Who else uses this software on their HTPC?
I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium and find it by far the best HTPC interface for TV, recording, movies, music and photos.
There are numerous ways to improve WMC, from adding on-demand TV, to customising the interface.
Since there's no particular main large thread for this at the present time, I thought I could start one for all the add-ons and customisations that are possible, updating the OP as it grows.
I also have a question that prompted me to begin this thread: Is it possible to improve the picture quality? Live and recorded TV look quite bad in comparison to my TVs built in tuner, and the Microsoft video codec seems to receive absolutely no praise after having looked over the internet. I'm aware you can change the default codec to others, such as the Avivo codec for ATI cards, which does improve the picture significantly, but certain functions are lost, such as FF/RW, skipping and even the ability to watch Live TV, depending on how it's configured.
There are a large amount of people here who have a HTPC, so I'm sure there's a vast amount of knowledge amongst all members.
PS - Please no 'use mediaportal instead' posts, this thread is solely for WMC.
Thanks guys for any input! Let me know what tools/programs/enhancements/customisations/hacks you're using!
Customisation
Media Browser - Browse films and TV shows using a variety of attractive interfaces (including the popular 'cover flow'). Freeware, Highly recommended.
Media Center Studio - Completely customise the media center menu, add new items, reorder, change background and buttons etc. Recommended if you want to change the look of WMC, freeware. See here for some themes from OcUK members, many more available on the web too.
My Channel Logos - A nice enhancement to the guide, picked up almost all the freeview channels automatically for me. More logos available here (freesat etc).
My Movies 3 - A new interface for movies and also contains collection management abilities, including network based collections. Good software, lacks the visuals of media browser, but packs awesome functionality. Freeware with some advanced features unlocked using a points system.
Movie Collector MCE - Manage your movie catalogue automatically with cover art, descriptions etc. Much like the above plugins, free trial available.
Metadata management
Metabrowser - Retrieve data for films and TV shows automatically, ideal partner to mediabrowser. v2 now paid for, older versions are free.
Media Center Master - metadata collection and management, also suited to mediabrowser, but can be used for normal WMC too. Freeware.
My movies collection management - Included with My Movies 3 (above) or available as a standalone package, visit the site for more info.
Images By Name - Get actor images in Media browser. Go here for a quick guide of how to set it up.
MediaInfo - Set up media info inside Media Broswer. Simple installation, read here.
Playback
DVBLink - Watch TV using networked TV tuners, ideal if you have more than one PC around the house.
Shark007 Codec Pack - Allows a variety of formats to be played through WMC that weren't previously possible. Any input on configurations people have used with this pack would be appreciated, I'll update the info here for everyone's benefit.
On demand TV
Tuner-free MCE - Add on-demand TV to media center. Includes popular UK channels - iplayer, 4OD, ITVPlayer, DemandFive. Freeware, integration not always perfect, may need keyboard and mouse.
NeverMiss.TV - add iplayer ITVPlayer, 4OD and DemandFive to WMC. Currently in beta, reported to integrate better than Tunerfree MCE.
Other Plugins
Heatwave - A slick weather plugin for MCE.
MacroTube - View Youtube, Dailymotion and more videos in media center.
My Trailers 2.0 - View movie trailers for new and upcoming movies in WMC, includes HD trailers. Small cost of $5.99. To download, click 'plugins' and scroll to the bottom.
Twitter MCE - Ever wanted to tweet from your HTPC? Me neither, but you can now.
Remind Me for MCE - Set up reminders to display in media center. Potentially quite useful if you're the type that gets lost in a good movie.
MC7 Sleep timer - set your HTPC to go to sleep after a defined period.
Refresh rate changer - possibly quite useful if you want to move between 24Hz and 50/60Hz on your HTPC.
Useful Programs
Remote Potato - Manage your recordings (series or otherwise) through a web interface. With a static IP, you can access and set recordings for your HTPC from anywhere! One of my favourite plugins, freeware. There is also limited support for streaming of your recorded TV over the net.
I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium and find it by far the best HTPC interface for TV, recording, movies, music and photos.
There are numerous ways to improve WMC, from adding on-demand TV, to customising the interface.
Since there's no particular main large thread for this at the present time, I thought I could start one for all the add-ons and customisations that are possible, updating the OP as it grows.
I also have a question that prompted me to begin this thread: Is it possible to improve the picture quality? Live and recorded TV look quite bad in comparison to my TVs built in tuner, and the Microsoft video codec seems to receive absolutely no praise after having looked over the internet. I'm aware you can change the default codec to others, such as the Avivo codec for ATI cards, which does improve the picture significantly, but certain functions are lost, such as FF/RW, skipping and even the ability to watch Live TV, depending on how it's configured.
There are a large amount of people here who have a HTPC, so I'm sure there's a vast amount of knowledge amongst all members.
PS - Please no 'use mediaportal instead' posts, this thread is solely for WMC.
Thanks guys for any input! Let me know what tools/programs/enhancements/customisations/hacks you're using!
Customisation
Media Browser - Browse films and TV shows using a variety of attractive interfaces (including the popular 'cover flow'). Freeware, Highly recommended.
Media Center Studio - Completely customise the media center menu, add new items, reorder, change background and buttons etc. Recommended if you want to change the look of WMC, freeware. See here for some themes from OcUK members, many more available on the web too.
My Channel Logos - A nice enhancement to the guide, picked up almost all the freeview channels automatically for me. More logos available here (freesat etc).
My Movies 3 - A new interface for movies and also contains collection management abilities, including network based collections. Good software, lacks the visuals of media browser, but packs awesome functionality. Freeware with some advanced features unlocked using a points system.
Movie Collector MCE - Manage your movie catalogue automatically with cover art, descriptions etc. Much like the above plugins, free trial available.
Metadata management
Metabrowser - Retrieve data for films and TV shows automatically, ideal partner to mediabrowser. v2 now paid for, older versions are free.
Media Center Master - metadata collection and management, also suited to mediabrowser, but can be used for normal WMC too. Freeware.
My movies collection management - Included with My Movies 3 (above) or available as a standalone package, visit the site for more info.
Images By Name - Get actor images in Media browser. Go here for a quick guide of how to set it up.
MediaInfo - Set up media info inside Media Broswer. Simple installation, read here.
Playback
DVBLink - Watch TV using networked TV tuners, ideal if you have more than one PC around the house.
Shark007 Codec Pack - Allows a variety of formats to be played through WMC that weren't previously possible. Any input on configurations people have used with this pack would be appreciated, I'll update the info here for everyone's benefit.
On demand TV
Tuner-free MCE - Add on-demand TV to media center. Includes popular UK channels - iplayer, 4OD, ITVPlayer, DemandFive. Freeware, integration not always perfect, may need keyboard and mouse.
NeverMiss.TV - add iplayer ITVPlayer, 4OD and DemandFive to WMC. Currently in beta, reported to integrate better than Tunerfree MCE.
Other Plugins
Heatwave - A slick weather plugin for MCE.
MacroTube - View Youtube, Dailymotion and more videos in media center.
My Trailers 2.0 - View movie trailers for new and upcoming movies in WMC, includes HD trailers. Small cost of $5.99. To download, click 'plugins' and scroll to the bottom.
Twitter MCE - Ever wanted to tweet from your HTPC? Me neither, but you can now.
Remind Me for MCE - Set up reminders to display in media center. Potentially quite useful if you're the type that gets lost in a good movie.
MC7 Sleep timer - set your HTPC to go to sleep after a defined period.
Refresh rate changer - possibly quite useful if you want to move between 24Hz and 50/60Hz on your HTPC.
Useful Programs
Remote Potato - Manage your recordings (series or otherwise) through a web interface. With a static IP, you can access and set recordings for your HTPC from anywhere! One of my favourite plugins, freeware. There is also limited support for streaming of your recorded TV over the net.
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