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        XP MCE update supports Xbox 360 as media center extender

        Doug | Date: Oct 17, 2005 | Comments: 1


        When the Xbox 360 reaches store shelves late next month, it will be fully supported as a Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) PCs. MCE Update Rollup 2, released last week, enables an Xbox 360 to stream media from an MCE PC to a television anywhere in the home, according to Microsoft.



        Microsoft's Media Center Extender technology was unveiled by Bill Gates in his keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2004.

        The technology's objective is to extend the reach of Media Center PCs (i.e. PCs running Windows XP Media Center Edition) to television displays in various locations around the home. So, instead of gathering around the PC monitor, families can enjoy digital content in the comfort of their livingroom, den, or bedroom. Also, the large, perhaps noisy, and not very stylish PC stays in the home office where it belongs, Microsoft says.

        Architecturally, the Media Center PC serves as the hub of a home network, with Media Center Extenders delivering content to television screens throughout the home, as seen in the following drawing. The technology can be built into set-top boxes, TVs, or other devices, such as the Xbox 360.


        (Source: Microsoft)
        Microsoft's Media Center Extender architecture

        Other new MCE features

        In addition to Media Center Extender support for the Xbox 360, MCE Update Rollup 2 includes several other noteworthy features:
        • DVD changer support -- for external changers that can hold up to 200 DVDs. Microsoft says compatible changers will be available "beginning this year."

        • Away Mode -- improves upon current PC power-management systems by enabling the system to silently perform unattended tasks -- such as recording TV shows and streaming content to Media Center Extenders -- in a low-power mode that makes the PC appear off. Away Mode will be available on select new Media Center PCs in upcoming months, according to the company.

        • Improved DVD burning -- Updates to the Sonic Solutions DVD burning engine support conversion of high-definition TV shows to standard definition and burn to a DVD all in one step, as well as burn to a DVD from other PCs on the home network.

        • Additional HDTV tuner support -- Update Rollup 2 adds support for a second HDTV tuner for a total of four tuners altogether.
        New Media Center PCs are now shipping with Update Rollup 2. Existing users can obtain a free update here.


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