Windows Media Connect Support (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)
1/5/2010
Networked media devices do not store media files locally. Because of this, a networked media device must connect to a networked source of media files. Media servers such as Microsoft Windows Media Connect 2.0 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. Windows Media Connect runs on any networked computer running Windows XP, and it serves media files over the network to a networked media device. Windows Media Connect 2.0 expands on the UPnP definition to allow users to access Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM)–protected content through a compatible networked media device.
The Media Query Engine (MQE) contains all the functionality that your networked media device application needs to connect to UPnP media servers such as Windows Media Connect 2.0. The MQE also takes advantage of the additional DRM functionality that is provided by Windows Media Connect. The MQE was extensively tested against Windows Media Connect 2.0.
The sample Networked Media Device UI uses the MQE to connect to Windows Media Connect. This sample application requires Windows Media Connect 2.0, although other components such as the MQE also works with earlier versions of Windows Media Connect.
Notes
- Windows Media Connect 1.0 does not allow sharing the contents on a network share or removable drive, such as a flash card or a USB-connected hard disk drive. This limitation was removed in Windows Media Connect 2.0. This means that a Windows Media Connect 2.0 server can provide virtual media aggregation for all computers on the local network.
- Both versions connect only with computers on the local subnet. This is done for security reasons.
For information about current documentation and requirements for Windows Media Connect, see this Microsoft Web site.
The following white papers may be of value, and they may be downloaded from this site.
- How to Build a Network Device Compatible with Windows Media Connect
- Windows Media Connect: Device UI Design Recommendations