Start Windows 7 Media Center in Live TV Mode - Auto Launch

Automating Windows Media Center to Launch in Live TV Mode

For users who primarily utilize Windows Media Center for viewing Live TV, a streamlined launch process can be implemented. This eliminates the need for multiple clicks or keystrokes to reach the desired viewing mode.

If a Media Center remote control is available, initiating Live TV mode is straightforward – simply press the dedicated Live TV button.

Modifying the Desktop Icon Shortcut

However, for those without a remote, a simple modification to the desktop shortcut can achieve the same result. Begin by locating the Media Center desktop icon and right-clicking on it.

From the context menu, select "Properties," then navigate to the "Shortcut" tab.

Within the "Target" field, you will find the existing path: %windir%\ehome\ehshell.exe. A space must be added after "exe", followed by the command "/mcesuperbar://tv?live=true".

The complete string should then appear as:

%windir%\ehome\ehshell.exe "/mcesuperbar://tv?live=true"

Confirm the changes by clicking "OK."

Adjusting the Start Menu Shortcut

If Windows Media Center is launched from the Start Menu, a similar adjustment is required. Access the Start Menu and navigate to "All Programs."

Right-click on the "Windows Media Center" entry and choose "Properties."

As before, locate the "Shortcut" tab and the "Target" text box.

Append the same switch – "/mcesuperbar://tv?live=true" – to the existing path, ensuring a space separates "exe" from the added command.

Final Result and Benefits

Following these steps, Windows Media Center will now automatically open directly into Live TV mode, resuming playback on the last channel viewed.

This adjustment represents a convenient time-saver for users who consistently use Windows Media Center for live television broadcasts, reducing the number of actions needed to begin watching.

This is a particularly useful feature if Live TV is your primary use case for WMC.