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Microsoft Announces Windows XP Media Center Edition
by Arie Slob
Hello Windows users,
 Microsoft today announced the newest member of the Windows® XP family: Windows XP Media Center Edition. Formerly known by the code name "Freestyle," Windows XP Media Center Edition should turn a PC into a media center, integrating digital entertainment experiences such as live television, personal video recording (PVR), digital music, digital video, DVDs and pictures. Currently in beta testing, Microsoft will ship Windows XP Media Center Edition to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in time for the holiday shopping season in the United States, Canada and Korea. It is expected to be available in Japan in the first half of 2003.
"The PC has evolved from a tool for productivity to a device capable of entertainment, communications and so much more," said Michael Toutonghi, vice president of the Windows eHome Division at Microsoft. "Consumers desire more fun and enjoyment from their PC and want it to contribute to their lives even more creatively than it does today. The time is right for Windows XP Media Center Edition; it maps to our vision of realizing potential with technology in ways people may not have thought possible."
Windows XP Media Center Edition builds on the great digital media experiences delivered by Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker to offer consumers more choices for enjoying the digital media they edit, organize and store on their PC, including the following:
- Television and PVR. With Windows XP Media Center Edition, users can pause and rewind live television so they never miss a moment of their favorite show. The personal video recorder allows consumers to record a single episode or an entire series without recording repeat episodes. Users also will be able to manage recording schedules and conflicts as well as add storage through PC expandability. In addition, users of Windows XP Media Center can browse the integrated Electronic Program Guide to find their favorite show or search by categories, such as "sports," or by subcategory, such as "baseball."
- Music. Windows XP Media Center Edition will give digital media enthusiasts the freedom to browse their digital music collection by album, artist or genre with the push of a remote control button. Keyword searches will help them quickly locate songs or tracks using the on-screen keyboard and the remote control. With Media Center, users can easily switch between artists; change tracks, or adjust volume without ever getting off the couch.
- Photos. Windows XP Media Center Edition will make looking through photo albums as simple and convenient as picking up the remote control. Families will be able to sort slides by name or date and play a linear slide show, or randomly shuffle photos within folders or across the entire library. Background music can be added with just a few button presses on the remote control to create an ever-richer experience.
- Videos. Users will be able to browse their personal video collection through a thumbnail view and show full-screen playback of favorite footage, to family and friends.
- DVDs. Windows XP Media Center Edition not only offers full-screen video and great remote control of DVD playback features, it also offers information about DVDs, tracks and program details with the press of a button.
Availability
By the end of this year, consumers will be able to purchase Windows XP Media Center Edition preinstalled on a new PC at computer retail stores or directly from the manufacturer.
For more information, visit the Windows XP Media Center Edition Web site.
Tweaking Toolbox XP
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After months of hard work I have finally released my latest software Tweaking Toolbox XP. As the name implies, it's a system tweaker for Windows XP. I'd suggest you check out the Tweaking Toolbox XP Web site, or better yet, just download [751KB] a copy, and try it for free for 14 days*.
I think you won't be disappointed! It has hundreds of options to tweak, improving appearance, performance and functionality of Windows XP.
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20 July 2002, Vol 5 No. 29
