Microsoft Windows Media(TM) Player for Windows XP Handbook (Cpg-Other)

Even when it explains potentially difficult subjects, the text is clear and to the point. Once in a while, the illustrative examples seem a bit academic--for example, instructions on how to add features to a custom skin that really don't expand on the Microsoft documentation--but, by and large, you'll be happy with what you learn. Turn to this volume if you're not content with only playing tunes with Windows Media Player, and want to expand your knowledge of the product by developing skins and content. --David Wall

Topics covered:

• Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 from the client side (as opposed to the server side)
• Using Windows Media Player
• Windows Media Player's technology, including file format and streaming technique
• Creating custom skins (with playlists, progress bars, visualizations, and other snazzy features)
• Writing custom visualizations in C++

The only thing that looks good is making a skin for the media player and if you are only interested in that then this book may be a good choice.


Really the only useful book on Media Player   September 4, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I am constantly amazed at the Glacial pace people put out books. Media Player has been out for a while (6 years), and yet, this is the only useful book there is. We found it useful in some regards, but nothing really delves into the development of applications and custom apps for the media player. If anyone else has found something that can help, PLEASE let me know!
If you are working with custom Media Player apps, you must have this book. It's not overly useful, but it IS the only thing there is.


Break down the media player with ease.   November 4, 2000
 15 out of 18 found this review helpful

In the age of the information highway it is simply amazing how audio and video had taken forever to come to the desktop of computers. Microsoft Windows includes a Media player to allow you to hear and see these clips and this book will show you what you can do to make the experience better.

One of the things you can do with media player is build you own library of sound and clips and in this book, divided into 3 parts you learn the ins and outs of Microsoft latest creation. In part 1 this is where you'll install and configure the player, find out how it all works and begin to choose skins.

Also in part 1 you'll learn what files you can use with the player, how to downloading audio and video and how to use the player with portable devices. In part 2 you'll have a whole section on the creation, design, uses and customizing skins to work with the media player.

As if that wasn't enough part3 delves into the more advanced topics of using media player with web pages and customizing the media content. The cd includes the media player as well as the SDK, with a tutorial. Also a skins construction kit complete with ready to use skins.

For those into the multimedia side of Windows 98 and Windows ME, this is certainly a must have.