HTPCs are just 'normal' PCs that happen to be used for home theater applications. Well, first of all, there is no such thing as a 'normal' Home theater PC (or 'HTPC' for short). What's So Special About MCE2005 Over a 'Normal' HTPC? However, you can't buy a copy of the operating system off the shelf, it is only available bundled with a preconfigured PC. MCE2005 is the first version that is officially released in Australia. Previous versions of Media Center Edition were only available in the US and parts of Europe. Microsoft also makes a big deal about the DVD burning capability (integrated with Movie Maker 2.1) but there is no easy way of burning recorded TV programmes (possibly intentional, due to copyright concerns). MCE2005 contains all the features of Windows XP Professional SP2 except for the ability for a computer to join a domain (this would apparently interfere with the ability to support Extender devices, although I found out it is possible for an MCE2005 computer to join a domain, provided you do so during initial installation). In addition, MCE2005 supports synchronising with portable media centers and can serve content to Windows Media Center Extender devices. Media Center (the use of the American spelling of 'centre' is unfortunately prevalent in MCE2005) is optimized to look good even on low resolution TVs and is best driven via a remote control. Home automation ( HomeSeer, HAI Home Control).Display status on a VFD/LCD display ( FrontView for MCE).View weather forecasts ( mceWeather, My Weather, Simply Weather).In addition, there are various third party applications for the following (representative only): Limited web browsing ('Online Spotlight').View pictures and videos in a variety of formats.Listen to and record radio (over the air or Internet-based).

Watch, pause and record analog/digital TV 'over the air' with an integrated Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).

MCE2005 is basically a version of Windows XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 2, but bundled together with an application called Media Center that provides the following functions: Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result. Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide toĪssembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and This is Part 1 of a set of articles summarizing myĮxperience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater

Microsoft xp media center edition 2005