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Modifying and Replacing the NMD UI (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)

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1/5/2010

Windows Embedded CE includes a sample UI for a Networked Media Device (NMD). This sample UI is not intended to be used in a production-level NMD without modification. If you decide to use this code in your own product, be sure that it is tested completely.

Modifying the Sample UI

You will want to customize the UI to differentiate your product from others in the market. There are several levels of customization, which are listed in the table below:

Suggested change Description

Implement minimal branding.

Replace the OEM logo and add text for the About box.

Customize the graphics.

Replace most or all of the existing graphics with images that are same size and that match the look you want the UI to have.

Modify and extend the UI layout.

Modify the code in the sample UI to add features, modify screen layout, and change program flow. These modifications require an understanding of the UI's framework.

Replace the sample UI with new code, and use the Media Query Engine (MQE) as an interface to a Windows Media Connect (WMC) server.

Rewrite the entire application, but reuse portions of the sample UI as needed.

Ee480513.note(en-US,WinEmbedded.60).gifNote:
The sample UI does not work with Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) media servers other than Windows Media Connect because it uses WMC 2.0 extensions in some places (such as thumbnails and folder navigation). These are limitations of the sample UI and not of the MQE.

For more information about device design UI recommendations for Windows Media Connect, see this Microsoft Web site.

Designing a Custom UI

If you want to build a custom user interface, you can use several methods:

  • Customize the sample UI, see NMD UI. Use a Microsoft Internet Explorer–based interface as a shell for the UI.
    You can implement the shell design by using HTML, Microsoft JScript, and Microsoft ActiveX controls. This approach can allow for rapid development, flexibility, and maintainability.

Changing the Name of the Application

You should change the name of the application that is displayed in Windows Media Connect from Network Media Device to a name of your choice by using one of these two methods:

  • Change the <friendly name> tag in the MediaRenderer.xml file.

  • Change the registry as shown in the following code example.

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\UPnPDevices\MediaRenderer]
    "State"=dword:2
    "LifeTime"=dword:800
    "XMLDescFile"="\\windows\\upnp\\MediaRenderer.xml"
    "ProgId"="MediaRenderer.Device"
    "InitString"=""
    "FriendlyName"="Network Media Device"

See Also

Concepts

User Interface Customization for a Networked Media Device