In This Chapter
One of the most seductive qualities of the Windows Media Center machine is its chameleon-like capability to take on the characteristics of so many different devices, effectively eliminating your need for numerous standalone entertainment components such as a home stereo system, a television, and, not least, a DVD player. The basic DVD playback features of Media Center are designed to be as simple and straightforward to operate as those of any conventional DVD player. However, many of these standalone players have expanded their resume in recent years , adding advanced capabilities to fine-tune your DVD watching experience. The problem is that these devices are limited in how they allow you to access these advanced features. Generally, a dedicated button is required for each feature, from Menu to Skip. As a consequence, their remote controls are bristling with buttons , and most consumers will never take the time to ascertain the functions or learn the use of most of them. caution
Media Center has the upper hand in this design conundrum . Simple playback tasks are assigned to dedicated buttons on the remote control, but because that remote is communicating with a sophisticated multipurpose multimedia machine, it also gives you access to underlying layers of software menus that let you thoroughly customize your viewing experience. The result is that it's much easier to unlock those hidden features that are often difficult to fathom and configure using today's standalone DVD players. Of course, you can also climb into the "cockpit" of your Media Center and manage your DVD playback with mouse and keyboard. It's just a matter of personal preference, and how much control you want to exert over your home theatre experience. |