Answers to your questions about using RadioTime for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and Vista MCE.

Background

Windows Media Center is unique to Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, Vista Home, and Window 7. The application lets you access, browse, and listen to traditional and internet radio through a TV screen. Windows Media Center also supports TV/FM tuners for listening

You get free access to thousands of DJs, on-air personalities, shows, and programs from your zip code to around the world.

With the free Windows Media Center plug-in, you can browse RadioTime from within Windows Media Center. Those without Windows Media Center can access very few stations and podcasts.

You can add the plug-in by clicking this link from a Media Center computer.

Some users may need to download and run this installer: rtinstall_mce.exe(240kb)

Or, install RedButton which will add the RadioTime Media Center interface when installed on Media Center PCs.

Learn more about Windows Media Center on Microsoft's Web site

Screen shots

1. Download the plug-in.
2. Open Media Center.
3. Go to “more programs.”

There you can use RadioTime, or move to the main Music “strip” menu.

Check that MCE is configured to connect to the internet in the settings module. If you’re aksi not able to stream stations from your browser, you may need to reinstall Windows Media Player.

The station you are seeking may not offer its broadcast online. If you know of a station that you can listen to online, please contact us, and we will add it! To listen to all local stations (not just those that offer free online listening), you will need a hardware tuner compatible with Windows Media Edition.

Users listening outside of the United States may have problems with accessing local radio with the FM tuner. RadioTime may list stations outside of your local reception range. We recommend doing a search for internet stations and using Favorites to access radio in your area.

To use presets, you must create a free, hassle-free membership at radiotime.com. You can access favorites in Windows Media Center by entering the username from the membership login. Or change accounts by selecting “Change user” after a previous login.

To add new presets, you must enter the password. Once you enter the password, select “Add to Favorites” to save from MCE. These same Presets can also be added and organized from the RadioTime web site.

Be sure you are allowing cookies and that you don’t have anti ad/spam/virus software that may be removing the cookies. If using an extender see if the logon works locally. Extenders run under a hidden account on the system with a random password.

If you have a TV/FM tuner card, RadioTime uses it for local stations.

Tuning in

It can take a little time to tune because the tuner needs to connect to a streaming broadcast hosted by the station. Technical factors, like speed of the stream, distance from source and number of listeners at one time, can affect the connectivity and quality of online listening. RadioTime automatically picks the best option, but if you experience problems

Presets

Currently, the Presets accessed in MCE will only work for internet streaming stations. So you won’t be able to access local FM stations in Favorites. FM tuners work under the Local Radio section only.

Static

If you hear static, make sure that you are tuned to an actual radio frequency used in your area. Some tuners default to a frequency without checking for reception. Using a hardware tuner does not ensure great reception. Adjust the FM antenna or contact the tuner manufacturer for tips to get the best reception. If you prefer not to use the FM tuner, adjust your computer settings to disable the tuner.

Listen Fails

If it fails after selecting “Listen,” Sometimes a radio station unexpectedly stops broadcasting online. This can be temporarily due to technical difficulties or permanently due to a change in the web address for the stream. Please note it can take up to 45 seconds to connect and start playing. If it still doesn’t play, please report the issue by selecting the “Fix-It” link for the station or program. We will investigate the problem.

Listen Button

Only radio shows that are either live on-air now or provide an on Demand show archive have a listen button. Select “Info” for the next available time to listen. If your favorite show is on at an inconvenient time, try RedButton to record your shows so you can playback anytime you want. Finished recordings are under Music, Genre, Radio