Videos as your wallpaper: Windows DreamScene

Bored of seeing the same static wallpaper? Want to use your HD videos as your wallpaper? If you happen to have Windows Vista Ultimate, you can do it, with one of Windows Vista Ultimate Extras: DreamScene.

This add-on for Windows makes use of WMV or MPEG videos as your new wallpapers, making things look quite cool you can brag about it. There are websites that offers looping videos just for DreamScene, such as dreamscene.org. You can have a rotating earth, swimming fishes, or even Kung-Fu for your wallpaper! I myself use a game trailer (Tom Clancy’s HAWX) as my wallpaper now. Interesting, huh?

DreamScene is available for download via Windows Update, but for those who don’t have an Internet access, there is a workaround for that. Just follow these steps:

1. Download the update file (32-bit/64-bit)
2. Download the installer zip file and extract (32-bit/64-bit)
3. Put both files in the same folder (anywhere would do)
4. Run the installer batch file

That’s all. It takes a little while to install, so be patient. DreamScene should be available for use right after you restart your computer. This workaround can also be used to bypass WGA validation, if you happen to use pirated copies.

You can also install DeskScapes by StarDock, which allows .dream files to be used as video wallpapers as well. There is quite a collection for .dream files at their gallery site, so you might want to check it out.