Building a Great Media Center PC

Building a Great Media Center PC - 1

WinHEC 2005 Version – April 2005

Abstract

Microsoft encourages system manufacturers to differentiate computers built on Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005. This paper provides guidelines, recommendations, and additional resources for OEMs, ODMs, ISVs, and IHVs who want to design and deploy innovative Media Center PCs that offer consumers the best rich media experience.

Information is provided on recommended components, controls, and features, as well as instructions for completing a formal evaluation of the software. Also included are best practices for designing, developing, testing, and deploying hardware that is optimized for Media Center features and benefits.

This information applies to:
Update to Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.

If you are unfamiliar with the features and capabilities of Media Center PCs and Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, please review product information at

References and resources discussed here are listed at the end of this paper.

Contents

Introduction

Designing for the Media Center Experience

General Characteristics of the Media Center PC

Design Fundamentals

Size, Width, and Depth

Noise and Heat Management

Front Panel Design

Back Panel

System Components

Video

Audio

Storage

Optical Storage (DVD Writing)

Input Devices

Software Applications

Creating Applications and Services for Media Center

Optimizing Third-Party Applications for Media Center

Testing the Media Center PC

Test Tool Resources

Designed for Windows Media Center Edition Logo Program

References and Related Documents

Disclaimer

The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.

This White Paper is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation.

Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.

Unless otherwise noted, the example companies, organizations, products, domain names, e-mail addresses, logos, people, places and events depicted herein are fictitious, and no association with any real company, organization, product, domain name, email address, logo, person, place or event is intended or should be inferred.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Introduction

Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition is frequently updated with new features and capabilities that advance the way people experience rich media and entertainment in the home. When combined with optimal hardware components and applications, system manufacturers can deploy Media Center PCs that rival the performance and high-quality of consumer electronics, such as DVD players and Personal Video Recorders.

This guide describes how PC system and device manufacturers can deliver the best quality digital media experiences by building consistently innovative and robust Media Center PCs.

The heavy resource demand of delivering advanced digital media requires that Media Center PCs be designed, tested, and deployed with different considerations than a standard productivity PC. This document describes the role of each component in a Media Center PC and provides design recommendations and testing guidelines that will help manufacturers deploy innovative and successful Media Center PCs.

Note: Many of the topics discussed in this document apply directly to Living Room PCs, all-in-one entertainment devices that closely resemble the look and features of consumer electronics, such as a home theater receiver. In most instances, the design and hardware recommendations can be applied to desktop and notebook systems.

Designing for the Media Center Experience

The first generation Media Center PCs were configured much like traditional desktop systems—and used in much the same way. The typical customer placed the system in the den or home office, connected a standard PC display, and used the system for productivity, gaming, and entertainment while sitting at the desktop.

This scenario is rapidly evolving as newer, more robust systems hit the market. Today’s Media Center PC customer is looking for an all-in-one digital media device that resides in the room for entertainment and looks like and performs as well as any other component in the home theater system.

The guidelines in this section define the unique qualities of a Media Center PC and provide recommendations for implementing designs, controls, and connectors that enable users to enjoy the best quality digital entertainment experience.

General Characteristics of the Media Center PC

The Media Center PC can be configured as a desktop system, a notebook, or an all-in-one digital entertainment device that fits the home theater cabinet. Understanding the usage scenarios for each form factor will help you configure the best set of features for your target audience.

For each form factor described later, include features that enable the user to easily connect digital media devices, peripherals, and displays. Consider using new tower/mini-tower styles that are optimized for digital media and entertainment. Incorporate front panel inputs that enable the transfer and playback of media files on personal devices and storage media, such as a USB flash drive. Include ports and jacks on the front panel for headphones, microphone, and other peripherals, as well as a variety of easy-to-identify audio and video outputs for speakers, displays, and connected devices.

The inclusion and configuration of these features depends on the intended usage and location of the Media Center PC.

Traditional towers and desktops
Desktop Media Center PCs are used for productivity, gaming, communications, and digital media. Like traditional desktops, they reside in the den or home office and are configured with a PC display and computer speakers. The keyboard and mouse are the primary input devices, even when navigating the Media Center interface. Often, users watch TV or navigate the Media Center interface in a window while performing another task, such as surfing the Web or writing a letter. Instead of being turned off when not in use, the desktop Media Center PC is usually placed in stand-by, enabling the system to wake up to capture scheduled TV recordings.
Notebooks
Mobile PCs are typically used for both productivity and entertainment. Notebooks offer the added benefit of portability, allowing users to take digital media and recorded TV shows with them.
Living Room PC
This all-in-one entertainment system, designed for the home entertainment cabinet, accommodates a variety of high-resolution displays and surround speakers to deliver a true home theater experience. It looks and works like a consumer electronics device, with the added benefits of a Windows-based system, such as software updates when new features are made available.

The living room form factor emulates a consumer electronics device in several ways. For example, the case dimensions fit within a home theater cabinet or shelf (approximately 17” wide). The system might include a front panel display that provides navigation, information, and media selection options. Back panel inputs connect a variety of home audio and video components, including surround sound speaker systems, high-resolution displays (including flat panel and HD displays), portable devices, digital cameras, and other devices. The remote control is the primary input device; the keyboard and mouse are rarely used.

The system is primarily used for entertainment and digital media—music, TV, DVD, and photos. Productivity and communications features are typically accessed only when connected to a high resolution display. Most users leave the system on or in standby. When placed in Standby, the PC can wake up to capture scheduled recordings. It cannot, however, serve content to other devices, such as a Media Center Extender device.

Design Fundamentals

Consumer demand for PC-based entertainment provides both an opportunity and a challenge for system manufacturers. Recent developments in digital media software, video and audio hardware, graphics adapters, and storage media enable the delivery of robust digital entertainment experiences. Deploying a reliable, high-performance Media Center PC that meets the high-quality standards of consumer electronics requires smart design choices and a well-planned system architecture.

This section presents guidelines for the Media Center PC design and system architecture. The recommendations apply directly to Living Room PC form factors and in most cases can be adapted to desktop and laptop form factors.

When designing a Media Center PC, conform to industrial design standards for consumer electronics, such as an audio receiver or DVD player. Use the following recommendations to establish standard interactive designs for your products.

Size, Width, and Depth

System developers can differentiate product offerings by designing a case that fits the environment and intended use. A Living Room PC, for example, should fit in the entertainment cabinet or on a shelf adjacent to the TV. The PC should conform to consumer electronics standards to reinforce the value of the Media Center PC as a complementary home theater component that is as reliable, powerful, and easy to use as a consumer electronics device. Design the PC to fit in a cabinet that may not be much wider than the device, factoring in the needed clearance for venting. Be sure to clearly label clearance requirements on the case and in user documentation.

Noise and Heat Management

As the primary device for home entertainment, users expect the Media Center PC to run quietly and remain cool, just like any other consumer electronics device. Fan and hard drive noise can easily interfere with the enjoyment of music or TV. Excessive heat output can cause problems when the PC is placed in a fully-enclosed entertainment cabinet.

Acoustic levels should be estimated early in the design process to ensure a high-quality user experience. Independent studies set a standard reference level of 4.0 bels emitted sound power in the idle mode and <30 bels when the PC is turned on.

Noise sources include the power supply fan, chassis fan, heat sink fan, graphics cooling fan, CD/DVD drive, floppy drive, and hard drives. Follow these recommendations to effectively manage thermal output while reducing system noise:

Consider the implications of poor heat management
Without proper cooling methods, components can overheat. The result ranges from performance issues to destroyed components. Some components, such as most graphics adapters and CPUs, include overheating protection; others, such as TV tuner cards, do not. Thoroughly test components and case designs to ensure thermal output remains in recommended thermal ranges.
Choose quiet fans and components
Integrate thermal and acoustic design up front. Choose quiet fans and components that reduce noise while effectively cooling the chassis, CPU, and power supply. When designing fan-based systems, consider large diameter, slow RPM fans that can cool multiple components with minimal noise output. Additionally, consider varying the fan voltage to provide optimum cooling with the lowest acoustical output.
Manage heat using fanless components
Consider passive cooling techniques, such as heat sinks and heat pipes, to provide a whisper-quiet user experience. Fanless systems require special case designs that provide excellent air flow.
Reduce vibration and rattles
Acoustic levels can be further reduced by damping vibration and controlling the pitch of components with moving parts. Mount hard drives on rubber pads to reduce transmission of noise through the chassis and secure components to avoid rattles and vibrations. Additionally, control fan spin-up at system resume and ensure that the fan does not engage in stand-by mode.
Implement CPUs with lower power demands
Built-in processor performance control in Microsoft WindowsXP Media Center Edition can take advantage of microprocessors that use performance states. Consider CPU designs that enable lower power scenarios to reduce heat and acoustical output.
Build on new Microsoft Always Ready technology when it is available
Always Ready is a new Microsoft technology that aggressively manages power when the system is placed in a Rest state. This, in turn, helps control thermal and acoustic levels. Many system factors must be taken into consideration for the power supply such as power draw, component layout, and PC chassis design, as well as the selection of system components such as the CPU and graphics card.

Note: Request information about Always Ready Experience specifications from and visit the Windows Power Management Web site on WHDC for current information about these technologies.

Configure airflow vents for poorly-ventilated spaces
Many Living Room PC owners will place the system in an entertainment cabinet. Test to ensure that the available clearance on the sides, back, and front of the case allows sufficient airflow when placed in an enclosed space.

Front Panel Design

When shopping for a Media Center PC, the consumer is initially drawn to a particular system by the front panel elements—I/O connectors, user controls, and visual indicators. System manufacturers can differentiate their products by implementing uniquely attractive and functional front panels.

Designing an effective front panel can be realized by conforming to best practices in consumer electronics industrial design. Like a CE device, a design that is simple and sleek can be as effective as a design that offers robust features, controls, and inputs.

Consider the same questions that a consumer asks when examining an in-store demo computer: How will this PC look in the entertainment cabinet? Will I use the front panel controls and inputs? What devices will I connect to the front panel? Does the display provide useful information? Is it too bright or dim? Can I read the display from a distance?

This section provides recommendations for three key areas of front panel design: visual feedback, I/O connectors, and playback controls.

Visual Feedback Indicators

Visual feedback indicators are a key component on Living Room PCs and can also be implemented on some traditional form factors. Visual feedback indicators can range from simple LED lights that alert the user that the PC is performing a task (such as recording a TV show) to an auxiliary display that shows the current function (such as TV channel, song title, DVD chapter, transport state, and volume).

Follow these recommendations when designing front panel components:

Show only relevant information.
Display only new or important states, such as media status (track time or recording in progress).

Use “task” tags to indicate the current activity (TV, music) instead of the current location within the user interface (My TV, My Music). It is possible that two or more types of media can be playing at the same time; for example, playing music while viewing a photo slide show. Also, branded UI elements could change in future software revisions, so avoid displaying destination names.

Do not include a “disk active” indicator light for hard disks or optical drives
These types of indicator lights can be difficult for users to interpret, and can provide confusing system-state information. Additionally, flashing indicators can be distracting, especially when the PC is located in a dark room.
Enable user-adjustable light levels
Bright panel lights can distract the user, especially in rooms with low lighting levels. Include dimming capabilities, either user controls or innovative autodimming features, when designing a front panel.
Follow ISO/IEC iconography standards
A list of all displayable events is available in the Windows XP Media Center Edition SDK.

Auxiliary Displays

Auxiliary displays provide a companion user interface to the primary Media Center experience.