Microsoft, HP add Media Center Extender functionality to MediaSmart LCD HDTVs

Just in case Linksys and D-Link's introductions weren't enough to satisfy, Microsoft is now announcing yet another partner in its refreshed Extenders for Windows Media Center effort. Beginning in "early 2008," owners of HP's current 42- and 47-inch MediaSmart LCD HDTVs will be able to utilize all of the features of the Media Center Extender platform sans any additional hardware. According to Microsoft, users will simply download a software update for their set, after which they'll be able to kick back and enjoy a little Windows Media Center Internet TV while basking in the glory that is added functionality.

[bob e @ Sep 27th 2007 8:05AM]

does this mean i will have a browser on my tv at last?

[Cory @ Sep 27th 2007 11:48AM]

looks like front row

[Mark @ Sep 27th 2007 11:22AM]

What a great idea. Now my TV can be obsolete in 2 years when the next version of Windows comes out. I can't wait to get rid of my first generation extenders to spend $700 on the second generation ones.

[futurepastnow @ Sep 27th 2007 2:41PM]

Kudos to HP for making this an update to existing TVs instead of just a new model.

[AceBandge @ Sep 27th 2007 7:34PM]

This TV is the greatest thing on the market. Sorry, but with 1080p, 3 HDMI ports and all the other cool features at this price I had to have it. It has wireless a, b, g, and N. (the BestBuy Rep that sold it to me recommended I upgrade my router to an "N" router to stream HD media; which I did.)
It gets an IP address on my network, and supports security proticols WEP, WPA, and some others I don't use. I can stream all my music, movies, pictures, from my computers. I can browse my shared folders on my home server and other computers in my house FROM THE TV!!! How cool is that? Now we dont thave initiate the media from the computer.

Plus this TV understands all the popular media formats even the Mac ones. It even understands all the common Codecs, at least all I can think of including DivX, Xvid, and OGG. I think most of us have a few videos on our computers we would like to watch on a TV, well this thing even UPSCALES them.

The MediaSmart TV even lets me rent or buy movies that download to my computer. Bye Bye Blockbuster and Hollywood video.