Setting Up Your Media Center PC

When you open the box for your new Media Center PC, the setup and configuration is a little different from that of a regular PC. First off, you have to connect the remote infrared sensor (via a USB port) and place the sensor in a convenient and usable location. (The sensor has to be in line-of-sight with your remote hand unit.) Then you have to connect your antenna, cable, or satellite cable to the RF connector on the back of your PC, and then connect another cable from the PC to your television display. And don't forget to connect the PC's speaker system; you can also connect the audio from your Media Center PC to your home audio/video system, for even bigger sound.

When you first launch Media Center, you're shown the Media Center Setup Wizard. You'll need to step through each of the screens of the wizard, answering questions as you go along, to make sure that your version of Media Center is configured appropriately. You'll be prompted to do the following:

• Check your remote control unit
  
  
• Choose an Internet or LAN connection
  
  
• Select what kind of television signals you receive: cable or digital cable, satellite, or antenna
  
  
• Tell the system if you're using a set-top box for your television reception
  
  
• Enter your Zip code
  
  
• Select which provider you're using for your cable or satellite TV service
  
  

When you're done inputting information, Media Center will connect to the Internet and download the appropriate Program Guide for your television provider. You'll use the Program Guide to choose television programming for both live viewing and future recording.