One of the greatest features of newer video container formats such as MKV is their ability to contain multiple audio and subtitle streams as well as chapter markers. These are the type of features that begin to bridge the gap between traditional DVD and Blu-Ray media playback and non-traditional digitally distributed or locally stored media. Unfortunately, Microsoft has neglected [...]
With the final release of Windows 7 coming ever closer we are stating to see a number of very nice tools being released gear toward the new platform. For Media Center users some of the most useful programs being developed are in the area of codec support. With Windows Media Foundation and the new pipeline used in Media Center [...]
Media Center Decoder Utility, an infinitely handy program for changing default decoders for Windows Media Center, has finally made the leap to support Windows 7. Formerly known as Vista Media Center Decoder Utility (VMCD) this simple little program allows you to change decoders with a few simple dropdown boxes. Support for Windows 7 includes renaming of Windows Media Foundation [...]
One of the problems people run into when using Windows 7 Media Center is that it’s locked into using Microsoft’s own decoder for live TV. Not only that but if you should try to simply disable this codec (because it’s also locked in for all h.264 content used in videos) live TV playback won’t function. This happens because codecs [...]
Windows 7 introduces some additional functionality to a feature that was added in Windows Vista, Windows Media Foundation. The goal of the Windows Media Foundation is to ease control of media playback for developers. The idea is to remove the need for individual codecs and instead rely on a single Windows package for media playback, much like DirectX does [...]
There are many choices in the world of codecs (used to play back video and audio on the pc). One of the most popular is FFDShow. While there is already a guide on using FFDShow Audio in Media Center there is the other half to consider as well: FFDShow Video. While we are able to get FFDShow audio to work [...]
Setting up your Windows 7 Media Center is easy, making it your own can be easy too. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to make your Media Center experience more complete, more personal, more enjoyable.
Add ClearQAM to Your TV Listings
Add Custom Apps to Your Extras Library
Do It Better – Add Apps with Custom Icons [...]
Sure there’s nothing wrong with codec packs, Shark007’s codec pack is a wonderful product, but there is something to be said for keeping it simple as well. This guide will take you through the minimum steps to install a nice clean setup with the minimum software required to play MKVs and many other less popular codecs as well. For [...]
Following up on this article on getting Media Center to use FFDShow Audio instead of the default Windows 7 codecs let’s take a look at some of the settings available in FFDShow Audio Decoder.
Let’s start with how to check if FFDShow is in fact being used or not. The simplest way to check is to enable the system tray icon [...]
Warning: This hack modifies system files and may cause instability in certain Windows applications under atypical situations. It has been tested to the extent described in the article but not beyond.
When you’re done setting up FFDShow Audio check out this guide on setting up FFDShow Video as well.
Many enthusiasts prefer the ability to set their favorite codec for use in [...]
