This tutorial is meant for those who've not used Theater View much or decided it isn't needed for listening to music.
What it isTheater View is a simplified interface with large labels. It works well when watching from a distance, even sitting back in your desk chair. It's not a view you would usually use for tagging or building playlists, though even these are possible. In the business, it's known as a "ten foot mode", as opposed to the "two foot mode" you ordinarily use with a computer.
Getting ThereThere are several ways to pop up Theater View. The function key, F11, is quickest, but you can also use CTRL-4 or the View menu. You can also tell MC to start in Theater View -- Options/Startup/Mode.
Getting BackHitting the escape key (Esc) twice will exit from Theater View and return you to Standard View. CTRL-1 also returns to Standard View. With a remote, you can scroll to the end of the Home menu and choose Exit.
SkinsAlthough there are several skins, please try Obsidian first. Settings are in Tools/Options/Theater View. Obsidian uses "rollers" at the top to allow you to choose options. In the recent versions of MC14, most skins have been converted to rollers, and there is a Obsidian Touchscreen for use primarily with touchscreens. Touchscreen users can "flick" the menu.
Using Theatre ViewThough it can be used with a keyboard or with a mouse, the most comfortable way to navigate in Theater View is with a remote control like JRiver's
Media Center Remote. Theater View can be used with just 5 keys -- the four arrow keys and enter.
On a keyboard, try using only the arrow keys and enter. This simulates what it feels like with a remote, and you'll see how quick it is to move around. In long lists, you can use page up and page down to jump through the list. A left arrow will return you to the top.
If you use a remote, the four arrow keys usually contain the OK button (which functions as enter). Channel Up and Channel Down buttons will scroll through long lists. Other buttons on any Media Center remote should also provide other shortcuts, but these keys are enough.
Getting Back to the TopNo matter where you are in a long list, pressing the left arrow several times will take you first to the rollers at the top, and then to the Home View, where you normally see:
Audio Images Video Television DVD ....
ScreenshotsWhy use it?Your spouse or partner will think you're brilliant. It makes MC easy to use for those who don't spend a lot of time with MC.
Author
Topic: Getting to Know Theater View -- An Introduction (Read 14455 times)