| Microsoft rolls out next-gen media center OS, services |
Sep. 30, 2003
Microsoft today launched the next generation of its consumer media center operating system: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004. Microsoft also announced arrangements with content providers CinemaNow, Movielink, and Napster to offer online digital content such as on-demand music and movie subscription services for Media Center PCs.
Microsoft said it is working with content providers to facilitate the use of remote controls in conjunction with the ability to view Web pages from a distance, in order to enable media center users to order, download, and play multimedia content. Additionally, Media Center PCs can now be used to record their TV shows and, using Sonic's PrimeTime Media Center application, burn it onto DVDs or video CDs with a few clicks of the remote control.
Online Spotlight, a new online guide created specifically for Media Center Edition PC users, offers a central location for consumers to find the latest music, movie trailers, news updates, and more, Microsoft said.
More than 40 manufacturers around the world are planning to produce Media Center Edition 2004 PCs, including: Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, Gericom, Hitachi, HP, NEC, Packard Bell, Samsung, Sony, SOTEC, Toshiba, and TriGem, according to Microsoft.
According to Microsoft, "Windows XP Media Center Edition combines the functionality of traditional PC applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel with the ability to enjoy music, television, personal video recording, pictures, digital video, and DVD with remote control access . . . ," and "features the quality and compression of Windows Media 9 Series."
Key feature enhancements in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 are said to include: - Radio (FM). Consumers can listen to their favorite FM radio stations with one-button access from the remote control. Listening to NPR and missing an interview with a favorite author is no longer a problem: Listeners can simply press Replay and jump back seven seconds in the broadcast or Pause the interview if they need to step away.
- CD-copying capability. Consumers can copy CDs to the Media Library using the remote control: When they insert a music CD, it will automatically copy and show up in their music library.
- Enhanced photo features. Consumers can play slide shows from their summer vacation from the comfort of the couch by simply inserting a smart media or CompactFlash card or a CD to access photos. They can rotate, zoom, print and even remove red-eye with the touch of one button.
- Calibration Wizard. This feature helps consumers customize the best picture for a variety of monitors, including CRT (standard), flat panel (LCD, Plasma), rear projection and front projection displays.
- Enhanced 16 x 9 support. Users can take full advantage of wide-screen displays by using more of the screen for Media Center content.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
|
news feed