Also sorry for my slackerness as I still have not created the new logo for the site   I will be working on it soon..

It’s fresh off the compiler, so any feedback (epecially constuctive criticism) is very welcome.

The functionality is pretty straight forward, so I’m hoping instructions won’t be necessary.

Download the 32-bit version here.
Download the 64-bit version here.

A kind user suggested I include a donate button, so please find one above.

Version 0.8.2

• Revamped search function which remembers previous searches, uses Google search suggestions, and uses the built-in on-screen keyboard
• The ability to add and remove providers from within the program (the manage providers link on the providers page)
• Categories now wrap when navigating past the first/last item
• Fixed the problem with multiple searches causing issues, and added the ability to configure how many previous searches will remain visible
• Added some new automatic update functionality to notify users when a new version is available
• Numerous minor cosmetic changes and tweaks

Version 0.8.1

• Changed the functioning of the OK remote control button on extenders and remote controls that simulate keyboard input to allow the search function to work correctly
• No longer attempts to search for blank search criteria
• Installs to Media Center start menu
• Added an option in the Appearance section of Settings to add/remove from Media Center start menu
• Hides the search option if searching is not available for a provider (e.g. the “SearchUrl” attribute is blank or missing).
• Minor cosmetic changes

Big Screen byRemote allows you to remotely access one or more Windows 7 Media Center PC’s – and browse+search your EPG, manage your scheduled recordings and recorded TV Files – plus a whole lot more. (so this is not just a simple ‘remote control’ but a fully integrated remote PVR solution). The app is developed with Silverlight for Windows Phone and is optimized to work on 3G + Wireless networks (and uses very small amounts of mobile data due to inbuilt compression algorithms).

Please visit the following link for more information (includes Zune Download link) : http://bigscreenglobal.com/bgbyrwp7.aspx?PID=BSRV1

The full version of byRemote costs just USD$4.99 from Windows Marketplace (prices vary based on location) – and works with the free ‘Basic Edition’ of byRemote for Windows 7 Media Center (which operates as a Host service). A single purchase of the client allows installation on multiple handsets (which share the same windows live ID).

A fully functional trial version is also available – but limits PVR scheduling/browsing actions to your first 3 configured channels.

Luckily, they’ve seen the light and as of Friday, tuner sharing is now approved in OCUR devices.  That means you can install multiple tuners in a single PC and spread them throughout your home.  While Ceton will obviously be the first to benefit from this new feature after a pending firmware update, it was all but mandatory for Silicon Dust’s upcoming networked tuner.

While not important to Media Center users, CableLabs also approved DRM Free Copy Freely content.  What this means is that other HTPC software will be able to utilize CableCard tuners for Copy Freely content.  While this won’t get you HBO or Showtime in SageTV or Myth, it will get you any content that your cable company has not flagged with copy restrictions.

Jeremy Hammer, VP of Systems Integration for Ceton has stated that the company is already working with the developers of MythTV to bring the InfiniTV4 to the popular Linux based HTPC software.

The Green Button strikes again!  This time while taking a look around the other morning, I came across Macrotube.  As the name suggests, the application provides a way to pull YouTube content into Media Center.  Happily though, that’s not where the fun ends, but just begins.

While the application is still in development, a decent amount of content has already been added and the developer has stated in the thread that he’s working on more.  His focus at this time is providing access to user generated content as opposed to podcasts or videocasts but he may consider those in the future.  As of today you can find the following included with the installation:

One nice aspect of the application is that you don’t have to scroll through all of these sources if you don’t want to.  You’re able to manage the sources you want to see on the main screen and only show the ones you want.

As well, it is posted that all of the current sources of content work on extenders, something dearly needed in this space.  I haven’t had a chance to test this aspect though so I don’t promise anything.

In using the application for two days now (and I mean really using), I’ve found the UI to be smooth and relatively quick.  There are times when thumbnails won’t display but usually a reload of the given page they come up.

As with any online content, quality varies.  This of course has nothing to do with the application but the source.  Some of the content sources are of classic content from the days before there ever was an internet and it shows but finding this content in other places can be a challenge.  That said, being able to watch a few episodes of Gunsmoke never hurt anyone.

Hopefully the developer will continue to add resources.  The structure of the UI is excellent, transitions are smooth and it ties into Media Center nicely.  With the application still being in beta, I hold out strong hopes for MacroTube.  That said, the developer hasn’t posted anything in the TGB thread since August.  I hope this doesn’t mean a dead project.  The base of the application is strong and with some more work this could be one of the best online content applications available to Media Center users.

Again, this is currently only available to Ceton beta testers, but this is definitely good news. Hopefully it means that the firmware, and corresponding software, will be released to the public very soon.

Update for Windows 7 Media Center (KB2284742) is now available on Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.  This update addresses the following issues on Windows 7 Media Center:

Resolves a scheduling performance issue in which over time the start time for scheduled recordings may decrease.o    Resolves a significant Watson issue in some upgrade scenarios.  In these scenarios, the Windows Media Center directory is missing or has incorrect permissions that result in a crash when you try to open Windows Media Center.o    Resolves a significant Watson issue during the typical database maintenance process.  If a user uses Windows Media Center and causes a new type to be added to the database, mcupdate.exe may crash.

This update includes the following previously released fixes:KB981078 is the previously released June 2010 Cumulative Update for Windows 7 Media Center

KB977863 is the previously released February 2010 Cumulative Update for Windows 7 Media Center

KB2266287 was previously released update available via the KB article.  This fix addresses an issue that can result in “Copying Prohibited” error when using Windows Media Center to watch live TV or recorded TV shows on a computer that is running Windows 7.

KB981129 was previously released on Microsoft Download Center.  This fix addresses a deadlock issue that can occur with frequent, fast channel changes on network tuners, resulting in “Tuner Conflict” overlay.

KB981130 was previously released on Microsoft Download Center.  This fix addresses an issue where overly sensitive method on monitoring analog signal strength led to false positive indications of signal strength resulting in “Low Bit Rate” overlays.

KB2284742 is available on Windows Update as a recommended update.  It is also available on the Microsoft Download Center at the following links:

x86: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1c2c0aae-ac57-43c4-bc0e-2969e7fc22fa

x64: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=537302ac-5982-4d22-b338-e25f7538b025

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2284742 provides additional details.

Please note that if you are running Windows 7 SP1 Beta, this update will not install.

Traffic continues to grow so we are preparing for it. We also wanted to give the site a more professional look with pleasing colors and more visual graphics. (the old site was a little plain).

In addition we are going to be bringing you more content and fresh articles with hands-on reviews and tutorials.

ATTENTION SKIN DEVELOPERS – Pearl 0.1.4.0 brings in skins model v3 please update your skins accordingly

• New Media Info Icons supported (requires Media Info Provider v1.0.9.0+)
• Initial GameTime plugin view added (not complete)
• Several performance fixes
• Hidden config option to disable next/previous buttons
• Fixed context menu bug
• Vertical menus only wrap when there are more items than can be displayed at once
• Pearl_Night theme backdrop filter tweaks

A gentle reminder for those who haven’t yet become a Media Browser support, a minor donation of 10USD or more will get you a supporter key and allow you unlimited usage of Pearl (along with the MB Trailers, and CoverArt plugins). For those who are already MB supporters thank you for your support.

Enjoy the new update, and as always Pearl is available via the MB Configuration tool.

Source Article:
Pearl Theme v0.1.4.0 Released

Dave’s theme, Streaming Light is currently being worked on and has an active thread available for comments over at AVForums. Be sure to drop in and leave comments, suggestions and praise in the thread. We’ve got the latest version, 1.02, available for download right here in our Download Center. You’ll need Media Center Studio installed in order to apply the theme.

For those unfamiliar with Media Center Studio simply run the program and select the Themes tab. From that tab select the Import Theme button and select the Streaming Light MCT file to add it to Media Center Studio’s theme listing. From there select the Streaming Light theme and press the Apply button. The theme will be applied to Media Center and should appear the next time you launch the program.

Easy as that! Thanks to Dave Bryce for sending in this theme and everyone else who does the same.

Source Article:
Streaming Light Theme