Make Windows HTPC Friendly
So you’re done building your own DVR, but things just don’t feel right. Somehow your HTPC feels more PC and not so HT. Let’s look into some ways to tweak Windows XP a bit to make it fit in in the living room.
TweakUI
Tweak UI
First, grab this little utility from Microsoft. TweakUI lets you get to some very useful Windows settings that are otherwise hidden. Let’s go over a few HTPC-friendly tweaks.
Turn Off Balloon Tips
I know I’m not running anti-virus software on my HTPC. I know there’s no room on my start menu! Turn off Windows’ annoying balloon tips. They interrupt your media experience.
Autoplay Off
Mediaportal handles my DVD and CD playing just fine, I don’t want Windows trying to take over whenever I pop a disc in. Even worse is when autoplay is enabled on your external/portable drives. Tweak UI makes it easy to Autoplay off on any drives you choose.
Clear Desktop
Tweak UI also enables you to remove everything from your desktop - including that pesky Recycling Bin. Now you don’t have that Windows-look when you boot up.
Fonts
Finding everything impossible to read? This is because your TV (unless it’s High Definition) displays much less detail than your computer monitor. Head into Control Panel -> Display and adjust the Font Size to “larger.” Feeling crazy? Click “advanced” and adjust fonts and sizes on everything. I personally think Verdana looks great on a screen (much better than the default Tahoma).
Boot Skin
I’m A Computer!
Now we’re getting into the thick of it. Nothing makes your HTPC scream “I’m A Computer” like that darn Windows logo when you boot up. Change it something more living-room-friendly with Stardock’s free program BookSkins. It’s free, easy to use, and is made by a great company - although I noticed a few complaints about BootSkins stopping their bootup! Stardock makes a ton of useful programs to dress Windows up.
Have any more helpful hints on running Windows on your television? Drop me a line.
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3 Steps To Build Your Own Wife-Friendly DVR or HTPC | July 26th, 2007 at 2:31 am | link
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