| Microsoft unveils Media Center Extenders running Windows CE |
Jan. 09, 2004
 During his keynote address at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft chairman Bill Gates unveiled a new piece of the company's home entertainment puzzle: "Windows Media Center Extender Technology." The technology will be used to extend the reach of Media Center PCs (running Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition OS) to television displays in various locations around the home. Capabilities will include access to live and recorded television, photos, movies, and music -- all supplied by the home's Media Center PC.
Media Center Extender architecture
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. The extender technology, which is powered by Microsoft's Windows CE embedded operating system, can either be embedded directly in the TV, or it can be provided via a specially designed TV set-top box.
A prototype Media Center Extender set-top box
Microsoft says that in addition to providing access to rich content and services, the new Media Center Extender technology will also enable remote devices to take advantage of the processing and storage capabilities of the PC -- enabling new opportunities for the delivery of services, and potentially adding a host of unique features to the TV viewing experience.
For example, consumers who have been using their Media Center PC to listen to music, record TV programs, watch photo slide shows and home videos, or download movies on demand will now be able to enjoy these experiences on a TV -- even while their Media Center PC is being used at the same time by a family member in another room.
"Consumers are telling us that they don't want to be tied to the room where their PC lives to look at their digital pictures or view a program recorded on their Media Center PC," noted Joe Belfiore, a general manager in the Windows eHome Division at Microsoft. "With industry partners, we are meeting this demand by developing innovative products that give consumers the freedom to enjoy their digital entertainment experiences anywhere in the home."
"Of the products that are expected for the fourth-quarter holiday season in 2004, devices that allow you to distribute your recorded television programs, movies, digital music and photos throughout the home and on the go appear to have the greatest potential for the hit of the season," commented Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group.
Microsoft says several consumer electronics device manufacturers are currently developing various types of Media Center Extender products, including set-top boxes and TVs with the technology built in, for introduction by the 2004 holiday season. These companies include Alienware, Dell, Gateway, HP, Samsung Electronics, Tatung, and Wistron.
Additionally, Microsoft announced a Media Center Extender kit for the Xbox which combines an Xbox DVD title with a dedicated remote control, allowing consumers to extend their Windows XP Media Center Edition experience around the home using their Xbox game console.
Presumably, other device categories are in the works, including sound systems and more. Stay tuned!
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