Using Animations
Because the Windows Media Center experience is derived partly from television, users expect animation and a dynamic interaction, particularly from entertainment applications. Windows Media Center incorporates animation into the user experience to add excitement, visual interest, and richness.
Windows Media Center supports the dynamic animation capabilities of broadcast television. Using Windows Media Center Presentation Layer, you can design a full-fidelity experience that mimics your television brand or broadcast experience. Windows Media Center Presentation Layer was designed specifically to allow partners access to creating full-fidelity experiences within their Windows Media Center applications.
Make animation an enhancement rather than a distraction. Animate the focal point. Use animation to enrich the transition from one static view to another, or to enhance audio content.
Do not animate an item while users are supposed to be looking at something else, and do not make users wait for content until an animation is done playing. Motion should stop after a short time to give the user a chance to take in the content. Wait for additional user input before resuming animation.
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