How to enable PiP in Windows Media Center

**Croulet** · 17-08-2009

Hi,
I had just finished up building my HTPC. I have a 1 tuner which do offers a PiP system but I do not know how to enable it. Does Windows Vista Media Center supports Picture in Picture feature. That means watching two programs at the same time. My HTPC is working fine with not issues. There is some scrambling in channels but that is not a problem. How can I run two program screens in the same screen. Any suggestions really appreciated.

**ThoMas321** · 17-08-2009

First of all Windows Vista does not support the features you want. You cannot view Picture in Picture in Windows Vista. The feature is missing in Media Center Edition. But other than this there are more missing features. No captions, no other states program guide, etc. I will recommend to leave as it is. Because if you try the same with any third party software then it can give you errors.

**Eric B** · 17-08-2009

Well the reason behind purchasing a dual tuner card is to view multiple picture at one time. But this is not useful for Media Center especially in Windows. Because it does not support it all. But there are some more media servers which support the feature. But they are really hard to configure. So the only thing you do is record a multiple shows but cannot view two channels at the same time.

**JonathanD** · 17-08-2009

You can try by pressing the Windows button on the top and then from the menu selecting thumbnail. I think this can anyhow help you but this really disappointing that the PiP feature is not supported by Vista Media Center. Only one thing you can try is to install a third party software for the same. You will have to search as per your requirement.

**mitchcrystal** · 18-01-2010

With a dual-tuner card, you can do a dual screen at the same time by setting your secondary show to record and then watching your main show in Media Center.
Then you can open your secondary show by using VLC media player and opening the show in 'Recorded TV'. The show that is recording will be played live via VLC, while your main show can be watched in Media Center!