make sure that your remote control is working.
Set up an Internet connection for use with Media Center.
Specify a TV signal (cable, satellite, or antenna).
Set up your Program Guide.
You can complete the Media Center Setup wizard faster if you have the following information readily available:
Your ZIP code or postal code
The name of your TV signal provider, and the name of your subscription package (for cable TV or satellite TV only)
If you use a set-top box with your TV signal, then it is recommended that you have the set-top box remote control handy as well.
Related topics
Change your Setup options
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 43
Troubleshoot the remote
If your remote does not work, then do the following:
Make sure that you have fresh batteries in the remote and that they are inserted correctly.
Make sure that you are pointing the remote directly at the remote sensor. If you cannot locate the remote sensor, then refer to
your hardware documentation.
Make sure that the remote sensor is not blocked or covered.
Make sure that you using the remote within 10 feet of the remote sensor.
If you checked all of the above and your remote still does not work, then your remote might need to be replaced. Contact the retailer
that you purchased your computer from to get a replacement.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 45
Internet connection
Media Center requires an Internet connection to download Guide information. This connection must be available to everyone who uses
the computer.
If your connection requires a password, then that password must be saved.
Note Media Center uses the Internet connection settings for the sole purpose of downloading Guide information.
If a dial-up connection is initiated by Media Center, then the connection is closed by Media Center.
Related topics
Troubleshoot your Internet connection
Select a download method
Change your Setup options (including your Internet connection)
Manually connect to the Internet and update Program Guide information
I do not want Media Center to connect to the Internet automatically
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 46
Select a download method
When it comes to downloading updated Guide information, there are three methods you can select during Media Center Setup:
Download when connected is recommended. After your computer is connected to the Internet, Media Center downloads updated
Guide information.
Connect to the Internet and download appears only if you have an existing dial-up connection. Media Center connects
automatically to the Internet to download updated Guide information. If this option is selected, then the connection must be available to
everyone who uses the computer and the connection must have a saved password.
Note The Connect to the Internet and download option might not work with your Internet service provider's software.
Also note that normal Internet connection fees apply when Media Center connects to the Internet to update Guide information.
Manual download requires that you initiate the download from within Media Center. If this option is selected, then note the following:
Only a certain amount of Guide information is downloaded at a time, so you must connect manually to keep your Guide information
current. Although the amount of Guide information available for downloading varies by geographical location, it is recommended
that you download Guide information every three to four days.
If your Guide information becomes outdated, then you cannot record by series or show and you cannot search the Guide. You can
still record manually.
To manually download Guide information after Media Center is set up
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Get Guide data.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 47
I do not want Media Center to download Guide information automatically
Media Center is designed to download Guide information automatically from the Internet. Guide information is automatically downloaded
if you chose Connect to the Internet and download when setting up your Internet connection for use with Media Center.
To specify a download method that is not fully automatic
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Set up Internet connection, and then select Next.
4.
Select either Download when connected or Manual download.
Note Media Center will have some changes in functionality if you do not connect regularly to update your Guide information:
Only a certain amount of Guide information is downloaded at a time, so you must connect manually to keep your Guide
information current. While the amount of Guide information available for downloading varies by geographical location, it is
recommended that you download Guide information every three to four days.
If your Guide information becomes outdated, then you cannot record by series or show. You can still record manually.
Related topics
Manually connect to the Internet and update Program Guide information
Record TV manually
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 48
Manually connect to the Internet and update Program Guide information
1.
Before starting Media Center, connect to the Internet by using your usual method.
2.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
3.
Select TV.
4.
Select Guide.
5.
Select Get guide data.
Related topics
Use the New Connection Wizard to set up an Internet connection for Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 49
Use the New Connection Wizard to set up a dial-up Internet connection for Media Center
You might need to use the New Connection Wizard to set up a dial-up Internet connection for use with Media Center.
To start the New Connection Wizard
Open the New Connection Wizard. Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs,
point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Network Connections.
2.
Under Network Tasks, click Create a new connection to start the New C onnection Wizard.
3.
On the Welcome to the New Connection Wizard screen, click Next.
4.
On the Network Connection Type screen, select Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.
5.
On the Getting Ready screen, select Set up my connection manually, and then click Next.
6.
On the Internet Connection screen, select Connect using a dial-up modem, and then click Next.
7.
On the Connection Name screen, enter a name for the connection, and then click Next.
8.
On the Phone Number to Dial screen, enter the phone number, and then click Next.
9.
On the Connection Availability screen, select Anyone's use, and then click Next.
10.
On the Internet Account Information screen, enter a user name, and then enter and confirm a password.
11.
Make sure that the following options are checked, and then click Next:
Use this account name and password when anyone connects to the Internet from this computer
Make this the default Internet connection
(If available) Turn on Internet Connection Firewall for this connection
12.
Click Finish.
13.
Press the START button on the remote to start Media Center again.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 50
Troubleshoot your Internet connection
My Internet connection does not work
My AOL connection does not disconnect after Guide information is downloaded
My MSN dial-up connection does not connect to the Internet
Media Center cannot connect to the Internet
Media Center cannot connect to the Internet and update Guide information
Set up your Internet Connection
There is no dial tone
The LAN Internet connection is not working
Check the user name and password for your default Internet connection
Check the region, country, or language settings for your computer
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 51
My Internet connection does not work
If you test your Internet connection and receive a "Test failed" notification in the Media Center Setup wizard, then do the following:
Make sure that the cable used to connect to your Internet connection is firmly connected to both its source and your PC.
C ontact your Internet service provider (ISP) to make sure that there are no service outages or to see if your ISP has other
troubleshooting steps that you could follow.
If you chose Connect and download as your connection method, then recreate your Internet connection to include a saved
password and to be available to all users of the computer.
If you connect to the Internet through a proxy server or a firewall, then make sure that all ports are configured to allow connections
by Media Center. For more information, contact your ISP system administrator.
If you are notified that the downloading of the Guide failed, then do the following:
If you connect by using dial-up and want to use a new dial-up connection, then change your Internet connection settings. Press the
START button on the remote, select Settings, select General, and then select Set up Internet connection.
Download the Guide manually. Press START , select Settings, select TV, select Guide, and then select Get Guide data. If the
downloading fails, then change your Guide lineup. Press START , select Settings, select TV, select Guide, and then select
Change Guide lineup.
Note The Get Guide data feature works only if you have set up your TV signal. Press START , select Settings, select TV,
and then select Set up TV signal.
Related topics
Use the New Connection Wizard to set up an Internet connection for Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 52
My AOL connection does not disconnect after Guide information is downloaded
If you use an AOL connection as your default Internet connection, then the connection might not be automatically disconnected after
Guide information is downloaded.
You must always manually disconnect from the AOL connection after your Guide information is downloaded. You might also want to
download your Guide information manually.
To manually download Guide information
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Get Guide data.
To always connect manually to download Guide information
1.
Press START , and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Set up Internet connection, and then select Next.
4.
On the Download Method screen, select I will initiate a manual download and then select Next.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 53
My MSN dial-up connection does not connect to the Internet
If Media Center cannot connect automatically to the Internet, then you might need to configure an additional Internet connection. Go to
the Media Center Web site for more information.
You can also try upgrading to the latest version of MSN connection software.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 54
Media Center cannot connect to the Internet
With some Internet service providers (ISPs), Media Center is unable to automatically connect to the Internet to download Guide
information. In this case, you can choose to have Media Center download Guide information when your computer is connected to the
Internet.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Set up Internet connection, and then select Next.
4.
On the Download Method screen, select Download when connected.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 55
Media Center cannot connect to the Internet and update Guide information
If Media Center cannot connect to the Internet, then do the following:
Make sure that the user name and password that are saved with your Internet connection are valid.
Make sure that the necessary connections are plugged in, including network cables or phone cables.
If you are still having trouble connecting to the Internet to update Guide information, then you can manually download Guide
information.
Related topics
Manually connect to the Internet and update Program Guide information
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 56
Set up your Internet connection
In some instances, Media Center might not know what connection to use in order to connect to the Internet and update Guide
information.
Set up an Internet connection
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Set up Internet connection.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 57
There is no dial tone
If Media Center cannot detect a dial tone, then do the following:
Make sure that your phone cable is connected to the modem in your computer and the wall telephone jack.
Make sure that the phone line is not already in use.
Make sure that the phone service is working: Plug in the telephone to the same phone jack used for your computer, and then listen
for a dial tone.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 58
The LAN Internet connection is not working
If Media Center cannot connect to the Internet through a local area network (LAN), then check the following:
Connectivity
Check connectivity to the Internet by opening a browser and going to a well-known Web site, such as http://www.microsoft.com. If you
cannot go to a site that you know is accessible, then you are having connection problems.
Proxy server and firewall settings
Make sure that your proxy server or firewall settings have been properly configured. Depending on what type of network you use, these
settings might vary from person to person.
If you are not sure how to check your proxy server or firewall settings, then you might need to contact either your network
administrator or your Internet service provider (ISP).
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 59
Check the user name and password for your default Internet connection
If Media Center cannot connect to the Internet because of an authentication error, then make sure that the dial-up connection you are
using includes a saved user name and password.
1.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to Connect To, and then click the dial-up connection you are using
with Media C enter.
2.
In User Name, make sure that the User Name is correct.
3.
In Password, type the password for the connection.
4.
Select Save this user name and password for the following users, and then click Dial.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 60
Check the region, country, or language settings for your computer
To ensure that you get the right Guide information and are able to tune your TV signal properly, make sure that Regional and
Language Options are set properly for your geographical location.
1.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel.
2.
Double-click Regional and Language Options.
3.
Under Standards and Formats, select the language for your location.
4.
Under Location, select the location you want. For example, if you are in the United States, then select United States.
5.
Click the Advanced tab.
6.
Under Default user account settings, select the Apply all settings to the current user account and to the default user
profile.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 61
TV signal
The TV signal that you use with Media Center could come from three possible sources:
A subscription to a cable TV signal provider
A subscription to a satellite TV signal provider
An antenna
In the case of a cable or satellite signal, or a rooftop antenna, the TV signal comes into your home from outside, and then into a room
by way of an outlet that is connected to a TV signal cable. The cable is then connected in one of two ways to your computer:
If your cable or satellite provider requires the use of a set-top box, then the TV signal cable connects to the set-top box and another
cable from the set-top box connects to the computer. Also, an IR control cable plugs into the remote sensor, with the other end
affixed to the front of the set-top box.
If your cable or satellite provider does not require the use of a set-top box, then the TV signal cable plugs directly into the
computer.
In the case of a set-top antenna, refer to your antenna documentation for information about how to connect your antenna to your PC.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 62
Choose a TV signal for use with Media Center
You have four options when asked to choose a TV signal for use with Media Center:
Cable or digital cable Select this option if your TV signal is provided by a cable TV signal provider.
Satellite Select this option if your TV signal is provided through a satellite dish.
Antenna Select this option if your TV signal is received through the use of an antenna. This could be either a rooftop antenna or
an antenna that is connected to and sits on top of your TV.
No TV service at this time Select this option if you do not want to watch TV by using Media C enter.
When connecting your TV signal cable to your computer, make sure that the cable you connect is the one that carries the TV signal you
want to use with Media C enter.
Your computer might support a variety of TV signal input methods, such as coaxial, S-Video, or composite. Choose the input method
that works best for you, and make sure that the signal out from your set-top box or wall outlet is properly connected to the computer.
For information about your particular configuration and to make sure that your devices are connected correctly, refer to your hardware
documentation.
Note Media Center supports a single TV signal input. If you have more than one TV signal cable in your home, then you must
choose one of them to use with Media Center. For example, you could have both antenna and cable TV signals in your home, but
you can use only one at a time with Media Center.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 63
Have Media Center identify your IR remote control codes
For Media Center to work with your set-top box, use the set-top box remote control to identify the IR remote control codes.
1.
Make sure that you are using the set-top box remote and not the Media Center remote.
2.
Follow the instructions on the screen to press and hold "0," "1," and "2," and then release those keys.
An onscreen message appears that notifies you when Media Center has identified your set-top box remote control.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 65
Have Media Center learn the control codes for your set-top box remote
Although many sets of control codes can be identified automatically by Media Center, some cannot. In this case, you can have Media
Center learn the codes by pressing and holding buttons on the set-top box remote.
1.
Hold your set-top box remote so that the front end of it is almost touching the front of the remote sensor.
2.
Follow the instructions on the screen to press and hold specific buttons on the set-top box remote until you are instructed to
release them.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 66
About using Media Center without a TV signal
If you choose to use Media Center without a TV signal, then you cannot watch or record TV. You can still listen to music, view pictures,
watch DVDs, and view videos that you have created or downloaded from the Internet.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 67
About using your set-top box with the Media Center remote control
If you use a set-top box with your cable or satellite TV signal, then you must make sure that the Media Center remote can control it.
You need the following materials:
The set-top box and the remote you use to control it*
The Media Center remote control
Remote sensor
IR control cable
For information about your particular configuration and to make sure that your devices are connected correctly, refer to your hardware
documentation.
* You need to use a set-top box only if your TV signal provider requires it.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 68
Find the brand of your set-top box
Many brands of set-top boxes exist, and the manufacturer of each brand labels set-top boxes in a different way. The following are some
tips for correctly identifying the brand of your set-top box:
Look for brand-name labels on all six sides of your set-top box. You might find more than one brand-name label. Write them all
down because you might need to try more than one of them during Setup.
Refer to your set-top box documentation, if any was provided by your TV signal provider.
C ontact your TV signal provider for information.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 69
Choose your channel entry method
Different set-top boxes have different ways of changing channels. For example, there are two different ways for you to change to
channel 13 by using the remote:
Press the 1 and 3 buttons on the numeric keypad, and then press the ENTER button or OK button. If doing this changes your set-top
box channel correctly, then select Yes, I have to press ENTER or OK.
Press the 0, 1, and 3 buttons on the numeric keypad. If this changes your set-top box channel correctly, then select No, I just
enter the channel number.
Defining these channel entry methods helps Media Center function properly.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 70
Select a TV signal provider
To ensure you specify the correct TV signal provider, it is important to verify exactly how your provider lists your service on your
monthly TV signal subscription bill.
If you are still not sure which TV signal provider to choose, then either you can contact the TV signal provider directly or you can try
different providers in the list until you find one that works.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 71
Hardware not detected
Two essential pieces of hardware might not be connected properly: the remote sensor, and the IR control cable.
Make sure that the remote sensor is properly installed
Refer to your hardware documentation to make sure that the remote sensor is connected to your computer correctly. Your remote
sensor either could be built into your computer or monitor or could be a peripheral device that connects to your computer.
For peripheral remote sensors:
If you are sure that the remote sensor is connected correctly but Media Center cannot detect it, then try unplugging the remote
sensor and then plugging it in again. You might hear a sound from your computer indicating that the remote sensor is connected.
If the remote sensor is still not detected by Media Center, then contact your hardware manufacturer in case your remote sensor
needs to be replaced.
For built-in remote sensors:
Restart your computer.
If the remote sensor is still not working, then contact your hardware manufacturer in case your remote sensor needs to be
replaced.
Make sure that the IR control cable is properly installed
If you use a set-top box, then make sure that the IR control cable is connected to the remote sensor.
The other end of the IR control cable should be affixed to the front of your set-top box near its IR receiver.
For information about your particular configuration and to make sure that your devices are connected correctly, refer to your hardware
documentation.
If you cannot find the IR receiver on your set-top box, then shine a flashlight on the front of your set-top box as shown in the following
picture.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 72
Page 73
Troubleshoot the TV signal or the set-top box
Troubleshoot detecting your TV signal
Troubleshoot choosing the set-top box brand
Troubleshoot choosing the signal type provider
Troubleshoot testing your set-top box
Troubleshoot your IR control cable
I cannot find a code set that works with my set-top box
My set-top box onscreen menu appears when I change channels
My radio frequency set-top box does not work with Media Center
Troubleshoot changing channels
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 74
Set up Media Center to work with my satellite TV signal
Media Center needs to be configured in a particular way in order to work with signals from some satellite TV signal providers like DISH
Network and Bell ExpressVu.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select Set up TV signal, and then select Next.
3.
Select Satellite, and then select Next.
4.
Proceed through the wizard, and when you reach the Choose Number of Digits screen, select Three digits, and then select
Next.
5.
On the How Do You Change Channels screen, select No, I just enter the channel number.
6.
Proceed through the wizard, and then make sure you follow the directions on the Identify Set-top Box Remote screen.
7.
Complete the wizard.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 75
Troubleshoot detecting your TV signal
Use the following steps to find out why a video preview does not appear on the Choose Your TV Signal screen:
If you use a set-top box
1.
Make sure that the set-top box is turned on and tuned to a channel you receive.
2.
Make sure that the TV signal cable is connected firmly at both ends.
Cable, satellite, and rooftop antenna signals most likely enter your home by way of a wall outlet. If you are not sure of where this
outlet is in your home, then contact your TV signal provider.
One end of the cable must be firmly connected to this outlet. The other end must be firmly connected to your set-top box.
3.
Verify that you have a live TV signal.
If the cable is firmly connected and you still have no TV signal, try connecting the end of the cable to a TV.
If TV images appear when the cable is connected to a TV, then the TV tuner card in your computer might not be working correctly.
If the TV tuner card is not working, then contact the hardware manufacturer.
If you do not use a set-top box
1.
Make sure that the TV signal cable is connected firmly at both ends.
2.
Make sure that you have a live TV signal.
If the cable is firmly connected and you still have no TV signal, then try connecting the end of the cable to a TV. If TV images
appear when the cable is connected to a TV, then the TV tuner card in your computer might not be working correctly. If the tuner
card is not working, then contact the hardware manufacturer.
For information about your particular configuration and to make sure that your devices are connected correctly, refer to your hardware
documentation.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 76
Troubleshoot choosing the set-top box brand
If you cannot locate your set-top box brand in the list during Setup, then your set-top box might be mislabeled or it might be labeled
with more than one brand name. The following are some tips to help you identify the brand of your set-top box:
Look for brand-name labels on all six sides of your set-top box.
Refer to your set-top box documentation for the correct brand name.
C ontact your TV signal provider for information.
It is also possible that the brand of your set-top box is not listed. In that case, try testing your set-top box by selecting other listed
brands.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 77
Troubleshoot choosing the signal type provider
When choosing a TV signal provider, you must have two important pieces of information readily available:
Your correct ZIP code or postal code
The name of your TV signal package, if you subscribe to one
On the Select TV Signal Provider screen, the providers and packages are listed in the following manner:
<City>, <C ompany> <City> <Package name>
For example:
Aberdeen, Southridge Video Aberdeen Broadband (Digital)
Your TV signal provider might list more than one package, and it might be difficult to know which one to choose. Follow these
guidelines:
C hoose a package that lists your city or town.
If you see multiple choices for your location, the word "Digital" usually indicates digital cable service.
If the word "Digital" is not included in the description, the selection is probably for basic cable service.
Note If you specify either the wrong ZIP code or postal code or an incorrect provider, your Guide information might not match
the actual channels you receive.
Related topics
Check the region, country, or language settings for your computer
Edit channel numbers
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 78
Downloading failed for TV signal provider information
If you were unable to successfully download TV signal provider information, then do the following:
Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
Select Back, and make sure that you entered the correct ZIP code or postal code.
In rare instances, TV signal provider information might not be available for your area. In this case, contact your local TV signal provider
for information.
Related topics
Check the region, country, or language settings for your computer
Edit channel numbers
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 79
Troubleshoot testing your set-top box
If your set-top box does not appear to be working, then do the following:
Make sure that the power cord for the set-top box is plugged in and that the set-top box is turned on.
Make sure that the remote sensor and IR control cable are correctly connected and that the end of the IR control cable that is
affixed to the front of your set-top box blinks when you press a button on the remote.
Make sure that the IR control cable is still firmly affixed to the front of your set-top box.
For information about your particular configuration and to make sure that your devices are connected correctly, refer to your hardware
documentation.
Related topics
Troubleshoot the remote control
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 80
Troubleshoot your IR control cable
If you use a set-top box, you must use an IR control cable to relay the IR commands sent when buttons are pressed on the Media
Center remote. If the IR control cable is not set up correctly, your set-top box cannot work correctly with Media C enter.
Note The remote works with Media Center without an IR control cable; however, the IR control cable is what enables the
computer to work with your set-top box.
Make sure that your IR control cable is connected correctly. For information about your particular configuration and to make sure that
your devices are connected correctly, refer to your hardware documentation.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 81
I cannot find a code set that works with my set-top box
You make the following three choices in the Media Center Setup wizard that define what code set is used with your set-top box:
The number of digits required to change channels
Whether another button such as ENTER or OK is required to change channels
The selected code set
If any one of these choices is incorrect, you might not be able to control your set-top box by using the Media Center remote. To correct
this problem, try the following:
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Set up TV signal.
4.
On the TV Signal Setup Screen, select Yes.
5.
As you proceed from screen to screen, try selecting options other than those you originally selected.
Note Only a few set-top boxes require that you press ENTER or OK to change channels.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 82
My set-top box onscreen menu appears when I change channels
If the set-top box onscreen menu appears, then the computer is not configured correctly to work with your set-top box. To fix this
problem:
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Set up TV signal.
4.
On the TV Signal Setup Screen, select Yes, and then proceed through the screens.
5.
When you reach How Do You Change Channels?, select No, I just enter the channel number and then complete the setup
process.
Note Some set-top boxes allow you to disable onscreen menus. If the above steps do not fix the problem, try changing your
set-top box settings.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 83
My radio frequency set-top box does not work with Media Center
Media Center works only with infrared-controlled set-top boxes and does not work with radio frequency-controlled set-top boxes.
Some set-top boxes have the capability to be controlled by either infrared or radio frequency. For information about whether your
set-top box can be switched from radio frequency control to infrared control, refer to your set-top box documentation or contact your TV
signal provider.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 84
When I change to a three-digit channel, my channels change two times
If you enter a three-digit channel, your channels might change two times. For example, if you enter channel 123, your channel might
change to channel 12, and then change again to channel 3.
The channel changes two times if you specified the wrong number of digits that it takes to change channels in Media Center Setup. To
fix this:
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Set up TV signal, and then proceed through the screens.
4.
On the Choose Number of Digits screen, select either Three digits or Four digits.
You must specify the number of digits according to the highest channel you receive. For example, if the highest channel you receive is
500, select Three digits.
Note Satellite subscription packages usually include channels with three digits or four digits.
If you are not sure which option to choose, contact your TV signal provider for information about how many digits are needed to select
channels with your brand of set-top box.
Related topics
Set up Media Center to work with my satellite TV signal
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 86
Changing channels causes a prompt for a parental control password
If you blocked a specific channel by using the remote that came with your set-top box, and if you are now using the remote that came
with your computer to change channels, then you might get an onscreen prompt to enter a parental control password. If you are trying
to change to a channel that has been blocked, then use the remote that came with your set-top box to enter the password.
If Media Center must change the channel to record a show with a rating exceeding the current parental control settings, then Media
Center cannot change the channel until you enter the parental control password.
Note If you want to record a program with a rating exceeding the current parental control settings, and you might not be
home to enter the password, then disable parental controls until after the program has been recorded.
You can also remove the blocked channels from your Guide so that this prompt does not appear while you are browsing channels. You
can always tune directly to a protected channel when you want to watch it by typing the channel number on your remote control.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 87
Media Center and my set-top box are not on the same channel
If your channel does not change, then try changing to a different channel and then changing to the channel you were trying to change to
in the first place.
Related topics
Set parental controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 88
Program Guide
Media Center must have information about your TV signal to accurately update Guide information.
If you have a paid TV signal subscription but you are not sure who your TV signal provider is or what type of TV signal subscription you
have, then check the invoice from your TV signal provider for the necessary information.
Related topics
Troubleshoot "Download failed" messages for the Program Guide
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 89
Troubleshoot "Download failed" messages for the Program Guide
If Media Center is not able to download Guide information, it might be for one of the following reasons:
The correct TV signal provider or package was not selected.
The correct ZIP code or postal code was not specified during Setup.
Guide information is not available for the selected ZIP Code or postal code.
To change Guide settings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Guide setup, and then proceed through the wizard until you reach the page where you enter a ZIP code or postal code.
5.
Enter your ZIP code or postal code, and then select Next.
6.
Select your TV signal provider. If you are not sure which provider is yours, then you might have to contact your TV signal
provider for more information.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 90
Make sure your Program Guide information is updated
Although it is highly recommended that you allow Media Center to update Guide information automatically, you might choose another
option.
To update Guide information manually
1.
Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.
2.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
3.
Select TV.
4.
Select Guide.
5.
Select Get Guide data.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 91
Enter your ZIP code or postal code
To set up your Guide information and a list of TV signal providers, you must provide a ZIP code or postal code.
Only five-digit ZIP codes (for the United States) and six-character alphanumeric postal codes (for Canada) are supported. C anadian
postal codes must be entered without hyphens or spaces.
If information about TV signal providers does not download, make sure that you have entered your ZIP code or postal code correctly. If
you are sure it was entered correctly, then Program Guide information for your specific ZIP code or postal code might not be available.
Try using a neighboring ZIP code or postal code, or contact your TV signal provider for more information.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 92
About the Terms of Service
On the Terms of Service and privacy policy page in the Media Center Setup wizard, read the Terms of Service and privacy policy in full.
You must then select either I agree or I do not agree.
Note If you select I don't agree, then you can still use Media Center but note the following:
You cannot update, view, and use information from the Guide.
You cannot record by show or series, but you can record manually.
Related topics
I want to decline the Terms of Service and not use the Guide
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 93
About using the Guide
The Guide provides TV listings to help you watch and record TV shows. If you use the Guide, then anonymous information to improve
the quality and accuracy of the service is sent to Microsoft. No identifying personal information is sent to Microsoft.
If you want to use the Guide, then select Yes.
If you do not want to use the Guide, then select No.
Note If you select I do not agree, then you can still use Media Center but note the following:
You cannot update, view, and use information from the Guide.
You cannot record by show or series, but you can record manually.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 94
I want to decline the Terms of Service and not use the Guide
You can change your decision on the Terms of Service and privacy policy at any time.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Change Guide lineup.
5.
Proceed through the screens until you reach the Terms of Service page.
6.
Select I don't agree, and then click Next.
Note If you select I don't agree, you can still use Media Center but note the following:
You cannot update, view, and use information for your Guide.
You cannot record by show or series, but you can record manually.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 95
About media information
C Ds and DVDs include information about the media they contain, such as song titles or related artwork. This information is commonly
referred to as metadata.
To allow Media Center to retrieve media information for C Ds and DVDs from the Internet, you must select Yes.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 96
Choose a control code
C ontrol codes are sets of frequencies that set-top boxes use to communicate with infrared (IR) devices such as remotes. Many different
sets of control codes exist. It is important to keep trying different codes until you find the right one.
The control code list is sorted from most commonly used to least commonly used, so start by selecting the code at the top of the list. If
that control code does not work, then go through the list from top to bottom until you find a control code that works.
Related topics
About using your set-top box with the Media Center remote control
Troubleshoot the remote
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 97
About the remote sensor
The remote sensor is the device that receives infrared (IR) signals from the remote.
Depending on the type of your computer, the remote sensor could be a small peripheral device that plugs into your computer or a
device that is built into your computer or monitor. To find out what type of remote sensor you have, refer to your hardware
documentation.
Remote sensors receive IR signals best under the following conditions:
The remote must be used within 10 feet of the remote sensor.
A direct, unobstructed line of sight must be between the remote and the remote sensor.
No direct natural lighting or no direct artificial lighting must be shining on the remote sensor.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 98
About setting the remote control signal speed
You must optimize the speed at which the remote's signals are interpreted. Incorrectly setting the speed might make channel changing
seem either sluggish or too sensitive.
If you find that the remote control signal speed seems either too fast or too slow after setting up the speed, you can change the signal
speed.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Set up TV signal, and then proceed through the screens.
4.
On the screens where speed is detected, follow the onscreen directions.
5.
Complete the Setup process.
Related topics
About using your set-top box with the Media Center remote control
Troubleshoot the remote
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 99
About set-top box control codes
Your set-top box has a set of control codes that allow it to work with your remote. Because there is more than one possible match for
some set-top boxes, you might have to try several control codes to ensure that you have the right match.
Related topics
About using your set-top box with the Media Center remote control
Troubleshoot the remote
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 100
Change your Setup options
The settings for your remote, Internet connection, TV signal, and Guide can be easily changed.
Note Each setting needs to be changed individually.
Remote Control and Internet Connection
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Do one of the following:
Select Set up remote control.
Select Set up Internet connection.
TV Signal and Program Guide
1.
Press START , and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Do one of the following:
Select Guide, and then select Change Guide lineup.
Select Set up TV signal.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 101
Change settings in Media Center
Global settings in Media Center
Change the appearance of Media C enter
Turn on or turn off Media Center sounds
Use notifications
Adjust your display
Set parental controls
Change the setup for the Internet connection or the remote control
Set privacy options
Settings by area
Change settings for My TV
My Pictures
Set DVD defaults
About My Music in Media Center
About Internet radio
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 102
Turn on or turn off transition animations between Media Center screens
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Appearance.
4.
Select or clear the Transition animations check box, and then select Save.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off taskbar notifications
Change the appearance of Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 104
Keep the Media Center window always on top
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Appearance.
4.
Select or clear the Window always on top check box, and then select Save.
Note When you select Window always on top and run Media Center in windowed mode, the Media C enter window always
appears on top of any other open windows.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off taskbar notifications
Change the appearance of Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 105
Adjust Media Center for your display
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Appearance.
4.
Under Adjust Media Center for use on, select the correct display.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Turn on or turn off taskbar notifications
Change the appearance of Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 106
Change the video background color
If you have a wide-screen display and the video is in a standard format, then borders appear around the video image. You can change
the color of those borders.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select Video Display.
3.
Select Video background color.
4.
Select + or – on the screen, and then press the OK button on the remote to choose a color.
5.
Select Save.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 107
Turn on or turn off Media Center sounds
Media Center plays sounds when you select items or move between screens. The sounds can be turned on or turned off.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Media Center sounds.
4.
Select the option you want, and then select Save.
Note Turning off the Media Center sounds does not affect the audio for TV, music, DVD, or any other features that use audio.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 108
Turn on or turn off taskbar notifications
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Notifications.
4.
Select or clear the Taskbar notifications check box.
Note If you turn off taskbar notifications, then you do not receive a notification when you are low on disk space, when there
is no TV signal, or when there is no Guide data.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off transition animations between Media Center screens
Change the appearance of Media C enter
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 110
Set telephone call notifications
You can receive notification of incoming telephone calls and caller ID information if they are available. You must be a subscriber to a
caller ID service to use this feature.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Notifications, and then select the option for the telephone call notifications you want to see.
Note Not all modems support caller ID. To find out whether your modem supports caller ID, refer to your modem
documentation.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 111
Turn on or turn off onscreen tips
Onscreen tips help you use the Guide, but after you have learned how to use the Guide, you might want to turn off the tips.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Notifications.
4.
Select or clear the TV tips check box.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off transition animations between Media Center screens
Change the appearance of Media C enter
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 112
Adjust your display
Media Center gives you the controls to get the best possible picture quality from the display.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Appearance.
4.
Select Adjust display settings.
5.
Do one of the following:
To see an informational video about adjusting your display, select Watch video.
To continue adjusting your display, select Next.
Note Gaining access to the display adjustment controls varies depending on the type of hardware you have. For more
information about how to gain access to the display adjustment controls, refer to your hardware documentation.
Tip To get the best picture quality, you might need to adjust the display settings a few times. While the video is running,
adjust the settings. Then close the controls and play the video again.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 114
Choose the type of display you have
Media Center supports four display types
Traditional TV or computer monitor (CRT)
Flat panel (LC D, plasma)
Rear-projection, big-screen TV
Front-projection TV
If you are not sure what kind of display you have, then refer to your hardware documentation.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 115
Select a video connection type
Some video connectors provide better display quality than others.
If you have a choice between a composite connector (1) and an S-Video connector (2), then use the S-Video connector.
If you have a choice between a VGA cable (3) and a DVI cable (4), then use the DVI connector.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 116
Find the controls to adjust your display
Gaining access to the onscreen display adjustment controls varies depending on the type of display you have. Computer monitors often
have a display adjustment menu button on the monitor itself. If you are using a TV, then you might gain access to these controls by
pressing the equivalent of a "menu" button on your remote.
To find your display adjustment controls, refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 117
Run the display adjustment controls
Each display adjustment control has a description of the control and a video that helps you optimize the settings for the monitor.
1.
Select the control you want to use, and then press the OK button on the remote.
2.
Follow the instructions on the screen. The instructions tell you exactly what to look for when playing the video.
3.
Locate the appropriate controls for each control. If you are not sure how to find the controls, then refer to your hardware
documentation.
4.
Select Watch video.
5.
To return to the display adjustment controls, select Back.
Related topics
Adjust your display
The onscreen display adjustment controls are superimposed over the video
Adjust the onscreen centering and sizing
Adjust the aspect ratio
Adjust the brightness
Adjust the contrast
Adjust the RGB color balance
Adjust the color and tint
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 118
Adjust the onscreen centering and sizing
If you are using a wide-screen TV, set the zoom mode so that the video stretches to fill the screen.
The display might not have centering and sizing controls. If this is the case, then skip this step.
To return to the display adjustment controls, select Back.
Tip If your video has borders on it, then you might have selected the incorrect display width. Go back to the width screen for
the display, and then select the correct width for your display.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
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Page 119
Adjust the aspect ratio
If you have a wide-screen display, then under Display Width select Widescreen (16x9). This choice selects the appropriate videos
for your wide-screen display.
If you are using a wide-screen TV, then set the zoom mode so that the video stretches to fill the screen.
You must also set the screen resolution for use with a wide-screen display.
Tip If your video has either vertical black bands or appears in letterbox format, you might have selected the incorrect display
width. Go back to the width screen for the display, and then select the correct width for your display.
To set the screen resolution
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, right-click on the desktop, and then click Properties.
3.
On the Settings tab, move the Screen resolution slider to select the appropriate resolution for the monitor, and then click OK.
Note If you are not sure of the correct screen resolution for the wide-screen display, then refer to your hardware
documentation.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 120
Adjust the brightness
The brightness setting affects the appearance of detail in the dark areas of a picture on your display.
Even minimal changes to this setting significantly affect the appearance of the picture on a flat-panel display.
Related topics
I cannot see the X when adjusting the brightness controls
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 121
Adjust the contrast
If you have a flat-panel display, then the contrast of the picture is significantly affected when you adjust the contrast setting only
minimally.
Warning If you set the contrast too high, you lose detail in the whites in your picture.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 122
Adjust the RGB color balance
Pay careful attention to the color in the painting when you adjust the RGB color balance. The painting should be completely gray with no
shades of color in it. For example, if the setting for red is too high, then the gray has a reddish tint.
Tip Write down the manufacturer's settings in case you want to return to the default RGB color balance.
If you are using a TV
Some TVs have color balance presets. Each of these presets might be called a "mode" on your TV; for example, "sports mode" or
"movie mode." When you adjust the monitor for RGB color balance, try each mode and select the one that gives you the best picture
quality.
If you have a color temperature option, then set the temperature to 6500.
If you are using a computer monitor
If you have slider bars for each color, then adjust them until the grays in the picture have no color tint.
If you have a color temperature option, then set the temperature to 6500.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 123
Adjust the color and tint
Set the tint to the middle setting, and then adjust the color saturation.
C olor settings and tint settings are available only if you are using a TV as the display device.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 124
Adjust the sharpness
Pay careful attention to the cue sticks in the video when you adjust the sharpness. The cue sticks should not have shadows, ghosts, or
rings around them.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 125
The onscreen display adjustment controls are superimposed over the video
T .
The onscreen controls are provided by the manufacturer of the display device and might be superimposed over Media Center.
M.
Make the adjustments, and then close the display adjustment controls. Run the video again when the controls are closed to see
the effects your changes have made. If necessary, repeat the adjustment process.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 126
I cannot see the X when adjusting the brightness controls
If you cannot see the X on the wall when adjusting the brightness on the display, then the display drivers might be out of date.
For more information about device drivers, see Help and Support Center.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 127
Protect your display from burn-in
Some televisions, especially front-projection or rear-projection types, can be damaged by static images. Static images presented during
the normal use of Media Center might "burn" into the screen, causing a permanent shadow of the static image to appear at all times,
even when Media Center is not in use. Similar damage might occur from static images created when pausing Media C enter.
To determine whether burn-in is an issue with your set, refer to your television manual.
Related topics
Adjust your display
Run the display adjustment controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 128
Change the 4-digit code
When you change the 4-digit code, all previously established parental control limits remain.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Parental control.
4.
When prompted, enter your 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Select Change 4-digit code.
6.
Enter a new 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then confirm the new code by entering it a second time.
A confirmation message appears when your code has been successfully changed.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 130
Reset parental controls
When you remove the 4-digit code, all the parental control settings are reset.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Parental control.
4.
When prompted, enter your 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Select Reset parental controls. The 4-digit code is removed, and all parental control settings are reset.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 131
I cannot remember my 4-digit code for parental controls
If you have forgotten your current 4-digit code, you can reset it in General Settings. You must be logged onto the computer as an
administrator to reset the 4-digit code for parental controls.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Hold down CTRL+ALT while you click Parental control with the mouse. The 4-digit code is reset.
4.
Follow the onscreen directions to enter a new 4-digit code.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 132
Use Autoplay for HighMAT and Media Center enhanced content
Media Center can automatically play your HighMAT (High-performance Media Access Technology) media by using the HighMAT player. A
HighMAT C D can contain audio, video, and pictures. For more information about HighMAT, go to the Microsoft Web site.
You can also set Media Center to play any content automatically that has been created especially for use in Media C enter. Media C enter
enhanced content might include demo CDs or files that have been downloaded from the Online Spotlight Web site.
5.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
6.
Select General.
7.
Select Autoplay.
8.
Select the options you want to enable.
Related topics
Learn more about Online Spotlight
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 134
Read the privacy policy for Media Center
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Privacy policy and settings.
4.
Select Media Center Privacy Statement.
Related topics
My Internet connection does not work
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 136
Set privacy options
To change settings for how the computer retrieves and stores media information
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Privacy policy and settings.
4.
Select Settings.
5.
Select or clear the check boxes for the privacy settings you want to use.
Related topics
Read the privacy policy for Media Center
Acquire licenses
Work offline
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 137
Acquire licenses
You might want to acquire licenses for media automatically to be able to play protected files without interruption. If the check box is not
selected, then you might not be able to play protected files.
By default, you are prompted to back up your licenses approximately two weeks after you acquire a new one.
Related topics
Set privacy options
Read the privacy policy for Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 138
Work offline
The computer must be connected to the Internet if you want to use several Media Center features and options. If the computer is not
connected to the Internet when you try to use one of these features or options, then you are prompted to connect to the Internet. The
following list includes some of the Media Center features and options that require an Internet connection:
Program Guide (Guide)
Radio tuner
Retrieving and displaying media information, including album art
Finding and viewing album information
Acquiring and restoring licenses
You can choose to work offline at any time. However, if you have connected to the Internet while using Media Center, then some media
information might be stored on the computer and might still be available.
Related topics
Set privacy options
Read the privacy policy for Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 139
Find out what version of Media Center you have
If you have contacted technical support, you might need to find out what version of Media Center you are running.
6.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
7.
Select General.
8.
Select About Media Center.
Related topics
Media Center Technical Support
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 140
Accessibility for people with disabilities
Microsoft is committed to making its products and services easier for everyone to use. This section provides information about the
accessibility options included in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004.
How to use accessibility features in Media Center
Troubleshoot accessibility features in Media Center
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 141
How to use accessibility features in Media Center
Media Center keyboard shortcuts
Remote commands in Media Center
Media Center features for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
Media Center features for people who are blind or have impaired vision
Media Center features for people who have a mobility impairment
Accessibility features in Media Center Help
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 142
Media Center keyboard shortcuts
When using Media Center, you can use the shortcut keys as an alternative to the mouse or remote control. By using the following
keyboard shortcuts in Media Center, you can quickly accomplish many common tasks.
Navigation keyboard shortcuts
Audio control keyboard shortcuts
My TV keyboard shortcuts
My Music keyboard shortcuts
Radio keyboard shortcuts
My Pictures keyboard shortcuts
My Videos keyboard shortcuts
DVD keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts for using the Help window
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 143
Navigation keyboard shortcuts
To Press
Open Media Center or return to the Media C enter Start menu Windows Key+ALT+ENTER
Close Media C enter ALT+F4
Accept the selection ENTER
Go back to the previous screen BACKSPACE
Go to the first item in a list HOME
Go to the last item in a list END
Go to the next page PAGE DOWN
Go to the previous page PAGE UP
Move left, right, up, or down ARROW KEYS
Go in and go out of windowed mode ALT+ENTER
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 144
My TV keyboard shortcuts
To Press
Start My TV CTRL+SHIFT+T
Go to Recorded TV CTRL+O
Go to the Guide CTRL+G
Go to live TV CTRL+T
Record a TV show CTRL+R
Pause live TV or recorded TV CTRL+P
Stop recording or stop playing a TV show CTRL+SHIFT+S
Resume playing a TV show CTRL+SHIFT+P
Rewind live TV or recorded TV CTRL+SHIFT+B
Fast forward live TV or recorded TV CTRL+SHIFT+F
Skip back CTRL+B
Skip forward CTRL+F
Display more information CTRL+D
Go to the next channel PAGE UP
Go to the previous channel PAGE DOWN
Turn on or turn off Closed Captioning CTRL+SHIFT+C
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 146
My Music keyboard shortcuts
To Press
Start My Music CTRL+M
Play an audio file or song CTRL+SHIFT+P
Pause an audio file or song CTRL+P
Stop an audio file or song CTRL+SHIFT+S
Replay an audio file or song CTRL+B
Skip to the next song CTRL+F
C opy a CD CTRL+R
Display more information CTRL+D
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 147
My Pictures keyboard shortcuts
To Press
Start My Pictures CTRL+I
Play a slide show CTRL+SHIFT+P
Stop a slide show CTRL+SHIFT+S
Pause a slide show CTRL+P
Skip back to the previous picture LEFT ARROW
Skip forward to the next picture RIGHT ARROW
Zoom a picture in full-screen mode ENTER
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 149
DVD keyboard shortcuts
To Press
Go to the DVD menu CTRL+SHIFT+M
Play CTRL+SHIFT+P
Pause CTRL+P
Stop CTRL+SHIFT+S
Rewind CTRL+SHIFT+B
Fast forward CTRL+SHIFT+F
Skip back CTRL+B
Skip forward CTRL+F
Go to the previous chapter PAGE DOWN
Go to the next chapter PAGE UP
Change the DVD angle ARROW KEYS
Change the DVD audio selection CTRL+SHIFT+A
Change the DVD subtitles selection C TRL+U
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 151
Keyboard shortcuts for using the Help window
To Press
Display the Help window F1
Display the Contents tab ALT+C
Display the Index tab ALT+N
Display the Search tab ALT+S
Switch between the Help topic and the Contents, Search, or Index tab F6
Select the next hyperlink or hidden text TAB
Select the previous hyperlink or hidden text SHIFT+TAB
Perform the action for Show All, Hide All, hyperlink, or hidden text ENTER
Display the Options menu to access any Help toolbar command ALT+O
Hide or show the pane containing the Contents, Search, and Index tabs ALT+O, and then press T
Display the previously viewed topic ALT+O, and then press B
Display the next topic in a previously displayed sequence of topics ALT+O, and then press F
Return to the specified home page ALT+O, and then press H
Stop the Help window from opening a Help topic (useful if you want to stop a Web page from downloading) ALT+O, and then press S
Open the Internet Options dialog box for Microsoft Internet Explorer, where you can change accessibility settings ALT+O, and then
press I
Refresh the topic (useful if you have linked to a Web page) ALT+O, and then press R
Print all topics in a book or print a selected topic only ALT+O, and then press P
Close the Help window ALT+F4
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center features for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can configure Media Center to display C losed C aptioning for My TV or DVD. However, Media
Center does not support the SoundSentry, ShowSounds, and sound schemes features that are enabled elsewhere in Windows XP.
The accessibility tools that ship with Media Center are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with special needs.
Most users with disabilities will need utility programs with more advanced functionality for daily use. For information about accessibility
products and accessibility aids for Windows XP operating systems, see the accessibility page on the Microsoft Web site.
Related topics
Closed C aptioning
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 153
Closed Captioning
Closed C aptioning displays the spoken audio in text format for TV and DVD. You can turn on Closed Captioning for Media C enter in TV
Settings. If closed captions are available on a channel other than the default captioning channel, then you can change the captioning
channel in Settings.
To turn on or turn off Closed Captioning for TV and DVD
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
Under Caption Display, select either On, Off, or On when muted.
5.
After you have completed your changes, select Save to return to the TV Settings page.
To select a different captioning channel
1.
Press START , and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
Under Captioning, select a different captioning channel, and then select Save to return to the TV Settings page.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center features for people who are blind or have impaired vision
For people who are blind or have impaired vision, Media Center supports many of the accessibility features in Windows XP. However,
Media Center has some limitations when you use High C ontrast or some text-to-speech tools and screen magnifiers. In addition, if you
adjust the cursor blink rate or cursor width in Windows Settings, then the changes will not be displayed in Media C enter. Use the
following links for information about each feature:
High C ontrast
Text-to-speech tools
Screen magnifiers
Descriptive Video Service
The accessibility tools that ship with Media Center are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with special needs.
Most users with disabilities will need utility programs with more advanced functionality for daily use. For information about accessibility
products and accessibility aids for Windows XP operating systems, see the accessibility page on the Microsoft Web site.
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High Contrast
By using High Contrast, you can specify that Windows XP use specific colors and fonts for easy reading; however, Media Center can
display only two appearance schemes. So when you turn on High Contrast in Windows XP and then open Media C enter, Media C enter
automatically associates either High Contrast White or High Contrast Black with the scheme selection made in Windows XP.
Note The two High C ontrast appearance schemes in Media Center have a uniform font size. The font size in Media C enter
does not increase when you select a Windows XP scheme labeled "large" or "extra large." However, the standard Media Center
font size is considerably larger than the standard font size in other desktop applications and can still be useful for some visual
impairments.
To turn on or turn off High Contrast
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel.
3.
In Category View, click Adjust the contrast for text and colors on your screen.
4.
On the Display tab, under High Contrast, select or clear the Use High Contrast check box.
Note To choose a specific High Contrast appearance scheme, click Settings under High Contrast.
For information about how to use High Contrast in Windows XP and Media Center, search for "High C ontrast" under Accessibility in
Help and Support Center.
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Text-to-speech tools
Media Center supports Narrator and other screen readers that work with Active Accessibility 2.0. Narrator is a text-to-speech utility
program in Windows XP for users who are blind or have impaired vision. Narrator reads what is displayed on your screen: the contents
of the active window, menu options, or the text you have typed.
To open Narrator
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Accessibility,
and then click Narrator.
For information about how to use Narrator in Windows XP and Media Center, search for "Narrator" under Accessibility in Help and
Support Center.
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Screen magnifiers
Media Center supports Magnifier and other screen magnifiers that work with DirectX. Magnifier is a display utility program in Windows
XP that makes the screen more readable for users who have impaired vision. Magnifier creates a separate window that displays a
magnified portion of your screen.
To open Magnifier
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Accessibility,
and then click Magnifier.
For information about how to use Magnifier in Windows XP and Media Center, search for "Magnifier" under Accessibility in Help and
Support Center.
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Descriptive Video Service
If Descriptive Video Service (DVS) is available for TV in your region, then you can activate DVS by switching to the Secondary Audio
Program (SAP) channel in TV Settings. SAP might contain an additional voice track that has voiceover commentary, DVS, or
foreign-language interpretation.
To switch to the SAP channel
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
Under Audio, change the selection to SAP by using the +/- buttons on the screen.
5.
After you have completed your changes, select Save to return to the TV Settings menu.
Note C ontact your TV service provider to inquire about the availability of DVS in your region.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center features for people who have a mobility impairment
Except for Sticky Keys, Media Center supports all of the accessibility features enabled elsewhere in Windows XP for people who have a
mobility impairment.
The accessibility tools that ship with Media Center are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with special needs.
Most users with disabilities will need utility programs with more advanced functionality for daily use. For information about accessibility
products and accessibility aids for Windows XP operating systems, see the accessibility page on the Microsoft Web site.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Accessibility features in Media Center Help
Media Center Help includes features that make it accessible to a wide range of users, including those who have limited dexterity, low
vision, or other disabilities.
Related topics
Keyboard shortcuts for using the Help window
Change the text or color of the background in Help
Change the font in Help
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Change the text or color of the background in Help
1.
Open the Help window.
2.
Click Options, and then click Internet Options.
3.
On the General tab, click Accessibility, and then select Ignore colors specified on Web pages. You also can choose to use
the settings specified in your own style sheet.
4.
To customize the colors used in Help, click Colors on the General tab. C lear the Use Windows colors check box, and then
select the font and background colors you want to use.
Note If you change the background color of the Help topics in the Help window, then the change also affects the background
color when you view a Web page in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Related topics
Keyboard shortcuts for using the Help window
Change the font in Help
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Change the font in Help
1.
Open the Help window.
2.
Click Options, and then click Internet Options.
3.
On the General tab, click Accessibility. To use the same settings as those used in your current session of Microsoft Internet
Explorer, select Ignore font styles specified on Web pages and Ignore font sizes specified on Web pages. You also can
choose to use the settings specified in your own style sheet.
4.
To customize the font style used in Help, click Fonts on the General tab, and then click the font style you want.
Note If you change the font of the Help topics in the Help window, then the change also affects the font when you view a Web
page in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Related topics
Keyboard shortcuts for using the Help window
Change the text or color of the background in Help
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Troubleshoot accessibility features in Media Center
My computer's High Contrast setting displays differently in Media Center
High C ontrast does not work in Media Center
Closed C aptioning does not work
My screen reader does not work in Media Center
My screen magnifier does not work in Media Center
SoundSentry does not work in Media Center
ShowSounds does not work in Media Center
Sound schemes do not work in Media Center
Sticky Keys does not work in Media Center
The cursor blink rate and cursor width display differently in Media Center
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My computer's High Contrast setting displays differently in Media Center
Media Center displays only two High C ontrast appearance schemes compared to the 36 schemes available elsewhere in Windows XP.
Media Center automatically associates either High C ontrast White or High C ontrast Black with the scheme selection in Windows XP.
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High Contrast does not work in Media Center
If you have turned on High Contrast in Windows Settings and then optimized Media C enter for use with a TV, then High C ontrast does
not work in Media Center.
To turn off the TV setting in Media Center
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Appearance.
4.
Under Optimize display for, select TV, and then select Save.
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Closed Captioning does not work
Media Center displays C losed C aptioning that has been supplied by the TV service provider on one of the captioning channels. If C losed
Captioning does not work for a specific TV show, then C losed C aptioning might not be available for that show or you might need to
select a different captioning channel.
To select a different captioning channel
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
Under Captioning, select a different captioning channel, and then select Save.
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My screen reader does not work in Media Center
Media Center supports Narrator and other screen readers that work with Active Accessibility 2.0. If your screen reader does not work
with Active Accessibility 2.0, then it will not work in Media Center.
The accessibility tools that ship with Media Center are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with special needs.
Most users with disabilities will need utility programs with more advanced functionality for daily use. For information about accessibility
products and accessibility aids for Windows XP operating systems, see the accessibility page on the Microsoft Web site.
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My screen magnifier does not work in Media Center
Media Center supports Magnifier and other screen magnifiers that work with DirectX.
The accessibility tools that ship with Media Center are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with special needs.
Most users with disabilities will need utility programs with more advanced functionality for daily use. For information about accessibility
products and accessibility aids for Windows XP operating systems, see the accessibility page on the Microsoft Web site.
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SoundSentry does not work in Media Center
Media Center does not support the SoundSentry feature in Windows XP. If you have turned on SoundSentry (located in C ontrol Panel
under Accessibility Options), then SoundSentry will work elsewhere in Windows XP but not in Media Center.
To find out more about the features that Media Center does and does not support, go to Media Center features for people who are deaf
or hard-of-hearing.
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ShowSounds does not work in Media Center
Media Center does not support the ShowSounds feature in Windows XP. If you have turned on ShowSounds in C ontrol Panel under
Accessibility Options, then ShowSounds will work elsewhere in Windows XP but not in Media Center.
To find out more about the features that Media Center does and does not support, go to Media Center features for people who are deaf
or hard-of-hearing.
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Sound schemes do not work in Media Center
Media Center does not support sound schemes in Windows XP. If you have turned on a sound scheme in C ontrol Panel under
Accessibility Options, then the sound scheme will work elsewhere in Windows XP but in Media Center.
To find out more about the features that Media Center does and does not support, go to Media Center features for people who are deaf
or hard-of-hearing.
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Sticky Keys does not work in Media Center
Media Center does not support the Sticky Keys feature in Windows XP. If you have turned on Sticky Keys in C ontrol Panel under
Accessibility Options, then Sticky Keys will work elsewhere in Windows XP but not in Media Center.
To find out more about the features that Media Center does and does not support, go to Media Center features for people who have a
mobility impairment.
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The cursor blink rate and cursor width display differently in Media Center
The cursor blink rate and cursor width in Media Center have been designed and optimized for all users. If you adjusted the cursor blink
rate or cursor width in Control Panel, then the changes will be displayed elsewhere in Windows XP but not in Media Center.
To find out more about the features that Media Center does and does not support, go to Media Center features for people who are blind
or have impaired vision
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 174
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
The following topics provide information about the features, products, and services that make this Microsoft product more accessible for
people with disabilities:
Accessibility in Microsoft WindowsAdjusting Microsoft products for people with accessibility needsFree step-by-step tutorials
Microsoft documentation in alternative formats
Assistive technology for Windows
C ustomer service for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
Getting more accessibility information
The information in this section applies only to users who license Microsoft products in the United States. If you obtained this product
outside the United States, your package contains a subsidiary information card listing Microsoft support services telephone numbers and
addresses. You can contact your subsidiary to find out whether the type of products and services described in this section are available
in your area. Accessibility is available in other select languages, including Japanese and French. For more information, see the Microsoft
Web site.
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Accessibility in Microsoft Windows
Many accessibility features have been built into Microsoft Windows, starting with the introduction of Windows 95. These features are
useful for individuals who have difficulty typing or using a mouse, are blind or have low vision, or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The
features can be installed during setup. For more information about the various accessibility features of Microsoft Products, such as
Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and
Windows 95, see the Microsoft Web site.
Related topics
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
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Page 176
Adjusting Microsoft products for people with accessibility needs
Accessibility options and features are built into many Microsoft products, including the Windows operating system. Accessibility options
and features are useful for individuals who have difficulty typing or using a mouse, are blind or have low vision, or who are deaf or
hard-of-hearing.
Related topics
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
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Page 177
Free step-by-step tutorials
Microsoft offers a series of step-by-step tutorials to help you learn how to adjust the accessibility options and settings on your computer.
The tutorials provide detailed procedures on how to adjust options, features, and settings to meet the needs of people with disabilities
and accessibility needs. This information is presented in a side-by-side format so that you can see at a glance how to use the mouse,
the keyboard, or a combination of both.
To find step-by-step tutorials for Microsoft products, see the Accessibility section of the Microsoft Web site.
Related topics
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 178
Microsoft documentation in alternative formats
In addition to the standard formats, documentation for many Microsoft products is available in other formats to make it more accessible.
If you have difficulty reading or handling printed materials, you can obtain the documentation for many Microsoft products in other,
more accessible formats. You can download many of these books from the Microsoft Web site.
Microsoft produces an index of accessible documentation on the Accessibility section of the Microsoft Web site.
In addition, you can obtain additional Microsoft publications from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Inc. These documents are
distributed to registered, eligible members of their distribution service on audiocassettes or on floppy disks. The collection contains more
than 80,000 titles, including Microsoft product documentation and books from Microsoft Press. For information about eligibility and
availability of Microsoft product documentation and books from Microsoft Press, contact:
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Inc.
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone from within the United States: (800) 221-4792
Phone from outside the United States and Canada: (609) 452-0606
Fax: (609) 987-8116
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Web site
Web addresses can change, so you might be unable to connect to the Web site or sites mentioned here.
Related topics
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 179
Assistive technology for Windows
A wide variety of accessibility aids, or assistive technology products, are available to make computers easier to use for people with
disabilities.
Microsoft provides a searchable catalog of accessibility aids that run on Microsoft Windows operating systems at the Accessibility section
of the Microsoft Web site.
Among the different types of products available for the MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT operating systems are:
Programs that enlarge the information displayed or alter the color of information on the screen for people with visual impairments.
Programs that describe information on the screen in Braille or synthesized speech for people who are blind or have difficulty
reading.
Hardware and software utilities that modify the behavior of the mouse and keyboard.
Programs that enable people to type by using a mouse or their voice.
Word or phrase prediction software that enable users to type more quickly and with fewer keystrokes.
Alternative input devices, such as single switch or puff-and-sip devices, for people who cannot use a mouse or a keyboard.
Upgrading
If you use assistive technology, before you upgrade either your software or hardware, be sure to contact your assistive technology
vendor to check compatibility with products on your computer. Your assistive technology vendor can also help you learn how to adjust
your settings to optimize compatibility with your version of Windows or other Microsoft products.
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Customer service for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, complete access to Microsoft product and customer services is available through a text telephone
(TTY/TDD) service.
Customer service
You can contact Microsoft Sales Information Center on a text telephone by dialing (800) 892-5234 between 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM Pacific
time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Technical assistance
For technical assistance in the United States, you can contact Microsoft Product Support Services on a text telephone at (800) 892-5234
between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. In Canada, dial (905) 568-9641 between 8:00
AM and 8:00 PM Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Microsoft support services are subject to the prices, terms,
and conditions in place at the time the service is used.
Related topics
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
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Getting more accessibility information
The Accessibility section of the Microsoft Web site provides information about accessible technology to help improve the lives of people
with disabilities by making computers a positive force in employment, education, and recreation. The information on this site benefits
people with disabilities and their friends and family members, people in outreach organizations, educators, and advocates.
A free monthly newsletter is offered through e-mail to help you keep up to date with accessibility topics about Microsoft products at the
Accessibility section of the Microsoft Web site.
Related topics
Accessible products and services from Microsoft
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Watch TV
TV watching basics
Watch a TV show in full-screen mode
View details for a TV show
Change the channel
Trick play while watching TV
Pause and play TV
Stop TV
Fast forward TV
Rewind TV
Advanced trick play while watching TV
Skip ahead in a TV show
Use instant replay
Watch TV in slow motion
Watch TV frame-by-frame
Watch pay-per-view
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Watch a TV show in full-screen mode
Go to live TV from anywhere in Media Center by pressing the LIVE TV button on the remote. Media C enter begins playing live TV on the
last channel you watched or the channel that is currently being recorded.
To watch TV in full-screen mode
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote to highlight the Now Playing window.
3.
Press the OK button on the remote to maximize the TV viewing window to full-screen mode.
4.
Press the BACK button on the remote to leave full-screen mode and return to the previous screen.
Tip Press LIVE TV to switch to live TV in full-screen mode from anywhere in Media Center.
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View details for a TV show
While watching TV in full-screen mode, press the MORE INFO button on the remote to display the information bar. The information bar
lists the current time and channel, the TV show title, category, and a short description of the show.
Note While the information bar is displayed, select More Info on the screen to view even more information on the current
show. The Program Info page appears. Press the BACK button on the remote to return to TV in full-screen mode.
To hide the information bar, press MORE INFO a second time or wait for the information bar to time out after 10 seconds.
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Change the channel
You can change the channel while watching TV in full-screen mode or when you have selected the inset window or the Now Playing
window on the My TV home page.
To change the channel, do one of the following
Press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote to scroll through channels individually.
To select a channel, enter from one to four digits by using the numeric keypad on the remote. Press the OK button on the remote to
change the channel immediately, or wait a few seconds for the channel to change automatically.
Full-screen mode only: Press OK to jump back to the last channel you watched.
Related topics
Troubleshoot changing channels
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Page 187
Pause and play TV
1.
Press the PAUSE button on the remote to halt the live TV or recorded TV image.
2.
To resume watching TV, do one of the following:
Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume watching TV where you left off. When you pause live TV for less than 30
minutes, the show begins playing automatically from where you left off. Media Center keeps live TV paused for a maximum of
30 minutes.
Press the LIVE TV button on the remote, and then press PLAY to advance forward and watch live TV instead of watching the
TV buffer.
Note You can control the TV image with the transport control buttons on the remote while you are watching TV in full-screen
mode or when you select the inset window or the Now Playing window on the My TV home page.
Tip While TV is paused, you can press the REPLAY button or SKIP button on the remote to skip the TV image back or
forward frame-by-frame. Or press the FAST FORWARD button on the remote to advance forward in slow motion.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
Watch TV in slow motion
Watch TV frame-by-frame
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Stop TV
1.
Press the STOP button on the remote to stop live TV or recorded TV. To confirm that TV is stopped, a message appears.
2.
To resume watching TV, do one of the following:
To resume watching TV where you left off, select Resume on the screen or press the PLAY button on the remote. If you
resume playing TV within 30 minutes of pressing STOP, then Media Center starts playing TV where you left off. If you stop TV
for more than 30 minutes, then Media Center automatically starts playing again.
Press the LIVE TV button on the remote to advance forward and watch live TV instead of starting where you left off.
Note You can control the TV image with the transport control buttons on the remote while you are watching TV in full-screen
mode or when the inset window or the Now Playing window on the My TV home page is selected.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
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Page 189
Fast forward TV
Media Center has three fast forward speeds to control the TV image. You can use fast forward only if live TV has been paused for a
length of time or if you are watching recorded TV.
To advance at 3 times normal speed, press the FAST FORWARD button on the remote one time. Press FAST FORWARD a second or
third time to increase the speed.
Note If you press FAST FORWARD a fourth time, then you cycle back to the normal viewing speed.
Tip Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume normal viewing speed, or press the PAUSE button to freeze the video
image.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
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Rewind TV
Media Center has three rewind speeds to control the TV image.
To rewind at 3 times normal speed, press the REWIND button on the remote one time. Press REWIND a second time or third time
to increase the speed.
Note If you press REWIND a fourth time, then you cycle back to the normal viewing speed.
Tip Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume normal viewing speed, or press the PAUSE button on the remote to
freeze the video image.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
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Skip ahead in a TV show
If live TV has been paused for a length of time or you are watching recorded TV, then you can press the SKIP button on the remote
to advance 29 seconds ahead into the TV buffer. You can repeatedly skip forward but only until you reach the end of the buffer.
To advance to the end of the recorded show or the TV buffer, press and hold SKIP .
Note You can control the TV image with the transport control buttons on the remote while you are watching TV in full-screen
mode or when the inset window or the Now Playing window on the My TV home page is selected.
Tip If you press the PAUSE button on the remote and then press SKIP , then the video image advances forward
frame-by-frame.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
Watch TV frame-by-frame
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Use instant replay
Press the REPLAY button on the remote to go back 7 seconds in live TV or recorded TV. You can repeatedly jump back with the
instant replay option but only to the beginning of the TV buffer or recorded show.
To advance to the beginning of the recorded show or TV buffer, press and hold REPLAY .
Note You can control the TV image with the transport control buttons on the remote while you are watching TV in full-screen
mode or when the inset window or the Now Playing window on the My TV home page is selected.
Tip If you press the PAUSE button on the remote and then press REPLAY , then the video image skips back
frame-by-frame.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
Watch TV frame-by-frame
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Page 193
Watch TV in slow motion
You can use one of two slow motion speeds to advance the video image while you are watching TV in full-screen mode or when the inset
window or the Now Playing window on the My TV home page is selected. Slow motion in reverse is not supported.
To watch TV in slow motion
1.
Press the PAUSE button on the remote. The video image freezes.
2.
To advance the video image by 22% of the normal speed, press the FAST FORWARD button on the remote one time. The video
image advances at the slowest of the slow motion speeds.
3.
To advance the video image by 44% of the normal speed, press FAST FORWARD a second time. The video image advances at
the fastest of the slow motion speeds.
Note If you press FAST FORWARD a third time, then you cycle back to the paused state.
Tip Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume normal viewing speed.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
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Watch TV frame-by-frame
You can skip forward or skip back frame-by-frame in the video image while you are watching TV in full-screen mode or when the inset
window or the Now Playing window on the My TV home page is selected.
To watch TV frame-by-frame
1.
Press the PAUSE button on the remote. The video image freezes.
2.
Do one of the following:
To skip the video image forward frame-by-frame, press the SKIP button on the remote.
To skip the video image back frame-by-frame, press the REPLAY button on the remote.
Note Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume normal viewing speed.
Related topics
Transport controls in Media Center
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Watch pay-per-view
Pay-per-view shows are supplied by your TV service provider and must be included in your TV package to view them in Media Center. If
you have any questions about the pay-per-view options available to you, then contact your TV service provider.
To watch pay-per-view
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Go to the pay-per-view show in the listings.
3.
Press the OK button on the remote to select the show.
4.
When prompted, use the set-top box remote to complete the pay-per-view order. The show plays after you have completed the
order.
Related topics
Browse the Guide
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Use the Guide
Guide basics
Go to the Guide
Select a show listed in the Guide
Browse the Guide
Filter the Guide by a category
View the lineup for a single channel
Record from the Guide
Record a show from the Guide
Record a series from the Guide
More about the Guide
Download Guide listings manually
Change Guide settings
Get more information about the Guide
Turn on or turn off onscreen tips
Troubleshoot the Guide
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Go to the Guide
Press the GUIDE button on the remote to go to the Program Guide while using any program on your computer. Even if Media Center is
not currently running, pressing the GUIDE button starts Media Center and displays the Guide.
In the Guide, you can view and scroll through a list of the current TV shows that are periodically downloaded from your Microsoft TV
Listings service provider. The Guide displays channel and network information, and the title and scheduled broadcast time of the show.
When you select a show title, a short description of the show appears at the bottom of the screen.
To go to the Guide
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Guide on the screen.
Note Press the BACK button on the remote to return to the previous screen, or press the LIVE TV button on the remote to
watch TV in full-screen mode.
Tip When you first go to the Guide, TV tips appear at the bottom of the screen to help you learn how to use the Guide. After
you have learned how to use the Guide, you can turn off the tips in General Settings under Notifications.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off onscreen tips
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Select a show listed in the Guide
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Go to the TV show. When an item is highlighted, additional information about the TV show appears at the bottom of the screen.
3.
Press the OK button on the remote to select the TV show.
4.
One of the following occurs:
If the show is currently playing, then it appears in full-screen mode.
If the show that you selected in the Guide is not yet playing, then the Program Info page appears. On the Program Info
page, you can view more information about the show or schedule the show (or the series) to record.
5.
Press the BACK button on the remote to return to the previous page.
Related topics
Browse the Guide
Filter the Guide by a category
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Browse the Guide
To browse the Guide by using the remote, do any of the following:
To Press
Go to the inset window - LEFT ARROW
Jump directly to a specific channel in the Guide - numeric keypad
Scroll to the next or previous time slot - RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW
Scroll through the TV channels one at a time - UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW
Scroll through the TV channels page by page - C H/PG+ or CH/PG-
Jump forward 12 hours in the Guide SKIP
Jump back 12 hours in the Guide REPLAY
Jump forward 3 hours in the Guide FAST FORWARD
Jump back 3 hours in the Guide REWIND
Return to the current time slot in the listings - GUIDE, and then select All on now
Tip When you first go to the Guide, TV tips appear at the bottom of the screen to help you learn how to use the Guide. After
you have learned how to use the Guide, you can turn off the tips in General Settings under Notifications.
Related topics
Select a show listed in the Guide
Turn on or turn off onscreen tips
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Filter the Guide by a category
Guide filtering is available in the United States and Canada only.
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
While in the Guide, press GUIDE a second time. A list of filter categories appears.
3.
Select a category, and then press the OK button on the remote. The channels that contain shows within that category appear.
4.
Press GUIDE to return from a filtered Guide view to the current time slot listing all the channels.
Related topics
Select a show listed in the Guide
Browse the Guide
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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View the lineup for a single channel
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Select the channel identifier to view the listings for that channel.
3.
To browse through the channel listings, do one of the following.
To Press
Jump directly to a specific single channel listing - numeric keypad
Scroll to the next or previous single channel listing - RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW
Scroll up or scroll down one item at a time - UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW
Scroll up or scroll down one page at a time - C H/PG+ or CH/PG-
Return to the Guide - BACK
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Download Guide listings manually
You can download new Guide information manually to update your current Guide listings. The Guide can contain up to 14 days of
program Guide information. If you download only Guide listings manually, then you must update your Guide regularly to make sure to
get any last-minute schedule changes.
Note Before you can download Guide listings, you must have your TV signal, Guide, and Internet connection set up.
To download updated Guide listings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Get Guide data.
5.
When prompted, press the OK button on the remote to begin downloading the Guide listings. A dialog box appears when the Guide
update is complete. You can continue to use the Guide while new Guide information is being downloaded.
Tip You can find out the date and time of the last successful Guide downloading in About Guide data under Guide Settings.
Related topics
Read about the current Guide information
Reset the Guide lineup
Change the settings for the TV signal
Set up your Internet connection
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Read the Terms of Service for the Guide in Media Center
In order to be able to download and use the Guide information from the Microsoft TV listings service provider, you must agree to the
Terms of Service. To agree or decline the Terms of Service, go to Reset Guide lineup in Guide Settings.
To read the Terms of Service for the Guide
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Terms of Service.
5.
To return to Guide Settings, press the BACK button on the remote.
Related topics
Change the settings for the TV signal
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Read the Guide privacy statement
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Privacy.
4.
Select Guide Privacy Statement.
5.
To return to Guide Settings, press the BACK button on the remote.
Related topics
Change the settings for the TV signal
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Read about the current Guide information
The About Guide data page displays information about the current listings in the Guide. For example, it displays the start date, end
date, and end time for the downloaded Guide listings, as well as information about the Microsoft TV Listings service provider.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select About Guide data. Information about the current Guide listings appears.
5.
To return to Guide Settings, press the BACK button on the remote.
Related topics
Download Guide listings manually
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Record the show that you are watching
While watching TV in full-screen mode or when you have selected the inset window or Now Playing window in the My TV home page,
press the RECORD button on the remote to begin recording the current show. To confirm that your selection is being recorded, the
record icon appears. Media Center records the remainder of the current show.
Press the STOP button on the remote to stop recording before the end of the show. Select Yes if you want to stop recording, or
select No if you want to continue recording.
Note If Guide information is not available when you try to record a show, then the Manual Record screen appears so that
you can schedule the recording by channel and time.
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Record a show from the Guide
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Go to the TV show that you want to record.
3.
Highlight the title of the show, and then press the RECORD button on the remote one time to record the show. To confirm that
your selection is scheduled to be recorded, the record icon appears.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Related topics
Use standby mode
Browse the Guide
Record a series from the Guide
Change recording settings for a scheduled recording
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Record a series from the Guide
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the TV listings.
3.
Highlight the title of the show, and then press the RECORD button on the remote two times to record the series. To confirm that
your selection is scheduled to be recorded, the series record icon appears.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Related topics
Use standby mode
Browse the Guide
Record a show from the Guide
Change recording settings for a scheduled recording
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Record a show from Search
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Search.
3.
Select Title, Keyword, or Categories to search for that type of information.
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the search results and to select the show that you want to record.
Note Multiple episodes might be grouped under one heading, so it might be necessary to select a title, and then select the title
again to locate a specific date or time.
5.
Select Record on the screen to schedule the individual show to record.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Tip You can change the settings for this recording by selecting Advanced record on the Program Info page.
Related topics
Use standby mode
Search TV
Record a series from Search
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Record a series from Search
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Search.
3.
Select Title, Keyword, or Categories to search for that type of information.
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the search results and to select the show that you want to record.
Note Multiple episodes might be grouped under one heading, so it might be necessary to select a title, and then select the title
again for a specific date or specific time.
5.
Select Record series on the screen to schedule the TV series to record.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Tip You can schedule the series and change the settings for the recording by selecting Advanced record on the Program
Info page.
Related topics
Use standby mode
Search TV
Record a show from Search
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Record by keyword
When you schedule a custom recording by keyword, Media Center continually searches the Guide and records shows based on the
preferences you set, such as actor, director, movie title, or program title. Media Center continues to find and record shows until you
cancel the scheduled Keyword record.
Record upcoming shows with a specific actor or by a specific director
Record an upcoming show or movie
Record shows containing a generic keyword
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Record upcoming shows with a specific actor or by a specific director
You can schedule a Keyword record that records shows with a specific actor or by a specific director. Even if Media Center cannot locate
any matching shows in the current Guide listings, it continues to find and record shows until you cancel the scheduled Keyword record.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Add recording.
4.
Under Create a custom recording with, select Keyword.
5.
Select either Actor name or Director name.
6.
Enter your text by using the numeric keypad on the remote. A list of matches to the name you entered displays alphabetically.
Select an item from the results list, and then press the OK button on the remote.
Tip In the results list, names are displayed with the first name and then last name (that is. Jane Doe). If you type in Doe,
then you might need to scroll down in the list to locate the matching name.
Note When you enter text, Media Center is searching the Guide information for the text entered. It might take several
seconds for the match results to appear.
Optional steps if no matches were found
1.
If no matches were found, then select Use: <your text>, and then press OK.
2.
If you would like to record shows that have your keyword and are in a specific category, then select Add a category (optional)
.
3.
Make any additional selections similar to Advanced Record settings.
4.
Once you have completed your selections, select Record. A sample list of shows displays that match your Keyword record
selections.
5.
Select OK to schedule the Keyword record or select Change Settings to make additional selections in Keyword record for better
results.
Related topics
Use advanced record settings
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Record an upcoming show or movie
You can schedule a Keyword record to record an upcoming show or movie that might not be in the Guide listings yet. Even if Media
Center cannot locate any matching shows in the current Guide listings, it continues to find and record shows until you cancel the
scheduled Keyword record.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Add recording.
4.
Under Create a custom recording with, select Keyword.
5.
Select either Movie title or Program title.
6.
Enter your text by using the numeric keypad on the remote. A list of matches to the name you entered displays alphabetically.
Select an item from the results list and then press the OK button on the remote.
Tip If you select Use: <your text>, then make sure that the text is spelled correctly. Media Center does not check for
misspellings or matches that are close to keywords and might not record the expected shows if the text is entered incorrectly.
Note When you first enter text, Media Center is searching the Guide information for the text entered. It might take several
seconds for the match results to appear.
Optional steps if no matches were found
1.
If no matches were found, then select Use: <your text>, and then press OK.
2.
Make any additional selections similar to Advanced Record settings.
3.
Once you have completed your selections, select Record. A sample list of shows displays that match your Keyword record
selections.
4.
Select OK to schedule the Keyword record or select Change Settings make additional selections in Keyword record for better
results.
Related topics
Use advanced record settings
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Record shows containing a generic keyword
You can schedule a Keyword record that finds and records shows that match a generic keyword, such as a favorite sports team, or a
historical figure or topic. Even if Media Center cannot locate any matching shows in the current Guide listings, it continues to find and
record shows until you cancel the scheduled Keyword record.
For example, if you want to record shows that contain a specific sports team, you might want to set up a Keyword record with the name
of that sports team (and associated city) as the generic keyword. To record only live sports events, you can select Live under Show
type.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Add recording.
4.
Under Create a custom recording with, select Keyword.
5.
Select Generic keyword.
6.
Enter your text by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
Note If you enter a keyword that is not specific enough, then too many shows might be recorded and fill up your disk space.
Or, if you do not spell the keyword as it appears in the Guide, then some shows might not be recorded as expected.
7.
Select Save.
8.
Select Add a category (optional) if you would like to record shows that match your keyword and are within a specific category.
If your keyword is not specific enough, then adding a category might assist in reducing the number of matches found.
9.
Make any additional selections similar to Advanced Record settings.
10.
Once you have completed your selections, select Record. A sample list of shows displays that match your Keyword record
selections.
11.
Select OK to schedule the Keyword record or select Change Settings to make additional selections in Keyword record for better
results.
Related topics
Use advanced record settings
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Record by channel and time
Recording by channel and time (Manual record), allows you to schedule a TV recording with a specific start time and end time. If you do
not have Guide information, then you can still schedule recordings by using Manual record. When you schedule the Manual record you
have the option of naming it. If you do not name the recording, then Media Center names it automatically with the prefix of "Manual" in
the title so you can locate it in Recorded TV.
To schedule a manual recording
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Add recording.
4.
Under Create a custom recording with, select Channel and time.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote and +/- buttons on the screen to bring the selections into focus. Detailed information on
each option is listed below.
Option Description
Channel Use the numeric keypad on the remote to enter the channel number you want to
record from.
Frequency Select Record once or how frequently you would like the recording to be made
on a daily or weekly basis.
Date Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the date for a one-time recording.
Start time Use the numeric keypad on the remote to enter a start time, and then indicate
whether it is A.M. or P.M..
Stop time Use the numeric keypad on the remote to enter a stop time, and then indicate
whether it is A.M. or P.M..
Keep up to Select the number of shows in a recurring manual recording that are stored in
Recorded TV at one time. Choose to keep from one to ten recordings or As many as possible. The recorder stores only up to
the limit that you indicate.
Keep Select how long to keep each recorded show on the hard disk: Until space
needed, Until I delete, Until I watch, or For 1 week. For more information on Keep, go to Use the Keep setting.
Quality Select from the following options to indicate the desired image quality: Fair,
Good, Better, or Best. The image quality determines how large the file size is on the hard disk. For example, the default option
of Best quality records TV with the clearest and most detailed image and creates the largest file size on your hard disk.
6.
Select Add title if you would like to name the manual recording. Enter letters by using the numeric keypad on the remote to
name the recording, and then select Save.
7.
Select Record to schedule the manual TV recording and return to the Recorded TV menu.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Related topics
Use the Keep setting
Use standby mode
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Use advanced record settings
When you schedule any type of recording, Media Center uses the default recording setting unless you make specific selections by
selecting Advanced record. You can also change the settings after you have scheduled a recording in Record Settings.
On the Record Settings page, use the +/- buttons on the screen to bring your selections into focus. Detailed information on each option
is listed below:
Option Description
Frequency Select Record single show to record one show or Record series to record
multiple episodes of a TV series.
Show type (Available only when recording a series or multiple episodes in a Keyword record) Select First run to record the
shows that have an original air date of less than a week or that are not marked as reruns. Or, select First run & rerun to record all
shows that fit your setting selections. Select Live to record all shows in a series that are aired live.
Record On (Available only when recording a series) If you select Any channel, anytime, then Media Center searches all
available channels and all available times for the shows in the series that you wish to record. You can also limit the series recording to a
single channel at any time. Or, you can limit the series recording to a specific channel and specific time.
Daily recording limit (Available only when recording a series or multiple episodes in a Keyword record) Select either No limit or
Once per day to determine the number of recordings in a series that can be made each day.
Keep up to (Available only when recording a series or multiple episodes in a Keyword record) Select the number of shows in a
series that are stored in Recorded TV at one time. You can choose to store from one to ten episodes or As many as possible. The
recorder stores only up to the limit that you indicate.
Keep Select how long to keep each recorded show on the hard disk: Until space needed
, Until I delete, Until I watch, or Latest recordings. For more information on Keep, go to Use the Keep setting.
Quality Select from the following options to indicate the desired image quality: Fair, Good,
Better, or Best. The image quality determines how large the file size is on the hard disk. For example, the default option of Best
quality records TV with the clearest and most detailed image and creates the largest file size on your hard disk.
Start You can choose to begin recording On time or five, ten, or fifteen minutes before
the scheduled start time of the show. If you have two recordings scheduled back to back and add to the start time of the second one,
then a recording conflict occurs.
Stop You can choose to stop recording On time or five minutes to three hours after the
scheduled end time of the show. If you have two recordings scheduled back to back and add to the stop time of the first one, then a
recording conflict occurs.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Related topics
Use the Keep setting
Resolve recording conflicts manually
Use standby mode
Change recording settings for a scheduled recording
Change Recorder settings
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Use the Keep setting
The Keep setting for a recording determines when it is deleted from the hard disk. You can choose from several different Keep settings
in Advanced Record or Record Settings to help you to keep the shows that you want but also maintain available disk space to
continue to record new shows. Information for how each Keep setting works is listed below.
Keep Description
Until space needed If there is no available disk space, then the recording is deleted to make room for
any new recordings.
Until I delete The recording is kept until you choose to delete it. Too many recordings with the
Keep setting of Until I delete could fill up available disk space and cause future shows to not be recorded.
Until I watch The recording is kept until you watch it. Once watched, it is kept until space is
needed for new recordings. Too many shows with the Keep setting of Until I watch could fill up available disk space and cause future
recordings to not be recorded.
For 1 week The recording stays on the hard disk for one week, even after you have watched it.
After a week is up, the recording is kept until space is needed for new recordings.
Latest recordings (Series Only) Media Center records the latest episodes of your series, deleting older episodes of
the same series (whether you have watched them or not). Media Center stores the number of recordings you might have specified in
the Keep up to setting.
Related topics
Use Advanced Record settings
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Change recording settings for a scheduled recording
If you have already selected a TV show to record, but would like to change the settings for Keyword record, one-time show, or series
recording, then you can do so in the Record Settings menu. The options for Advanced Record and Record Settings are the same.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and select the scheduled Keyword record, one-time show, or series
recording that you want to change.
5.
Select Record settings.
6.
Depending on what type of show you select, one of the following occurs:
Single show: The Record Settings page displays.
Show in a series: You are given the option to select either: Settings for this episode only, where a subset of recording
settings appears that can be changed only for that show, or Settings for the entire series, where the complete list of
Record Settings appears for the series.
7.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote and +/- buttons on the screen to bring the selections into focus. Detailed information on each
option is listed below.
Option Description
Frequency Select Record single show to record one show or Record series to record
multiple episodes of a TV series.
Show type (Available only when you record a series) Select First run to record the shows that have an original air date of
less than a week or that are not marked as reruns. Select First run & rerun to record all shows that fit your setting selections.
Select Live to record all shows in a series that air live.
Record On (Available only when you record a series) If you select Any channel, anytime, then Media Center searches
all available channels and all available times for the shows in the series that you wish to record. You can also limit the series
recording to a single channel at any time or to a specific channel and specific time.
Daily recording limit (Available only when you record a series) Select either No limit or Once per day to determine the
number of recordings in a series that can be made each day.
Keep up to Select the number of shows in a series that are stored in Recorded TV at one
time. You can choose to store from one to ten episodes or As many as possible. The recorder stores only up to the limit that
you indicate.
Keep Select how long to keep each recorded show on the hard disk: Until space
needed, Until I delete, Until I watch, or Latest recordings. For more information on Keep settings, go to Use the Keep
setting.
Quality Select from the following options to indicate the desired image quality: Fair,
Good, Better, or Best. The image quality determines how large the file size is on the hard disk. For example, the default option
of Best quality records TV with the clearest and most detailed image and creates the largest file size on your hard disk.
Start You can choose to begin recording On time or five, ten, or fifteen minutes before
the scheduled start time of the show. If you have two recordings scheduled back to back and add to the start time of the second
one, then a recording conflict occurs.
Stop You can choose to stop recording On time or five minutes to three hours after
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the scheduled end time of the show. If you have two recordings scheduled back to back and add to the stop time of the first one,
then a recording conflict occurs.
8.
9.
Once you have completed your selections, select Save to apply the new settings. To ignore changes to Advanced record,
select Cancel.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Related topics
Use the Keep setting
Use standby mode
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Manage Recorded TV
View the recording schedule
Remove a show from the recording schedule
Remove a series from the recording schedule
View recording history
Delete a recorded show or series
Resolve recording conflicts manually
Resolve recording conflicts automatically
Change the recording priority for a series
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View the recording schedule
The recording schedule displays a list of shows that are scheduled to be recorded.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
Sort by category
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list.
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Remove a show from the recording schedule
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
Sort by category
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to locate the scheduled recording that you want to remove, and then press the OK button on
the remote to select it.
6.
On the Program Info page, select Don't record to remove the show from the recording schedule.
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Remove a series from the recording schedule
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Select Series.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the scheduled series that you want to remove, and then press the OK button on the
remote to select it.
6.
Select Cancel series to remove the show from the recording schedule.
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View recording history
To find out the status of a recorded show or find out why a show might not have been recorded, go to the Recording History page.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Select History.
5.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by status
Sort by name
6.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list. The status for each show is listed as either Recorded, Not
Recorded, Deleted, Canceled, or Partial.
7.
To get more detailed information on the recording status, press the OK button on the remote to select that show. The Program
Info page displays including a detailed explanation of the history for that recording item.
Related topics
Troubleshoot Recorded TV
Use standby mode
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Delete a recorded show or series
You can delete a show from Recorded TV that has already been recorded. However, you cannot delete an entire recorded series at one
time. To delete a series, clear one show at a time as described below. Media Center continues to record the series unless you remove it
from the recording schedule, as well as delete all existing recordings.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
Sort by category
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the show that you want to delete, and then press the OK button on the remote to
select it.
5.
Select Delete to erase the recorded show from the hard disk.
Related topics
Remove a series from the recording schedule
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Resolve recording conflicts manually
If you schedule a recording for the same time as another recording, then a conflict notification appears. Follow the onscreen instructions
to resolve the conflict when prompted. If you do not resolve the conflict, then Media Center resolves the conflict automatically and
selects which show to record.
After you resolve a recording conflict, the conflict icon continues to display for the show that is not selected to record. In this way, you
can return to the conflict and reverse it if needed. Media Center also continues to search for another instance of this show and record it
when there is no conflict.
Related topics
Resolve recording conflicts automatically
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Resolve recording conflicts automatically
If you do not resolve a recording schedule conflict manually, then Media Center resolves the conflict automatically and selects which
show to record. This selection is made based on the following ranked order:
A one-time recording (not part of a series)
Series priority ranking (Series recordings, as well as, Keyword record and Manual record can all be ranked in Series Priorities)
The show that was scheduled first
Sometimes Media Center is able to locate an alternative date and time for one of the shows and adjusts the recording schedule to
record both shows.
Related topics
Change the recording priority for a series
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Change the recording priority for a series
If Media Center encounters a recording conflict between two series, then Media C enter uses the series priorities list to decide which
show to record. You can place the series you most want recorded high on the series priorities list to help ensure it is successfully
recorded in the case of conflicts. When you schedule a new series it is added to the bottom of the list and has the lowest priority.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Select Series.
5.
Select Change priorities.
6.
Use the up or down arrow on the screen to move a scheduled series up or down in the list of series priorities.
7.
Select Done to save changes and return to the Schedule Series page.
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Use standby mode
If you set your computer to record TV, then you must have your computer powered on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode to
successfully record a show. Standby mode runs the computer with minimal power until it turns on when it is time to record. When
recording is complete, the computer returns the state indicated by your computer power settings.
To put your computer into standby mode
1.
Press the STANDBY button on the remote.
2.
To take the computer out of standby mode, press any button on the remote, move the mouse, or press any key on the keyboard.
Note With some laptop configurations, you might not be able to wake Media Center from hibernate mode with the remote
control. You must use the keyboard, power button, or another method that has been provided instead. Media Center can wake to
record TV from hibernate mode.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Search TV
Use Search in My TV to find a specific show by its title or with a keyword. You can also browse show categories to find shows that match
your viewing interests. The TV search looks for shows in the Guide listings only and does not look for shows in Recorded TV or My
Videos.
Related topics
Search TV by title or keyword
Search TV by category
Find and play a recorded show
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Search TV by title or keyword
Title search looks within show titles to find your specified word. Keyword search looks for your word anywhere in the available data on
the show including title and show description.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Search, and then select either Title or Keyword.
3.
Enter your search text by using the numeric keypad on the remote. A list of matches to your search text displays alphabetically.
The search might take a few seconds to complete.
4.
To access the results list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote until the first item on the list is selected.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll to the desired show.
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Search TV by category
The classifications used in category search are determined by your Microsoft TV Listings service provider.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Search.
3.
Select Categories.
4.
Press the right arrow button on the remote to access the category list.
5.
Select a category. You might need to narrow the search by selecting a second category.
6.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
7.
Select the title of the show.
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Find and play a recorded show
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
Sort by category
4.
To locate a specific item in the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote to go to the list, and then do one of the
following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four letters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Press the PLAY button on the remote to begin playing the selected show.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Change storage settings for Recorded TV
In storage settings, you can indicate which drive and how much of that drive is allocated for Recorded TV storage. You can also change
the default quality setting for each recording.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Recorder.
4.
Select Recorder storage.
5.
Use the +/- buttons on the screen to bring the recorder storage setting selections into focus. Detailed information on each option
is listed below.
Option Description
Record on drive Select which drive Media Centers stores Recorded TV on. For Recorded TV
storage, Media Center does not support removable drives, network drives, or drives with less than 5GB of disk space.
Disk allocation Set the percentage of the storage drive which Media Center can use to store
Recorded TV. Recorded TV never uses more space than you have allocated.
Recording quality Select from the following options to indicate the desired image quality: Fair,
Good, Better, or Best. The image quality determines how large the file size is on the hard disk. For example, the default option
of Best quality records TV with the clearest and most detailed image and creates the largest file size on your hard disk.
Maximum recording time Displays the total recording time possible. The maximum recording time is
computed based on your disk allocation, drive size, and default record quality selections.
Unused recording time Displays the actual amount of recording time currently available on the drive that
you selected. The unused recording time is computed based on your disk allocation, drive size, and default record quality
selections minus disk space currently in use.
6.
7.
Once you have completed your selections, select Save to apply the settings and return to the Recorder Settings page.
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Change the recording default settings
When you change the default recorder settings, you change the settings that Media Center uses for every scheduled recording.
Note If you just want to change the settings for a single scheduled recording, then use Advanced Record or Record Settings.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Recorder.
4.
Select Recording defaults.
5.
Use the +/- buttons on the screen to bring your selections into focus. Detailed information on each option is listed below:
Option Description
Keep Select how long to keep each recorded show on the hard disk: Until space
needed, Until I delete, Until I watch, or Latest recordings. For more information on the Keep setting, go to Use the Keep
setting.
Quality Select from the following options to indicate the desired image quality: Fair,
Good, Better, or Best. The image quality determines how large the file size is on the hard disk. For example, the default option
of Best quality records TV with the clearest and most detailed image and creates the largest file size on your hard disk.
Start when possible Select On time or one, two, three, or four minutes before the scheduled start
time of the show. Media Center adds this additional start time to every recording provided it does not conflict with another
scheduled recording. If you change the Start time for a specific recording in Advanced Record, then this default selection is
overridden.
Stop when possible You can choose to stop recording On time or one, two, three, or four minutes
after the scheduled end time of the show. Media Center adds this additional stop time to every recording provided it does not
conflict with another scheduled recording. If you change the Stop time for a specific recording in Advanced Record, then this
default selection is overridden.
Show Type (Available only when you record a series.) Select First run to record the shows that have an original air date of
less than a week or that are not marked as reruns. Select First run & rerun to record all shows that fit your setting selections.
Select Live to record all shows in a series that air live.
Record On (Available only when you record a series.) Select Any channel, anytime and Media Center searches on all
available channels at any scheduled time for the series that you wish to record. Select One channel, anytime to limit the series
recording to one channel but all scheduled times. Select One channel only to limit the series recording to a specific channel
within a 4-hour window.
Daily recording limit (Available only when you record a series.) Select either No limit or Once per day to determine the
number of recordings in a series that can be made each day.
Keep up to (Available only when you record a series.) Select the number of shows in a series that are stored in Recorded
TV. You can choose to keep from one to five episodes or All episodes.
—
6.
Once you have completed your selections, select OK to apply the settings and return to the TV Settings menu.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Change Guide settings
The listings in the Guide are determined by the TV signal provider, TV signal location, and TV listings package you selected when you
set up Media Center.
Related topics
Edit channel numbers
Turn on or turn off channels in the Guide lineup
Add missing channels to the Guide lineup
Reset the Guide lineup
Download Guide listings manually
Turn on or turn off onscreen tips
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Edit channel numbers
You can edit channel numbers to remap channel numbers to the correct TV network and related program information. Generally, only
one TV network is assigned to a channel number unless it is a shared channel.
Note A shared channel broadcasts two or more networks on one channel during different times of the day. For example, from
12 midnight to 12 noon a shared channel might broadcast a shopping network while during the second half of the day it broadcasts
a sports network. Media Center can display Guide information only for one network on a shared channel, so Guide information
might be incorrect on this channel during the time that the other network airs.
To edit the Guide listings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Select Edit numbers. A check mark on the Edit numbers button indicates that you can edit channels.
6.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channel number you want to change. As you select
each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
7.
Enter the new channel number by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then press the OK button on the remote.
Note If you are editing many channel numbers, then you can select Sort list to sort the list numerically by channel number
and view the revised lineup.
8.
One of the following occurs:
The new channel number is accepted.
The new channel number already exists in the lineup and you are asked to resolve the conflict.
9.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings menu.
Tip Select Restore default to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup. The Restore default feature turns on all
available channels and restores the default lineup mapping.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Turn on or turn off channels in the Guide lineup
To prevent Media Center from trying to access and record channels that you do not subscribe to, you should turn off the channels that
are not included in your television service package. You can also turn off channels that you do not watch regularly.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channels that you want to show or hide. As you
highlight each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
6.
Select or clear the check box next to each channel that you want to change. When the box is checked the channel displays in the
Guide; when the box is cleared the channel does not display.
Note Select Select all or Clear all to quickly select or clear all the check boxes on the Edit Guide Listings page.
7.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Tip Select Edit numbers, and then select Restore defaults to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup.
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Add missing channels to the Guide lineup
If Media Center is unable to find a Program Guide for your region or the Program Guide lineup is missing a few channels, then you can
add them in Add missing channels. Guide data is not downloaded for added channels, but you can schedule recordings and tune to
added channels, even without Guide data.
To add a missing channel
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Add missing channels.
5.
Select Add channel.
6.
Enter the name of the network for the missing channel by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then select Next.
7.
Enter the channel number by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then select Add. If you enter a channel number that
already exists in the lineup, then you are asked to resolve the conflict or identify it as a shared channel.
8.
Select Done when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Note Select the Delete button on the screen next to a channel that you added to delete that channel.
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Reset the Guide lineup
The Guide lineup is selected in setup when you identified your Program Guide package. However, if the Guide is displaying incorrect
information or lists several channels that you do not subscribe to, then you might try changing to a different Guide lineup in TV Settings.
To reset the Guide lineup
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Reset Guide lineup.
5.
Follow the directions on the screen to select a new Guide lineup.
Note If you are unsure which program Guide to select, then inspect your cable bill for more information.
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Change the settings for the TV signal
If you have moved to a new location or changed your TV signal provider or Program Guide package, then you might need to set up the
TV signal again.
To set up the TV signal
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Set up TV signal.
4.
Follow the directions on the screen to enter your new ZIP code or Postal Code, and then select a new TV signal provider and TV
signal package.
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Change the TV audio settings
In TV audio settings, you can choose to view captions while watching TV or select an alternate audio channel when available.
To change your TV audio settings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
Use the arrow buttons and numeric keypad on the remote to make your selections. Detailed information on each option is listed
below.
Option Description
Audio Turn on or turn off Secondary Audio Program (SAP). TV allows a simultaneous
broadcast of a primary and secondary audio program. SAP could contain an additional voice track such as voiceover commentary
or foreign language interpretation.
Captioning Select the captioning channel. The closed captioning option displays the TV's
spoken audio in text format for those who are unable to hear the audio.
Caption display Turn on or turn off closed captioning. Choose to have the caption display on, off,
or on when muted.
5.
6.
Select Save when you have completed your selections to return to the TV Settings menu.
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Turn off the automatic start of TV
When you first enter My TV, the TV starts playing automatically. You might want to turn off the automatic start setting for TV so that you
can:
Go to the Guide, Recorded TV, Search, or TV Settings while listening to music or radio.
Go to Recorded TV without seeing the show that is currently recording. This is particularly helpful for those who want to watch a
recording of a live event (such as sports or reality TV) without spoiling the middle or ending.
To turn off the automatic start of TV
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select My TV.
4.
Select whether you would like TV to start either Automatically or Only when I select Live TV.
5.
Select Save when you have completed your selection to return to the TV Settings menu.
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Troubleshoot the Guide
Guide information is incorrect or not available
There is no information available in the Guide
There is no data available for one channel in the Guide
The channel does not match the correct TV network in the Guide
A TV channel does not appear in the Guide
The set-top box and Media Center channels are out of sync
Guide download or Internet connection issues
There is a popping sound when Media Center is downloading the Guide
My Internet connection does not work
Media Center cannot connect to the Internet and update Guide information
There is no dial tone
The LAN Internet connection is not working
Check the user name and password for your default Internet connection
Check the region, country, or language settings for your computer
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There is no information available in the Guide
Program Guide information is downloaded periodically through the Internet from the Microsoft TV Listings service provider. No Guide
information displays when:
You have not set up the Guide or did not agree to the Terms of Service for the Guide.
Media Center has been unable to connect to the Internet and download the new Guide information.
Guide information is not available for your location from the Microsoft TV Listings service provider.
Media Center determined the existing Guide information on your computer to be expired or corrupt.
To download updated Guide information
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Get Guide data. When prompted, select Yes to begin downloading Guide information.
If Media Center is still not able to download Guide information, then you might need to either set up your Internet connection or ensure
that your computer is connected to the Internet. You might also want to try resetting the Guide lineup in Guide Settings.
Related topics
Reset the Guide lineup
Internet connection
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There is no data available for one channel in the Guide
If you are getting data in the Guide for most channels but one specific channel does not have data displayed, then the data might not be
available from the Microsoft TV Listings service provider. If you have added a missing channel to your Guide lineup, then no data is
displayed. You can still watch TV on that channel and set up manual recordings for the shows that air, but Guide information is not
available.
To record a show manually on a channel without Guide data
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Add recording.
4.
Under Create a custom recording with, select Channel and time.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote and +/- buttons on the screen to bring the selections into focus. For detailed information on
each option, go to Record by channel and time.
6.
Select Add title if you would like to name the manual recording. Enter letters by using the numeric keypad on the remote to
name the recording, and then select Save.
7.
Select Record to schedule the manual TV recording and return to the TV Settings menu.
Note To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in
hibernate mode.
Related topics
Use standby mode
Add missing channels to the Guide lineup
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The channel does not match the correct TV network in the Guide
If a few channel numbers are not displaying the correct network and related program information in the Guide, then you can edit
channel listings. However, if several channels are incorrect, then you might want to change to an entirely different Guide lineup.
To edit channel numbers
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Select Edit numbers. A check mark on the Edit numbers button indicates that you can edit channels.
6.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channel number you want to change. As you select
each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
7.
Enter the new channel number by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then press the OK button on the remote.
Note If you are editing many channel numbers, then you can select Sort list to sort the list numerically by channel number
and view the revised lineup.
8.
One of the following occurs:
The new channel number is accepted.
The new channel number already exists in the lineup and you are asked to resolve the conflict.
9.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings menu.
Tip Select Restore Default to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup. The Restore Default feature turns on all
available channels and restores the default lineup mapping.
To reset the Guide lineup
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Reset Guide lineup.
5.
Follow the directions on the screen to select a new channel lineup.
Note If you are not sure which TV signal provider to select, then inspect your monthly cable bill for more information.
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A TV channel does not appear in the Guide
A channel that should be available but does not appear in the Guide might be excluded for one of the following reasons:
The channel was turned off in Settings—you might need to turn on the channel in Edit Guide listings.
An incorrect Guide lineup might have been selected when Media Center was first set up and you need to reset the Guide lineup.
Your TV service provider might have changed their channel lineup.
There is no Guide lineup available for your region, so you have a generic Guide lineup or a lineup that is close but still missing a
couple channels. You must add the missing channel.
To turn on a channel in the Guide listings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channels that you want to show or hide. As you select
each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
6.
Select the check box next to the channel that was turned off. When the box is checked the channel displays in the Guide; when
the box is cleared the channel does not display.
7.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Tip Select Edit numbers, and then select Restore default to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup.
To reset the Guide lineup
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Reset Guide lineup.
5.
Follow the directions on the screen to select a new channel lineup.
Note If you are not sure which TV signal provider to select, then inspect your monthly cable bill for more information.
If you are still not able to view a channel that should appear in the Guide, then contact your TV service provider to verify the channel
lineup that you receive or subscribe to.
To add a missing channel
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Add missing channels.
5.
Select Add channel.
6.
Enter the name of the network for the missing channel by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then select Next.
7.
Enter the channel number by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then select Add. If you enter a channel number that
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already exists in the lineup, then you are asked to resolve the conflict or identify it as a shared channel.
8.
Select Done when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Note Select the Delete button on the screen next to a channel that you added to delete that channel.
Related topics
There is no data available for one channel in the Guide
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The set-top box and Media Center channels are out of sync
If you receive your TV signal through a set-top box, then Media Center might encounter an error when changing to channels that are
not part of your TV service package. The automatic behavior that some set-top boxes have affects Media Center's ability to control the
set-top box. When Media Center changes to a channel that is not part of your TV service package, the set-top box might instead:
C hange to a default channel
Display an onscreen error
Remain on the last viewed channel
C hange to the closest viewable channel
In all cases, the set-top box performs a default action that Media Center cannot detect and causes Media C enter to get out of sync.
Media Center attempts to correct itself on the next channel change request. If you have an onscreen error, then you might need to use
your set-top box remote control to clear the error.
To prevent Media Center from trying to access and record channels that you do not subscribe to, you should turn off the channels that
are not included in your television service package.
To turn on or turn off channels in the Guide lineup
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channels that you want to show or hide. As you select
each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
6.
Select or clear the check box next to each channel. When the box is checked the channel displays in the Guide; when the box is
cleared the channel does not display.
Note Select Select all or Clear all to quickly select or clear all the check boxes on the Edit Channels page.
7.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Tip Select Edit numbers and then select Restore default to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup.
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Media Center cannot change channels
If you receive your TV signal through a set-top box, then Media Center cannot control the set-top box to change channels if the IR
control cable is not connected. Check your IR cable connection to ensure that the cable is connected.
Note If Media Center is not able to change channels, then TV shows might not record successfully until the IR control cable is
connected again.
Related topics
Troubleshoot your IR control cable
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There is a popping sound when Media Center is downloading the Guide
If Media Center makes a popping sound when the Guide is downloading, then you might want to turn off taskbar notifications in the
Guide. The sound you hear is the audio that accompanies the notification for when the Guide is downloading. However, if you turn off
notifications, then Media C enter cannot notify you of Recording errors or Guide downloading errors from the taskbar when Media Center
is closed or in windowed mode.
Related topics
Turn on or turn off taskbar notifications
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Troubleshoot Recorded TV
I have low or no disk space
I cannot find my recorded show
My show was not recorded
Media Center could not locate the channel to record
Media Center cannot play a recorded show
Media Center recorded the wrong show or channel
Media Center failed to record
Media Center failed to stop recording
The Series limit was reached so no additional recordings were made
Media Center was unable to create the recording file
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I have low or no disk space
The notifications for low disk space or no disk space indicate that the drive that stores Recorded TV is almost full. Due to the volume of
undeletable shows currently stored on the drive, the Recorder is unable to free enough space to record more shows. You can go to
Recorded TV and delete shows to free up disk space or go to Guide Settings and allocate more disk space for Recorded TV.
To delete a recorded show
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
Sort by category
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the show that you want to delete.
5.
Select Delete to erase the recorded show from the hard disk.
To allocate more disk space for Recorded TV
1.
Press the START button, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Recorder.
4.
Select Recorder storage.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to increase the disk allocation.
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I cannot find my recorded show
You might not be able to find a recorded show for any of the following reasons:
The recorded show is located on a different drive than the one the recorder storage is set to.
Your show might not have been recorded or it might have been recorded and then deleted.
To change the default recorder location
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Recorder.
4.
Select Recorder storage.
5.
Use the +/- buttons on the screen to bring the Record on drive selection into focus. Once you have changed to a new drive, go
to Recorded TV and check for your show again.
To check the history of a recording
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Select History.
5.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by status
Sort by name
6.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list. The status for each show is listed as either Recorded, Not
Recorded, Deleted, Canceled, or Partial.
7.
To get more detailed information on the recording status, press the OK button on the remote to select that show. The History page
displays including a detailed explanation of the history for that recording item.
Note If you still cannot locate your recorded TV show, then you might want to search the Recorded TV folder. The default
Media Center location for the Recorded TV folder is C :\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Recorded TV.
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My show was not recorded
There are many reasons why your show might not have been recorded. First check the Recorded TV history page for information on
why the show might not have been recorded. Once you find out why, then go to the table below to jump to information on how to
correct the situation or avoid it in the future.
To see the detailed history information for a recording
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Select History.
5.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by status
Sort by name
6.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list. The status for each show is listed as either Recorded, Not
Recorded, Deleted, Canceled, Partial, or Conflict.
7.
To get more detailed information on the recording status, press OK to select that show. The History page displays including a
detailed explanation of the history for that recording item.
8.
To find out how to correct the problem or avoid it in the future, locate in the list below the reason why your show was not recorded
and then go to the link provided for additional information.
Description For more information
There was a recording conflict that resulted in your show not being recorded. Manage Recorded TV
Media Center determined the show was recorded previously. Media C enter cannot record a show in a series if it has already been
recorded or deleted within the last 8 weeks. About recorded TV
There is no available disk space and no recordings could be deleted to create more space to record. I have low or no disk space
The Keep up to series limit that you specified was reached so no additional recordings were made for that series. The Series limit
was reached so no additional recordings were made
There was no TV signal because the channel was not available or the tuner was unplugged or not working. There is no TV signal
The tuner was in use when the show was scheduled to record and the prompt to change channels to record the show was declined.
About sharing the tuner
Your PC was turned off or lost power during the time the show was scheduled to record. Use standby mode
The IR cable was disconnected and Media Center could not change channels to start the recording. Troubleshoot your IR control cable
The TV broadcaster changed the schedule or channel number for a specific network or the show did not air. Download Guide listings
manually
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Media Center could not locate the channel to record
If you are notified that Media Center did not record a show because it could not locate the channel, then you might need to turn on the
channel in Edit Guide listings, and then reschedule the recording.
To turn on a channel in the Guide listings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channels that you want to show or hide. As you select
each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
6.
Select the check box next to the channel you want to turn on. When the box is checked the channel displays in the Guide; when
the box is cleared the channel does not display.
7.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Tip Select Edit numbers and then select Restore default to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup.
To reschedule a recording
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Go to the TV show in the Guide, and then press the RECORD button on the remote.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center recorded the wrong show or channel
If you receive your TV signal through a set-top box, then Media Center might encounter an error when changing channels to begin
recording a show. The automatic behavior that some set-top boxes have affects Media Center's ability to control the set-top box. When
Media Center tunes to a channel that is not part of your TV service package, the set-top box might instead:
C hange to a default channel
Display an onscreen error
Remain on the last viewed channel
C hange to the closest viewable channel
In all cases, the set-top box performs a default action that Media Center cannot detect and causes Media C enter to get out of sync and
record the wrong channel.
Note In the case of an onscreen error, no further channel navigation for recording TV is possible until you take action with the
set-top box remote. The error might cause several incorrect recordings if you are away from your computer and unable to correct
the problem immediately.
To prevent Media Center from trying to access and record channels that you do not subscribe to, you should turn off the channels that
are not included in your television service package.
To turn on or turn off channels in the Guide lineup
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select TV.
3.
Select Guide.
4.
Select Edit Guide listings.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the channels that you want to show or hide. As you select
each channel, the inset window displays that channel.
6.
Select or clear the check box next to each channel. When the box is checked the channel displays in the Guide; when the box is
cleared the channel does not display.
Note Select Select all or Clear all to quickly select or clear all the check boxes on the Edit Channels page.
7.
Select Save when you have completed your changes to return to the Guide Settings page.
Tip Select Edit numbers and then select Restore default to remove all changes made to the Guide lineup.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center cannot play a recorded show
Media Center cannot play a recorded show if:
The recorded TV file is corrupt. Media Center notifies you that the file is corrupt and verifies that you would like to delete it. If
possible, Media Center attempts to find another airing of the show and records it.
The content owner or broadcaster has limited the playback of TV content. Some shows or portions of a recorded show might be
restricted to playback on the Media Center PC that it was recorded on. If you attempt to play the recorded TV file on another PC ,
then Media Center notifies you that the recorded TV file is restricted content and you cannot play it.
Related topics
About content protection for My TV
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center failed to record
If you are notified that the Recorder failed to record, then you might want to try restarting Media Center or the computer and then
rescheduling the recording. Some recorder failures might require only that you reschedule the recording. Others might be more
complicated and require you to restart Media Center, or even restart the computer to correct the problem. In all cases, you should
reschedule the recording when notified.
To restart Media Center
1.
Press the START button on the remote and then select Close.
2.
Press START a second time to reopen Media Center.
To restart the computer
1.
Press START , and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Shut Down.
3.
When prompted, click Restart, and then click OK.
To reschedule a recording
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Go to the TV show in the Guide, and then press the RECORD button on the remote.
If you receive another notification that the recording has failed, then try contacting your hardware manufacturer for further assistance.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center failed to stop recording
If you have been notified that the Recorder failed to stop recording, then you might want to try stopping the recording manually or
restarting the computer.
To stop the recording manually press the STOP button on the remote.
To restart the computer
1.
Press START , and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Shut Down.
3.
When prompted, click Restart, and then click OK.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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The Series limit was reached so no additional recordings were made
If you have been notified that a recording was canceled because the Keep up to series limit was reached, then you might need to
change the Recording Settings to enable additional recordings for that series. To enable additional recordings for a series you can
increase the Keep up to limit.
If you want maintain the same Keep up to limit but still want to get new recordings for that series, then change the Keep setting to
Latest recordings. If you select Latest recordings, then the recorder deletes older recordings in that series (that you might or might
not have watched) to record a newer one within the Keep up to limit.
To change how many episodes in a series are kept on the computer
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
Select Scheduled.
4.
Select Series.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the list and locate the scheduled Keyword record or series recording that
you want to change. Press the OK button on the remote to select the item.
6.
On the Series Info page, select Series settings.
7.
Use the +/- buttons on the screen to bring one of the following selections into focus:
To specify the number of episodes, select a higher limit under Keep up to. For example, if your previous Keep up to limit
was 3 recordings, then you can select anywhere from 4 recordings to As many as possible.
To save only the most recent episodes, select Latest recordings under Keep.
8.
Once you have completed your selection, select Save to apply the new setting.
Note To cancel changes, press the BACK button on the remote.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Media Center was unable to create the recording file
If you are notified that a show was not recorded because Media Center was unable to create the recording file, then your computer
might be low on disk space or the Recorded TV folder cannot be found. After you have created more disk space and ensured that the
Recorded TV folder exists, reschedule the recording.
To delete shows from recorded TV and create more disk space
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My TV.
2.
Select Recorded TV.
3.
To organize the list, select one of the following:
Sort by date
Sort by name
Sort by category
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the show that you want to delete.
5.
Select Delete to erase the recorded show from the hard disk.
To recreate the Recorded TV folder
1.
Press START , and then select Close.
2.
Press START a second time to reopen Media Center. When Media C enter reopens, a Recorded TV folder is created (if it does
not already exist) in the default drive location.
To reschedule a recording
1.
Press the GUIDE button on the remote.
2.
Go to the TV show in the Guide and then press the RECORD button on the remote.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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The TV reception is poor
Your cable connection, set-top-box, or antenna might not be set for optimal TV reception or might be experiencing temporary signal
interruption. C ontact your TV service provider or refer to the antenna manual for further details.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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I can see the TV image but there is no audio
If there is no audio, then check that audio is on. Try the following:
Turn up the volume.
C heck whether you pressed the MUTE button on the remote.
C heck that your speakers are working correctly.
C heck the Microsoft Windows system volume. You might need to adjust your system volume.
Alternatively, your audio tuner might not have an up-to-date driver. Consult the hardware documentation for information on how to
update your driver.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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There is no TV signal
You cannot watch or record TV if Media Center detects that there is no TV signal. If there is no TV signal, then try the following:
Ensure that the cable or antenna is connected to the computer. If your TV signal passes through a set-top box, then make sure the
cables are attached that connect your TV signal to the set-top box and the set-top box to the computer.
C ontact your TV service provider to ensure that your TV service is not experiencing technical difficulties. Additionally, your TV
service subscription might have lapsed or you do not subscribe to a specific channel.
You might be having trouble with your tuner card. Ensure that it is enabled and a current driver is installed. To troubleshoot further,
consult the hardware documentation.
Related topics
Video does not display
Troubleshoot the TV signal or image
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Video does not display
If you are notified that Media Center is unable to display an image in the TV screen when you play live TV, recorded TV, or a file in My
Videos, then it might be due to a video, decoder, or tuner error. Reference the table below for additional information.
Description Try these steps
Tuner not found (external USB tuner)—The tuner might not be plugged in or have updated drivers. Ensure that the tuner is
plugged in to your PC.
C heck the hardware documentation for information about updating the driver.
Tuner not found (internal tuner card)—The tuner card might not be installed, enabled, or have updated drivers. Ensure that the
tuner is installed to your computer.
Enable the tuner card in Windows Device Manager.
Check the hardware documentation for information about updating the driver.
Tuner in use—The tuner might be in use by another application. Close all other media applications that are using the tuner and then
try again to play Live TV, Recorded TV, or a video file.
Tuner error (invalid TV format)—The tuner hardware does not support the TV format for the country selected. Ensure that the
correct country is selected in the Control Panel settings.
Check the hardware documentation for information on which TV formats are supported by the tuner card in your computer.
Tuner error (general error)—Media Center is unable to tune to the channel requested. Restart Media C enter.
Restart the computer.
Video error—The video decoder is in use by another application. Close all other media applications that are using the decoder, and
then try again play Live TV, Recorded TV, or a video file.
Video error—The video decoder is corrupt or missing. Restart Media Center.
Restart the computer.
Check the hardware documentation for information on how to reinstall the decoder.
Audio error—The audio card is not installed, enabled, or does not have updated drivers. Ensure that the audio card is installed to
your computer.
Enable the audio card in Windows Device Manager.
Check the hardware documentation for information about updating the driver.
Related topics
There is no TV signal
Troubleshoot the TV signal or image
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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The video image is too dark
The optimal monitor display setting for most PC applications often causes the TV image to appear too dark. You might need to adjust
your display settings to view better picture quality in the TV image. To configure your video display, go to Adjust display settings in
General Settings under Appearance.
Related topics
Configure your video display
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 281
About My TV in Media Center
My TV enables you to watch TV at your own pace. You can use the transport controls on the remote to play, pause, fast forward, or
rewind live TV or recorded TV. You have even more control over the TV image with replay, skip, slow motion, frame advance, and
frame back.
Use the Guide to check what is currently playing on TV and get more details on each show. Apply a filter to the Guide and view program
information on channels that have shows within a specific category. You can also browse for TV shows in Search by name, keyword, or
category.
Once you find a show that you want to watch, you can choose to record a single show or schedule the entire series to be recorded. You
can also schedule a Keyword record, which continuously searches new Guide information for more shows to record; or record on a
specific date and time in Manual record. Media Center manages the recordings for you and gives advance warning if there are any
recording conflicts.
You can also go to TV Settings to change settings for the Guide, TV signal, Recorder, and TV Audio settings.
Related topics
About sharing the tuner
About recorded TV
About content protection for My TV
About storage space management with My TV
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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About sharing the tuner
Media Center supports a single tuner so only one TV channel can be handled at a time. For instance, if you are watching TV while Media
Center is recording, then you can watch only the channel currently being recorded. If you attempt to change the channel, you are
notified that changing the channel stops any recording in progress. Alternately, if a recording is scheduled to begin and you are watching
a different channel than the recording, Media Center prompts you to change the channel to begin the recording. If you select Cancel,
then Media Center does not record the show and you can continue to use the tuner to watch TV.
In addition, My TV shares the use of the single tuner card with Radio or any other Media Center applications that might require use of
the tuner. In Media Center, you are unable to play radio or to watch or record TV when the tuner is in use by another application. If you
are using the tuner when a recording is scheduled to start, a notification appears that requests use of the tuner to begin recording.
Related topics
FM radio and the tuner card
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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About recorded TV
With Recorded TV, you can record your favorite shows and watch them any time you like. You can choose to record individual shows or
a recurring series. In Advanced Record or Record Settings, change the Frequency, Keep, or Quality settings for each recording to
make the best use of the disk space allocated for Recorded TV.
Media Center keeps a recorded TV schedule and history for your reference. Go to the recorded TV schedule to view or change what you
have selected to record. Alternately, check Recording History to see the status of your recorded TV shows.
Before you begin scheduling recordings, you must make sure that you have the correct Guide lineup. In some cases, Media Center
could record the wrong show if you have channels listed in the Guide that you do not subscribe to or have inaccurate Guide data. If
there is no Guide information for your region, you can still schedule recordings by channel and time in Manual record.
To record TV shows successfully to the hard disk, your computer must remain turned on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode. Also,
if you want to watch live TV and record a show at the same time, you can only watch the show that is being recorded.
Related topics
About sharing the tuner
Record TV
Use standby mode
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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About content protection for My TV
Some TV content might be marked as protected by the TV content owner, broadcaster, or originator. The terms of the content
protection are specified by the content provider and transmitted with the TV show. If the show is recorded, the content protection terms
are stored with the recorded TV file and enforced upon playback.
Some shows or portions of a recorded show might be restricted to play on the Media Center PC that it was recorded on. If you attempt
to play the recorded TV file on another PC, you are notified that it is restricted content and you cannot play it.
Related topics
Media Center cannot play a recorded show
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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About storage space management with My TV
With the ability of multiple users to schedule several recordings in a day, the recorder storage space can fill up quickly. The three
variables that affect how many shows you can fit on the drive are drive size, allocation, and record quality. To maximize the number of
shows that you can store on your drive, do the following:
In Recorder storage, ensure that:
The largest drive is selected to store Recorded TV. For Recorded TV storage, Media Center does not support removable drives,
network drives, or drives with less than 5GB of disk space.
The maximum percentage of the drive is allocated for Recorded TV in the default storage settings.
In Recording defaults, do the following:
Select Fair for the default recording quality. The lower the TV image quality, the smaller the file size of each recorded show.
Select Until space needed as the default Keep setting for all recordings. This choice ensures that you new recordings can
continue to be made and that Media Center does not store the recordings on the drive any longer than necessary.
With these default settings in place you can record and store more shows on your hard disk. However, if there is a show that you need
to record at Best quality and want to keep for a longer period of time, then you can adjust the settings for individual recordings in
Advanced Record.
Related topics
About recorded TV
Record TV
Use advanced record Settings
Use the Keep setting
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Parental control limits for My TV
Parental control limits for TV and TV movies are supported in Media Center for the United States and C anada only.
Set rating limits for TV viewing
Set advanced rating limits for TV viewing
Set rating limits for TV movies
Watch a blocked show
Change the 4-digit code
Reset parental controls
About parental controls for My TV
I cannot remember my 4-digit code for parental controls
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 287
Set rating limits for TV viewing
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Parental control.
4.
When prompted, enter your 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Select TV ratings.
Note The TV ratings button does not appear on the Parental Control menu if your V-chip decoder is not installed.
6.
Use the remote to make your TV rating selections. Detailed information on each option is listed below.
Option Description
Turn on or turn off TV blocking Select or clear the check box next to Turn on TV blocking. When the box is
selected, TV shows that exceed the selected rating level are blocked.
Block or unblock unrated programs Select or clear the check box next to Block unrated programs. When the box is
selected, TV shows that do not have a rating or do not have V-chip information in the TV signal are blocked.
Set the maximum allowed TV rating Use the arrow buttons and the CH/PG+ and CH/PG- buttons to select the rating that
cannot be exceeded for normal TV viewing. Select TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, TV-MA, or None (block all rated shows). For more
information, see TV ratings.
Change advanced TV ratings Selecting Advanced takes you to the Advanced TV Ratings screen.
7.
Select Save to apply your changes and close TV ratings.
Note Select Cancel to close the page without saving changes.
Related topics
Set advanced rating limits for TV viewing
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Set advanced rating limits for TV viewing
You can use Advanced TV Ratings to establish additional rating limits for the specific content categories of Fantasy Violence (FV),
Suggestive Dialogue (D), Offensive Language (L), Sexual Content (S), and Violence (V).
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Parental control.
4.
When prompted, enter your 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Select TV ratings.
Note The TV ratings button does not appear on the Parental Control menu if your V-chip decoder is not installed.
6.
Set the rating limit for TV, and then select Advanced.
7.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the rating limit for each content category.
Note The rating limit you select for each content category cannot exceed that of the global TV rating limit that you set on the
previous TV ratings menu. Press OK when you have completed your changes.
8.
Select Save to apply your changes and close Advanced TV ratings.
Note Select Cancel to close the page without saving changes.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Set rating limits for TV movies
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Parental control.
4.
When prompted, enter your 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Select DVD ratings.
6.
On the DVD Ratings menu, you can make the following selections.
To Select
Turn on or turn off movie blocking Select or clear the check box next to Turn on movie blocking. When the box is
selected, DVDs that exceed the selected rating level are blocked.
Block or unblock unrated movies Select or clear the check box next to Block unrated movies. When the box is
selected, DVDs that do not have a rating are blocked.
Set the maximum allowed movie rating Use the arrow buttons and the CH/PG+ and CH/PG- buttons to select the rating that
cannot be exceeded for DVDs.
7.
Select Save to apply your changes and close DVD ratings.
Note Select Cancel to close the page without saving changes.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Watch a blocked show
Whenever you try to watch a live or recorded TV show that exceeds the rating limit established in parental controls, Media Center mutes
the audio and displays a message that the show is blocked.
To watch the blocked show
1.
Press the OK button on the remote to close the blocking screen.
2.
When prompted, enter your 4-digit code by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
3.
After the correct 4-digit code is successfully entered, you can watch the blocked show.
Note After you unblock a TV show, you can browse away from the channel and back again without having to unblock the
channel for up to two hours.
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About parental controls for My TV
Media Center allows you to set limits to the rating level that you and your family can view for TV, DVDs, and movies. The first time you
use the parental control button in Settings, you must set a 4-digit code before proceeding. When attempting to play Recorded TV that
exceeds the allowable rating limit, you must enter a 4-digit code to unblock the show.
Parental controls use two different ratings systems. Movie and DVD ratings are in accordance with the Motion Picture Association of
America (MPAA) scale, while TV shows are rated according to the TV rating system. To support show blocking, a V-chip decoder must be
installed. C heck with your computer manufacturer to make sure that the parental controls feature is supported.
Media Center allows you to block shows by using the ratings decoder from the TV broadcast signal. However, the rating information that
you view in the Guide is downloaded from the Internet and displayed for informational purposes. In rare cases, the Guide rating might
not match the rating information received over the TV broadcast signal.
Related topics
Parental control limits for TV
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 292
Go to the Recent Music list
To go to the Recent Music list in My Music, press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music. The Recent Music
list displays the songs, albums, artists, genres, or playlists that you have played most recently.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Browse My Music by album
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Albums.
3.
To change the way albums are displayed, do one of the following:
To view an alphabetical list of albums, select View by list.
To view the album's cover art in an alphabetical list, select View by cover.
4.
To locate a specific album and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
Tip To listen to all the albums in the Media Library in alphabetical order, select Play. To listen to all the songs in the albums in
the Media Library in random order, select Shuffle.
Related topics
Input text by using the remote control
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View music sorted by artist
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Artists.
A list of artists in the Media Library appears. Most albums are created by a single artist. If an album in the Media Library is a
compilation of various artists, then those artists are listed individually.
3.
Select an artist from the list, and then press the OK button on the remote. A list of all the albums containing tracks by that artist
appears.
Note To view the album's cover art by album title, select View by cover. To view a list of only album titles, select View by
list. To view all the songs by that artist, select View Songs.
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View albums sorted by artist
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Artists.
3.
Select Sort by album.
A list of artists in the Media Library appears. Most albums are created by a single artist. If an album in the Media Library is a
compilation of various artists, then those artists are listed individually.
Note To view the album's cover art by album title, select View by Cover. To view a list of only album titles, select View by
list.
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Browse My Music by song
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Songs.
The Songs list displays all the songs in the Media Library in alphabetical order.
3.
To locate a specific song in the Media Library and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of
the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
Tip To listen to all the songs in the Media Library in alphabetical order, select Play. To listen to all the songs in the Media
Library in random order, select Shuffle.
Related topics
Input text by using the remote control
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Browse My Music by genre
You can view all songs or albums for a specific genre such as rock, classical, or heavy metal.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Genres, and then select the genre you want to browse My Music by.
3.
To change the way the list appears, do one of the following:
To view an alphabetical list of albums, select View by list.
To view the album's cover art in an alphabetical list, select View by cover.
To view an alphabetical list of songs, select View Songs.
4.
To locate a specific item and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
Tip To listen to all the albums of a specific genre in the Media Library in alphabetical order, select Play. To listen to all the
songs in the albums in the Media Library in random order, select Shuffle.
Related topics
About information for album title, artist name, and genre
Input text by using the remote control
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Browse My Music by playlist
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Playlists.
3.
Do one of the following:
To view playlists that you have created, select My Playlists.
To view playlists that were automatically created by Windows Media Player, select Auto Playlists.
4.
To locate a specific item and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
Select a playlist. All of the songs in the playlist appear.
Tip To listen to all the songs in the playlist in order, select Play. To listen to the songs in the playlist in random order, select
Shuffle.
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Search My Music by title or keyword
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Search.
3.
Enter your search text by using the numeric keypad on the remote. A list of matches to your search text appears alphabetically.
Each additional letter entered narrows your search results.
4.
To locate a specific item and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
To select the desired artist, album, or song title, press the OK button on the remote.
Related topics
Input text by using the remote control
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Play an audio CD
1.
Press the START button on the remote.
2.
Insert a CD into the C D-ROM drive. The C D plays automatically.
Note If you have other media playing when you insert the CD, Media C enter asks you whether you want to play the C D. If
you decide to listen to the CD later, then you can find it in the Recent Music list on the My Music page (press START , and
then select My Music).
Related topics
Make Media Center the default C D player or DVD player
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Play music from the Media Library
While a song or audio file from the Media Library is playing, you can fast forward, pause, or stop the audio stream. You can also skip to
the next track or replay the current track.
Related topics
Fast forward in a song
Pause and play a song
Skip a track
Replay a track
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Fast forward in a song
Media Center has three fast forward speeds.
To advance at 1.4 times normal speed, press the FAST FORWARD button on the remote one time. Press FAST FORWARD a second
or third time to increase the speed.
Tip If you press FAST FORWARD a fourth time, then you return to the normal listening speed.
Note The fast forward feature works only when you are listening to music in the Media Library. You cannot fast forward a song
that is playing from a CD in the CD-ROM drive.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play an album
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Albums.
3.
To change the way albums appear, do one of the following:
To view an alphabetical list of albums, select View by list.
To view the album's cover art in an alphabetical list, select View by cover.
4.
To locate a specific album and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
5.
To immediately begin playing the album, press the PLAY button on the remote.
6.
Playback begins, and the album appears on the Now Playing page in My Music.
Note If you leave the Now Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset
window. You can return to the Now Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play all the albums in the Media Library
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Albums.
3.
Do one of the following:
To listen to all the albums in alphabetical order, select Play.
To listen to all the songs in the albums in the Media Library in random order, select Shuffle.
4.
Playback begins, and the list appears on the Now Playing page in My Music.
Note If you leave the Now Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset
window. You can return to the Now Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play music by artist
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Artists.
3.
To locate a specific item and go to the list, press the RIGHT ARROW button on the remote, and then do one of the following:
To scroll through the list item by item, press the UP ARROW button or DOWN ARROW button on the remote.
To scroll through the list page by page, press the CH/PG+ button or C H/PG- button on the remote.
To jump to a specific item in the list, enter up to four characters by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
4.
Select an artist, and then press the OK button on the remote.
5.
Do one of the following:
To listen to the artist's albums in alphabetical order, select Play.
To listen to the artist's music in random order, select Shuffle.
6.
Playback begins, and the music appears on the Now Playing page in My Music.
Note If you leave the Now Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset
window. You can return to the Now Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play music by genre
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Genres, and then select the genre you want to play.
3.
Do one of the following:
To listen to all the songs in the genre in alphabetical order, select Play.
To listen to all the songs in the genre in random order, select Shuffle.
4.
Playback begins, and the list appears on the Now Playing page.
Note If you leave the Now Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset
window. You can return to the Now Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Create playlists
A playlist is a customized list of audio files that have been grouped together in a specific order. For example, you can create a playlist
that includes several tracks from various albums and by different artists. You can create a playlist of theme music to accompany a slide
show or for a party.
You can use Windows Media Player to make playlists, and then play them in Media Center.
To use Windows Media Player
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
3.
To learn more about playlists, search Windows Media Player Help.
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Play a playlist you created
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Playlists.
3.
Select My Playlists.
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to go to the playlist you want, and then press the PLAY button on the remote. Playback
begins, and the playlist appears on the Now Playing page.
Note If you leave the Now Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset
window. You can return to the Now Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play an Auto playlist
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Playlists.
3.
Select Auto playlists. The playlists that are automatically generated by Windows Media Player appear.
4.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to go to the playlist you want, and then press the PLAY button on the remote. Playback
begins, and the Auto playlist appears on the Now Playing page.
Note If you leave the Now Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset
window. You can return to the Now Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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View the music that is currently playing
Every time a song, album, artist, genre, or playlist begins playing, Media Center automatically displays the item on the Now Playing
page in My Music. The items on the Now Playing page continue to play until each item has been played or you select a new item
from My Music. You can play the music in shuffled order or repeat the list of music indefinitely.
Related topics
Go to the Now Playing page in My Music
Repeat the music on the Now Playing page
Play music in shuffled order
Play a visualization
Add or remove a visualization collection
Display or hide song information during visualizations
Buy music online
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Go to the Now Playing page in My Music
The Now Playing page appears automatically when you select a song, album, artist, genre, or playlist to play. If you leave the Now
Playing page while music is playing, then the cover art, song title, and timer appear in the inset window. You can return to the Now
Playing page in My Music at any time by selecting the inset window.
Note To display the current song playing and the cover art for the album that contains the song, select View Song. To see
the current song playing in the list of songs selected to play, select View Tracks.
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Repeat the music on the Now Playing page
You can play the list of music on the Now Playing page in a repeating loop.
To turn on the Repeat function
1.
To go to the Now Playing page while music is playing, select the inset window.
2.
Select Repeat. A check mark indicates that the Repeat function has been selected and that the music plays in a repeating loop
until you press the STOP button on the remote or select another item to play.
Note You can also select Repeat a second time to turn off the Repeat function. When you turn off the Repeat function,
Media Center plays each song listed on the Now Playing page once and then stops.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play music in shuffled order
The shuffle command plays all songs listed on the Now Playing page in random order without repetition until all the songs have been
played.
To turn on the Shuffle function
1.
To go to the Now Playing page while music is playing, select the inset window.
2.
Select Shuffle. A check mark indicates that the Shuffle function has been selected and that the music plays in random order until
you press the STOP button on the remote or select another item to play.
Note You can select Shuffle a second time to turn off the Shuffle function. When you turn off the Shuffle function, Media
C enter plays each song in the order the song is listed on the Now Playing page.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Play a visualization
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Go to any song, album, artist, genre, or playlist.
3.
Select the item you want, and then press the PLAY button on the remote. Playback begins, and the list appears on the Now
Playing page in My Music.
4.
Select Visualize.
Note The name of the visualization collection and visualization effect appears at the top of the screen. Use the arrow buttons
on the remote to browse through different effects in a visualization collection. Press the CH/PG+ button or CH/PG- button on the
remote to jump to a new visualization collection.
Tip You can view information about the song currently playing during the visualization if you turn on song information during
visualizations.
Related topics
Display or hide song information during visualizations
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Add or remove a visualization collection
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select Select Visualizations. A list of visualization collections appears.
4.
Use the arrow buttons to scroll through the list, and then select the collection that you want to add or remove.
5.
Press the OK button on the remote to either select or clear the check box next to the visualization collection. When the check box
is selected, the collection is added; when the check box is cleared, the collection is removed.
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Display or hide song information during visualizations
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Music.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select one of the following options:
Beginning and end of song—song information appears at the beginning and end of each song.
Always—song information appears at all times.
Never—song information does not appear.
4.
Select Save to save the new setting, and return to My Music.
Note To save changes to visualization settings, you must select Save before leaving Visualization Settings. To return to
My Music without saving changes, select Cancel.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Add songs and audio files to the Media Library
Add music to the Media Library
Copy an audio C D
Buy music online
Manage audio files in the Media Library
Get licenses for music in the Media Library
Acquire licenses automatically for music
Acquire a license manually
Provide a unique ID to content providers
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 326
Copy an audio CD
1.
Press the START button on the remote.
2.
Insert a CD into the C D-ROM drive. The C D plays automatically.
Note If you have other media playing when you insert the CD, then Media C enter asks whether you want to play the C D. If
you decide to listen to the CD later, then you can find it in the Recent Music list on the My Music page (press START , and
then select My Music).
3.
Select Copy CD. Beginning with the first track listed, Media C enter copies the CD until it has copied the entire C D. The current
track copying is indicated by a spinning CD icon (5) with the percentage of track copied appearing next to it (4). All songs that
have been copied are indicated by a check mark icon (2) with the track time appearing next to it (1). If you are listening to the
CD while Media C enter is copying it, then the currently playing track is indicated by the Now Playing icon (3).
4.
You receive a confirmation message when the CD has been completely copied.
Tip You can also copy a CD by pressing the REC ORD button on the remote when the C D is selected in the Recent Music
list on the My Music page (press START , and then select My Music). To stop copying the CD at any time, press the STOP
button on the remote.
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Manage audio files in the Media Library
In Media Center, you can browse and play the music in the Media Library. However, if you want to modify information about the songs
or audio files, as well as add, delete, and move the files, you must go to Windows Media Player.
To add, delete, move, and rename files in the Media Library
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
3.
Click Media Library.
4.
4Right-click the file you want to change.
Search Help in Windows Media Player
1.
Press START , and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
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Buy music online
When you select Buy Music on the Now Playing page in My Music, your Internet browser opens the Windows Media Web site. On the
Windows Media Web site, you can listen to music samples or buy music by the artist or album you are listening to at the time. You can
also find out more information related to the music that you are listening to.
To go back to Media Center, press the START button on the remote or minimize your Internet browser.
Go to the Windows Media Web site.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Acquire licenses automatically for music
Just like in Windows Media Player, you can allow Media Center to acquire licenses automatically for music by enabling the setting in
Privacy Settings.
To acquire licenses automatically
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Privacy.
4.
Select Settings.
5.
Under Enhanced Playback, select the check box next to Acquire licenses automatically for protected content.
Related topics
About content protection for My Music
Acquire a license manually
Provide a unique ID to content providers
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Acquire a license manually
If you attempt to access a file that requires a license (and have not turned on the Acquire license automatically for protected
content setting in Privacy Settings), Media C enter will notify you that the content is restricted and request that you acquire a license
before you can begin playing it. Follow the instructions on the screen to acquire the license. In doing so, you may need to register,
provide a unique player ID, or pay a fee depending on the content provider.
Related topics
About content protection for My Music
Acquire licenses automatically for music
Provide a unique ID to content providers
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Provide a unique ID to content providers
The Player (used by both Media Center and Windows Media Player) creates an identifier (ID) that Web servers can recognize to uniquely
identify your Player. The ID does not contain any personally identifiable information about you.
Some content providers may require you to send a unique player ID before you can acquire a license from them. If you have enabled
the Privacy Setting in Windows Media Player, and you receive streaming media over the Internet, then the Player sends a unique ID
to the server that is delivering the stream or receiving connection information. The server typically uses this unique ID to perform tasks
such as monitoring your connections, gathering statistics, and providing access to content. By monitoring your connection, the server
administrator can often make adjustments to improve the playback quality and provide additional services.
The Player does not send this unique ID to content providers by default. Note that you may encounter content providers that require
you to send a unique ID to receive content. For more information about how a content provider uses the Player ID, see the content
provider's privacy policy.
If you do not want a server to be able to uniquely identify your computer when you are receiving streaming media, do not enable the
Privacy Setting in Windows Media Player.
To provide a unique ID to content providers
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
3.
On the Tools menu, click Options.
4.
On the Privacy tab, select the check box next to Send unique player ID to content providers.
5.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Note The steps described above may differ depending on what version of Windows Media Player you have installed on your
computer. For additional information, see Windows Media Player Help.
Related topics
About content protection for My Music
Acquire a license manually
Acquire licenses automatically for music
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Troubleshoot My Music
No music files appear in the Media Library
I cannot hear the music that is playing
More than one sound track is playing at the same time
An album's cover art does not appear
A music file does not play
Album information appears incorrectly, or album information does not appear
Codec errors are appearing
My CD does not play
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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No music files appear in the Media Library
Media Center plays music files from the Media Library. Music might not appear in Media C enter for the following reasons:
Windows Media Player was not used to add the music files to the Media Library.
The Windows Media Player setting for Access rights of other applications is set to No access (it must be set to Read only access
or Full access).
To search Windows Media Player Help
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
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I cannot hear the music that is playing
There are several possible reasons why you have no sound. Try the following:
1.
Check that the volume is not turned down too low by turning up the volume (press the VOL+ button on the remote).
2.
Check whether the sound has been muted (press the MUTE button on the remote).
3.
Check that your speakers are plugged in and working correctly. Also make sure that the speaker volume knob is not turned down
all the way.
4.
Check whether the Microsoft Windows system volume needs adjustment. For more information about adjusting the system
volume, go to Volume settings in Media Center.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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More than one sound track is playing at the same time
If you were playing other media before you started Media Center, or if you minimized Media C enter and started another application that
plays audio, then you might have two or more audio tracks playing at the same time.
1.
Press the STOP button on the remote to stop the audio playing in Media Center.
2.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
3.
Check the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to see whether you have other audio applications open. C lose any application that
is playing audio.
4.
Press START to reopen the Media Center window.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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An album's cover art does not appear
If the album's cover art is in an unsupported format or if the cover art is not available, then Media Center replaces the cover art with
generic artwork. You can download available information about the album, including the cover art, by using Windows Media Player.
To use Windows Media Player
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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A music file does not play
A music file might not play in Media Center for one of the following reasons:
The file is not in a supported file format.
The file might be corrupted.
The file might be on a network location that is not currently available.
You might have pressed the STOP button or PAUSE button on the remote. To restart the music, press the PLAY button on the
remote.
Your computer might not have an updated license to play the file. Media Center will prompt you to acquire a license before you can
begin playing the file.
Related topics
About content protection for My Music
Supported music file formats
I cannot hear the music that is playing
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Album information appears incorrectly, or album information does not appear
With your permission, Media Center automatically downloads available album information from the Internet when you copy or play a C D
in the C D-ROM drive. If no album information appears, then you might not be connected to the Internet or have not authorized Media
Center and Windows Media Player to automatically download the information. If the album information is incorrect, then you can modify
it in Windows Media Player.
To authorize Media Center to automatically download music information
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Privacy.
4.
Select Settings.
5.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to scroll to the bottom of the page, and then select the check box next to Retrieve media
information for CDs and DVDs from the Internet.
Note If the check box is selected, then music information is not automatically downloaded from the Internet. If the check box
is cleared, then music information is automatically downloaded from the Internet.
6.
Select Save to save the changes and return to the main Privacy settings page.
To use Windows Media Player
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
Related topics
Work offline
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Codec errors are appearing
C odec is an abbreviation for compressor-decompressor. A codec is software or hardware used to compress and decompress digital
media. You can use Windows Media Player to download codecs for supported file types.
If you get a codec error when playing an audio file, then try opening the file in Windows Media Player. If you have configured Windows
Media Player to automatically download codecs and the correct codec is available, then your file should play. You must be connected to
the Internet to download the codec file.
To use Windows Media Player
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 340
My CD does not play
A CD might not start automatically if the AutoPlay feature is turned off in Windows settings.
To change AutoPlay settings in Windows
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click Start on the taskbar, and then click My Computer.
3.
Right-click the drive you use to play CDs, and then click Properties.
4.
Select the AutoPlay tab, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Related topics
Make Media Center the default C D player or DVD player
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About My Music in Media Center
My Music takes full advantage of the power of Windows Media Player by adding an interface through which you can enjoy digital music
by using the remote control. Use the remote to copy audio files from a CD or browse and play the audio files you organized in Windows
Media Player.
In the Recent Music page, view a list of the music you played most recently. You can also browse by artist, album, playlist, song, or
genre.
Select the inset window to go to the Now Playing page and see what is currently playing. While listening to music, you can play, stop,
pause, and fast forward the music. You can also change to a new track by pressing the SKIP button on the remote or the REPLAY
button on the remote. Make listening to music more interactive by viewing the album's cover art or playing a visualization, or playing a
slide show in My Pictures. And, of course, you can use Media Center to play and copy C Ds that are in the C D-ROM drive.
Related topics
About content protection for My Music
About information for album title, artist name, and genre
Supported music file formats
My Music remote control commands
My Music keyboard shortcuts
Troubleshoot My Music
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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About content protection for My Music
Licensed or protected files are digital media files that are secured with a license to prevent illegal distribution. The license can specify
whether it expires and how you can use the file. The terms of the license are specified by the person or company that provided the file.
Just like in Windows Media Player, Media Center cannot play protected files without a license.
If you attempt to access a file that requires a license, you may be prompted to acquire a license before you can begin playing it. There
are different ways you can acquire licensed files, but the most common way is to download them from content providers (such as record
companies). The content provider may issue a license when you download the file. Otherwise, when you play a file for which you do not
have a license, Media Center attempts to acquire one. You may be required to register, provide a unique player ID, or pay a fee first,
depending on the content provider.
Another way to acquire licensed files is by copying CDs with the Copy protect music check box selected in Windows Media Player
settings. By using this option, all the tracks you copy are protected files, and licenses are issued at the same time. If you have not
already selected this option in Windows Media Player and attempt to copy a CD in Media C enter, you will be prompted to turn on or turn
off this option at that time.
For additional information on content protection for music files, go to Windows Media Player Help.
Related topics
Provide a unique ID to content providers
Acquire licenses automatically for music
Acquire a license manually
Manage audio files in the Media Library
A music file does not play
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About information for album title, artist name, and genre
Media Center reads and displays information about your music files from the Media Library. Album artist name, track artist name, album
title, and genre information is downloaded from the Internet (with your permission) when you play or copy a CD to your computer or
when you download a file from the Internet. You can also manually modify album information or add subgenres for your music in the
Media Library in Windows Media Player.
Related topics
Manage audio files in the Media Library
Add songs and audio files to the Media Library
Supported music file formats
About My Music in Media Center
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Page 344
Supported music file formats
You can play the following types of digital audio files with Media Center. You can also select Media Center as the default player for any
of the listed file types.
File type (format) File name extension
CD audio .cda
Windows Media audio files .asx, .wm, .wma, .wmp, and .wmx
Windows audio files .wav
MP3 .mp3 and .m3u
Additional audio file formats might be supported if you install new codecs.
For more information about music file formats, go to Windows Media Player Help.
Related topics
About My Music in Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 345
Listen to FM radio
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Radio.
2.
Select Start FM.
Media Center tunes to the radio station that you were listening to previously. If this is your first time using Radio, then you might need
to tune or seek a station to begin playing radio.
While listening to FM radio, you can pause, play, stop, skip forward, or skip back in the audio stream. At any time, you can change to a
different station by tuning to a specific frequency, seeking the next available station, or selecting a radio preset.
Note FM radio is only available in Media Center if your computer has a tuner card that supports FM radio. To find out the
capabilities of your current tuner card, refer to your hardware documentation.
Related topics
Tune to an FM radio station
Seek an FM radio station
Listen to an FM radio preset
Pause and play FM radio
Stop FM radio
Skip forward in FM radio
Skip back in FM radio
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Tune to an FM radio station
Tune to a radio station by doing one of the following:
Go to the radio frequency field, and enter a minimum of three digits by using the numeric keypad on the remote, and then wait a
few seconds, or press the ENTER button on the remote to tune to the radio station immediately.
Note If you enter a frequency that does not correspond to a valid radio station, then Media Center reverts to the previous valid
radio station.
Select Tune +/- on the screen to scroll up or scroll down through radio frequencies in increments of 0.2 megahertz (MHz) in the
United States or 0.1 MHz in all other countries.
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Seek an FM radio station
Select Seek +/- on the screen to listen to the next available radio station. If you select Seek +/- a second time before Media Center
finds a station, Seek mode is canceled and Media Center reverts to the previously played radio station.
Note Media Center does not seek to a radio station that has a weak signal. For additional information, go to Media Center
does not detect any FM radio stations in Seek mode.
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Listen to an FM radio preset
You can quickly start playing an FM radio preset by entering the corresponding number (1 through 9) on the numeric keypad on the
remote.
Note If the radio frequency field is selected when you enter the number, then Media Center inputs the number to the
frequency field instead of going to the radio preset.
Tip If you browse other parts of Media Center while listening to radio, then you can change to a radio preset by selecting the
inset window and then entering the corresponding number on the numeric keypad on the remote.
Related topics
Manage FM radio presets
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Pause and play FM radio
1.
Press the PAUSE button on the remote to halt radio.
2.
Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume playing the radio where you paused.
Note Media Center maintains a maximum pause buffer of 30 minutes. If you pause radio for longer than 30 minutes, you will
not be able to begin playing at the exact point you paused.
3.
To skip forward to the end of the pause buffer and listen to live radio, select Start FM.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Stop FM radio
1.
Press the STOP button on the remote to halt radio.
2.
Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume playing the radio where you stopped.
Note If you resume playing the radio within 30 minutes of stopping, then Media Center starts playing the radio where you left
off.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 352
Skip forward in FM radio
If radio has been paused for a length of time, then you can press the SKIP button on the remote to skip forward in the pause buffer.
You can repeatedly skip forward in increments of 29 seconds but only until the end of the pause buffer is reached.
Note If FM radio is paused when you press SKIP , then FM radio skips forward in the pause buffer and remains paused. FM radio
does not resume playing unless you press the PLAY button on the remote.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 353
Skip back in FM radio
Press the REPLAY button on the remote to skip back 7 seconds in FM radio. You can repeatedly skip back until the beginning of the
pause buffer is reached.
Note If FM radio is paused when you press REPLAY , then FM radio skips back 7 seconds in the pause buffer and remains paused.
FM radio does not resume playing unless you press the PLAY button on the remote.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 354
Manage FM radio presets
Save your favorite FM radio stations as radio presets so that you can tune to the stations quickly by pressing the corresponding number
on the remote. In Radio Settings, you can add, delete, sort, and edit all nine of your radio presets.
Related topics
Save an FM radio preset
Delete an FM radio preset
Change FM radio presets
Automatically sort FM radio presets
Listen to an FM radio preset
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 355
Save an FM radio preset
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Radio.
2.
Go to the radio frequency field, and then enter a minimum of three digits by using the numeric keypad on the remote.
3.
Select Save to add the frequency to the next available radio preset slot.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 356
Delete an FM radio preset
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Radio.
2.
Select a radio preset, and then press the CLEAR button on the remote.
Tip You can also delete a radio preset in Radio Settings. Select Radio, select Settings, and then select Delete next to the
radio preset you want to clear.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 357
Change FM radio presets
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Radio.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Do one of the following:
Go to the text field for the radio preset that you would like to change, and then enter a minimum of three new digits by using
the numeric keypad on the remote.
Use the up arrow or down arrow on the screen to move a radio station up or down in the list of radio presets.
4.
After you have completed all your changes, select Save to save changes and return to Radio.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 358
Automatically sort FM radio presets
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Radio.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select Auto Sort to sort the radio presets in numerical order.
Note When you select Auto Sort, the list is sorted in either ascending or descending numerical order, depending on how the
list was sorted when you first went to the screen.
4.
Select Save to save changes and return to Radio.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 359
Listen to Internet radio
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Radio.
2.
Select Internet.
3.
Select one of the Internet radio Web links from the list.
Note The Internet button appears in Radio only if one or more Internet radio Web links have been installed. Go to Online
Spotlight to check whether there are Internet radio Web links that you can download and use in Media Center (press START ,
and then select Online Spotlight).
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 360
Troubleshoot Radio
FM radio does not play
Media Center does not detect any FM radio stations in Seek mode
Why does my FM receiver find more tunable stations than Media Center?
FM radio stopped playing unexpectedly
I cannot fast forward or rewind FM radio
FM radio does not pause
I cannot find FM radio
I installed an FM-enabled tuner and still cannot find the Radio button
I cannot find Internet radio
The Internet radio stations are not the same in Media Center as they are in Media Player
There is a download message or page message when I select one of my Internet radio Web links
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 361
FM radio does not play
Because Media Center supports only a single tuner, FM radio does not automatically begin to play if the tuner is currently in use for live
TV or recorded TV. To play FM radio instead of playing live TV or completing a TV recording, select Start FM while you are using Radio.
If FM radio still does not play, then make sure that the cable or radio antenna is attached to the computer and properly positioned for
the best signal reception. Refer to your hardware documentation for the preferred hardware arrangement. If FM radio still does not play
then please contact your computer manufacturer for more information.
Alternatively, your computer might be having trouble with the tuner card. Make sure that a current driver is installed for the tuner card
and that the FM tuner is enabled. To troubleshoot further, refer to your hardware documentation.
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Page 362
Media Center does not detect any FM radio stations in Seek mode
Media Center does not seek to a radio frequency that has a weak signal. If you manually enter the frequency or tune directly to a
station with a weak signal, then Media Center plays the station. If you use Seek mode, however, Media Center might bypass the weak
signal.
For the best results, make sure that the cable or radio antenna is attached to the computer and properly positioned for the best signal
reception. Refer to your hardware documentation for the preferred hardware arrangement. If the FM radio signal is still weak, then
please contact your computer manufacturer for more information.
Alternatively, your computer might be having trouble with the tuner card. Make sure that the tuner card is enabled and that the correct
driver is installed. To quickly determine whether your tuner card is working, make sure TV works in My TV. To troubleshoot further,
refer to your hardware documentation.
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Page 363
Why does my FM receiver find more tunable stations than Media Center?
Media Center does not tune to a radio frequency that has weak signal or that is not broadcast in stereo.
For the best results, make sure that the cable or radio antenna is attached to the computer and properly positioned for the best signal
reception. Refer to your hardware documentation for the preferred hardware arrangement. If the FM radio signal is still weak, then
please contact your computer manufacturer for more information.
Alternatively, your computer might be having trouble with the tuner card. Make sure that the tuner card is enabled and that the correct
driver is installed. To quickly determine whether your tuner card is working, make sure TV works in My TV. To troubleshoot further,
refer to your hardware documentation.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 364
FM radio stopped playing unexpectedly
Media Center supports a single tuner for use by My TV or FM radio. If you are listening to FM radio when Media Center is scheduled to
start a recording, then a warning appears that says that FM radio stops when the TV recording starts. If you do not select Cancel
Recording, then Media Center automatically stops playing FM radio and begins recording TV.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 365
I cannot fast forward or rewind FM radio
Media Center does not support fast forward or rewind in FM Radio. Instead, you can select the SKIP button or REPLAY button on
the remote to skip forward 29 seconds or skip back 7 seconds, respectively, in FM radio.
Related topics
Skip forward in FM radio
Skip back in FM radio
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 366
FM radio does not pause
FM radio maintains a maximum pause buffer of 30 minutes. If you select the PAUSE button on the remote when you are at the
beginning of the pause buffer, then Media Center does not pause and continues playing FM radio instead. If you skip forward in the
audio stream, then Media Center resumes playing FM radio.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 367
I cannot find FM radio
If you select Radio on the Media Center Start menu and only Internet radio stations appear, then FM radio is turned off for one of the
following reasons:
FM radio has been turned off in Set Program Access and Defaults.
An FM radio–enabled tuner card or USB tuner is not installed or not enabled.
C urrent drivers for the tuner card or USB tuner are not installed.
Note If you have recently upgraded Media Center, then your computer might not have a tuner card that supports FM radio. To
find out the capabilities of your current tuner card, refer to your hardware documentation.
To turn on FM radio in "Set Program Access and Defaults"
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs, and then click Set Program Access and
Defaults.
3.
Select Custom, and then click the down arrow button to expand that option.
4.
Under Choose a default media player, select the check box next to Enable access to this program for Media Center
Radio. When the box is selected, Radio appears on the Media Center Start menu; when the box is cleared, Radio does not
appear.
If Radio is enabled but you still cannot find FM radio, then your computer might be having trouble with the tuner card. Make sure that
the tuner card is enabled and that the correct driver is installed. To quickly determine whether your tuner card is working, turn on live
TV in My TV. To troubleshoot further, refer to your hardware documentation.
Related topics
I installed an FM-enabled tuner and still cannot find the Radio button
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Page 368
I installed an FM-enabled tuner and still cannot find the Radio button
If you have recently installed an FM radio-enabled tuner card or connected a USB tuner that supports FM radio but the Radio button still
does not appear on the Start menu, then Media Center might not have detected the added tuner yet. Go to Radio Settings to initiate a
check for an available FM radio-enabled tuner.
To go to Radio Settings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select Radio. Media Center will check for an available tuner that supports FM radio.
3.
One of the following may occur:
You will be notified if Media Center is unable to detect a tuner that supports FM radio. Try enabling the tuner again or refer to
your hardware documentation to troubleshoot further.
Media Center detects the tuner and the FM Radio Presets page appears. However, if the Radio button still does not appear
on the Start menu, you may need to turn on Radio in Set Program Access and Defaults.
To turn on FM radio in "Set Program Access and Defaults"
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs, and then click Set Program Access and
Defaults.
3.
Select Custom, and then click the down arrow button to expand that option.
4.
Under Choose a default media player, select the check box next to Enable access to this program for Media Center
Radio. When the box is selected, Radio appears on the Media Center Start menu; when the box is cleared, Radio does not
appear.
Related topics
I cannot find FM radio
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I cannot find Internet radio
The Internet button appears in Radio only if one or more Internet radio Web links have been installed. If you cannot find Internet
radio in Radio, then try downloading the Web link again.
Note Go to Online Spotlight to check whether there are Internet radio Web links that you can download and use in Media
Center (press the START button on the remote, and then select Online Spotlight).
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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The Internet radio stations are not the same in Media Center as they are in Media Player
Media Center displays Internet radio that has been designed for Media C enter only. Go to Online Spotlight to check whether there are
Internet radio Web links you can download and use in Media Center (press the START button on the remote, and then select Online
Spotlight).
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There is a download message or page message when I select one of my Internet radio Web links
If you select an Internet radio station and there is a download message or page message, then either the Web page is not available or
the Web page location has been changed. If you encounter this message, then try the following:
Make sure that your Internet connection is working.
Refresh the Web page.
If that does not work, then select the BACK button on the remote and then select the Internet radio station again.
If the problem persists, then try reinstalling the station.
For further troubleshooting information, go to the Web site from which the Internet radio station was installed.
Note Go to Online Spotlight to check whether there are Internet radio Web links that you can download and use in Media
Center (press the START button on the remote, and then select Online Spotlight).
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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About Radio
In Media Center you can enjoy FM radio in Media C enter and control playback with the remote control. While listening to FM radio you
can pause, play, stop, skip forward, or skip back in the audio stream. At any time, you can change to a different station, by tuning to a
specific frequency, seeking the next available station, or selecting a radio preset.
Note FM radio is only available in Media Center if your computer has a tuner card that supports FM radio. To find out the
capabilities of your current tuner card, refer to your hardware documentation.
Related topics
FM radio and the tuner card
About Internet radio
Listen to FM radio
Manage FM radio presets
Listen to Internet radio
Troubleshoot Radio
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 373
FM radio and the tuner card
In Media Center, FM radio shares the use of the single tuner card with My TV. In Media C enter, you are unable to watch or record TV
and listen to FM radio at the same time. When Media Center is scheduled to start a recording, a warning appears that says FM radio
stops when the TV recording starts. If you do not select Cancel recording, then Media Center automatically stops radio and begins
recording TV.
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About Internet radio
You can download Internet radio Web links from Online Spotlight that are designed to work with Media Center. The Internet button
appears in Radio only if one or more Internet radio Web links have been installed.
Related topics
Listen to Internet radio
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 375
Play a DVD in the drive
When you insert a DVD in the DVD-ROM drive, Media Center asks whether you would like to begin playing the DVD. Press the
OK/ENTER button on the remote to proceed.
To play a DVD that is already in the drive
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Play DVD. The default menu for the DVD appears.
1.
While the DVD menu is displayed, do one of the following:
Press the PLAY button on the remote to begin viewing the DVD.
Use the navigation buttons on the remote to select another DVD menu option.
Press the BACK button on the remote to close the DVD menu and return to the Media C enter Start menu.
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Page 378
Program the replay and skip buttons on the remote control for DVD playback
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select DVD.
3.
Select Program remote buttons for DVD.
4.
Select the option you want to use.
Select Skip Chapters to use SKIP and REPLAY to skip forward and backward through entire chapters.
Select Skip forward and back or back to use SKIP and REPLAY to skip forward 7 seconds and backwards 30 seconds.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 380
Set rating limits for movie and DVD viewing
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select General.
3.
Select Parental Controls. The first time you use this setting, you will need to set a four digit code. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
4.
Select Movie/DVD Ratings.
5.
Select or clear the Turn on movie blocking check box.
6.
Select or clear the Block unrated movies check box.
Note An unrated movie might or might not be approved for family viewing.
7.
Use the +/- on-screen buttons to choose a movie rating.
8.
To apply the ratings, select Save.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 381
Remote commands for DVD playback
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in DVD. A compiled list of remote commands is provided below for quick
reference.
To Press
Go to the DVD menu - DVD MENU
Play a DVD in the drive PLAY
Stop DVD playback STOP
Fast forward FAST FORWARD
Rewind REWIND
Pause PAUSE
Advance frame by frame while paused (slow-motion) PAUSE, and then press FAST FORWARD
Go back frame by frame while paused (slow-motion reverse) PAUSE, and then press REWIND
Go forward one frame while paused PAUSE, and then press SKIP FORWARD
Go back one frame while paused PAUSE, and then press SKIP BACKWARD
Skip to the next chapter CHANNEL +
Skip to the previous chapter CHANNEL -
Skip forward 29 seconds SKIP FORWARD
Skip back 7 seconds SKIP BACK
Change the DVD viewing angle RIGHT arrow or LEFT arrow
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 382
View more information about a DVD that is playing
To view information about a DVD that is playing, press the MORE INFO button on the remote.
Media Center displays the title of the DVD, the title of the chapter that is playing, the running time, the current time, the genre of the
DVD, and the rating, if any.
The information appears for 30 seconds or until you press the MORE INFO button on the remote again.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 383
Set Media Center as the default DVD player
The first time you insert a DVD in the DVD-ROM drive, a dialog box asks you what you want Windows to do.
To set Media Center as the default DVD player
1.
Click Play DVD Video using Media Center.
2.
Select the Always do the selected action check box, and then click OK.
Note Setting Media C enter as the default DVD player applies to DVDs only. If you want to use Media Center as the default player
for other media, then you need to set that separately.
To restore the default Windows DVD player settings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click My Computer.
3.
Right-click DVD Drive, and then click Properties.
4.
On the AutoPlay tab, in the drop-down list, select DVD movie, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Related topics
Set Media Center as the default DVD player
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 385
Set default DVD audio track
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select DVD.
3.
Select Language.
4.
Use the navigation buttons on the remote and +/- buttons on the screen to make your selections for DVD subtitles, audio tracks,
or menus.
5.
Select Save to apply your selections and return to the Settings menu.
Note Setting a default language applies to DVDs only. If you want to change the default language for other media, then you need to
set that separately.
Related topics
Change the audio track while a DVD is playing
Change the TV audio settings
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 386
Change DVD audio settings
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select DVD.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
In the dialog box, use the mouse or keyboard to adjust DVD settings.
Note Audio settings vary depending on the audio card installed in your computer. Refer to your hardware documentation for more
information.
5.
Click Apply, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
Note C hanges made to DVD Settings will apply to DVDs only and will not change settings for My TV or My Music.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 387
Digital audio for DVD is not working
DVD audio is determined by both the DVD audio settings and the computer system settings. The availability of digital audio is also
dependent on the options enabled by the tuner card installed in your PC.
To adjust the audio for DVD in Media Center
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Settings.
2.
Select DVD.
3.
Select Audio.
4.
In the dialog box, use the mouse or keyboard to adjust DVD settings.
Note Audio settings vary depending on the audio card installed in your computer. Refer to your hardware documentation for more
information.
5.
Click Apply, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
To configure digital audio for DVD in Windows XP
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel.
3.
In Category View, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
4.
Click Adjust the system volume.
5.
On the Volume tab, under Speaker settings, click Advanced.
6.
In the speaker setup list, select 5.1 surround sound speakers.
7.
Click Apply, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 389
The DVD video is distorted or does not play
This might occur if you have installed third-party DVD player software. Remove the third party software to correct the problem.
This might also occur if your DVD drive has been disabled. Check to make sure that your DVD-ROM drive is enabled. For information
about how to enable your DVD-ROM drive, see Help and Support Center.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 390
DVD has a different region code and won't play
Some DVDs are encoded for playback only in certain regions. For example, a DVD that is region coded for Japan may not play back if
you are in the United States.
It is possible to change the region code on your PC, but this is not recommended.
To learn about changing the region code on your DVD drive, refer to the documentation that came with your computer.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 391
DVD audio options are unavailable
If you are unable to adjust your DVD audio settings, you might not have a decoder installed or your decoder might need to be updated.
In addition to your DVD-ROM drive and DVD player software, you must have either a hardware decoder or a software decoder in order
to play DVDs. A hardware decoder also requires a decoder driver; hardware decoders and their drivers are available from third-party
manufacturers.
If you have an older decoder installed, contact the manufacturer of the decoder to obtain an updated version that is compatible with
Windows XP Media Center Edition.
For more information about DVD decoders, see Help and Support Center.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 392
About DVD in Media Center
When you insert a DVD into the DVD-ROM drive, Media Center asks whether you want to play the DVD. If you select Yes or do nothing,
then the DVD starts to play automatically. If you select No, then you can still play the DVD in Media Center at any time by selecting
Play DVD on the Media Center Start menu.
You can set language, subtitles, and audio defaults for all DVD playback in Settings. To go to the DVD menu (where you can change
scene selections, change languages, or browse any special features that may be on your DVD), press the DVD MENU button on the
remote.
Related topics
Play a DVD in the drive
Set Media Center as the default DVD player
Troubleshoot DVD playback
Set DVD defaults
Media Center keyboard shortcuts
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 393
Work with picture files
Get organized
Manage picture files
Share pictures between users
Sort pictures by date or title
Use shortcuts to view pictures in folders other than My Pictures or Shared Pictures
Find your way around
Use the remote to navigate My Pictures
Browse to pictures stored on other media
My Pictures remote control commands
My Pictures keyboard shortcuts
View pictures
View a picture
Rotate a picture
View picture details
Zoom in or pan across a picture
Turn on or turn off photo captions
Print pictures
Touch up a picture
Read more about picture files
About My Pictures
Supported image file types
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 395
Manage picture files
Make the most out of your pictures by organizing them in Windows Explorer before you play them back in Media Center.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click My Pictures.
3.
Click the file you want to change.
Tip It is recommended that you make backups of your picture files as soon as you download the picture files to your
computer. For more information about making backups, see Help and Support Center.
Related topics
Manage picture files
Rotate a picture
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 396
Share pictures between users
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click My Pictures, or go to the folder that contains the pictures
you want to share.
3.
Click the file you want to share, and copy it to Shared Pictures.
Note The Shared Pictures folder is located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures.
Related topics
Manage picture files
Work with picture files
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 397
Use the remote to navigate My Pictures
When you start My Pictures, a menu appears on the left side of the screen. The right side shows picture thumbnails and might show
folder icons if you have organized your pictures into folders. Move between the menu and the thumbnails or folders by using the arrow
buttons on the remote.
A counter and scroll arrows appear in the lower-right corner of the screen. Use the arrow buttons on the remote to move up or down.
The arrows on the screen indicate the direction in which you are scrolling.
Note You can click the scroll arrows by using the mouse, but you cannot control them by using the remote.
Related topics
My Pictures remote control commands
My Pictures keyboard shortcuts
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 398
View a picture
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select a picture or the folder that contains the pictures you want to view. If you have
nested folders, then you might need to repeat this step to find the picture you want.
3.
Select the picture you want to view. The selected picture appears in full-screen mode.
Note To return to the My Pictures home page, press the BACK button on the remote. To go to the next or previous picture,
press the FAST FORWARD button or REWIND button on the remote.
Related topics
Sort pictures by date or title
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Page 399
View picture details
Select the picture you want to view, and then press the MORE INFO button on the remote. You can also press the MORE INFO button on
the remote during a slide show.
Picture details include the file name, the title, the date the file was created or modified (whichever date is first), the picture size in
pixels, and the name of the folder where your picture is stored.
Related topics
Rotate a picture
Print pictures
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 401
Rotate a picture
You can rotate a picture clockwise or counterclockwise in 90-degree increments.
1.
Select the picture you want to rotate.
2.
Press the MORE INFO button on the remote.
3.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select a Rotate button.
Note Not all pictures can be rotated. If your file is read-only or in a format that cannot be rotated, then the rotate buttons do
not work. You might need to use a photo-editing program to rotate the image.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 402
Browse to pictures stored on other media
Browse digital photos directly from the device on which they are stored. Media Center can recognize the removable media.
1.
Insert media into the appropriate slot on the computer or memory reader. A message asks what you want to do.
2.
Select View Pictures.
If you have already installed the media or the message has timed out, then you can go to the picture files.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Other media. The directory and drive name (for example, G:\) appear on the screen.
3.
Select the directory that contains your picture files, and then work with your picture files as usual.
Note Make sure that you have inserted the media correctly or that the media device is connected to the computer.
Related topics
Work with removable media
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 403
Zoom in or pan across a picture
You can zoom in and pan across pictures. You can use the zoom feature when viewing single pictures or during a slide show. After you
zoom in, you can use the arrow buttons on the remote to pan across the picture.
In full-screen mode, select the picture you want to view, and then press the OK button on the remote.
To Press OK on the remote
Magnify 150% One time
Magnify 225% Two times
Return to normal size Three times
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 404
Turn on or turn off photo captions
A caption displays the file name or title and the date the file was created or modified (whichever date is first).
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select or clear the Show caption check box by pressing the OK button on the remote
4.
Select Save.
For more information about modifying information associated with a file, see Help and Support Center.
Related topics
Work with picture files
Play audio during a slide show
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 405
Use shortcuts to view pictures in folders other than My Pictures or Shared Pictures
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click My Pictures.
If you want to create the shortcut in Shared Pictures, then go to the Shared Pictures folder. The Shared Pictures folder is
located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures.
3.
On the File menu, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
4.
Follow the instructions in the Create Shortcut wizard.
Related topics
Manage picture files
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
Page 406
Play a slide show
Decide what is in the slide show
Show pictures in subfolders during a slide show
Show pictures in random order
Customize the look of the slide show
Adjust settings for a slide show
Specify how long pictures appear in a slide show
Set transition animations between pictures in a slide show
Set the background color
Flip through the slides
View a slide show manually
View a slide show automatically
Run a continuous slide show
Related topics
Play audio during a slide show
Adjust settings for a slide show
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Adjust settings for a slide show
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Change the settings, and then press the OK button on the remote.
Note To cancel your changes, select Cancel.
Related topics
Specify how long pictures appear in a slide show
Show pictures in random order
Show pictures in subfolders during a slide show
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Specify how long pictures appear in a slide show
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Use the DOWN ARROW button on the remote to scroll to Transition time.
4.
To change transition time in one-second increments, do one of the following:
To increase transition time, select the + button on the screen, and then press the OK button on the remote.
To decrease transition time, select the - button on the screen, and then press the OK button on the remote.
5.
Select Save.
Related topics
Adjust settings for a slide show
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Show pictures in random order
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select Show pictures in random order.
Note C hoosing random order overrides any other order you might have used. If you want to show pictures sorted by name
or by date, then clear the Show pictures in random order check box.
Related topics
Adjust settings for a slide show
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Set transition animations between pictures in a slide show
C hoose between three different transition settings for your slide show: animated, cross fade, and none.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select the transition you want to use.
Select this transition To
Animated Zoom and pan across image and then fade into the next image
Cross fade Fade out between images
None Go directly to the next image
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Set the background color
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Press the DOWN ARROW button on the remote to scroll to Slide show background color. The selected color is the color of the
border around any photos that do not fill the screen.
4.
Select the +/- button on the screen, and then press OK to scroll through the list.
5.
Select Save.
Related topics
Show pictures in subfolders during a slide show
Adjust settings for a slide show
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Run a continuous slide show
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to go to the folder that contains the pictures you want to view in a slide show.
3.
Press the PLAY button on the remote.
Note The default Microsoft Windows screensaver does not start while the slide show is running. If you pause the slide show,
then the default screensaver starts as usual.
Related topics
Play a slide show
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View a slide show manually
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures, or go to the folder that contains the pictures you want to
view.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the picture you want to view, and then press the OK button on the remote.
3.
Use the left arrow and right arrow buttons on the remote to go to the next or previous picture.
Tip This method works well if you want to tell stories while showing your pictures.
Related topics
View a slide show automatically
Adjust settings for a slide show
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View a slide show automatically
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the picture you want to view, and then press the OK button on the remote.
3.
Press the PLAY button on the remote to start the slide show.
Related topics
Adjust settings for a slide show
View a slide show automatically
Run a continuous slide show
Pause a slide showPress the PAUSE button on the remote to pause a slide show. The pause indicator disappears after five seconds,
and then the entire image is visible. Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume an automatic slide show, or use the arrow buttons
on the remote to go to the next or previous slide.
Related topics
My Pictures remote control commands
Adjust settings for a slide show
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Play audio during a slide show
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select either My Music or My TV.
2.
Select the type of audio you want. If the audio does not start automatically, then press the PLAY button on the remote.
3.
Press the START button on the remote. The Media Center Start menu appears, but the audio continues to play.
4.
Select My Pictures. Information about the audio that is playing appears in the inset window.
5.
Start your slide show. When Media Center switches to full-screen mode, the inset window disappears but the audio continues to
play.
Related topics
Play a slide show
About My Music in Media Center
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Display music captions during a slide show
You can display information about songs that are playing while a slide show is running. At the beginning and end of each song, the
album art, song title, artist name, and album title appear at the bottom of the screen.
Music captions have three display options: At the beginning and end of each song, Always, and Never.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Pictures.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Under Show song information during slide show, select the option you want to use, and then press OK.
4.
Select Save.
Related topics
Play audio during a slide show
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Print a picture
1.
Select the picture you want to print.
2.
Press the MORE INFO button on the remote. You can print a picture during a slide show by pressing MORE INFO when the picture
you want to print appears.
3.
Select Print. A dialog box asks you whether you want to print the selected picture.
4.
Select Print again to continue printing, or select Cancel to cancel printing.
Note Print settings are configured by default in Control Panel. For more information about setting up a printer, refer to the
documentation that came with your hardware or see Help and Support Center.
Warning If you do not change your printer preferences, then your picture is printed as a full-page printout.
Related topics
Set up a printer to work with Media Center
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Set up a printer to work with Media Center
You can set up a printer profile so that your pictures print to your specifications every time you print from Media Center.
To set up a printer profile
1.
Connect your printer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
3.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then select Printers and Faxes.
4.
Right-click the printer you want to work with, and then click Properties.
5.
On the General tab, type MCE Default over the printer name.
To use a networked printer
If you are using a networked printer, then you can change some print settings by modifying your printer preferences.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, and then select Printers and Faxes.
3.
Right-click the printer you want to work with, and then click Properties.
Note If you do not create a printer profile, then pictures are printed to the default printer for your computer.
Related topics
Print a picture
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Touch up a picture
Media Center can make basic touchups to your pictures. You can fix red eye, adjust contrast, or rotate a picture. You can preview and
save your changes.
1.
Select the picture you want to touch up.
2.
Press the MORE INFO button on the remote.
3.
Select Fix picture. Media C enter analyzes your picture and makes the changes.
4.
Select Red eye or Contrast.
5.
To cancel specific changes, select Red eye or Contrast
6.
Select Save to make your changes final.
Warning: When you save your change, Media Center will replace the original file. You may want to make a back up of your
picture first, before you save the changes.
Note Not all pictures can be rotated. If your file is read-only or in a format that cannot be rotated, then the rotate buttons do
not work. You might need to use a photo-editing program to rotate the image.
Related topics
Manage picture files
Rotate a picture
Print a picture
Picture cannot be fixed
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Thumbnail does not show picture
If Media Center is unable to create a thumbnail of a picture, then Media C enter displays a generic picture thumbnail. The picture, rather
than the generic thumbnail, will still appear in full-screen mode.
Related topics
Supported image file types
Image is not displayed
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Image is not displayed
Only supported image types are shown in Media Center. An image that is not a supported image type is skipped during a slide show. If
you are viewing single images, then the message "Image cannot be displayed" appears. This message appears if the file type has
changed or if the file is corrupted. You might need to modify the image by using a photo-editing program, and then resaving the image
in a supported file format.
The following common file types cannot be displayed in Media Center.
Hidden files
Hidden files are not displayed in Media Center.
Animated GIFs
Animated GIFs are not supported in Media Center.
Related topics
Supported image file types
Thumbnail does not show picture
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Screensaver does not start while audio is playing
You can change the setting in Windows Media Player to allow a screensaver to run during audio playback.
To change the settings in Windows Media Player
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Media Player.
3.
Search in Windows Media Player Help for "screen saver" and follow the instructions.
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Picture cannot be fixed
Media Center cannot fix all pictures. If the picture is read-only or in a format that the Fix picture feature cannot use, then the picture is
not fixed. You might need to use a photo-editing program to fix the picture.
Related topics
Supported image file types
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Picture quality is degraded
When a file is changed and saved by using the Fix picture feature, the file is compressed. Repeated changing and saving of files can
result in a reduction in picture quality. To ensure you have the best possible picture, refer to the documentation that came with the
digital camera or image-capture device.
Related topics
Supported image file types
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Changes to picture files can not be saved
There are a number of reasons your picture might not be saved including file corruption, insufficient disk space on your computer, or
the file is set to read only. Try using a photo editing program to save the program or check the picture file properties.
Related topics
Supported image file types
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About My Pictures
In My Pictures, you can view your pictures individually or as a slide show. You can sort pictures by name or by date. And you can
browse your pictures by using the remote or the keyboard.
When viewing a photo you can press the MORE INFO button on the remote to rotate a picture, print a photo, or see information about a
picture.
Pictures can be stored in the My Pictures folder on the computer or on other media such as CompactFlash or a C D-ROM. Each user has
a My Pictures folder that only the user can access; however, you can share pictures between users by storing the pictures in the Shared
Pictures folder.
In Settings, you can control the transitions between pictures in a slide show. You can also set the display options for the slide show
including the background color and what information is displayed during a slide show.
Any audio you have playing continues to run while you view pictures or view a slide show.
If you have music playing while viewing My Pictures, then the inset window in the lower-left corner shows information about the music.
You can use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the inset window. If you press the OK/ENTER button on the remote when the
inset window is selected, then the home page for the media that is playing appears in the inset window. You can also play music during
a slide show. Use the remote to control the music that is playing.
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Supported image file types
You can view the following types of image files in Media Center.
File type (format) File name extension
Joint Photographic Experts Group .jpg, .jpeg
Tagged Image File Format .tif
Graphics Interchange Format .gif*
Bitmap .bmp
Windows MetaFile .wmf
Portable Network Graphics .png
*Animated .gif files are not supported.
Related topics
My Pictures remote control commands
Remote commands for Media Center
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Navigate My Videos
When you start My Videos, a menu appears on the left side of the screen. The right side shows video thumbnails and folder icons if you
have organized your videos into folders or connected to a removable media source, such as a CompactFlash card or wireless drive.
Move between the menu and the folders by using the arrow buttons on the remote.
The first time you use Media Center, you might see a message that says "Media C enter cannot find your video files." You can move files
into the My Videos folder or Shared Videos folder by using Windows Explorer.
The lower-right corner of the screen shows a counter and scroll arrows. To scroll up or scroll down, you can press the arrow buttons on
the remote or you can click the scroll arrows on the screen by using the mouse.
If you have other media playing while you are browsing My Videos, the other media appears in the inset window in the lower-left
corner of the screen. You can use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the inset window. If you press the OK button on the remote
when the inset window is selected, you will leave My Videos and enter full-screen mode for the other media you have playing.
Note You can click the scroll arrows by using the mouse, but you cannot control them by using the remote.
Related topics
Sort videos by date
Sort videos by name
Manage video files
My Videos remote control commands
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Sort videos by date
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Videos.
2.
Select Sort by date.
Note Press the MORE INFO button on the remote to see the created date and modified date for an individual video file.
Related topics
Manage video files
Sort videos by name
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Manage video files
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, click My Documents, and then double-click My Videos.
3.
Click the file you want to change.
Note The Shared Videos folder is located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Videos.
Related topics
Share videos between users
Use shortcuts to view videos in folders other than My Videos or Shared Videos
Supported video file formats
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Share videos between users
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, click My Documents, and then double-click My Videos.
3.
Click the file you want to share, and then copy it to Shared Videos.
Note The Shared Videos folder is located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Videos.
Related topics
Manage video files
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Use shortcuts to view videos in folders other than My Videos or Shared Videos
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Using the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, click My Documents, and then double-click My Videos.
If you want to create the shortcut in Shared Videos, go to the Shared Videos folder, which is located in C:\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Documents\My Videos.
3.
On the File menu, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
4.
Follow the instructions in the Create Shortcut wizard.
Related topics
Manage video files by using shortcuts
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View videos stored on removable media
1.
Make sure your removable media is connected.
2.
Select Other media. A folder with the drive name appears. For example, your CompactFlash card folder might appear with the
drive name G:\.
3.
Select the folder, and then use your video files as usual.
Related topics
Work with removable media
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Play a video file
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Videos.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to go to the video you want to view, and then press the OK button on the remote.
Related topics
Pause a video
Play a video in full-screen mode
Fast forward or rewind a video
Skip ahead in a video
View video details
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Pause a video
Press the PAUSE button on the remote to pause the video.
To resume, press the PLAY button on the remote or PAUSE .
Related topics
Play a video in full-screen mode
Fast forward or rewind a video
Skip ahead in a video
View video details
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Play a video in full-screen mode
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Videos.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the video you want to play, and then press the OK/ENTER button on the remote.
The video starts playing in full-screen mode.
Note If video is already playing in the inset window, you can switch to full-screen mode by selecting the inset window and
then pressing the OK/ENTER button on the remote.
Related topics
Pause a video
Fast forward or rewind a video
Skip ahead in a video
View video details
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Play a video while browsing other media
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select My Videos.
2.
Use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the video you want to play, and then press the OK/ENTER button on the remote.
The video starts to play in full-screen mode.
3.
Press START to return to the Media Center Start menu. The video continues to play in the inset window.
Related topics
Pause a video
Fast forward or rewind a video
Skip ahead in a video
View video details
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Fast forward or rewind a video
Media Center gives you three fast forward and rewind speeds.
To fast forward or rewind at 3 times the normal speed, press the FAST FORWARD button or REWIND button on the remote once. To
increase the speed, press FAST FORWARD or REWIND a second or third time.
Press the PLAY button on the remote to resume normal viewing speed, or press the PAUSE button on the remote to freeze the video
image.
Note Not all video formats support fast forward or rewind.
Related topics
Pause a video
Play a video in full-screen mode
Skip ahead in a video
View video details
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Skip ahead in a video
To advance ahead in a video, press the SKIP button on the remote. You can repeatedly skip forward until you reach the end of the
video.
Note If you are paused when you press the SKIP button on the remote, the video will advance 29 seconds and remain
paused. The show will not resume unless you press the PLAY button or PAUSE button on the remote.
Related topics
Pause a video
Play a video in full-screen mode
Fast forward or rewind a video
View video details
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View video details
To view video details, do one of the following:
Select a video, and then press the MORE INFO button on the remote.
While the video is playing, press MORE INFO.
Related topics
Pause a video
Play a video in full-screen mode
Fast forward or rewind a video
Skip ahead in a video
Manage video files
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Remote commands for My Videos
The remote control provides shortcuts for several commands in My Videos. For quick reference, the following is a complete list of
remote commands.
To Press
Play a video PLAY
Pause a video PAUSE
Resume playing a paused video PAUSE or PLAY
Fast forward FF
Rewind RW
Skip ahead SKIP FORWARD
View video details - MORE INFO
Related topics
Use shortcuts to view videos in folders other than My Videos or Shared Videos
Keyboard shortcuts in My Videos
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Video does not play
The file might be corrupted or in an unsupported format. You might need to open the file by using a video editor and then resave the file
in a supported format.
There might also be a problem with the codec. To learn more about codecs, search Windows Media Player Help. Try opening the file by
using Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player might download the codec automatically.
1.
Press the START button on the remote, and then select Minimize.
2.
Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player.
Related topics
Supported video file formats
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About My Videos
In My Videos, you can play digital videos or sort them by name or by date. You can also browse videos by using the remote or the
keyboard.
Videos are stored in the My Videos folder on your computer. Users have their own My Videos folder that only they can access;
however, you can share videos between users by storing your videos in the Shared Videos folder.
Related topics
About video files
Supported video file formats
Use My Videos
Troubleshoot My Videos
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About video files
When you save digital videos from your camera, Windows XP stores them in the My Videos folder by default. You can share videos
with others by storing them in the Shared Videos folders. After your videos are organized, you can view them by using Media Center.
You can also store videos that you downloaded from the Internet in the Shared Videos folder or My Videos folder.
In addition to video files that are stored on your computer, you can use Media Center to work with video files that are stored on
removable media.
Related topics
Manage video files
Supported video file formats
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Manage video files by using shortcuts
If you do not want to move or copy your videos into the My Videos folder or Shared Videos folder, you can make shortcuts to the
videos or to the folders that contain them.
For example, your birthday party videos are stored in the C:\Videos\BirthdayParty folder that you have created. In the My Videos
folder or the Shared Videos folder, create a shortcut to C:\Videos\BirthdayParty. When you start Media C enter and go to My Videos,
you are able to see the shortcuts to the folder that contains the videos that you want to see.
You can also create a shortcut directly to a specific video. If you want to see C:\Photos\BirthdayParty\BirthdayC ake.mpg by using Media
Center, create a shortcut for the video file in the My Videos folder.
Related topics
Use shortcuts to view videos in folders other than My Videos or Shared Videos
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Supported video file formats
The following types of videos can be viewed in Media Center.
File type (format) File name extension
Windows Media file .wm, .asf
Windows Media A/V .wmv
Video file .avi
Movie file .mpeg, .mpg, .mpe, .m1v, .mp2, .mpv2
Additional video file formats might be supported if you install new codecs.
Related topics
Troubleshoot My Videos
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Media Center Technical Support
Because Windows XP Media Center Edition was included with your hardware device or system, the hardware manufacturer provides
technical support and assistance for this software. Your manufacturer may have customized the installation with unique components
such as specific device drivers and optional settings to maximize the performance of their hardware. If you need technical assistance
with Windows XP Media Center Edition, please contact your manufacturer directly because they are best-qualified to support the
software that they have installed on their hardware.
You can also visit the Windows XP Media Center Edition product information Web site.
Support services from Microsoft are subject to then-current prices, terms, and conditions, which are subject to change without notice.
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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Glossary
To find a term in the glossary, click the letter of the alphabet that is the first letter in the term you want to look up.
You can also read glossary terms within the text of Help by clicking the underlined glossary term links. After you click a glossary link,
the glossary term and definition appear in a pop-up window. To close the window, click anywhere on the screen.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
C
coaxial cable
Coaxial cable, also known as RF cable, is the cable type that carries the signal of various devices such as TVs and video gaming
consoles.
codec
An abbreviation for compressor/decompressor. Software or hardware used to compress and decompress digital media.
Control codes
Sets of frequencies that set-top boxes use to communicate with infrared (IR) devices such as remote controls. There are many different
sets of control codes in existence.
Back to Top
I
inset window
The window in the lower left corner of the screen. The inset window displays currently playing TV, video, DVDs, or the album art for
music that is playing.
Back to Top
M
metadata
Data about data. Title, subject, author, and size are examples of a file's metadata.
Microsoft TV Listings service provider
A service contracted by Microsoft that provides TV listings information for the Electronic Program Guide.
Back to Top
P
playlist
A list of digital media content.
Program Guide
An onscreen listing of upcoming programs and information available through media services such as cable television and satellite
television.
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Back to Top
R
remote sensor
The device that receives InfraRed (IR) signals from other devices, like a remote control. Remote sensors could be peripheral devices,
or could also be built into either computers or monitors.
removable media
Any type of storage that is not permanently attached to the computer. This includes CompactFlash, memory stick, wireless drives, and
other portable storage media.
Back to Top
T
thumbnail
A reduced image of a graphic, used to display multiple images at once.
transport controls
Transport controls are used to play, pause, fast forward, rewind, stop, and record media, or to change channels, adjust the volume, and
mute the sound. Transport controls are located both on screen in menu bar mode and on the remote control.
TV service provider
The analog, digital, or cable TV provider that you subscribe to for your television service.
TV signal cable
A coaxial or RF cable that connects the source of the cable, satellite, or rooftop TV signal to the TV or computer.
Back to Top
V
video capture device
An add-on device for digitizing video images for use on a computer.
Back to Top
© 2000-2003 Microsoft C orporation. All rights reserved.
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