Please see bottom for answers to frequently asked questions. We hope that you find them useful. Please feel free to email us with requests to add links to other
valuable resources or websites. We are always interested in pursuing links to this website with reputable webmasters. Please report any broken links.
standard Media Center.Media Made Easy Audio Recorder allows you to record any audio playing on your Media Systems’ sound card.
Media Made Easy DVRMS Toolbox MCE Version allows you to convert your favorite DVRMS format recordings into mpg, wma or wmv & you can remove
commercials! These windows programs have graphical user interfaces designed for operation on your TV display using a mouse and keyboard.
Download them to your Media Center system and start enjoying their new features. Click on the MCE Add-ins link at the left to learn more about each program or to download.
Our design guide takes you step by step through the process of designing your own custom home theater system. Topics covered are project scope, site planning,
component selection, budgeting and includes sample designs. http://www.mediamadeeasy.net/htdesignguide.htmlThe Green Button
The Green Button is the foremost community forum on the Net for users of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. You will find helpful information, community forums to
answer questions and the latest news about Media Center related topics. Coming soon to your TV via a plugin. We are members so what are you waiting for?
http://www.thegreenbutton.com/
XPMCE.com – Everything about Windows XP Media Center Edition
News, information, tips, tricks and guides all centered around our favorite entertainment platform. Check it out and you’ll find a helpful user community to answer all of your
questions about Media Center Edition.
http://www.xpmce.com/
Windows XP Newsgroup Media Center Edition
Need to get a question answered? This is the place. Full of great information from the people who actually use the product everyday. A good place to make sure someone
in Redmond is listening.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter
Thomas Hawk’s Blog
One of the great blogs out there concerning digital entertainment and photography. Check out the interview the MCE Development Team!
http://thomashawk.com/
AutoDVR Convert
This utility takes advantage of Microsoft’s Graphedit to convert DVR-MS files to mpeg or wmv format. It’s not as stable as our mce add-in but it sure is faster than any other
programs that we’ve found. Check out Heimiko’s post on the Green Button community forums for additional information and instructions.
http://heimiko.com/AutoIndex/index.php?dir=AutoDVRconvert/
Microsoft Power Toys for Windows Media Center Edition
Checkout the tweak MCE program to access system settings not available through the regular menu. Also includes solitaire, a playlist editor and an alarm clock.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/mcepowertoys.mspx
grow this section so everyone is better informed in a timely manner.Topics listed in order include: TV signal, video display, recording, Internet, wireless, audio and surround sound, computing.
TV Signal Questions
Q: Can I record in HDTV?
A: Yes but only the free-to-air terrestrial broadcasts not cable or satellite HDTV (which is recorded at standard analog resolution). The Media Made Easy HDTV
system provides an HDTV antenna and an HDTV tuner for watching and recording HDTV broadcasts via UHF transmissions. The FCC has mandated that all
broadcasters switch from analog standard definition to DTV digital high-definition broadcasting. Availability of channels depends upon your location and the strength of
the signals available in your area. For more information check out www.antennaweb.org or www.checkhd.com.
Cable card technology is being developed to allow you to record cable/satellite HDTV signals. It should be available at the end of 2006.
Q: Can I use a cable card?
A: Not currently. It should be possible to switch to cable card support for receiving HDTV broadcasts from your cable/satellite provider in the Longhorn version of
Media Center (current codename Vista). Cable labs (the licensing and testing body) and Microsoft have agreed on a platform specification and will be conducting
testing for a release at the end of 2006.
Q: Can I use standard RF coaxial signals from my cable or satellite company?
A: Yes. Media Center will support standard cable and satellite service via the RF coaxial wire installed by the service provider. Be aware that you will only be receiving
and recording standard definition programming through this pipe if you don’t have a digital set top box or cable card.
Q: Can I use set top box signals from my cable or satellite company?
A: Yes and this is the most widely used configuration for Media Center or any DVR. Your set top box is connected using a choice between – coaxial RF/composite RCA
audio and video/SVideo and composite RCA audio – to the tuners in your Media Made Easy System. An infrared channel changer is used to switch the channels on the
set top box for watching live TV or scheduled recordings. Be aware that you will only be recording standard definition and HDTV digital programming at standard
definition resolutions and not HDTV resolution. HDTV channels may be recorded in most cases but only at standard definition resolutions.
Q: Which connections offer the best video signal quality for watching and recording TV with your systems?
A: Your best bet is to use the highest resolution connection that you can get from your broadcast signal provider. A set top box that is offered by the cable/satellite
provider for a monthly fee usually provides the signal. Over-the-air HDTV broadcasts from the networks require no monthly fee but there are limited channels available.
Check and see which of the output options your equipment supports:
Coaxial RF – This signal provides the lowest resolution and carries both the audio and video on the same cable.
Composite RCA – This signal provides higher resolution than coaxial but requires separate connections for video and audio.
SVideo – This signal carries the black on a separate channel from the red, green, blue color channels for improved video quality over composite video.
VHF/UHF HDTV antenna – This signal carries very high-resolution video and often also carries surround sound audio. Requires our HDTV System tuner.
Q: What are the standard and high-definition resolutions and who broadcasts at each resolution?
A: Refer to the table below
TV Format Resolution Display Types Progressive Scan HDTV Widescreen Broadcasters
1080p 1920 X 1080 Flat panel LCDs, DLPs, LCoS Yes Yes Yes Very Limited
1080i 1920 X 1080 50” or larger plasma, 32” or larger LCDs, DLPs, LCoS No Yes Yes CBS, NBC, HBO & many others
720p 1280 X 720 42” HDTV plasma Yes Yes Yes ABC, ESPN, Fox
480p 852 X 480 42” EDTV plasma Yes Yes Yes
SDTV 720 X 480NTSC Analog TV No No No All
Video Display Questions
Q: I noticed that your systems use a video card. Can it really output in a resolution that my high-definition display requires?
A: The video output from our systems is configurable to match what is supported by your display (up to 2048 x 1536). Our HDTV System featuring the Giga-byte 6600DP
video card will support 1920 x 1080 at a maximum refresh rate of 100Hz. High-definition displays will look great using our video output.
Q: Will my display have scaling problems?
A: Most likely you won’t have any problems. We try to configure the system to match your displays native resolution before you receive the system. This gives you the
best picture quality and lessens any chance of scaling problems that can mean oversized or undersized pictures with black bands on them. If necessary, you can even
force a resolution and aspect ratio using the video card settings in our systems, but that shouldn’t be necessary in most cases.
Q: What video output should I use to connect to my display?
A: We recommend that you use the highest resolution connection and if possible a digital connection. DVI is a pure digital connection so if your display supports this or
HDMI (another pure digital format), then use it. If that won’t work, then check if your display will accept VGA 15-pin connections since you will still get excellent resolution
even though the video will be converted to analog and then back again. Worst case you should use SVideo for decent analog resolution. If you only have component
(red, green, blue) connectors then you will need to use a VGA to component or SVideo to component adapter.
Our HDTV System comes equipped with a DVI-I Dual Link connector. This connector is suitable for connection with analog or digital displays (you need to know which
type you have) so potentially could connect to high resolution – analog – displays or high-resolution – digital – displays. Your user manual or system documentation
should tell you which type of connector is available on your display. It is likely to be a DVI-I, DVI-D, DVI-A or HDMI connector.
If you have a DVI connector then you will want to use the appropriate cable for that type of DVI connection (our DVI-I connector accepts all three types of DVI cables). The
cable used should exactly match the connector available on your display.
grow this section so everyone is better informed in a timely manner.Topics listed in order include: TV signal, video display, recording, Internet, wireless, audio and surround sound, computing.
TV Signal Questions
Q: Can I record in HDTV?
A: Yes but only the free-to-air terrestrial broadcasts not cable or satellite HDTV (which is recorded at standard analog resolution). The Media Made Easy HDTV
system provides an HDTV antenna and an HDTV tuner for watching and recording HDTV broadcasts via UHF transmissions. The FCC has mandated that all
broadcasters switch from analog standard definition to DTV digital high-definition broadcasting. Availability of channels depends upon your location and the strength of
the signals available in your area. For more information check out www.antennaweb.org or www.checkhd.com.
Cable card technology is being developed to allow you to record cable/satellite HDTV signals. It should be available at the end of 2006.
Q: Can I use a cable card?
A: Not currently. It should be possible to switch to cable card support for receiving HDTV broadcasts from your cable/satellite provider in the Longhorn version of
Media Center (current codename Vista). Cable labs (the licensing and testing body) and Microsoft have agreed on a platform specification and will be conducting
testing for a release at the end of 2006.
Q: Can I use standard RF coaxial signals from my cable or satellite company?
A: Yes. Media Center will support standard cable and satellite service via the RF coaxial wire installed by the service provider. Be aware that you will only be receiving
and recording standard definition programming through this pipe if you don’t have a digital set top box or cable card.
Q: Can I use set top box signals from my cable or satellite company?
A: Yes and this is the most widely used configuration for Media Center or any DVR. Your set top box is connected using a choice between – coaxial RF/composite RCA
audio and video/SVideo and composite RCA audio – to the tuners in your Media Made Easy System. An infrared channel changer is used to switch the channels on the
set top box for watching live TV or scheduled recordings. Be aware that you will only be recording standard definition and HDTV digital programming at standard
definition resolutions and not HDTV resolution. HDTV channels may be recorded in most cases but only at standard definition resolutions.
Q: Which connections offer the best video signal quality for watching and recording TV with your systems?
A: Your best bet is to use the highest resolution connection that you can get from your broadcast signal provider. A set top box that is offered by the cable/satellite
provider for a monthly fee usually provides the signal. Over-the-air HDTV broadcasts from the networks require no monthly fee but there are limited channels available.
Check and see which of the output options your equipment supports:
Coaxial RF – This signal provides the lowest resolution and carries both the audio and video on the same cable.
Composite RCA – This signal provides higher resolution than coaxial but requires separate connections for video and audio.
SVideo – This signal carries the black on a separate channel from the red, green, blue color channels for improved video quality over composite video.
VHF/UHF HDTV antenna – This signal carries very high-resolution video and often also carries surround sound audio. Requires our HDTV System tuner.
Q: What are the standard and high-definition resolutions and who broadcasts at each resolution?
A: Refer to the table below
TV Format Resolution Display Types Progressive Scan HDTV Widescreen Broadcasters
1080p 1920 X 1080 Flat panel LCDs, DLPs, LCoS Yes Yes Yes Very Limited
1080i 1920 X 1080 50” or larger plasma, 32” or larger LCDs, DLPs, LCoS No Yes Yes CBS, NBC, HBO & many others
720p 1280 X 720 42” HDTV plasma Yes Yes Yes ABC, ESPN, Fox
480p 852 X 480 42” EDTV plasma Yes Yes Yes
SDTV 720 X 480NTSC Analog TV No No No All
Video Display Questions
Q: I noticed that your systems use a video card. Can it really output in a resolution that my high-definition display requires?
A: The video output from our systems is configurable to match what is supported by your display (up to 2048 x 1536). Our HDTV System featuring the Giga-byte 6600DP
video card will support 1920 x 1080 at a maximum refresh rate of 100Hz. High-definition displays will look great using our video output.
Q: Will my display have scaling problems?
A: Most likely you won’t have any problems. We try to configure the system to match your displays native resolution before you receive the system. This gives you the
best picture quality and lessens any chance of scaling problems that can mean oversized or undersized pictures with black bands on them. If necessary, you can even
force a resolution and aspect ratio using the video card settings in our systems, but that shouldn’t be necessary in most cases.
Q: What video output should I use to connect to my display?
A: We recommend that you use the highest resolution connection and if possible a digital connection. DVI is a pure digital connection so if your display supports this or
HDMI (another pure digital format), then use it. If that won’t work, then check if your display will accept VGA 15-pin connections since you will still get excellent resolution
even though the video will be converted to analog and then back again. Worst case you should use SVideo for decent analog resolution. If you only have component
(red, green, blue) connectors then you will need to use a VGA to component or SVideo to component adapter.
Our HDTV System comes equipped with a DVI-I Dual Link connector. This connector is suitable for connection with analog or digital displays (you need to know which
type you have) so potentially could connect to high resolution – analog – displays or high-resolution – digital – displays. Your user manual or system documentation
should tell you which type of connector is available on your display. It is likely to be a DVI-I, DVI-D, DVI-A or HDMI connector.
If you have a DVI connector then you will want to use the appropriate cable for that type of DVI connection (our DVI-I connector accepts all three types of DVI cables).

The pictures above are the cable connectors so they show male pins. Your display connector will look just like these but with female slots instead of pins.
For example most people with a flat panel HDTV display will find that their display connector is a DVI-D Single Link. In this case they should use a DVI-D single link If your connector display supports HDMI, then we recommend that you use a DVI-D to HDMI conversion cable. The DVI-D end is connected to the HDTV System and |
||||||
![]() |
||||||
Conversion cable – DVI-D on left, HDMI on right
Q: What video settings work best with my display? A: Check your displays manual or documentation to find the native resolution. It is a good idea to match this resolution and refresh rate when setting the video output of Q: How does DVD playback compare between media center systems and progressive scan DVD players? A: This can be a really tough question to answer. Let us begin with a simple answer to give you some context and then we will provide some detail. DVD playback using our Unfortunately it also isn’t as simple an answer as whether the decoder does a good job of interlacing, noise reduction, cadence and so on. You have to keep in mind What high-end video processing does in most cases is make educated guesses on the fly to determine such things as what pixels are noise (and should be thrown away Here’s what you can expect from our systems (taking your display’s video processing out of the mix) – nVidia’s decoder does a good job of removing the most common The decoder does nothing to reduce static or motion noise. Noise reduction can often be improved by the upscaling technology applied by your high-definition display Our experience is that combining our systems with excellent high-definition displays results in very good video quality. If you are a super gear head type that wants a Recording Questions Q: What do the tuners do and why do I need them? A: The tuners are necessary to watch and record television broadcasts through our systems. Even though your TV or display may be equipped with it’s own tuners, Q: Can I record in HDTV? A: Yes but only the free-to-air terrestrial broadcasts not cable or satellite until sometime in 2006. With the Media Made Easy HDTV system you are provided with an HDTV Q: Can I use a cable card? A: Not currently. It should be possible to switch to cable card support for receiving HDTV broadcasts from your cable/satellite provider in the Longhorn version of Q: How does the system change the channels when it is time to record? Q: Which connections offer the best video signal quality for watching and recording TV with your systems? A: Your best bet is to use the highest resolution connection that you can get from your broadcast signal provider. A set top box that is offered by the cable/satellite Coaxial RF – This signal provides the lowest resolution and carries both the audio and video on the same cable. Q: What are the standard and high-definition resolutions and who broadcasts at each resolution? A: Refer to the table below TV Format Resolution Display Types Progressive Scan HDTV Widescreen Broadcasters Q: How much storage space will I need to record TV programming? A: It works similar to the old VCR idea of selecting High Quality, Standard Play, Long Play and Extended Play. In this case for standard definition recordings using the Fair – 1.5 GB/Hour = ¼ DVD quality For over-the-air HDTV broadcasts the rates depend upon the broadcasters since not everyone fills the possible 18MB/second pipe. For example CBS typically takes Internet Questions Q: Is an Internet connection required? A: Yes. There is no other way to keep a TV schedule without downloading the program guide periodically. Q: What type of Internet connection is recommended? A: We recommend that you use a high-speed broadband connection such as a cable modem or DSL. Dial-up connections are acceptable but don’t provide enough Q: What connectivity options do you provide? A: Our systems come standard with an available Ethernet port for connecting to your Internet gateway hardware. There is also an available serial port or USB port. Wireless Questions Q: What is required to transmit and receive the audio and video wirelessly? A: To put it simply you need a transmitter attached to the audio and video output from your MME System and receivers attached to each TV/Display/Stereo/Amplifier on The transmitter can be in the form of a wireless network router or a dedicated wireless transmitter device. In the case of a dedicated device, it must be able to accept The receiver can be any device capable of receiving the transmission and connecting to a display or audio device. In order to use the infrared Microsoft remote, the Q: What wireless options are available with your systems? A: We offer two main wireless options with our systems. The first option is a media center extender. It requires a wireless signal from a wireless network router to The second option is a dedicated wireless audio/video transmitter and receiver. With this option you are limited to the resolution available using composite RCA Q: Won’t there be interference and poor quality video? A: Although you may encounter environments with a lot of noise in the radio frequency spectrum, interference is usually infrequent. Today’s wireless devices are built to Audio & Surround Sound Questions Q: What types of sound inputs are available on your systems? A: Our systems come equipped with a mic in mini-jack connector on the front panel and a matching mic in on the back panel. Depending upon which system you buy Music files can be input using the DVD drive for DVD or CD audio. Our system also offers a 7-in-1 card reader for reading storage cards containing music files. Mobile Q: What types of sound outputs are available on your systems? A: Our systems come equipped with a front panel stereo line out mini-jack port (normally used for headphone listening). Back panel outputs vary depending upon which Our media systems come equipped with a back panel line out stereo 3.5mm port. A mini-jack to stereo RCA audio cable allows you to connect to your stereo receiver Our HDTV systems come equipped with 8 channel 32-bit analog or digital outputs. The analog outputs offer 7.1 surround sound ports including: center, front, side, rear Our home theater systems come with a bundled THX® certified surround sound speaker set to match the HDTV system output. Q: Can I upgrade a media system to surround sound? A: We would be happy to provide a custom quote to meet your audio needs. Q: What is surround sound and why would I want it? A: Surround sound refers to a type of sound designed for a movie theater. The idea is that we hear sounds all around us in the real world (360 degrees and above and Without surround sound the audio you hear will likely be stereo (2 channels only) and oriented directly in front of where you are positioned. This can sound very good With surround sound the audio you hear will be coming from all directions and oriented to produce the most level sounds possible. Dialogue will come primarily from Many people think that surround sound is really just about people who want extreme volume. If you just want volume and sound quality, then invest in a good audio Q: What is the difference between digital and analog? A: Digital refers to a data format used by computers. Literally digital signals are millions of 0’s and 1’s transmitted between machines. You can’t actually hear 0’s and Digital is great because it is easily transmitted without information loss. Analog transmission can suffer from interference and can lose some of the information during Q: How do I setup surround sound? A: The answer will depend upon your room environment and your equipment. For more information please refer to the Media Made Easy Home Theater Design by Q: How does music work in Media Center? A: Behind the scenes media center uses the architecture of Windows Media Player (WMP) to manage your music library. Options for ripping music onto the system The key functional areas of Media Center for enjoying and managing music are: My Music; Online Spotlight; Radio; More Programs. My Music is where all of your music files are accessed. Your library can be sorted by album, artist, song title, playlists, etc. Album art and track information make the Online Spotlight provides additional options for purchasing and managing your music collection. You can buy and download music from a variety of sources including Radio offers you the ability to access FM radio and Internet radio station broadcasts. By attaching an FM antenna to the tuners in your system, you can receive local FM More Programs is where you can burn music to a CD or DVD. It also is where you manage downloading of your music library to a portable player or portable media Computing Questions Q: Are your systems computers? A: Yes they are computers equipped with special hardware and software designed to operate in a digital entertainment environment. All DVRs are based upon Q: Can we use your system as a computer? A: Yes they can be used as a computer. We will caution you however that you may not want to use this as your primary computer for work, etc. because much of the job Q: What expansion capabilities does your system have? A: This depends upon which system you purchase. Most of our current systems offer very few available PCI slots. However there are a wealth of other connectivity Q: What about laptop media centers? A: Although we don’t sell laptop systems currently, we can offer kits or expansion modules that are designed to turn a laptop into a media center. For standard definition |