The Windows Media Center Edition is a version of Microsoft Windows designed specially for use as a media center PC. It utilizes the desktop computer's hardware to provide media storage as well as integration and navigation functions needed to integrate the functions of a home theatre system with a desktop computer.

Windows Media Center Edition Features

The Windows Media Center Edition includes the standard Programs and applications, a DVR capable of displaying a program guide, over-the-air HDTV support, DVD playback capability with progressive scan, MP3 playback, photo/video viewing and editing, disc recording and disc burning capabilities, functions for an online movie and music search, and remote control.

Setting Up the Windows Media Center Edition

Connect the TelevisionWindows Media Center

You can connect the media center to any kind of television (CRT, projection TV's, LCD and plasma TV's) just as long as you have the correct cables and input/output ports. Most Media Center PCs have inputs and outputs as a regular receiver so you can use a composite, component, digital coaxial, s-video and even the DVI and HDMI cables to connect your television to the computer.

TV Signal Input

To use the Media Center as a receiver for your television signals, you have to connect the source or the TV input to the Media Center computer. If the television feed comes from a regular antenna or cable, you can connect the output of the antenna or from the wall directly into the PC input. A digital cable or satellite set top box however will require an additional connection to connect the antenna to the device and another cable to connect the device to the Media Center computer using digital coaxial or component cables. Furthermore, you may need to use a special device in order to connect the infrared remote control system of the system box to your computer.

Speakers

You can either use the same computer speakers you are using now or you can use a cable to output the sound to a receiver in order to enable surround sound. Of course, if you are going to use the later option, you will need to make sure that your computer's sound card supports the audio format of the multi-channel sound output. For this, you can use an optical cable or a digital coaxial cable. For an analog connection on the other hand, you can use the standard RCA cables, component cables or multi channel analog cables.

Internet Connection

Of course, to fully enjoy video streaming, Internet surfing and video and audio downloads you will need a broadband Internet connection.

System Configuration

After connecting all the hardware to your Media Center PC, you can configure your Media Center software by clicking on the start menu and activating the set up wizard. This will guide you through the different steps in setting up your Media Center PC for optimal performance. Some basic questions you will encounter will be the type of signal source, the type of connected speaker, the TV service provider, etc.