Tip #3431 - Windows Media Bonus Pack - Part 1
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Windows
Media Bonus Pack - Part 1
I'm guessing that
if you have Windows XP, you probably have Windows Media Player on your
computer, too right? So, if you have that, you probably have Windows Movie
Maker as well.
Well, along with
all of that, Microsoft also provides a free bonus pack for Windows Media
that’s a must have! Let me tell you, it brings in a whole new host
of additional and useful functions. So, come along with me as I explore
the Windows Media Bonus Pack in three parts. The next three days will
take you to the wonderful world of extras. Here we go!
Today, I'll just list
the main features of the bonus pack and then I'll dig a little deeper
in to each one as we go along. To begin, here are some of the major features:
- Plus!
MP3 Audio Converter LE: This saves space on your computer by
converting your MP3 files to the Windows Media Audio (wma) format.
- PowerToys
for Windows Media Player for Windows XP: This includes the
MPXP Tray Control, Playlist Import to Excel utility, Media Library Metadata
Update Wizard and PowerToy Skins.
- Windows
Media Player for Windows XP Visualizations: This has over six
new options for Windows Media Player for Windows XP Visualizations.
- Windows
Media Player Skins: All new skins.
- Windows
Movie Maker Creativity Kit:
This includes sound effects, music loops, clips, title videos and images
for Windows Movie Creator.
So, let’s have
a look at the installation process next.
If you go here,
you will be able to start the download process (see the image below):
After downloading,
click on the file and allow it to run and install.
When you get to this
window (below), make sure you select the Reinstall button.
(Why reinstall? Well, to be honest, I have no idea, but just go with it!)
On the next screen,
accept the options offered, unless there are some components you are not
interested in. In that case, just uncheck them.
Eventually, the process
will complete and you can then access the programs.
If you go to Start,
All Programs and then Windows Media Bonus
Pack, you will see the following components. The most
important of which I have highlighted in red for you below:
So, now let’s
go through each relevant feature in turn. I'll explain what each does,
how it does it and how to use it.
Plus! MP3
Audio Converter LE
WMA (Windows Media
Audio) is a file type that takes up roughly half of the space an MP3 file
does (quality is a subjective issue, which you might like to try out on
one file first). So, if you are quickly running out of space on your hard
disk for your music collection, this audio converter will be very helpful.
Fire it up from the
Programs menu (as shown above) and you will get this screen:
Do you want to convert
a whole folder of audio files to WMA or just specific files? Click the
relevant button to choose.
In this example, we
will work with just one file. You will see this screen next:
From here, select
Add File to get an Explorer type window, from which you
can select the desired track, just like this:
Click Open
and then you will be presented with the following screen:
Unless you know something
about bit rates, etc., accept the first option offered. Decide on the
folder to put the converted files into for the second and decide whether
to delete the source file or not. You also need to choose whether you
want the new file added to your Media Library, which is the third option.
Click Next
to come to the following screen and click on Start Conversion.
If you have done everything
right, you will then be rewarded with this screen:
That’s it for
the Audio Converter!
Now, let’s move
on to the Windows Media Player Skins.
If you are a little
fed up and bored with the standard look of Windows Media Player, you can
create an easy makeover by changing the appearance with a new "skin."
First, if you have
the media player in its full size mode, go to View, Skin
Chooser (see below):
You will then see
a few available skins to choose from. If you like one shown there, select
it and it will be applied immediately.
However, you may want
to be a little more adventurous, so you can import a whole range of skins
from a company called Winamp (click here).
Select what you want and download it to a folder on your computer.
Now, select the Windows
Media Player Skin Importer from the Programs
list and you will be greeted with this screen:
Select the Winamp
skin directory and the directory you want the converted skin to be in
(in most cases, the default directory shown is Windows). Click Convert
Skins and in a short while, the job is done! Go to Skin Chooser
again, select the skin and apply it. You will then have a whole new look!
Now, let’s move
on to the various PowerToys that are available. Of course, there are several
of them, so we're going to have to save that part for the next article
in this series. So, be sure to stay tuned tomorrow for more Windows Media
Bonus Pack fun!
~ David Woodford
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