

Media Center Extenders, dedicated hardware devices that allow users to view the same content that is available on the MCE computer over wired or wireless Ethernet, are introduced in this version for the first time.SoundSpectrum's G-Force: a special edition is included as one of the music visualizations.Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition: a number of applications not included in previous versions of MCE are now included.Royale theme: not included in other editions of Windows XP, it is included and enabled by default.Windows Media Player, upgraded to version 10.Windows Movie Maker, upgraded to version 2.5 with new effects and transitions and support for DVD burning.Consumers generally purchase Media Center preinstalled on a new computer, or from a reseller that sells OEM versions of Microsoft software. Microsoft only distributes it to MSDN subscribers and OEM System Builders in certain countries.

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.
