Unleashing Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: usage tips, program library, online media, Unleashing Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center, Windows Media Center, Windows Media Player (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For most Windows Vista users, Media Center is unknown territory. Unleashing Microsoft® Windows Vista® 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® Windows Vista® 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

 

About the Author

Mark Edward Soper has taught computer troubleshooting and other technical subjects to thousands of students from Maine to Hawaii since 1992. Mark is the author of nine books, most recently Maximum PC Microsoft Windows Vista Exposed, and coauthor of nine books, most recently Upgrading and Repairing Networks, 5th Edition. He is a longtime contributor to Upgrading and Repairing PCs, working on the 11th through 18th editions. He has contributed chapters to Upgrading and Repairing Networks Second Edition, Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP (all editions) and Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows Vista. Mark is currently writing Upgrading and Repairing PCs: A+ Certification Study Guide, 3rd Edition. He is a regular contributor to Maximum PC magazine and website and has contributed chapters to Maximum PC Guide to Building a Dream PC and Maximum PC Ultimate PC Performance Guide.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 552 pages
• Publisher: Que; 1 edition (November 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789736713
• ISBN-13: 978-0789736710
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #167,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, November 27, 2008

By	Robert Casanova (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mr. Soper has done another outstanding job. Unleashing Vista Windows Media Center will have a place on my shelf of reference books next to his A+ and Digital Photography books. I am not a computer expert and finding information and making things work is very time consuming at the very least. I was interested in integrating my computer to the TV and video world - specifically High Definition/Blue Ray technology and Unleashing Vista appeared at the right time. Mr. Soper seems to understand our needs and how we think. He provides the insight,details, source information and valuable useable links needed to complete a project. He makes no assumptions and covers everything in detail and always seems to anticipate my next question. The only prerequisite is enthusiasm. Mr. Soper brings everything else to the table. Easy to read!

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Windows Media Info, March 16, 2009

By	Marshall Reynolds (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I thought this product was very informative and provided excellent avenues for Windows media creations.