FAQ: Media Center viewer MCE

How can I start the Media Center viewer?

You can press the Media Center icon in Movie Collector or from the Program Library section of Media Center, or use the menu Tools | Start Media Center in Movie Collector.

How do I browse my movies in the Media Center viewer?

Besides the very nice remote control functionality, you can also use the viewer through any default keyboard.

Both for the keyboard and the remote keys to use, we recommend to check with the Movie Collector manual. The section in the manual is called 'Viewing and playing your movies using Windows Media Center'.

Can I play my movies from the Media Center viewer ?

Yes, you can link to movie files using Movie Collector, and play them from the viewer.

Use the menu Edit | Edit Movie in Movie Collector first. On the links tab of the edit movie screen, add a movie file. You can drag and drop such a file onto the panel, or use the "add movie file" icon.

Once a movie entry is linked, start the Media Center viewer. When you view a movie's details, you will find a play button that will allow you to play the movie directly from the viewer.

If your movies are in the ISO format, you will have to install a program called Daemon Tools before you can play ISO files.

I have problems using the MCE viewer, what now?

For common questions please check the Movie Collector manual. It has a section on the Media Center viewer, which is called 'Viewing and playing your movies using Windows Media Center'.

Secondly, make sure that you have Internet Explorer 7 installed on your Media Center computer. It has a better handling of the transparency of your movie covers.

For more technical problems, you can contact the developer Brian Baskerville directly. Just use the MCE forum.
If your answer is not already on the forum, do not hesitate to post your question.
Brian will be happy to assist you.

When I edit or add a new movie in Movie Collector I do not see the changes when using Media Center. Why?

When you edit or add a new movie you must save the database when done. (File - Save Database).

You also have to make sure Generate Media Center XML at save is enabled on the Media Center option page.

I am using the Media Center viewer through a media extender, but get a 'no movies found' message. Why?

When using an extender (such as e.g. the Xbox 360), you have to make sure the following folders are set to "shared" on the Media Center PC :

C:\Users\Your-Name\Documents\Movie Collector
C:\Users\Your-Name\AppData\Local\Collectorz.com\Movie Collector\MCE

If you do not share these folders, your extender simply does not have access to files required to use the viewer from your extender.

How do I access the onscreen keyboard?

On XP Media Center press the down arrow button. On Vista Media Center press the Play button on the remote or Ctrl key on your desktop keyboard.

The viewer's background color does not change when changing the theme.

You will have to run Movie Collector as administrator.

Right click the Movie Collector program icon, and choose 'run as administrator'.

When I press the Play Button with the mouse nothing happens. Why?

A remote control is meant to be used with Windows Media Center to have the best experience.

Because of the location of the Play Button it is kind of difficult to press it using the mouse. You must put the mouse arrow on the very beginning the Play Button to press it.