What's better? Windows Media Center or Apple TV?

For years, I've been a Media Center fan and avid user, starting back in 2004. Over time, I added things to the mix such as the 1st generation HP Media Center Extenders and later, the XBOX 360 that I purchased only as an extender, but later became hooked on and introduced to gaming (at least as an adult).

Ok, this is not really a big deal, but it is something that bothers me. I have the HP Media Center with the Digital Cable Tuner. I'm using a Motorola Cable Card that I picked up from Comcast. Despite being told "the cable company has to come to your home and do the install," I just picked it up and was able to get things running the first time, fairly easily.

The $299 we pay today simply for a media center extender may buy more after November, when the XBox 360 rolls out. The next-generation gaming system from Microsoft will have lots of new features, not the least of which is the ability for the XBox 360 to serve as a media center extender.

Today nearly $300 just gets you an extender, but if the price of the next XBox systems is around the same price, gamers and home theatre / media center enthusiasts will be receiving a lot more bang for the buck!

The $299 we pay today simply for a media center extender may buy more after November, when the XBox 360 rolls out. The next-generation gaming system from Microsoft will have lots of new features, not the least of which is the ability for the XBox 360 to serve as a media center extender.

Today nearly $300 just gets you an extender, but if the price of the next XBox systems is around the same price, gamers and home theatre / media center enthusiasts will be receiving a lot more bang for the buck!

Rumor has it based on recent statements that Cable HDTV (via set top box) capability will be included in Windows Media Center 2006, which should be released in the Fall (probably October).

This is no more than a rumor at this point.... For what it's worth!

Posted by savsb at January 11, 2005 06:24 PM

HP has just unveiled a new laptop computer running Windows Media Center 2005. The notebook computer, with its 17 inch screen, is being billed as a mobile personal video recorder. December 15th is the earliest this Media Center PC will be available, just in time for the Christmas season! The price is going to start at around $1400 and several configurations of hard drive space and memory will be available. A dual TV Tuner (also from HP) will plug into the laptop computer via a USB port.

In an earlier post, I blogged about my experience in setting up the HP Media Center Extender, which extends the experience of the Windows Media Center 2005 Operating System to any television in the house via a wired or wireless network. In my case, I'm running a wireless network via the D-Link A/G Dual Band Router.

Here's my review of the HP Media Center Extender. Let me make clear up front that I'm much more interested in the technology aspect of the device: that is, the ability to access my media content in my bedroom via the MCE 2005 interface. I am not an HDTV buff or someone who worries about every pixel. With that said, I can report wonderful picture quality with the HP Media Center Extender and recommend it to others.

Yep, I finally recieved my Media Center Extender from HP. Finally isn't the right word, I mean I've been dying to have this for months and HP delivered it free 48 hours after placing the order. I'll write about my experience with setup and usage tomorrow.

Rumors online contend that Gateway will offer an upgrade to owners of Gateway Computers running Microsoft Media Center Edition 2004 to the new version, MCE 2005 by the end of November. No further details available, guess we'll have to wait for the press release.