TVSquad

MCEDev has released a new beta of TV Toolbox, a Windows Media Center application for editing recorded shows using your remote control.

TV Toolbox lets you convert DVR-MS files to other video formats or perform basic video editing tasks without getting up from your couch. The latest beta includes a number of bug fixes and updates including:

• Fixed a problem that caused TV Toolbox to hang on startup
• Fixed a problem with file name generation
• TV Toolbox refreshes list of recordings when grouping changes or application restarts
• You can now create rules to convert any recordings created by Windows Media Center when the files include a certain keyword

Even if you had no problems with the first release, this is a recommended download since the first beta will expire at the end of August. Beta2 will expire at the end of September.

[via Aaron Stebner]

Those industrious developers at MCEDev are at it again. A few months ago, we told you about a beta program that would allow you to edit DVR-MS files using your remote control with a Windows Media Center PC. Now it looks like that feature and several others have been bundled into TV Toolbox, which is now available for download.

TV Toolbox lets you edit recordings, convert DVR-MS files to other video formats, and set rules to automatically convert new recordings. And it's designed to work with your remote control. No keyboard and mouse necessary.

The current version of TV Toolbox is a public beta that expires at the end of August. It will likely either be replaced by a new beta or by a commercial version of the application.

[via Ian Dixon]

Windows Media Center provides a "10 foot interface" for interacting with your computer. That means you can watch television, listen to music, or browse the web from the comfort of your couch. But there's no reason your PC has to be in your living room or office to be useful.

MCEDev is working on a recipe application for Media Center PCs in the kitchen. You can use the PC to watch TV or listen to music, or you can flip to a recipe page and follow instructions for baking an Apple Pie. In addition to recipes, you'll get step by step instructions with photographs.

MCEDev is working with adnotam, a company that's selling Media Center systems built into kitchen furniture, with a mirrored display. In other words, if your PC is off you'll see a mirror. If it's powered up, you'll have a video display.

The cookbook application should be available soon.

[via Ian Dixon]