Transcript: Windows XP Media Center Edition, July 15, 2004
Published: August 16, 2004
Chat Date: July 15, 2004
Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity
Introduction
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
Welcome to today's Expert Zone chat. Our topic is Windows XP Media Center Edition. Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome.
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
For the duration of this event chat, we ask that all text posted in this room remain on topic (Windows Media Center Edition). We welcome you to stick around after to discuss other topics.
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
I'll now have the hosts introduce themselves.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Hi everybody. I'm Andy, one of the MVPs for Media Center Edition. Bring on the questions! :-)
Host: Barb (MVP)
I'm Barb Bowman, a Windows MVP. In real life I'm a Product Development Manager for Comcast High Speed Internet. Media Center rocks!
Host: Joe (Microsoft)
Hello everyone! My name is Joe and I’m a developer on the Windows TV team.
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
Hi, my name is Peter and I am a developer with Media Center in the Windows TV team.
Host: Alex Feinman (MVP)
Hello! I'm Alex Feinman - Windows Media Center MVP
Host: Robert Schlabbach (MVP)
Hello! I'm Robert Schlabbach, German Windows XP Media Center Edition MVP. I'm trying to make sure Microsoft is aware of MCE issues important to German/European users :)
Host: Justin Harrison (MVP)
I'm Justin Harrison - Another Media Center MVP. I'm also do contract work for MSN Games, and exciting stuff like that :-)
Start of Chat
Host: Paul_[MoDaCo] (MVP)
Q: Will there be a Smartphone 2003 upgrade for Mpx200
A: This is at the discretion of the manufacturers and the carriers, and no announcements have been made in that regard.
Host: Paul_[MoDaCo] (MVP)
Q: Will Windows Media player for Smartphone 2003 be updated to allow fast forward and rewind of media files.
A: Microsoft doesn’t comment on future versions of software. Sorry :)
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
We've got experts just waiting to answer your Media Center questions, please feel free to post them!
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: My first question is for MCE MVP's: When will we have a HD Adapter?
A: That's a good question. I would love to have HD tuners as much as you do! We realize that our customers want HD and are considering for future versions.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: HD Video Adatpers need to be made the highest priority. We have been asking for them since version 1 came out. We need to know where this is in the roadmap?
A: We understand that this is a high priority. Unfortunately, we can not discuss any future plans.
Host: Barb (MVP)
Q: Is any more information available about availability, functionality, and pricing of Media Center Extenders?
A: All the information that is currently available is published on the Microsoft web site.
Host: Justin Harrison (MVP)
Q: I'm planning on building my own MCE system. I have a hauppauge pvr 250 card, an OEM remote, and a few large drives. What other MCE specific hardware might I require once I dive in?
A: Windows XP Media Center Edition is available only on new Media Center Edition computers. Independent Media Center systems are not supported.
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
Q: I have used MCE for about 8 months now and I find the weakest link is the MPEG2 decoding/playback. I really think MCE (not necessarily XP Pro or WMP) should ship with a MPEG2 decoder. Any plans 4 this?
A: Media Center ships in OEM configurations, and the OEMs are responsible for shipping an MPEG2 decoder with their product. Due to licensing distribution rights issues, we cannot give out an MPEG2 decoder.
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
A: So, no, there are no plans to release a Microsoft MPEG-2 decoder with Media Center
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
For the duration of this event chat, we ask that all text posted in this room remain on topic (Windows Media Center Edition). We welcome you to stick around after to discuss other topics.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: Does anyone know how many TV tuners will be supported in the next release?
A: We can not discuss any information concerning future versions.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
We have two TV developers on the chat... bring on those TV questions!
Host: Joe (Microsoft)
Q: What are the new features within MCE that "you can talk about" that you are most excited about?
A: I’m really excited about Media Center Extenders. I’ll definitely have one in my bedroom. For more information see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/devices/default.mspx
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
Q: How will Media Center Extenders work with third party applications like Movielink and CinemanNow, which currently require a keyboard?
A: The triple-tap feature of MCE (i.e. typing with the remote) will be available on MCX devices.
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
Q: How about the screens and pop-ups that currently come up when using MovieLink and CinemaNow that require you go to your monitor? Will those be changed?
A: That's good feedback--I will pass on your feedback to our extensibility team. Media Center provides an interface for these sorts of actions that does not require leaving the Media Center interface, but the application designer must code to them.
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
I suggest you contact the companies in question and provide that feedback to them directly.
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
We are going to have to wrap up this chat in about 10 minutes. There's still time to ask some questions of our MVP's!!
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
OK... so since the questions are coming in at an extremely fast rate, what is the group's top feature requests?
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: will media center ever catch on?
A: It has so far!
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
Thank you all for your questions, but it's now time to go!
Host: Barb (MVP)
thanks for joining us!
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
For more information about expert zone chats please see: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/chats/default.mspx
Host: Peter (Microsoft)
Ciao!
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
C-ya
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
For a list of all chats please see: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/chats/default.mspx
Moderator: Andy (Microsoft)
Thanks!
