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If you're completely new to digital media, you may also find our [[Digital Media]] topic useful. It provides an introduction and suggest ways you can learn more.
If you're completely new to digital media, you may also find our [[Digital Media]] topic useful. It provides an introduction and suggest ways you can learn more.


==Import==
== Import ==


MC uses an internal database (library) to keep track of your files and to speed up access to them. It doesn't matter where the files are stored but MC needs to locate them and analyze them once in order to build the library. This can be automatic or manual. You can set which folders to watch or exclude and which file types to import. See [[Import]].
MC uses an internal database (called the [[Library]]) to keep track of your files and to speed up access to them. It doesn't matter where the files are stored but MC needs to locate them and analyze them once in order to build the library. The process of showing MC where to find your media files is called [[Importing]], and can be automatic or manual. You can set which folders to watch or exclude and which file types to import. See [[Import]].


Your machine will be busy during import, so things may seem a little slow. This will change when the import finishes.
Your machine will be busy during import, so things may seem a little slow. This will change when the import finishes.


:''More Information'': [[Import]]
==Audio==


== Audio Setup ==
Under Tools/Options/Audio, you can set the sound device you wish to use, the [http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Audio_Output_Modes Audio Output Modes], and other options. Start with DirectSound, but once that's working well, consider switching to ASIO or WASAPI for better quality. For more details, please see [[Audio Playback Options]].


If you use a USB DAC (Digital Analog Convertor), please visit the wiki topic on [[DAC Settings]].
One of the first things you'll want to do is run through [[Audio Setup]]. Under <span style="color:#8B4513">Tools > Options > Audio</span>, you can choose the sound device you wish to use, the [[Audio Output Mode]], and other options. MC will typically choose the best Audio Output Mode for you, but if you have trouble, start with DirectSound until you get it working well. If you use a USB DAC (Digital Analog Convertor), please visit the wiki topic on [[DAC Settings]].

:''More Information'': [[Audio Setup]]


==Video==
==Video==


MC uses [[Red October]], JRiver's DirectShow management system to automatically download, install and configure the DirectShow filters you need. Under Tools/Options/Video, choose Red October Standard. Once you're sure that works well, you can try Red October HQ. ROHQ requires a fairly powerful PC.
The Windows version of MC uses [[Red October]], JRiver's DirectShow management system to automatically download, install and configure the DirectShow filters you need for fantastic video compatibility and quality. Check for options under <span style="color:#8B4513">Tools > Options > Video</span>. Start with ''Red October Standard''. Once you're sure that works well, you can try ''Red October HQ''. ROHQ requires a fairly powerful PC, however, so check the [[System Requirements]] for guidance.

:''More Information'':
* [[Video Playback Options]]
* [[Red October]]

== Television ==


MC can record television signals using a variety of sources and hardware types, including via a Set-Top Box, OTA (Over-the-Air) signals, and clear channels from cable and satellite. Check out the [[Television]] topic for more information. You will need to install a TV tuner or connect to a Set Top Box (cable) and select it in MC. Then scan for channels and set up an [[EPG|EPG (Electronic Program Guide)]].
==Television==


:''More Information'': [[Television]]
MC can record OTA (Over The Air) signals and clear channels from cable. Please read the [[Television]] topic here. You will need to install a TV tuner or connect to a Set Top Box (cable) and select it in MC. Then scan for channels and set up an [[EPG|EPG (Electronic Program Guide)]].


==Views and Skins==
== Views and Skins ==


MC will normally start in [[Standard View]], which lets you use the [[Tree]] to select and play files. [[Theater View]] is a "10 foot" mode, suitable for viewing from across the room and often used with a [[Remotes|remote]]. A Mini View frees up desk space. Switch among these with ctrl-1 to ctrl-5 or by using the "View" menu, where you can also change the "skin" (appearance). More skins are available on the "Accessories" link below or on the Third Party board on Interact (JRiver's forum). Under Tools/Options/Startup, you can set MC to start in any view, and to start automatically when Windows boots.
MC will normally start in [[Standard View]], which lets you use the [[Tree]] to select and play files. [[Theater View]] is a "10 foot" mode, suitable for viewing from across the room and often used with a [[Remotes|remote]]. A Mini View frees up desk space. Switch among these with ctrl-1 to ctrl-5 or by using the "View" menu, where you can also change the "skin" (appearance). More skins are available on the "Accessories" link below or on the Third Party board on [http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php Interact (JRiver's forum)]. Under <span style="color:#8B4513">Tools > Options > Startup</span>, you can set MC to start in any view, and to start automatically when Windows boots.


==Purchasing and Licensing==
== Purchasing and Licensing ==


MC has a 30 day trial of the full version. Once you're ready to purchase, you can do so from the Help menu in the program. The license is installed automatically, but you will also receive e-mail from buybutton at jriver with a copy of your Registration Code. This is a permanent code that can be used to [https://rover.jriver.com/cgi-bin/restore.cgi restore] your license at any time in the future.
MC has a 30 day trial of the full version. Once you're ready to purchase, you can do so from the <span style="color:#8B4513">Help</span> menu in the program. The license is installed automatically, but you will also receive e-mail from buybutton at jriver with a copy of your Registration Code. This is a permanent code that can be used to [https://rover.jriver.com/cgi-bin/restore.cgi restore] your license at any time in the future.


Here is how you can [[Restore a License]]. Links to [[Old Versions]].
Here is how you can [[Restore a License]]. Links to [[Old Versions]].


==Support and Other Resources==
== Support and Other Resources ==


'''All user support is done via our [http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/ forum]'''.
'''All user support is done via our [http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/ forum]'''.

Revision as of 03:51, 22 October 2014

This topic is intended to give you an introduction to JRiver Media Center and how to use it. If you haven't done so already, you can start a download while you read.

If you're completely new to digital media, you may also find our Digital Media topic useful. It provides an introduction and suggest ways you can learn more.

Import

MC uses an internal database (called the Library) to keep track of your files and to speed up access to them. It doesn't matter where the files are stored but MC needs to locate them and analyze them once in order to build the library. The process of showing MC where to find your media files is called Importing, and can be automatic or manual. You can set which folders to watch or exclude and which file types to import. See Import.

Your machine will be busy during import, so things may seem a little slow. This will change when the import finishes.

More Information: Import

Audio Setup

One of the first things you'll want to do is run through Audio Setup. Under Tools > Options > Audio, you can choose the sound device you wish to use, the Audio Output Mode, and other options. MC will typically choose the best Audio Output Mode for you, but if you have trouble, start with DirectSound until you get it working well. If you use a USB DAC (Digital Analog Convertor), please visit the wiki topic on DAC Settings.

More Information: Audio Setup

Video

The Windows version of MC uses Red October, JRiver's DirectShow management system to automatically download, install and configure the DirectShow filters you need for fantastic video compatibility and quality. Check for options under Tools > Options > Video. Start with Red October Standard. Once you're sure that works well, you can try Red October HQ. ROHQ requires a fairly powerful PC, however, so check the System Requirements for guidance.

More Information:

Television

MC can record television signals using a variety of sources and hardware types, including via a Set-Top Box, OTA (Over-the-Air) signals, and clear channels from cable and satellite. Check out the Television topic for more information. You will need to install a TV tuner or connect to a Set Top Box (cable) and select it in MC. Then scan for channels and set up an EPG (Electronic Program Guide).

More Information: Television

Views and Skins

MC will normally start in Standard View, which lets you use the Tree to select and play files. Theater View is a "10 foot" mode, suitable for viewing from across the room and often used with a remote. A Mini View frees up desk space. Switch among these with ctrl-1 to ctrl-5 or by using the "View" menu, where you can also change the "skin" (appearance). More skins are available on the "Accessories" link below or on the Third Party board on Interact (JRiver's forum). Under Tools > Options > Startup, you can set MC to start in any view, and to start automatically when Windows boots.

Purchasing and Licensing

MC has a 30 day trial of the full version. Once you're ready to purchase, you can do so from the Help menu in the program. The license is installed automatically, but you will also receive e-mail from buybutton at jriver with a copy of your Registration Code. This is a permanent code that can be used to restore your license at any time in the future.

Here is how you can Restore a License. Links to Old Versions.

Support and Other Resources

All user support is done via our forum.