I know it?s off topic, but please indulge me.
As a dedicated Windows Media Center user these articles are frustrating to me. The future that the author is referring to is here already and has been for some time. WMC strikes the best balance of providing access to internet-based video while focusing most heavily on traditional viewing habits (on-screen guides, DVR functionality, and remote-control operation). It has passed the ultimate test? even my wife and kids use it on a daily basis (and would miss it if it were gone).
Admittedly, Microsoft has not closed the deal and still has work to be done but remains the closest to realizing the ?future? of TV viewing. Some suggestions for the future for WMC:
1) They have successfully partnered with Netflix and CBS. Now, they need access to Hulu video and ESPN3 (Xbox has it already, so it shouldn?t be unrealistic). I think this is all viewers want? Hey google, nobody wants to watch YouTube on their big screen TVs! Also, I?ll never understand why MS can?t seem to stream their own network, MSNBC.
2) Incorporate WMC into the Xbox360. Not simply as an extender, but as a stand-alone unit. Perhaps they could sell WMC along with a USB tuner for the Xbox? have it record shows to the Xbox hard-drive. This would provide direct competition for TiVO but without the subscription fee. While they are at, how ?bout if they tried to incorporate WMC into windows home server. If WHS supported tuners and WMC, it could truly be the focal point of a home media network.
3) Add extender functionality to TVs. I believe it?s been done before (by HP?)? but they need to try harder. I mean there is a large percentage of people that have a networked windows PC and an HDTV. If they could talk via WMC and provide access to media files? that would be a quick win for everybody.
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