Window XP Media Center Edition - Home Entertainment Hub

Window XP Media Center Edition is a version of Windows XP designed to serve as a home-entertainment hub.

It is different from other editions of Windows XP by an exclusive preinstalled application, Windows XP Mediacenter.

Versions

Windows XP Mediacenter Edition - the first release based directly on Window XP Professional Edition and was only available from Tier 1 computer manufacturers (HP, Dell, Zitech, etc.).

Windows XP Mediacenter Edition 2003 - added a number of features , including FM radio tuning.

Windows XP Mediacenter Edition 2004 - released in 2003 and later was part of Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Windows XP Mediacenter Edition 2005 - the first edition available to non-Tier1 system builders, includes support for Windows XP Mediacenter Extenders, and CD/DVD-Video burning support.

Exclusive Features

Window XP Media Center Edition provides a large-font ("10-foot"), remotely accessible interface for TV viewing on the computer.

It provides recording and playback, DVD playback, video playback, photo viewing, and music playback.

Unlike competing commercial DVR products, Microsoft does not charge a monthly subscription fee for its Media Center TV guide service.

Microsoft has opted not to supply Windows XP Mediacenter as an independent version due to strict hardware requirements.

Microsoft only distributes it to MSDN subscribers and OEM System Builders in certain countries.

Consumers generally purchase Windows XP Mediacenter preinstalled on a new computer or from a reseller that sells OEM versions of Microsoft software.

Features added in the last release

Windows Movie Maker
Windows XP Media Player
Royale Theme
Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition
SoundSpectrum's G-Force
Windows XP Mediacenter Extenders
First Party Hardware

Features removed in the last release

Windows XP Media Player 6.4
Joining a domain

Hardware Requirements

Higher hardware requirements than other editions of Windows XP
At least a 1.6 GHz (or equivalent) processor
DirectX 9.0 hardware accelerated GPU
- ATI Radeon 9 series
- nVidia GeForce 5 series or higher
256 Megabyte of RAM
Higher system requirements
- Windows XP Mediacenter Extender support
- Use of multiple tuners
- HDTV playback/recording

Conclusion

This gives you an idea why Window XP Media Center Edition serves as a home-entertainment hub.

The Windows XP Mediacenter Extender allows you to access multimedia files over wired or wireless networks.

This allows you to connect your system in your home office and stream content to the TVs in the living room and bedroom.

Dual TV tuners allow you to record two different shows concurrently or watch one show while recording another.

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