Microsoft sends Media Center abroad
Posted by: [NT] on: 08/06/2003 12:14 PM [ Print | 1 comment(s) ] · 754 views
CNet: Microsoft is taking Media Center further overseas, with plans to launch the PC entertainment software in China, Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
Media Center PCs run a specialized version of the Windows XP operating system that has an extra interface to make it easy for people to view photos, music and video on a television hooked up to a PC. More infos at Cnet, german version here
Media Center PCs run a specialized version of the Windows XP operating system that has an extra interface to make it easy for people to view photos, music and video on a television hooked up to a PC. More infos at Cnet, german version here
« AMD preparing Athlon 64 FX ? · Microsoft sends Media Center abroad
· TwinMOS Twisting with Twister »
Comment
|
popeye1701 Unregistered |
#46025 Posted on: 08/06/2003 01:48 PM
Having tested MCE in one of the countries listed above i can truely say that MS are kdding themselves if they beleive its anywhere near ready for deployment. MCE is bugged as hell. More so than XP usually is. Despite MS being told of these bugs they produce special extras like games, instead of sorting out basic problems. Such as: 1. file sizes are enormous for recorded shows. >3Gb (Unless you are lucky to get your DVB-T .i.e. Digital TV, card working) 2. fragmentation that occurs rapidly making the PC useless at most times. e.g. 80% fragmentation within 2 days moderate use. 3. EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) which is really important if you wish to use the TV aspect of MCE lacks over half of the available channels and of those channels it does have many programs have the wrong titles or times or in the worst case have absolutley no data whatsoever. You cant really use MCE without an accurate EPG. Unless you decide to forego using the TV function. 4. Downloading the EPG can take well over an hour. during which time you cannot use the PC as it becomes totally unresponsive. So dont even think of changing channels whilst you watch TV on MCE! 5. Severe degredation of tv signal. Picture quality is typically very washed out even with good high quality cables. The list goes on... However MCE does have potential. It just isnt anywhere near ready and until MS start to listen to its testers it will never be. |
