Microsoft reveals next generation of Windows XP Media Center

October 6, 2004

Sillicon.com reports that Microsoft has revealed Windows XP Media Center 2005 (WMC). The is an upgrade of the Windows XP Media Center operating system that should make a PC a full home entertaiment set. The new version has a lot of improvements and new functionality and it seems that Microsoft is putting a lot of effort on maturing the OS.

Home enterainment PCs become more and more popular as these machines are capable of doing almost everything imaginable in your livingroom e.g. from your comfortable sofa. The new version will support two tuners at once, allowing users to record one show while watching another or even record two shows at once. But that's not all.

Microsoft has thus far been largely mum about the new version of Media Center OS, though details have begun to trickle out. As previously reported, the new version has several new features designed to address current shortcomings, such as the ability to burn CDs and DVDs from within the remote-controlled interface. Sources tell silicon.com sister site CNET News.com that the product will also include the ability to exchange MSN-compatible instant messages while doing other things, such as watching television or viewing a photo slideshow. The instant messages appear as an overlay to the TV or other main image.

Media Center Edition 2005 will offer limited support for high-definition television, but only the type of high-definition signal received through an antenna - not high-definition satellite or cable. Microsoft declined to comment on the new version of Media Center or its features. Much of the focus with the new version, which is codenamed Symphony, has been on improving the audio and video quality, with the goal being to rival consumer electronics devices such as DVD players and digital video recorders that cost far less and have outshined the Media Center in quality

According to Silicon.com, Microsoft will also launch products for portable devices and set top boxes. Windows Portable Media Center will allow communication between WMC PCs and portable devices. Many large computer manufacturers have already announced Windows Media Center devices. Discuss this in our Stand Alone Devices & Home Entertainment Forum.

Source: Sillicon.com