5 Awesome Windows Media Center Add Ons
For most of us we know that windows media center can be customised and modified to meet the demands of 99% of HTPC lovers. This list will cover all aspects of media center, not just making it look pretty and is listed in no particular order. Please do let me know if you have any software that you would like to see added to the list
1.Media Center Studio
As covered in a previous post, Using Media Center Studio you can installed a collection of themes for media player. OK so you ‘t can’t change the list layout but you can add/remove from that list and change the colour scheme. Unfortunately it is no longer supported so installation and use can be a little flaky at best but it is still a brilliant tool for making windows media your own with a little work. There are a collection of well make and good looking themes available that have been made by others or if you are feeling brake you could even create your own.
2.Media Center Master
Control your Meta Data, the industry standard in media meta tagging, this powerful software will scan all the folders you tell it to and create meta information for XMBC, Windows Media Center and Popcorn Hour. Pair this with Media Browser which is next in the list and you have a slick system with all the information of your movies and videos in one place. Media Center Master uses data from several databases like the famous IMDB database. While this might not be the most exciting off add ons it certainly makes a big difference to the usability of your media center powered HTPC.
3.Media Browser
Although I might not have covered media browser on this website before I have certainly learnt to love it. There are several layouts that can be selected ranging from an apple inspired coverflow to a simple list. Certain themes also allow you to view other media with the same actors or of a similar genre, hence point number 2 in this list. Media browser is just as controllable using a remote as any other part of media center, just think that with this added to the list on the homepage using media center studio and all the meta data added my media center master things start to look pretty cool.
4.My Channel Logos
Are you fed up with the look of the media center TV guide? Then I suggest looking at the My Channel Logos plugin to add images of the channels in the guide instead of just the standard text, the software is easy to use and just as easy to setup. Most channel logos are included with the software. These logos will might remind you a little of your normal Satellite box
5.MediaMote
Although this might only apply to some of us this software can be a godsend for all users that dont want to splash out on an expensive HTPC remote but have an iPhone. The installation involves installing server software directly onto your HTPC and installing the app onto your iPhone. Using the software you have a WiFi remote for all your media. I found while using the software there were no horrible lags or stalls. The only bad point I can make is that you cannot hold the buttons down, for example to increase the volume you must tap the volume button rather than holding it.
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