Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 – just in time for Christmas!
By Parrish Reinoehl, Pathfinder Networks
November 2004
Microsoft has recently released a new operating system just in time for the holidays. Many of you have probably already heard something about it, as Microsoft and Intel are investing heavily in a marketing campaign to push this product to the masses.
This new operating system is called Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. For the most part it looks and operates exactly the same as the Windows XP you are familiar with. You won’t need to learn any new software as far as the normal operation of the PC is concerned.
There is one major difference however- and this difference may be just what you are looking for.
Media Center Edition (or MCE for short) is intended to turn your PC in to the media control device for your home. With it you can connect the PC to your television (High Definition TV’s are supported) to view DVD’s, watch live television, listen to your music collection, view your favorite photographs (with your favorite music playing in the background), listen to live FM radio, browse the Internet, even record your favorite television shows and radio broadcasts (similar to TiVo - only free). MCE even includes a powerful guide feature so you can find and view your favorite movies and TV shows. All of this from the comfort of your easy chair using just a simple but powerful remote and an easy to use on-screen menu! For many media savvy users this is exactly what they have been longing for- a way to control and access all of their media quickly and easily without needing to lug around a bulky keyboard or sit in front of the family PC.
MCE is only available pre-installed on a custom designed MCE PC. Unfortunately you will not be able to upgrade your existing PC to run this new software. At first you may be disappointed in this but the reasons behind it are valid. MCE requires specific hardware for full functionality. Microsoft has worked with many hardware vendors to create a specific recipe of hardware and software that will bring the full MCE experience to everyone. Special TV tuner cards are required as well as a minimum level of CPU speed, memory, and hard drive space (to store your recorded TV shows and music).
Some of these MCE computers look exactly the same as your traditional home PC (and can be used as such) while others take on the form of a small cube that can be installed along side your home entertainment equipment. These smaller format devices are perfect for the living room setting as they are small and unobtrusive and create very little noise while in operation. Most people would not realize it is a full powered PC (or even a PC at all).
Media Center Extenders are also available so you can extend this rich new media experience to all the TV’s in your home.
If you would like more information about Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 you can visit this Microsoft webpage: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx
MCE PC’s are currently available through Microsoft approved system builders such as Pathfinder Networks. We build each PC (be it an MCE or traditional Windows XP) custom designed for each individual. We do not provide the bulk store PC’s full of unused software and other annoyances you are likely to find at Best Buy or Wal-Mart. Instead we offer high-value trouble free equipment that has been built specifically for your needs.
About the Author:
Parrish Reinoehl is President of Pathfinder Networks; a Niles based technology consulting firm specializing in providing affordable computer services to small businesses and home users including networks, PC support, sales, and service. Pathfinder Networks can be reached at 269-684-7696 or via email at parrish@pathfindernetworks.us
Pathfinder Networks website is http://www.PathfinderNetworks.us
Visit our retail location at 1920 S. 11th St., Niles, MI (in Belle Plaza). We now sell Dish Network and Nextel services!
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