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Configuring Player options

Use the Player tab to control:

To access the Player tab

The following options are listed on the Player tab:

Check for upgrade

Specifies the timeline you want Windows Media Player to check for upgrades. Click the timeline you want to use.

Enable automatic codec download

This check box is selected by default. When you attempt to play a file that uses a codec that you do not have installed, Windows Media Player downloads the appropriate  codec for you. If you clear this check box, then you are prompted to download the codec yourself.

Allow Internet sites to uniquely identify your Windows Media Player

Specifies whether you want Windows Media Player to enable Internet sites to uniquely identify your Windows Media Player using an unique identifier created by Windows Media Player. The identifier is used to uniquely identify your connection to a server and does not contain any personally identifiable information about you.

When you receive streaming media over the Internet, Windows Media Player sends a unique identifier to the server that is delivering the stream. The server uses this unique identifier to monitor your connection. By monitoring your connection, the server can make adjustments to increase the playback quality and to alert you about events that occur when receiving streams over the Internet. The unique identifier only serves to aid the server in identifying your computer and differentiating it from other computers that may be accessing streaming media.

Clear the Allow Internet sites to uniquely identify your player check box if you do not want a server to uniquely identify your computer when you are receiving streaming media.

For more information see the privacy statement on the WindowsMedia.com Web site.

Attempt to automatically acquire licenses

Specifies whether Windows Media Player should automatically acquire licenses when a license to play a file is required.

Start player in Media Guide

Specifies whether Windows Media Player opens displaying the Media Guide feature. If the Start player in Media Guide check box is not selected, Windows Media Player opens displaying the Now Playing feature.

When in compact mode, always display on top

Specifies how Windows Media Player displays in compact mode. By default, other applications can cover Windows Media Player when it is in compact mode. Select this check box to keep Windows Media Player on top when itÆs in compact mode.

When in compact mode, always display anchor window

The anchor window is a small window that appears in the lower right corner of the screen when Windows Media Player is in compact mode. You can click the anchor window, and then click Return to Full Mode to return to full-screen mode. When you put Windows Media Player in compact mode, it uses the assigned skin. Skins can have a variety of looks and exposed features so the anchor is an easy way of getting back to full mode.


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