How to Do Everything with Windows Vista™ Media Center

Now you can enjoy all of your digital media on your PC or TV easily with Windows Vista Media Center! Filled with expert tips, this hands-on guide explains how you can watch and record TV shows, download movies and music, view your photos and videos, and so much more--all through one, integrated system. How to Do Everything with Windows Vista?Media Center shows you how to configure this versatile tool for optimum quality and performance and how to make the most of all of its powerful--and fun--features.

• Connect to a wired or wireless network, the Internet, and a TV signal
• Configure your settings, including privacy, parental controls, and closed captioning
• Watch, pause, rewind, and record live TV
• Download and watch movies and other media
• Set up a personal music library and buy or rent music online
• Create playlists, burn CDs, synch mobile devices, and stream music
• Customize, create, and manage pictures and videos
• Access your media from an Xbox 360 or other Windows Vista PCs
• Install a DVD, HD DVD, or Blu-ray disc drive for your PC or Xbox 360
• Install and configure a TV tuner, a cable card, and an external hard drive

Joli Ballew is a technical author, technology trainer, and website manager. She is the author or coauthor of nearly two dozen books, including CNET Do-It-Yourself Mac Projects and Hardcore Windows XP.

Justin Harrison is an expert in digital media, a three-time Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for Windows Media Center, a consultant, and a technical columnist. He has worked with Microsoft on the Casual Games team, and for General Electric.