5. Using MCE

Setup And Configuration

Upon initial startup of MCE, an installation wizard guides users through the configuration process step-by-step.

You can even use the MCE remote control to drive the setup and configuration process.

In an early step in the process, the Internet connection is established and tested. Because MCE loads program listings and EPG data from the Internet, a working link is mandatory. During the next step, TV reception is configured. During this process, the type of TV reception is established (broadcast, cable or satellite), and the local ZIP code is requested to establish compatible channel listings. During this phase, only small amounts of data are necessary so an ISBN or POTS modem is adequate. Once auto-detection recognizes TV signals, TV access is established. Customized listings of TV channels or selection of specific TV programs for viewing or recording isn't part of this initial setup; instead, it's an optional setup activity that can be handled later, as shown in the following figure.

Configuration of analog and Digital TV sources and programs in MCE is quick and easy.

To ensure optimal video resolution and clarity on a monitor or TV set, MCE plays a canned video clip to simplify manual fine tuning of the output displayed, if needed. But in fact, we observed that picture quality was very good on an attached TV even after automatic adjustment had completed.

Warning! If you connect both a television and a monitor to an ATI Radeon graphics card, the monitor must be designated as the primary display device. Otherwise you'll wind up staring at a pair of blank screens when Media Center Edition switches to full screen display mode.

A final step in the optional configuration process is to setup the loudspeakers. The 2005 release of MCE even supports 7.1 high-definition audio.