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How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center
Access to premium HD on computers has eluded most for way to long, so as soon as we heard that it was finally possible for anyone to add a CableCARD tuner to just about any Media Center, we just knew we had to try it for ourselves, and more importantly, share with you exactly how to do it. This doesn't really require any hacking, or anything illegal for that matter -- we're not lawyers -- but it isn't cheap. The internal version of the ATI Digital Cable Tuner pictured above can be found new on eBay for about $195, or new from PC vendors like Cannon PC for just under $300. If that doesn't seem like a bad deal to you and you already have an HTPC up to the challenge, then you should join us on our journey to HD bliss by clicking through.
Windows Media Center gets channel logos, finally
We're a big fan of Windows Media Center around here -- where else can you get a truly multiroom DVR solution after all -- but for whatever reason there are a few glaring missing features that have kept us scratching our heads for years. One item on that list that we can finally check off in Windows 7 is channel logos. Sure, this wasn't as high on our list as dual live buffers or the ability to record the Live TV buffer, but it is a welcomed addition. What we still can't figure out though, is why Microsoft hasn't added this years ago? And even more so, why even now is a 3rd party that got it to work? The good news is that My Channel Logos for 7MC is not only a free plug-in, but open enough that you can add your own logos -- this has some particularly interesting uses for those channels your significant other likes, but you don't.
Video: Windows Media Center 7 with touch interface
Although many of the devout Media Center fans were disappointed with the the Microsoft keynote, Windows Media Center 7 most definitely raises the bar for DVR software. The new guide is really cool and also addresses some of the bigger pain points for MC users. Then, to really dazzle your friends Microsoft has added a touch interface whitch is not only really really cool to play with, it will also be very useful for those with touch screen computers in locations like a kitchen.
