Windows Media Center: The Best PVR
Windows Media Center: A Powerful PVR and Media Player
Contrary to the common perception of Microsoft as a large corporation delivering complex and occasionally flawed software, the company has consistently developed high-quality applications. This article focuses on Windows Media Center, examining its capabilities as both a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) – similar to a TiVo – and a versatile media player.
Functionality as a PVR
Windows Media Center offered users the ability to record television broadcasts directly to their computer’s hard drive. This functionality effectively transformed a PC into a digital video recorder.
The software supported scheduling recordings, pausing live TV, and rewinding broadcasts. These features mirrored the core functionalities found in dedicated PVR devices.
Media Player Capabilities
Beyond its PVR features, Windows Media Center excelled as a comprehensive media player. It could play a wide variety of video and audio formats.
Users were able to stream content from network shares, play DVDs, and access digital media libraries. This made it a central hub for home entertainment.
Key Features and Benefits
- Recording Capabilities: Capture television programs for later viewing.
- Live TV Pause & Rewind: Control live broadcasts with ease.
- Media Library Management: Organize and play various media files.
- Format Support: Compatibility with numerous video and audio codecs.
The integration of PVR and media player functionalities within a single application provided a streamlined and convenient user experience. It offered a compelling alternative to separate devices.
Although Microsoft has discontinued active development of Windows Media Center, its legacy remains as a significant example of the company’s software innovation.
Windows Media Center: Availability and Overview
The Windows Media Center application is typically bundled with many installations of Windows 7, excluding server versions. It is important to note that this is a distinct program from Windows Media Player, and users should avoid conflating the two.
Designed for a 10-foot user interface, meaning it’s optimized for viewing on a television from a distance, Windows Media Center offers a remarkably user-friendly experience.
Key Features and Interface
The application’s interface is specifically crafted for full-screen operation. This allows for easy navigation and control using remote controls or other input devices commonly used with home theater setups.
Its primary function is to serve as a central hub for accessing and managing various media types, including recorded TV, movies, music, and photos.
Tv-Cards for Media Center
Maximizing the potential of Media Center often necessitates the integration of a TV card, and this is the aspect I will be detailing today. My personal preference is the Elgato EyeTV hybrid (£110, including a remote control) due to its seamless Mac compatibility, though the majority of well-known brands offer generally good support currently.
A comprehensive list of compatible cards can be found here, and the navigation menu on the left-hand side allows for browsing by manufacturer.
Important Considerations for UK Users
Please note: For users located in the UK, verifying compatibility with Freeview is crucial. The TV card I utilize can receive standard digital Freeview channels, but lacks HD capability.
Accessing HD channels requires a Freesat card, which necessitates the installation of a satellite dish. This isn't universally true for all cards, so careful verification is recommended given the unique broadcasting standards in the UK.
A strong signal is, naturally, essential for reliable digital transmission reception. The aerial included with some cards typically provides limited performance; connecting to a rooftop aerial, satellite dish, or cable network is highly recommended.
Detailed setup instructions are beyond the scope of this discussion. However, assuming your card is properly connected and the drivers are installed, launching Media Center from the start menu and navigating to TV > Live TV Setup will initiate the configuration process.
While the installation process is generally straightforward, the channel scanning phase can be somewhat time-consuming.
A Notable Feature: The Integrated Movie Guide
The most compelling aspect encountered thus far is the integrated movie guide. Accessible through the standard television guide interface, this feature automatically compiles a listing of all films scheduled for broadcast over the subsequent two weeks.
Films are presented in a visually appealing arrangement of cover art, and users can refine their search by selecting specific genres.
Initially, the source of these listed movies was unclear. It prompted a thought that they might be freely available online. However, detailed information for each film reveals the broadcasting channel and scheduled airtime.
This functionality eliminates the need to manually navigate a comprehensive TV guide solely to locate movie listings. It also bypasses the often-empty late-night television schedule.
While immediate playback isn't available, users can effortlessly schedule recordings with a single click. Access to previously recorded content is provided through a dedicated menu.
In contrast to the complexities of obtaining movies through torrents, this method proves remarkably straightforward and enjoyable. Furthermore, it offers a legally compliant alternative, which is a significant advantage.
- Ease of Use: Simplified movie discovery and recording.
- Legal Compliance: Provides a legitimate way to watch films.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for manual TV guide searches.
The movie guide represents a significant improvement in how television content can be accessed and enjoyed.
Television Guide Functionality
Innovation within the realm of TV guides is limited, yet the Media Center effectively addresses this fundamental need with remarkable simplicity. Unlike the native Elgato PVR software, which I found overly complex, the Media Center’s TV guide offers an exceptionally intuitive user experience.
Within a single minute, I successfully configured scheduled recordings for entire seasons of both Family Guy and Gardener’s World – effectively encompassing all my preferred television programming.
Effective Search Capabilities
The search functionality is subtly robust, as demonstrated by my successful retrieval of all programs with even a tangential connection to gardening.
While this feature isn’t exclusive to Media Center, it provides ample capability without introducing unnecessary bloat to the system.
Access to MSN-TV Content
A substantial library of complimentary content is available through MSN-TV. Perhaps unfamiliar to many, this service maintains extensive archives of previously broadcast British television series.
This content is supported by advertisements, but represents a valuable resource when scheduled recordings are unavailable and broadcast options are unappealing.
Media Center Extenders: Expanding Your Reach
Windows Media Center distinguishes itself with distinctive remote access features. During testing with an Xbox 360, the core Media Center functionality could be located throughout the home.
Content and the user interface were fully accessible remotely. Remarkably, the interface remained identical, and aside from a slightly delayed initial connection, there was no discernible difference in operation.
Despite this capability, a limitation exists: Media Center cannot be directly executed on a server machine. While remote access is supported, the software is restricted to client machines, not Windows servers.
This is somewhat frustrating, as the server remains powered on continuously, making overnight recording feasible. However, Media Center’s architecture prevents this configuration.
Currently, opinions on media centers are mixed. The metadata management capabilities of Plex remain highly appealing, offering a Windows server component but lacking a dedicated client application.
Plex does not currently support live TV, and its future in this area is uncertain. The EyeTV tuner includes functional PVR software for macOS, but it doesn’t match the sophistication of Windows Media Center.
Consequently, a dual-system setup – a Mac and a PC – is currently necessary in the living room, alongside a constantly running server. This allows for leveraging the strengths of each platform.
Further Resources
- For guidance on constructing an optimal media center, explore Matt Smith’s comprehensive guide.
- Consider reviewing prior articles focusing on Plex and XBMC for alternative solutions.
Choosing the right setup depends on individual needs and priorities, balancing features like live TV support, metadata management, and remote access capabilities.
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