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

So, maybe it is engaged in a kind of holy war with Real Networks RealPlayer, but Microsoft Windows Media Player is nevertheless a very cool audio and video player that belongs in every Windows user's quiver of applications. Microsoft Windows Media Player Handbook documents the latest version of this rad toy, and explains every detail of its operation and customization. If you're new to Windows Media Player, you'll find the introductory instructions in this book helpful. If you've got some experience with the streaming media utility, you'll appreciate author Seth McEvoy's treatment of advanced topics, such as designing custom skins and using Extensible Markup Language (XML) to associate your controls with Windows Media Player functions.

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++