Unlike competing commercial DVR products, Microsoft does not charge a monthly subscription fee for its Media Center TV guide service.ĭue to strict hardware requirements, Microsoft has opted not to supply Media Center as an independent retail version.
Windows XP Media Center Edition is distinguished from other editions of Windows XP by an exclusive preinstalled application, Media Center, which provides a large-font ("10-foot"), remotely accessible interface for TV viewing on the computer as well as recording and playback, DVD playback, video playback, photo viewing, and music playback.
Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2 (codenamed Emerald) Released in October 14, 2005, this was a collection of feature updates including support for DVD changers.This version also removes the ability for a MCE computer to join an Active Directory domain. The first edition of MCE available to non-Tier 1 system builders, includes support for Media Center Extenders, and CD/DVD-Video burning support. Media Center Edition 2005 (codenamed Symphony) released in October 12, 2004.