WMC

[Rick]

I'm running Windows Media Center with a Freeview TV card, I have two
problems, one is that there appears to be no 'auto' aspect ratio option, or
if there is I can't find how to select it.
The other is that if I reduce the display to a small window and position it
in a corner of the screen, so that I can watch whilst working on something
else, as soon as I click anything on the the main window it disappears into
the background, previous computer TV programme software I've used usually
offered the option of 'always on top', how do I achieve this in WMC. TIA.

 

[Mortimer]

I'm running Windows Media Center with a Freeview TV card, I have two
problems, one is that there appears to be no 'auto' aspect ratio option,
or if there is I can't find how to select it.
The other is that if I reduce the display to a small window and position
it in a corner of the screen, so that I can watch whilst working on
something else, as soon as I click anything on the the main window it
disappears into the background, previous computer TV programme software
I've used usually offered the option of 'always on top', how do I achieve
this in WMC. TIA.

1. Aspect ratio: yes, it's annoying that although WMC can correctly record
the aspect ratio signal, it doesn't honour that signal when playing back -
instead the window remains permanently in 16:9 shape (of whatever size you
choose) even when playing 4:3 material. I've not found a way round this. I
tend to use Windows Media Player or VLC Media Player for playing back. The
one thing that WMC *will* do which other players will not is display
subtitles in WTV files. Well VideoRedo will display them, but as soon as you
generate a new WTV file after removing commercials etc, the subtitles stream
is discarded :-(

2. I've not found a way of setting "always on top". I just manage by making
sure there isn't another window occupying the same part of the screen,
either by resizing it or by minimising it. Not ideal...

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Rick - and Mortimer.

In WMC, click Tasks | Settings | General | Startup and Window Behavior.

The top setting is to "Always keep Windows Media Center on top". Check
this, then Save.

It has been working for me through several Windows versions and video and
tuner cards. ;<)

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP (2002-2010)
Windows Live Mail 2011 (Build 15.4.3555.0308) in Win7 Ultimate x64 SP1


"Rick" wrote in message
I'm running Windows Media Center with a Freeview TV card, I have two
problems, one is that there appears to be no 'auto' aspect ratio option, or
if there is I can't find how to select it.
The other is that if I reduce the display to a small window and position it
in a corner of the screen, so that I can watch whilst working on something
else, as soon as I click anything on the the main window it disappears into
the background, previous computer TV programme software I've used usually
offered the option of 'always on top', how do I achieve this in WMC. TIA.

 

[Rick]

Hi, Rick - and Mortimer.

In WMC, click Tasks | Settings | General | Startup and Window Behavior.

The top setting is to "Always keep Windows Media Center on top". Check
this, then Save.

It has been working for me through several Windows versions and video and
tuner cards. ;<)

RC

Thank you Mortimer and RC for your prompt replies, WMC on top now works fine
and I can live with changing the aspect ratio manually.

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Mortimer:

The
one thing that WMC *will* do which other players will not is display
subtitles in WTV files. Well VideoRedo will display them, but as soon as you
generate a new WTV file after removing commercials etc, the subtitles stream
is discarded :-(

HandBrake is burning in the subtitles for me.

It only puts out .MP4, but my player apps have no problem with
that.