Windows Software SIG Meeting
Receiving and recording HDTV with Windows 7 Media Center
Kevin Lynn
Kevin will demonstrate using a USB plug-in HDTV tuner to receive free off-the-air HDTV with a portable UHF TV antenna. He will also demonstrate recording and playback of TV shows using Windows Media Center (WMC), which allows you to watch, pause, rewind and record TV on your PC. You may also watch internet TV, DVD movies, play your music and watch your videos and slide-shows, all from a single interface.
You can also browse photos, check sports scores and play games in WMC, which is included in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate versions. An earlier version was included in Windows Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate, and in Windows XP Media Center Edition. See details at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-media-center/get-started/default.aspx
Windows Media Center supports many global TV standards and tuners, including digital and HD. If you can receive broadcast, cable or Satellite HDTV, and have an HDTV tuner with direct or USB output, you can watch, pause, rewind and record live TV. To set up your PC to watch and record TV, simply plug your TV tuner into a TV source, then open Media Center from the Start menu. You can choose programs to record from the online channel guide, for scheduled one-time or series recording. If you want to watch and record one show while recording another, you can connect multiple TV tuners to your WMC. An optional remote control adds intuitive, streamlined navigation and control to your TV viewing experience. More information is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/explore/entertainment.aspx
WMC plays most popular audio and video formats—including 3GP, AAC, AVCHD, MPEG-4, WMV, and WMA. It also supports most AVI, DivX, MOV, and Xvid files. Using Windows 7 HomeGroup, you can share the TV, movies, and other media and files on one PC with all Win 7 PCs in your house. If you’ve recorded a TV show on the PC in your living room, you can watch it on your laptop in the den. If you have an Xbox 360, you can also send the recorded TV, videos, and photos on your PC to your television.
