Play the Contents of an iPod Or Camcorder in Windows Media Center

Table of Contents

This looks like a lot of steps, they're all really easy.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to control an iPod or camcorder with a Windows Media Center remote? I've found a way to play the contents of an iPod or camcorder in Windows Media Center, and then wrote this tutorial about it.Please note that this tutorial could be modified in many ways to work with many different types of devices, cables, etc. This is just a part of what you can do with Windows Media Center.

What You Need

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To accomplish this, there are some specific things that you need. What is required is:

Starting the Configuration

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Step One: Back to top

Connect your iPod to the computer with the white charger/data transfer cable. After it is connected, eject your iPod from the computer, but do not disconnect it. This is to charge the iPod while playing videos. If you are using a camcorder for this tutorial, attach the camcorder to a charger if you are able to charge and use your camcorder simultaneously.
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Connect the black end of the composite cable to the iPod headphone jack located at the top of the iPod or the camcorder's AV jack. Disconnect any set-top boxes or cable connections that give Windows Media Center video.
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Open Windows Media Center, scroll down to "Tasks". Click on "Settings".





Click on TV and then click on "Set Up TV Signal".




You will be greeted with a short intro "slide". Click "Next" to proceed with the configuration. After the intro slide, it will ask you to confirm your region. Confirm your region and click "Next"



After confirming your region, you will be asked if you want to download new setup options. You won't be needing it, so click "No".

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You will be asked if you want to automatically or manually configure your signal. You could try automatic, but I think you will have a higher chance of success with manual.
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You will be asked what type of TV signal you have. Click "Satellite" and then click "Next".
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You will be greeted with a screen telling you to prepare your set-top box. You should check:

  • that your iPod is playing video.
  • that your IR receiver is plugged in.
  • that the composite cables are plugged in.
Once you have checked all that, click "Next".

You will have reached a configuration window where you select your TV signal. The contents of the iPod, camcorder, or whatever device you have connected ought to be under one of the "Composite video" options. In the screenshot below, you can clearly see that "Composite Video 2" contains the episode of DL.TV coming from my iPod.
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You will be asked if you have a remote control for your set-top box. Click "No" and then "Next".
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You will be asked how many channels you get. Select the lowest number, as changing the channel has no effect on the iPod or camcorder.
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You will see a screen asking you how you change channels with the remote. I put the first option, though it shouldn't matter.
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Now you will be asked to select your brand of set-top box. As an iPod is not listed in there, just go with some random brand. Do NOT go with "Not Listed". Windows Media Center will refuse to connect it
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You will see another screen asking you something that doesn't actually matter. Just click a random remote control code.
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Now you have to test channel changing, change the channel once or twice and then click "The set-top box changed the channel correctly"

Click "Next" to proceed.
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Now, you have to do pretty much the same thing as in the last screen. Change the channel a few times and click "The channel changed correctly"
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You will see a screen telling you the speed of the IR signals. This is useless information.
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In this screen, click "Yes" for the question "Is your Digital TV Antenna connected?" Click "Next".
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You will be greeted by a screen saying you are done. Click "Return to TV Settings" and then "Finish".
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To enjoy watching your iPod or other device in Windows Media Player, go back to the main menu and scroll to "TV + Movies". Go to "Live TV" and click. If your device is playing video, you will see it on the screen.

Congratulations, if you were successful, you can now use an iPod, camcorder, or some other device that you have adapted to this tutorial as a DVR for Windows Media Center. Now brag about this to all of your friends. :D