Windows Media Connect Support (Windows CE 5.0)
Networked media devices do not store media files locally. Because of this, a Networked Media Device (NMD) must connect to a networked source of media files. Media servers such as Windows Media Connect (WMC) 2.0 from Microsoft serve this function.
Windows Media Connect is a free Microsoft UPnP Media Server that can be downloaded at the address listed at the end of this topic. It runs on any networked computer running Windows XP, and serves media files over the network to an NMD. WMC 2.0 expands on the UPnP definition to allow users to access Windows Media DRM-protected content through a compatible Networked Media Device.
The Media Query Engine (MQE) provided with the Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack contains all the functionality your NMD application will need to connect to UPnP Media Servers such as WMC 2.0. It also takes advantage of the additional DRM functionality provided by Windows Media Connect. The MQE has been extensively tested against WMC 2.0.
The sample Networked Media Device UI (NMD_UI) provided in this feature pack uses the Media Query Engine to connect to WMC. This sample application requires WMC 2.0, although other components such as the MQE will also work with earlier versions of WMC.
Notes:
- WMC 1.0 does not allow sharing the contents of a network share or removable drive. This includes flash cards and USB connected hard drives. This limitation has been removed in WMC 2.0. This means that a WMC server can provide virtual media aggregation for all machines on the local network.
- Both versions will only connect with machines on the local subnet. This is done for security reasons.
Current documentation and requirements for Windows Media Connect can be found at the following Microsoft web site: Windows Media Connect: For Industry.
The following white papers may be of value, and may be downloaded from this site.
- How to Build a Network Device Compatible with Windows Media Connect
- Windows Media Connect: Device UI Design Recommendations
Windows Media Connect may be downloaded from the following site:
See Also
Networked Media Device Architecture
How to design a networked media device using Windows CE and the Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack.
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