New XP laptop, want to use MP from word go

[miles_muso]

Hi All,

I have a new shiny HP laptop with a 17-inch screen, a nice TV card, HD ready, etc, etc and HP's QuickPlay installed as a 'media centre app' (well, maybe it is... )

I've read lots of good things about MP, and plan to install it as soon as I can get that bloody VISTA off the laptop and get good 'ol XP on!! I have a few questions.......

I currently use WinAmp for audio playback and ripping/burning. Is there any way that I can access my music through MP as a 'front end', but still use WinAmp as the player?

Same for WinDVD?

It's not that I HAVE to use these apps, but I've invested a lot of time configuring them as I want, not to mention the initial money outlay. OK, they've paid their way over the last 4 years or so, but I wonder if MP will allow me to use them?

Similarly, I have a (paid for) version of DVD-Region Free which removes the DVD coding problem (I think it pretends to be firmware) - will this still work with MP?

Lastly, the HP laptop has a dedicated set of buttons that operate HP's internal QuickPlay software for playing DVDs and CDs. Can I reprogram these buttons (and thus the included remote) to operate MP?

I appreciate this is quite a few questions, but I'd really appreciate your help and comments.

Thanks

[Gixxer]

Originally Posted by miles_muso

I currently use WinAmp for audio playback and ripping/burning. Is there any way that I can access my music through MP as a 'front end', but still use WinAmp as the player?

sorry i can only answer to this one. and the answer is YES ! i had seen the winamp icon in the plugin section but never used it. i just activated to check and yes u can use it as player whilst mp is the front end.

welcome to the forum.

[miles_muso]

Thanks for the WinAmp advice. I'll look for that plugin when I go ahead with MP