After all, a big reason to record programs is to avoid commercials, right?
Today we focus on a fairly simple and free way to get you skipping commercials in no time.
This conversion will be done automatically by WtvWatcher.
This process does not “cut” or remove the commercials from the file.
It merely skips the commercials during playback.WtvWatcherDownload and roll out the WTVWatcher (link below).
To install WtvWatcher, you’ll need to have Windows Installer 3.1 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
We’ve completely tested this app and it contains no malware and runs successfully.
After installing, the WtvWatcher will pop up in the lower right corner of your screen.
You will need to set the path to your Recorded TV directory.
Click “OK” when finished.
snag the “X” to wrap up the Preferences screen.
You should now see WtvWatcher begin to convert any existing WTV files.
The process should only take a few minutes per file.
You will probably want to run WtvWatcher on startup.
This will allow WtvWatcher too constantly scan for new .wtv files to convert.
To do so, choose Start > All Programs, right-choose Startup and choose Open all users.
Drag and drop, or cut and paste, the WtvWatcher desktop shortcut into the Startup folder.
DVRMSToolBox and DTBAddInNext, we need to download and install theDVRMSToolBox and the DTBAddIn.
These two pieces of software will do the actual commercial skipping.
After downloading the DVRMSToolBox zip file, extract it and double-tap the setup.exe file.
Click “Next” to begin the installation.
Unless DVRMSToolBox will only be used by Administrator accounts, check the “Modify File Permissions” box.
Click “Next.”
When you get to theOptional Componentswindow, uncheckDownload/Install ShowAnalyzer.
We will not be using that tool.
When the installation is complete, click “Close.”
Next we need to set up the DTBAddin.
Unzip the download folder and initiate the appropriate .msi file for your system.
It is available in 32 & 64 bit versions.
Just double tap on the file and take the default options.
Click “Finish” when the install is completed.
You will then be prompted to power cycle your rig.
On the MC Addin tab, see to it thatSkip Commercialsis checked.
It should be by default.
On the Commercial Skip tab, double-check theAuto Skipoption is selected.
Click “Save.”
ConclusionThe DVRMSToolBox is a powerful and complex tool with a multitude of features and utilities.
We’ve showed you a quick and easy way to get your Windows Media Center setup to skip commercials.
This setup, like virtually all commercial skipping setups, is not perfect.
You will occasionally find a commercial that doesn’t get skipped.
Need help getting your Windows 7 PC configured for TV?
Check out our previous tutorial onsetting up live TV in Windows Media Center.LinksDownload WTV WatcherDownload DVRMSToolBoxDownload DTBAddin
