PNEC's Articles

Digital media is now available to the average consumer in somewhat overwhelming quantities. Many devices are available for recording, playing, and processing still photos, video and audio clips, and streaming media.

● Windows Media Center Originally, Microsoft offered a separate Media Center edition of the Windows operating system for people who wanted to run a dedicated in-home media server, but now Media Center is built right into Windows 7 so that anyone with the interest and know-how can take advantage of it. Using Media Center, you can view movies, recorded television programs, and photo slideshows on your computer screen just as you would by hooking a playback device to your television. If your computer has an internal or external TV tuner, you can stream network television directly from your television service provider to your computer and record your favorite shows. And many televisions available now have built-in computer input ports, so you can play audio and video through that nice new 50-inch flat-screen TV. You can listen to live radio programs, music from your personal music library, and music from online sources, all on one machine (and watch a slideshow of your vacation photos at the same time). This is not nearly as difficult as it might sound, and with the rapidly dropping price of computers featuring 500 gigabytes (GB) or more of storage space, you can take the opportunity to store all your music and digital media in one place and then enjoy it with ease.

● Windows Media Player A simpler option for playing recorded music and videos from your personal library, including content that you access or purchase online.

● Windows DVD Maker A simple means by which you can create professional-looking DVDs of your photos, videos, and music, complete with chapters, titles, and special effects. This is a great way to preserve baby photos and videos and share them with family and friends.