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My Thoughts on Vista Media Center
Friday, October 20th, 2006
I have mixed views about Vista Media Center, keep reading to see what they are!
PVR/CableCARD: CableCARD is–without a doubt–the reason to upgrade to Vista Media Center. Native digital cable support, native HDTV support. However, a common problem however is that CableCARD’s are a technology only available within the United States. Those outside of the states have yet to see any additional advances for Media Center being used as a PVR. There is no addition DVB support, no MHEG support, no DAB support. Those in the US don’t have to worry about these, but basically broadcasts outside of the US use different technologies then those inside of the US. We can all thank the FCC for wanting another “standard” for the US to use.
We all know that only OEM systems are getting CableCARD, which is a real drag. Not much to say about this though, I’ve said before it’s CableLabs way or the Highway. I would much rather see CableCARD support then not.
EPG/Guide: There are several enhancements in the EPG, the one everyone wants to the “mini-guide” which has been common to STB’s for years now. Most people however, do not see this as something that they are dieing to have.
Extenders: This is one of the biggest reasons not to upgrade to Vista Media Center. v1 Extenders including the Linksys WMCE54AG, HP x5400, and Xbox v1 title are no longer supported under Vista. This is a huge problem for people who have spent $300 a-pop on either the Linksys or HP Extenders. It’s going to be very costly to upgrade Extenders.
v2 Extenders are on the way, codenamed Pika, and these better support additional formats like DivX and XviD or I’m going to feel even worse about not being able to use v1 Extenders. If you are going to take away something, the second offering better provide what was lacking in the first-generation, along with a lower price tag (which, I believe they will). Chris Lanier’s Blog : Updated: Here It Is: My Thoughts on Vista Media Center
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