Using Windows Media Center

Windows Media Center, like Windows Media Player, can play all types of media supported by Windows. However, Windows Media Center can also watch and record TV on computers equipped with a TV tuner. Because it can be used to watch and record TV, Windows Media Center is designed primarily for use with big-screen TVs and home theater systems. It includes a 10-foot UI (user interface) and support for optional infrared (IR) remote controls.

Initial Setup

Windows Media Center must be configured before you can use it. Here's how to perform initial setup.

1. Click Start.
2. Hover the mouse over All Programs.
3. Click Windows Media Center.
4. When the Windows Media Center window opens, click Continue.
5. The Get Started dialog appears. Click Express to perform basic setup.
6. Windows Media Center displays its main menu. Each major category, such as Movies, Music, and so on, is often called a "stripe."

NOTE: If you have a TV tuner, you also need to connect it to your TV source (broadcast, cable, and so on) and configure it before you can watch TV with Windows Media Center. To configure your TV tuner, click Tasks, Settings, TV, TV Signal, Set Up TV Signal, and follow the prompts. To learn more, see the online articles "Setting Up and Watching ATSC with Windows Media Center"at http://www. informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1396502 and "Windows 7 Feature Focus: Windows Media Center" at http://www.maximumpc. com/article/news/windows_7_feature_focus_windows_media_center.