For most Windows Vista users, Media Center is unknown territory. Unleashing Microsoft (R) Windows Vista (R) Media Center shows both newbies and experienced Media Center users how to use Media Center to experience music, photos, videos, movies, TV shows, and games in a whole new way. Windows Vista Media Center takes full advantage of the latest multimedia features: widescreen displays, HDTV, and Media Center Extenders. Mark Edward Soper shows you how to use these and other new and improved features to make the most of your Windows Vista multimedia experience. You won't find a single book that devotes this much attention to Media Center. Unlock your PC's hidden multimedia talents and turn your office, living room, and whole home into a multimedia paradise that will leave your friends drooling.



Unleashing Microsoft (R) Windows Vista (R) Media Center is your indispensable guide to Vista Media Center! Here's a sample of what you'll find inside





Complete coverage of every feature of Windows Vista Media Center
Learn how to import video, photos, and music to enhance your entertainment experience
Discover better TV viewing and recording with new support for HDTV signals
Share the fun of Windows Vista Media Center with Media Center Extenders
Create customized CDs and DVDs of your favorite videos, TV shows, audios, and photos
Feature checklists help you design the perfect Media Center PC or upgrade your PC for Media Center
Use your Media Center PC with Microsoft Windows Home Server
Troubleshoot common problems with Media Center
Tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Media Center



Introduction 1



Part I: Getting Started with Windows Vista Media Center

Chapter 1: Introducing Windows Vista Media Center 9

Chapter 2: Equipping Your PC for Media Center 19

Chapter 3: Setting Up Windows Media Center 53

Part II: Enjoying Media with Windows Media Center

Chapter 4: Viewing and Recording Live TV 85

Chapter 5: Watching and Recording Movies 137

Chapter 6: Importing and Playing Audio 165

Chapter 7: Importing and Viewing Photos 189

Part III: Beyond the Basics of Windows Media Center

Chapter 8: Enjoying Sports with Windows Media Center 223

Chapter 9: Playing Games and Enjoying Online Resources 251

Chapter 10: Creating CDs and DVDs 289

Part IV: Adding Windows Vista Media Center to Your Home Network

Chapter 11: Adding and Using Media Center Extenders 315

Chapter 12: Connecting with Windows Home Server and Other PCs 337

Part V: Enhancing Windows Vista Media Center

Chapter 13: Using Windows Media Player with Windows Media Center 375

Chapter 14: Creating Photo and Video Content for Media Center 393

Chapter 15: Extending Media Center with Third-Party Apps 435

Chapter 16: Troubleshooting Media Center 469

Part VI: Appendices

Appendix A: Using Windows Anytime Upgrade to Get WMC Features and More 499

Appendix B: Moving from Windows XP Media Center Editions to Windows Vista Media Center 503



Index 509