| To the greatest extent possible, this book has been written to correspond to your initial experience with an XP Media Center machine: -
Part I, "Getting Started," takes you from opening the carton through the complete setup of your Media Center system. You'll go on a tour of the basic features, and find out how to get around using your remote control, mouse, and keyboard. -
Part II, "My TV," goes straight to the coolest and most impressive capabilities of your Media Center system. You'll learn how to manipulate video like a pro, rewinding live television, skipping past commercials, and recording an entire TV series with the press of a button. You'll also learn how to use Media Center's free electronic program guide, how to set up parental controls, and more. -
Part III, "My Videos," focuses on how to capture, create, and organize your digital home movies using the system's impressive media-handling capabilities. Prepare to unleash your inner cinematographer! -
Part IV, "Playing and Recording DVDs," covers one of the trickier and ultimately most rewarding features of the Media Center architecture: the capability to build and burn your own DVD discs directly from your favorite TV shows. You'll also find tips on how to customize DVD playback features to make the most of Media Center's home theater experience. -
Part V, "My Music," delves into Media Center's audio arsenal, including the capability to rewind live FM radio (if your system comes equipped with a radio tuner). By blending your personal music collection with live radio and audio streamed and downloaded from the Internet, Media Center's My Music offers you access to an awesome audio apparatus. -
Part VI, "My Pictures," takes you through the digital photography display and processing features built into Media Center, and shows you how to use add-on software to get professional darkroom results. Kiss your red-eye good-bye . -
Part VII, "Advanced Media Center Settings and Options," provides additional tips and tools for the power user you've become, allowing you to get maximum performance and satisfaction from your Media Center system. In the final chapter, you'll find a complete guide to Media Center hardware, including the pros and cons of many different PC styles and designs of Media Center systems.  |
