Getting started with Windows Media Center
If your computer is using Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate, you’re in for a treat: Both include a fantastic multimedia feature called Windows Media Center.
Windows Media Center main menu
When used to its fullest, Windows Media Center turns your computer into a powerful home entertainment hub. You can unleash the full power of Windows Media Center by connecting your computer to a high-definition TV and using a Windows Media Center remote to control all the action from your couch. Another option is to connect your Media Center PC to a standard computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Either way, Windows Media Center keeps you entertained by letting you:
To learn even more about what Windows Media Center can do, see Using Windows Media Center: recommended links.
Setting up Windows Media Center
The first time you start Windows Media Center, you’ll be given three options: Express setup, Custom setup, or Run setup later. The quickest method is, not surprisingly, Express setup. You could choose this option now if you’re itching to jump right in. However, let’s walk through the Custom setup options so you can get a better idea of what you'll be able to do with Windows Media Center.
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Using the Windows Media Center remote, press the Green Start button 
.
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The first time you start Windows Media Center, a setup screen appears. Select Custom setup.
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When you reach the screen titled Get the Most from Windows Media Center, select Yes to allow Media Center to download album cover art, DVD cover art, current TV guide listings, information from online media services, and other useful information.
Windows Media Center can automatically download album cover art for your digital music
Tips
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You can also use a mouse to open Windows Media Center. Click the Start button 
, click All Programs, and then click Windows Media Center.
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If you choose Express setup now, you can return to the Custom setup process later by following these steps from the Media Center main menu: scroll to Tasks, select settings, select General, select Windows Media Center Setup, then select Run Setup Again.
That’s it for the required setup options. The rest of the setup process is optional, but there are a few items in the Optional Setup menu that might be of interest to you.
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The Display Configuration wizard is helpful for getting the best image quality possible. If you aren't familiar with terms such as "VGA" or "16:9," you can watch the video on the first page to get an overview of the different display options.
The wizard takes you through the main part of the process with a series of easy-to-understand questions. If you’re unsure about the details of your hardware setup, such as the name of a cable or the type of display you have, look at the illustrations in the wizard—they can help you figure out what type of connection you’re using. When you’ve finished answering the questions, and you’re happy with the way your display looks, exit the wizard. If you’re not satisfied, you can find additional display options under Adjust display controls.
The Display wizard in Windows Media Center offers tips for calibrating your TV or monitor
If your Media Center PC is connected to a surround sound system, you can use the optional speaker setup process. Choose your speaker configuration, then use the test feature to play a chime sound. Listen closely to each individual speaker to make sure it’s receiving a signal.
Note
If you’re not getting any sound at all, double-check that all the cables are plugged in correctly, and that the volume on both your speakers and your computer are turned up. (Even the most savvy computer expert accidentally leaves the Windows Vista Mute option on once in a while.) If you’re still having problems, see Tips for fixing common sound problems.
Each time you start Windows Media Center, it automatically scans the Music, Pictures, and Videos folders on your hard disk. But what if your music files are on an external hard drive, or your pictures are on a shared computer on your home network? Don’t worry—Windows Media Center has solutions.
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On the Library setup screen, select Add folder to watch, and then select Next.
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Select Add folders on this computer.
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Browse to find the folder where your files are stored, select the check box next to the folder, and then select Next.
Media Center will search the folder for digital music, photos, or videos. It will also save your folder selections for the next time you start the program.
Windows Media Center will automatically scan selected folders for compatible music, pictures, and videos
If you want to import files from a shared folder on another computer, the process is similar: just select Add shared folders from another computer and Media Center will search for shared folders rather than local ones.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy
When you’ve finished setting up Windows Media Center, select I am finished to open Windows Media Center and start exploring. All of your digital music, photos, and home movies, as well as a variety of online media, will be only a few clicks away.
