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Start enjoying Windows Media Center now

It's time to get moving with Windows Media Center. Read on to find tips, tricks, and suggestions for getting the best entertainment experience from your PC.

Set it up
Customize Windows Media Center
 
Customize Windows Media Center

When you first start Windows Media Center, you can choose:

  • Express setup to get started right away.

  • Custom setup to learn more about all the possibilities with Windows Media Center.

Express setup
Express setup

  1. Using a Windows Media Center remote or your mouse, press the green Start button.

  2. Select Express setup.

Custom setup
Custom setup

  1. Using a Windows Media Center remote or your mouse, press the green Start button.

  2. Select Custom setup.

  3. When you reach Get the Most from Windows Media Center, select Yes to be able to download album cover art, DVD cover art, current TV guide listings, information from online media services, and more.

Optimize your display
 
Optimize your display

  1. For the best image quality possible, use the Display Configuration wizard.

  2. For an overview of the different display options, watch the video on the first page.

  3. Find additional display options under Adjust display controls.

Set up your speakers
 
Set up your Speakers

  1. If you have a surround sound system, use the optional speaker setup process.

  2. Choose your speaker configuration, and then use the test feature to play a chime sound.

  3. Listen closely to make sure that each individual speaker is receiving a signal.

Set up your music, picture, and video libraries
 
Set up your music, picture and video libraries

  1. If your files are on a shared computer on your network, on the Library setup screen, select Add folder to watch, and then select Next.

  2. Select Add folders on this computer, and then browse to find your files.

  3. Select the check box next to the folder, and then select Next.

Even more entertainment

Add tuners, remotes, and Extenders for Windows Media Center to receive and record live TV and enjoy Windows Media Center from any room in your home.

Tuner

Tuner

Extenders

Extenders

Hardware

Hardware

Divider

Note: Scenarios describing the use of Windows Media Center on a TV require a PC directly connected to a TV or an Extender for Windows Media Center with the requisite home network and compatible networking equipment. DVD burning, TV features, and remote control support may vary by manufacturer and/or require additional purchases. Playback and recording features require an integrated or external USB TV tuner. Supports up to two (2) analog TV tuners for local channels via over-the-air signal in all supported regions subject to Windows Vista compatibility with local TV standards; additional DTV/HDTV tuner support is available in the U.S. and South Korea with compatible hardware. Supports two (2) DTV/HDTV tuners for local channels via over-the-air signal, U.S. only.

Note: To enjoy all the benefits of Windows Media Center, Internet access is recommended; for some features, such as the Electronic Programming Guide, Internet TV Beta, Movie Guide, MSN Remote Record, and Online Media, it is required. Subscription or other service fees may apply. The Electronic Programming Guide, the Movie Guide, and Parental Control features are not available in all regions or countries. Online Media features vary by country. Services available in specific locales may vary from two (2) to twenty-three (23).

 
Do you have Windows Media Center?

If you have Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate, you already have Windows Media Center.

Check now