Windows8MediaCenter
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Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it
If you have to issue an explanation to follow up an explanation, then it's pretty safe to say the first one wasn't clear enough, and it's under those circumstances that Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky and the Windows 8 team are returning to the subject of Media Center and DVD movie support. After addressing both a few days ago, the internet backlash was (predictably) quick to finding out that Media Center would be available only as an upgrade to the Pro version of the OS, and that without it Windows wouldn't natively play DVDs. What many may not know however, and the new FAQ points out, is that this is not an entirely new thing -- Windows XP did not have support outside of specialized editions or add-ons, several versions of Vista did not play DVDs and on Windows 7 the Basic and Starter editions lacked the add-on. Of course, for most users this doesn't matter in the least since brand new PCs tend to ship with third party software to play DVDs (or Blu-ray movies where applicable, which no version of Windows has or will natively support). Answering the question we had of what this means for users upgrading their own computers, they'll either need to see if they have existing third party software to play DVDs that is compatible with Windows 8, or acquire Media Center post-upgrade.
Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support
Many in the Windows Media Center community were afraid that Windows 8 would mark the end of Media Center, while others thought it would be like Notepad -- present, but unchanged. In the end both were wrong as Microsoft announced Media Center would be available as an add-on to Windows 8. Until now though, we didn't know exactly how that process would work. Steven Sinofsky outlined on the Building Windows 8 blog how users will be able to use Add Features to Windows 8 in Control Panel and purchase the same great Media Center experience that was included in Windows 7 Premium and Pro. The price is still unannounced but is expect to be "in line with marginal costs" -- whatever that means. The price paid will cover the royalties for the required codecs to support broadcast TV and DVD playback (DVDs still won't play in Media Player). One codec that will be supported in all version of Windows 8, but will require the computer maker to license the codec directly, is Dolby Digital Plus. So yeah, something else that was included in Windows 7 for free. We're glad it's there, but wish we'd get something new for the new premium price. Like most, we'll probably hold on to our Windows 7 HTPC a little bit longer.
5 new features we want to see in Windows 8 Media Center
Windows 7 Media Center is done and as much as we love it and think it's the best DVR out there, we also think there is room for improvement. Life as a programmer never stops, as soon as you get one release out, it's time to start planning for the next. So we wanted to make sure we got our wants submitted before things got too far underway. Now we could've just listed the most obvious desires like new Extenders, Softsled, Blu-ray playback or things like that -- or even make up a bug list -- but we're going to try to go off the beaten path here a little. So in addition to our "still waiting" list from our review, here are 5 things we want -- that Microsoft may or may not have already thought of -- in no particular order. Category view of Recorded TV, just like movies or the guide we want to view just comedy, etc. Personalized Recorded TV queues for each member of the home -- high priority shows would always be at the top and internet TV shows and Netflix movies can go here too. Unified search for internet, Netflix and Recorded TV and future TV. A "DVR" mode that runs all the buffers all the time -- if we turn the TV on, we want all the buffers full. HDMI-CEC -- it'd be great if Media Center could turn the TV on/off and adjust the volume of the receiver etc, via HDMI.
