Quick MCE2005 query...

[Ant]

When you record a program on TV using MCE2005, what format does it get saved in? Can the recordings be made accessible by non-MCE computers (2k & XP) on the network?

I am planning to build HTPC, but would like to be able to access the recordings in other rooms in the house, on other machines.

Cheers

Ant

[javalord]

MPEG2 with another microsoft wrapper thats easy to overcome with a quick google for DVR formats.

[Nitestorm]

Yeah, the file format is called DVR-MS, basically MPEG2 with added metadata about the recorded program. Microsoft claim it cannot be edited or converted to other formats, but that doesn't seem to be true anymore.

As said, there does seem to be some DVR-MS comversion software around, although haven't tried them myself. Also supposedly Cyberlink Power Director v3 is meant to be able to import DVR-MS for editing or converting.

[Nitestorm]

However, if you just want to play the DVR-MS video files over a network on non-MCE PCs, then think you just need the right software and make sure the folder is shared.

With SP2 you should just need to use a DirectShow player (ie WMP) and install a DirectShow MPEG2/DVD decoder (DVD software or codec). If using SP1 still, you'll need Windows XP SP1 Update: Watch TV Shows Recorded by Media Center PCs on Other Windows XP PCs as well.

The default location for the DVR-MS files on the MCE PC should be C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\Recorded TV.

[Ant]

Cheers for the replies, thats brilliant...

Only really plan to play them over the network, and as all our machines have SP2, WMP, and a DVD decoder of some sort, it shouldn't be a problem then!

What naming format does MCE give the recodings' name's? I mean, would they be easy to figure out what recording is what?

I'm going to go do some research into DVR-MS files now.

Ant

[Nitestorm]

Not sure of the filename format.

But should also mention that you can buy Media Centre Extender devices too. They allow you to access your MCE media and functions on a TV/Xbox, etc over a network. Except maybe playing DVDs remotely. Supposedly you can have up to 5 diffferent extender devices running at the same time. I know HP and Linksys have extenders for sale.

Network bandwidth can be an issue. Ideally I think they suggest a wired 100Mbps network, but otherwise .11a/.11g wireless. Don't think .11b or Adhoc wireless networking are officially supported.

[Nitestorm]

What naming format does MCE give the recodings' name's? I mean, would they be easy to figure out what recording is what?

Saw a thread about a util called DVRMSToolbox. Supposedly can convert DVR-MS to MPEG, MWA, WMV and cut out commercials. But one of the posts in there included:

The Property Chain_Channel 4_31_05_2005_19_58_01.dvr-ms

So maybe the default filename format is programme_channel_date_time?

[Ant]

Hey, thanks for all the info! Greatly appreciated!

Thats DVRMSToolbox looks like it could be handy too!

Here's why I'm asking all these questions:

I'm a network manager for a school, and am about to set up a system where I can record programs from the "TeachersTV" channel.

As schools are allowed to record and keep everything that they broadcast for reference or for extra resources, I think an automated system like MCE would be ideal. This would allow all staff to be able to watch these recorded programs in their classes, and even show them to the whole class with their data projectors, over the network.

And because the MCE interface looks so easy, this will allow certain members of staff to change what they want recorded without me being there.

The DVRMSToolbox you mentioned, sounds like the ideal solution for compresing the videos into a format such as wmv, when the server eventually fills up.

Sound good?

Oh, and I plan to build another one for myself, so its good to know the ins and outs before hand.

Cheers

Ant