Using Media Extenders for Windows Media Center in Windows 7



Windows 7 and the Windows Media Center continue to make use of media extenders. A media extender is a set-top box that is used to connect either over a wireless connection or an Ethernet connection to your Windows Media Center. For instance, you may use a media extender to use DVR functions with the Windows Media Center. These extenders were created with the introduction of Windows Media Center edition for Windows XP.

Your computer acts as a host for the Windows Media Center; by using wireless connections, you can use extenders and Windows Media Center capabilities from convenient locations without having to carry your computer around from room to room in the process. As mentioned, you can use a wired Ethernet connection; however, Microsoft recommends using a wireless network in order to take full advantage of these benefits. A wireless network has the benefits of flexibility of placement or location. If performance is clearly your priority, I recommend using the wired connection, especially if you are using gigabit Ethernet.

The most popular example today of media extenders with Windows 7 is certainly Microsoft’s Xbox 360. It can be used with the Windows Media Center so that you can view pictures or audio media through your Xbox 360.

Setting up a media extender is quite straightforward; all you need is a wireless connection through a router (or Ethernet if you don’t have wireless), Windows 7 Ultimate edition, and an Xbox 360 console or another media extender. By simply hooking up your media extender to your router or via wireless connection (if you do the latter, you will need the Xbox 360 wireless adapter), you can use WMC through your television.