Improve Your Media Center PC's Power Management with Away Mode

24.08.2012
Over the years I've remained a mostly steadfast fan of Windows Media Center, the baked-in software that turns your PC into an awesome companion for your TV.

I say "mostly" because of that whole earlier this summer.

Still, my Windows 7-powered HP mini-tower remains connected to my rec-room TV, where it continues to serve beautifully as a DVR. That's because I've paired it with a CableCard tuner. (Not familiar with them? Check out the I wrote last year.)

One area that's always been a mystery, however, is power management. I don't like letting my media center go to sleep because it (or the USB-connected tuner) sometimes fails to wake up properly, meaning my shows don't get recorded. And I don't like leaving it running 24/7 because that wastes a lot of power.

Turns out Windows has a power setting that falls somewhere in between: Away Mode. It works similarly to sleep mode, but keeps some background tasks (like recording and streaming) active so they can continue to run.

I'll admit I'd never heard of this before today. But I'm excited to test it out, as it sounds like the perfect solution. Here's how to set it up, from the Ceton Corporation (makers of the ):