JaLooNz the Webbie

Using XMLTV EPG data with Windows Media Center

Background

Windows Media Center / Vista Media Center (termed MCE, due to the release of Windows MCE "Media Center Edition") is a program that serves as a frontend for a home theatre system. It is functionally similar to a standalone DVD player, a DVR box and many more. One of the more useful feature is the recording ability, to turn your computer into a DVR box.

This requires that a TV tuner be installed. EPG (electronic program guide) can be used with media center to make it into a more powerful box, ie to record a series automatically just by having the same program name. One unfortunate point in media center is that Microsoft only provides EPG data to select regions and other countries are left out in the cold. There is also no way to import data directly into media center.

XMLTV has almost become a standard in the provision of EPG data over XML. It is virtually supported by all media center software and is the leading way to have EPG data. Tools like webEPG. XMLTVdownload, TVxb are software that can process webpages and compile program data into XMLTV files to be used with media center software.

Problem

Windows Media Center does not support XMLTV files.

Previous solution

Bladerunner Pro is a program that will convert XMLTV files into a Windows Media center compatible format. However, it makes use of troublesome thirdparty software (ie a web server, typical Microsoft IIS) to provide the data over a HTTP connection (required by media center) and also manual configuration (registry editing, installing certain windows patches).

The new and better solution

wmcGuideServiceProxy is a new tool (highly recommended) that can provide EPG data to Windows Media Center without resorting to troublesome procedures, installing un-needed components and knowing it will work. Everything is automated (even registry editing) and you can enjoy your EPG data on Windows Media Center! There is almost no configuration to do and it simply works.

Steps to install

1. Download the archive
2. Extract the archive
3. Edit the configuration file to point to the XMLTV file
4. Keep it running

Posted by JaLooNz at 11:39 PM

Labels: epg, media center, software