Record TV Shows at Lower Quality Levels

If you’re unable to solve your network performance problems, one option to consider is setting Media Center to record TV shows at a lower quality level. Each of Media Center’s recording levels uses less storage, but also requires less network bandwidth to watch on your Media Center Extender. Try successively lower quality levels until you get more reliable recorded TV playback on your Media Center Extender.

NOTE: Recording shows at lower quality levels will not affect the playback of Live TV on your Media Center Extender. Live TV is always sent from the Media Center PC to the Extender at the best quality level.

Using the Network Performance Tuner

Media Center Extender Wireless Network Requirements

Streaming high quality video over a wireless network is a demanding task for currently available wireless networking products, as a result there more restrictive requirements for wireless use of Media Center Extenders than for general use. If the Network Performance Tuner indicates that you may have potential problems, first check to make sure that your wireless network meets the following requirements:

For the best Media Center Extender experience, use a fully wired 100 Mbps Ethernet network between all components. If wireless is required, use 802.11a if possible.

Imagine a straight line between your two wireless components; in most cases this line can pierce a maximum of 2 walls or floors. In a clear “line-of-sight” path with no obstructions the maximum range is likely around 50ft (significantly reduced with walls, floors, or other obstructions).

802.11b wireless networks are not supported due to inadequate bandwidth.

802.11g wireless networks are supported, but not if you’re also connecting other 802.11b devices to the same network (this slows the 802.11g network down for 802.11b compatibility).

The Media Center PC or the Media Center Extender can be connected wirelessly but not both, regardless of whether you’re using 802.11a or 802.11g.

“Ad-hoc” wireless networks are not supported even on 802.11a or 802.11g, your