Microsoft Media Center 2005 reviewed

Thomas Hawk has a great, lengthy review of the new Microsoft Media Center 2005, which he expected a bit more from, but it does sound like Microsoft's making some progress on it.

Highlights from the review:

• It only does over-the-air HDTV, but that's not entirely MS' fault. The cable and satellite folks have their own proprietary encryption schemes they're not into sharing with anyone.
• MCE will be available for purchase as a standalone product for the first time, instead of requiring you to buy a new PC. Could be a support nightmare for MS, but good on them for expanding the availability for build-it-yourself geeks.
• They've added the ability to buy and use Napster music and Movielink movies, which is novel. The Movielink thing is pretty comparable to the upcoming Netflix-TiVo deal, but Thomas says the video quality is low compared to uncompressed satallite, which makes sense, as you would want moves to be well under a gig a piece, while unencrypted movies could run several Gb in size and take days to download.
• They've tried to integrate the web a bit, letting you read hotmail onscreen and pay (!!!) to read RSS feeds through Newsgator.
• Overall, everything sounds snappier, but I think Thomas was underwhelmed mostly over the HDTV thing.

Comments

[Keith]

I'm using MCE 2004 and some of the stuff discussed above has been available since MCE 2004 came out in September last year. Napster, MovieLink, and CinemaNow were a big part of the MCE 2004 launch. You have been able to order/listen to music from napster since September 2003. Same goes for ordering movies from CinemaNow and MovieLink.

As far as the RSS feeds and Newsgator, that has nothing to do with Microsoft. Microsoft includes a link to the Newsgator service in Online Spotlight (just like it does for Napster, MovieLink, CinemaNow, etc), but they don't run/control the Newsgator service.

[Matt]

Disclaimer: I work at Microsoft on Media Center.

A few things...

MCE 2005, the software, will not be available for purchase at retail. Though it will be available via the System Builders Channel for smaller computer building shops.

Keith is right about the situation with Napster, Movielink, CinemaNow, and Newsgator.

Also, Thomas' review doesn't talk about many of the new features so just wait and see before jumping to any conclusions :).

[mcewannabe]

t only does over-the-air HDTV, but that's not entirely MS' fault. The cable and satellite folks have their own proprietary encryption schemes they're not into sharing with anyone.

(Except TIVO?)

This is going to be a showstopper for alot of people, it's 2004 why is HDTV not going to be supported, I don't know if MS has noticed buy people are buying HDTV's now?

[jbelkin]

It sounds great - as soon as I get my car Windows OSisfied and trade in my Rolex for an MS OS watch, I'll trade in my regular TV for MSisfied TV PC - hope it's as good as their ultimate web TV.

Maybe they should work on getting their regular OS working and an upgrade before 2008?

[Chrisg1990]

microsoft is working on a OS code named Longhorn that will come out in 2006 mcewanabe

[cm_mc]

will i be able to use my tv tuner with mce 2005
? cuz i had mce 2004 and my tv card was unsupported

[Aantimidas]

I installed MCE2005 from MSDN on a custom built box.

Promise ATA/133 RAID 0+1 over 4 250GB Maxtors
ASUS P4P800SE Motherboard
P4 2.6GHz
Hauppauge WinTV PVR 250
DVD+RW (salvaged from a Compaq toaster)
Antec SX1040BII Chassis
nVidia FX5200 256MB video
Netgear WG311

I had a catastrophic HDD failure causing me to lose all ripped DVDs, CDs and recorded TV. No backups. Almost everything lost. RAID 0+1 should take care of that while quadrupling my storage capacity to 500GB.

Previously with MCE 2004, video would pause causing audio to fall out of sync. MS has taken care of this by temporarily reducing the frame rate. The only cause that I can find is that the screensaver will periodically try to start. Forget about watching more than an hour of TV. The screensaver kicks in and disables both video AND audio. I have no idea if this adversely affects recording.

The Live365 option in 2004 has been replaced with MSN Radio. Because it constantly tries to add itself to your Other Programs menu (even after added), there is no way to use the back button to move out of it. Similar to a redirect HTML for popups. Restarting the Media Center is the only way to fix it.

Settings are more thorough. I no longer have hte black frame around vieo on my TV. It will adjust for the sVideo connection properly. Kudos on that.

You can now power off the device and have it start Media Center on startup more easily.

To replace the monotony of swapping DVD's or downloading videos, I installed DivX 5.1 and ripped all of my DVDs to 700MB video files (for two hour). Better quality than MovieLink or any other option that MCE has. 160+ DVDs are easily searchable, but took weeks to encode with AutoGK and DVDDecrypter. 150 movies per 100GB of storage. Good ratio as far as I am concerned. Microsoft should look at improving or abandoning its WMV format in favor of DivX.

I still want full HDTV options, but since that is not available and I do not yet own an HDTV, I will hold off longer on upgrading the TV or tuner.

7 out of 10 over all as far as upgrades are concerned. I certainly would not go out and buy a new MCE box just so I could have the newer version. BestBuy is still trying to deplete their stock of MCE2002 machines and have not begun to sell MCE2004. That tells you something about the market for pre-installed MCE OS boxes. If the product were available separately, the market for the OS would open up. But Microsoft is content that it has enough revenue that it can alienate the custom PC geeks who have a good linux alternative in FreeVo (http://freevo.sourceforge.com).

[Rudi]

Can someone tell me how MCE looks on a normal widescreen CRT television. I've seen the demos on plasma and lcd screens, but as my television is CRT I'm a bit hesitant.

Cheers and thank,

Rudi.

[Jaxim]

Do NOT buy a Media Center from SONY

Learn from my mistake. I bought a Sony Vaio Media Center this past year and was all excited when Microsoft announced the new version: Media Center 2005. Unfortunately, Sony has just announced that it will NOT upgrade its old customers with the new version, and unfortunately you can only get the Media Center upgrade from your PC manufacturer.

So if you want a Media Center PC (which are pretty cool), buy one from a company that has proven to upgrade its old customers in the past, (e.g. HP, Dell, Alienware, etc.... Not SONY), or else you'll be stuck with a Media Center that can never be upgraded when the newest Media Center release comes out.

[Bill]

Shame on Sony for not supporting its Vaio Media Center 2004 customers with an upgrade for Media Center 2005. I should have bought an HP or a Dell.

[Lewis Butery]

I also bought a SONY MC2004 this year and will never buy anything from Sony again unless they release this upgrade.

I have lots of Sony products, including 3 PC's but no more.

[Ray]

I too purchased a Sony MCE computer earlier this year. I just learned that they are not supporting the upgrade as many of the other manufacturers are.

I consider myself a gadget freak but I will make a point of steering clear of Sony products in future. This is the second time I have been disappointed with their product support. I should have learned the first time.

[Dave]

Dell also announced that they will not provide upgrades for their MCE 2004

[Floyd Springer]

I contacted Sony Style Customer Care. All
I can tell you is that "they don't care".
Repeatedly, I asked if Sony was going to upgrade
media center pc sold early this year to 2005.
Sony said "The upgrades would be available at
the retailers". This is not so. MS say only
the pc makers can upgrade. Sony is off my list
of companies I repect. They are arrogant and
indifferent towards their customers and that
attitute will bite them in the ***. Good bye,
Sony -- best wishes!

[emory]

Re: Sony. Ouch! I also just bought a MCE 2004 Vaio. When I wrote to Sony customer care on this issue I just got a "form" letter response. "Thanks for your interest in Sony Products" However I did find a computer builder that would sell me an OEM MCE 2005. If I'm not mistaken I can install MCE 2005 then cherry pick any Sony software I want [like click to dvd ]installed from my original restore disks?

[Dave]

Just to note, I agree about SONY sucking as they did not offer an upgrade, but I purchased the OEM 2 CD version and it upgraded my Vaio RZ50CG (ATI 9800 Pro) with NO problems, and evrything is the way it was except now I have MCE 2005....It can be done, but always back up your data and system files first.

[emory]

Dave, thanks for that. It should be noted that regarding firm/hardware my Vaio seems to be fine. Just Sony customer service seems to be lacking.

[Sony Sukz]

I don't blame Sony for not upgrading its customers (ESPECIALLY the folks who bought their PCs six months+ ago and expect to get free upgrades--you people need to get off your high horses). I can empathize with someone being pissed off if they just bought a Vaio before Microsoft released MCE 2005, but you could always return your Vaio. And I don't think they're required to upgrade their exisiting customers anyway. There would be a great deal of people who would be calling their technical support because they can't get the upgrade to work, or because some 2005 features lock up on them or don't work. Good move on Sony's part. (Just look at the countless people who are trying to upgrade 2005 on their own and all the problems they're running into because of not having the proper requirements.)

Most people already know about Sony's poor customer service. If you want a company that will work for your business, then Sony isn't that company. Now you know, so go take your business somewhere else. I can't believe you bought a Vaio and didn't know this about them.

Oh, and I did buy a new R-Series Vaio even after reading all of your responses. I don't care if they're not going to upgrade me to the next version of MCE. I had been using Win 95/98 for a decade before upgrading to MCE 2005. I don't need to get the latest and greatest OS just because it has one new feature that is hardly signifcant to me. Let's not forget that Sony isn't the only OEM not offering the 2005 upgrade. So I guess if the situation had been different and you bought a Gateway PC, you'd be saying the same thing about them? I love the logic being shown here.

[emory]

Well, I guess I'm one of those that just bought on the cusp of MCE2005. But I'm not angry about it. I could have done better research. I also upgraded from a 6+ year old computer so I have been out of the new product loop for a long while and wasn't aware that Sony's customer service was poor.

There are one or two features w/ MCE 2005 that I might like using. For example, recording to DVD from Movie Maker. Could I live w/o that? Sure. Some features like that one may be offered as separate Microsoft Updates eventually anyway.

By the way, there are a few inconsistencies on the Sony product web pages that describe the R-Series features and benefits. Example: They show a PCMCIA slot that is not part of the R-Series unit. As well, although Sony "recommends" MCE 2005 it is not shipped with all the R series models.

This doesn't help the consumer make informed decisions. ( yes, the director of marketing has been advised )

Bottom line is that my machine is doing what I bought it for so in that regard I am satisfied.

[John]

I bought a Dell with MCE2004 and they will not sell any upgrade to MCE2005 either. It is not just a Sony issue.

[Sony User]

The disapointing part about Sony's stance on upgrading to MCE 2005 (free or for a fee)is that it will prevent current users from enjoying some of the new services.

Without upgrading to MCE 2005 some of the online programs will not be useable. Case in point, Ofoto.

I use Ofoto extensively. Ofoto recently released a MCE endition version to access pictures from the couch. Not possible if you are using a previous version of MCE. That sucks. Hope other apps don't only release on the new version. Thinking Tivo with a standard PC and Media Player is a better long term plan.

[Spence]

I am also mad at Sony. I bought my MCE PC only two months before 2005 came out. Sony totally doesn't give a damn, and I've told everyone I know not to buy from them.

It's embarrassing to show someone MCE2004, go to the AOL Music section, and have a disclaimer saying that I need to upgrade to MCE 2005. "Didn't you just buy this computer?" they ask. "Yep, don't buy Sony," I say.

Where's a good place I can buy the OEM for MCE2005?

[Lewis buttery]

This response is to Emery (and Sony).

It's not about high horses and I'm afraid you are being ignorant. I just spent 2K on a PC and I should not have to buy a new PC just to get the latest OS. There are many features in MC2005 I would like to use and I am being screwed out of them.

I could buy MC2005 from Newegg.com but I think this would void my 3yr warranty. I am willing to pay for MC2005 (HP offers it for free w/$9.95 S/H.

I bought the new Sony even tho I have two other Sony's cause I accepted that the hardware was probably not up to snuff to handle MC2004. There is nothing in the requirements for MC2005 that my Mc2004 PC can't handle.

Sony just doesn't give a da** about their customers.

I am also ticked at Microsoft for creating/allowing this situation.

I may abandon Media Center altogether and go with SnapStream.

This is the same as buying a new Ford, having the Gov't change the fuel standard and Ford refusing to sell the converter and insisting that you buy a new car instead.

Get real Emery (and Sony, and Microsoft)!!!

[emory]

Ah.....Lewis it's Emory, I am real and you shouldn't get so worked up over it that you resort to name calling. DO what-ever fills your boots .......

[Geoff]

I upgraded my Sony VAIO RZ54G to MCE 2005 and when I try to view Live TV it causes the CPU to max out on the process ehRecvr.exe and eventually the PC freezes. Has anyone else seen this or have any ideas on how to fix it?

[Ajit]

Toshiba also does not provide an upgrade path from MCE 2004 to 2005.
So watch out before you buy E15-AV101. The MCE 2005 version are Qosmio G15-AV501 and Qosmio F15-AV201

[Chris]

maybe it's jus me but i'm going to look at this from 2 ways. First, i don't really see what the big deal is, i think 2004 is a great OS and i would rather wait until they work all the bugs out of it before i put a piece of software into my system. Just because you buy a system 2 months before they release a updated one does not mean they OWE you a new OS. I'm comp graphics major and i got photoshop 7 and illustrator 10, and they both cost a bundle. So if i use this as an example to the 2005 problem, your saying that Adobe owes me Photoshop and Illustrator CS just because i bought the 2 right b4 the new ones came out? Honestly, come on now. But i also see your point, maybe they should update the ones for free who have a warrenty. But, to each his own

[deso]

I have an HP MC and they provided me the upgrade path! I needed to pay for shipping & handling (I think it was $9) but the upgrade has arrived!

[Bob V]

I purchased an HP Media Center with 2004 installed.
When trying to upgrade, HP gave the most irritating
runaround I've ever had. My Notebook has a 3.2 HT processor
wiht 800fsb, 128 Nvidia Geforce, 1gig of ram, etc. HP was
trying to tell me that it was not configured properly, then,
after several hours and of going back and forth, the tech
support guy I talked to checked with his superiors and they
finally conceded that my computer was capable of the upgrade.
And then, they simply told me "no," that it was against their
current policy. As far as I'm concerned, they are contracted up with ATI not to upgrade, to force people to buy the new 8000's with the ATI card. No other explanation was available.
Stuck in monetary beauracracy.

[John H]

I have a Sony Vaio PC with MCE 2004 and just noticed on Sony's website that they ARE going to provide an upgrade to the 2005 Edition, bundled with their latest DV Gate and Click to DVD software.

The announcement says to check back in February to place your order, so they may be charging a fee (which sucks), but it's better than having to buy a whole new computer, and it does insure that the upgrade will be supported.

Maybe Sony finally listened . . . first time for everything!!

[jo.A]

Anyone looked at their system folder, in the general tab page and have:
Microsoft Windows XP
Media Center Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

This is what I found in my "NEW" Sony Vaio RA820G. It is supposed to have Media Center Edition 2005 installed. My question is...did I get dupped by Sony and Microsoft and Best Buy, or am I reading something wrong. I know that sometimes software is developed years before it is released...and that maybe that is the year tag that it was developed. But, I would think that they would put the year that they are developing it for and releasing it.??? If anyone knows, please respond. I have called Sony, and they told me to go to Best Buy to resolve the "question". The rep for Sony claimed to not have any knowledge of anyone asking that question before.???? I wonder? How many people have just "assumed" that the correct software is in their computer.?

[emory]

jo A. open media center, click on "settings" then click on "about media center". The version of MCE will be displayed. What you're looking at now is the version of XP/OS, the foundation for MCE.

[Alan]

Great news for sony customers. I recently checked their update site and found out that coming in February Media center 2004 users will be able to update to media center 2005. YES!
Finally someone from sony listened.

[Sean]

That's great that Sony listened but Dell still will not provide an upgrade which is ridiculous. They say that they cannot be sure of the hardare MCE 2004 users are using and its compatibility with MCE 2005. But Sony and HP can? Dell goes on to say that if you want MCE 2005 you should consider purchasing a new Dell system with MCE 2005 installed. I just bought my Dell in October of 04 and I can't get a freakin upgrade to 2005. Dell can kiss my a**. I should have stayed with HP or Sony.

[Sparks]

I qualify for HP's Media Center Edition 2005 upgrade but HP has suspended their free update "program." Where can I now find/purchase the upgrade?

[Kevin]

I just bought a stock "HP m1095c-b Media Center PC" that came with the old version and want an upgrade as well. HP has suspended the free upgrade program and told me to contact Microsoft. Right, like they care. Clearly, Microsoft and HP do not care about customer support. I'm returning the HP and I'll buy a cheap Shuttle system. The hell with Media Center!!!

[Bill]

I can burn you a copy just follow this link for in http://www.royfamily.net/mce2005/

[Lewis Buttery]

Sony announced in March that the MC 2005 upgrade is now available for $9.95 until 5/31/05

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/news-item.pl?template=EN&mdl_id=1130&news_id=65

Hurrah, I can now buy Sony products again.

[Terrell]

This just in:

Dell today reduced the price of upgrading to the new Windows Media Center Edition 2005 to $19, as long as you buy one of their new Dimension Desktops. Until Monday (November 22), customers can configure a new PC with Windows XP Media Center Edition for as little as $19 more than XP Home Edition (after $20 instant savings) on the Dimension 3000, 4700, 4700C, 8400 and XPS systems.

[hyperone]

I purchased a Sony Vaio VGN-A690 and have upgraded my OS from Home to MCE 2005 via OEM software. I am able to install Sony programs that orignally came with the notebook ala carte. However, all LIVE TV function is not working. I get the dreaded, "Signal loss..." warning. I then went to Sony's customer service on the web using their live chat and basically the representative told me that MCE isn't supported for my particular notebook. So my question is... Has anyone been able to successfully install Windows MCE 2005 on a Sony Vaio "A" series laptop?

[Andy]

I bought a Toshiba Satelite p25-607 with MCE2004 and they will not sell any upgrade to MCE2005 either. It is not just a Sony issue. Dos any one nows what to do???

[Atesh]

If anyone is still following this as an issue:

As the gentleman above said:
Open Media Center
Choose Settings
Choose General
Choose About Media Center
Choose Software Version

Should read Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. I bought a Sony RB38G a few days ago and it is installed.

[brad]

I bought a SONY RA830G not long ago.
Checking the OS Version on the:
System Properties, General tap, I see Media Center Edition Version 2002.
Checking the version through the Media Center, Setting, General, About Media Center, Software Version I get Media Center Edition Version 2005.

I hypothesize that because it is possible to have different versions information in these two interfaces, there is a significant chance that users will be confused.

I'm choosing the Media Center Version as the system of record and assuming the XP System Properties have not been properly updated.

[tb]

I am so ticked at Sony. I happened to surf to this site and find the upgrade information from MCE 2004 to MCE 2005. I called them today, 6/11/05, and was told the offer expired and there is no way to upgrade. What upsets me most of all is that I put a call into support on 2/1/05 and was told 2005 was unsupported... yet they still did not communicate the upgrade offer to me. I am going to push the issue... we'll see .

[Dez]

Hi there does any 1 no if mce 2002 will support the new mce 2005 remote control

[lkk]

can mediapc replace dvd recorder in quality for using on big plasma?

[Jeff]

Has anyone applied the MCE 2005 upgrade to an HP computer running MCE 2004? If so, were there any annoyances or problems since install? Was it worth the upgrade from 2004 to 2005?

[Nathan]

I got a Dell computer with MCE 2005. Well when I check out system properties it says that it's version 2002. I got a CD from them as well which says 2005. I installed it, however it still claims that it is 2002. Anyone know what might be up?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Craig]

Ive got win 98 and rang my pc manafacture when XP came out and they wouldnt upgrade me for free! Of course they arent! stop bitching people and either do more research and wait for the new edition - like most software you will be waiting forever because there will constantly be a new edition in the making, or just bite the bullet and get it when you want it, upgrade later

[Stephen]

I bought a Dell Dimension 8400 in May of 2005. Why do I have MCE 2002?

It is like Windows XP with a built-in TV that doesn't work. In fact, Dell offered me a contract (4 yr Svc and Support) which includes all upgrades, updates, and unlimited VIP Tech Support (call a different number) which cost me $450. I paid $1,800 JUST for a piece of crap computer. I've called them about it and they transfer me to regular CS. They make me wait an hour after I paid $450 so I wouldn't have to. Of course, it's a contract, so there's no refunds.

Did they just give me an old computer off of the shelf or something?

[Bryan]

i currently have a Sony Vaio RZ54G with MCE 2004 and was wondering if anyone owns this machine has upgraded to MCE 2005 by purchasing the upgrade version from Sony? It seems that they no longer release the upgrade cd-rom...what a shame!! just curious how much better the MCE 2005 performs...am thinking about buying an OEM verion from online retailer but am afraid if its gonna cause any incompatable issue, besides i wont get other upgraded software (version2.3 click to dvd) anyway...

[David]

Dell XPS Gen 5
Windows XP Media Center Ed. Version 2005
Says "Version 2005" on Red Reinstall CD.
Also says "Version 2002 SP 2" on System.

Gee whiz.
They also hosed me leaving loose parts inside during shipping... It's definitely not working right. I'll see if it gets fixed on the XPS 600 they're sending me.

[Jim]

I'm running Media Center 2004 on a Gateway 2.8 GHz P4 with 1 GB RAM. And I ran MC on a previous Gateway purchased back in 1998 or so. Been fairly pleased with both systems. However the Media Center seems to startup MUCH slower lately, especially when MY TV is chosen. The slowdown seems to have occurred overall on my machine after I installed SP2 from Microsoft.

Are others experiencing this same slowdown in performance? I dare not try to unistall SP2 but I guess I could start from scratch and reload avoiding SP2. Any suggestions/comments are appreciated. I'd even consider going back to the previous Media Center version from my previous PC purchase if someone thinks it would help.

PS This is my first visit to this board, but I read all of the recent posts with great interest. The posts seem to apply to alot of my setup. Thanks to all for informative posts!

[Frank lopez]

If anybody is interested on the update i can curn you a copy all im charging is 10 bucks and i will ship the dvd-my email is javizun@gmail.com i love mce i know alot of epople dont have the hp upgrade send me an email

[dopher]

I bought a Sony Vaio Media Center and HP media Center m1095c at the same time from Sams Club, I decided to keep the Sony for myself and use the HP for a media center center. Well the HP has Media Center 2004 with no way to upgrade, I called them (HP) and they say they are not upgarding customers any longer.

So it may not be Sony Either. I think Microsoft needs to get on top of this.

[LINUX POWER USER]

Hey there people...MCE 2005 is junk as far as i'm concerned. I have been trying to make the DVD Player work for a few weeks now, but all i get is that an encoder is screwed up and it won't work. Try getting support from Microsoft for this, hell, they want to charge you more money so they can help you with one little problem. Not only did I just pay over 150 bucks for this piece of junk, but now they want to charge you more money to help you out. If you all notice my name, THIS IS THE REASON I STAY WITH LINUX!

[SanFranJL]

Here are some answers to some of your questions:
1) Questions about "MS Windows XP" - "Media Center Edition" - "Version 2002"
This is not a typo. The information you find from the System folder indicates that it's MS Windows XP Version 2002. If you want to find the version for Media Center, you need to go into Media Center, Settings, General, About Media Center; where you should see "Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004".
Windows XP 2002 is the foundation where Media Center Edition 2004 is added.

2) Question about Media Center taking long time to start:
By default, Media Center will attempt to look for and try to convert TV signals to display on you Computer screen. Thus it takes some time for MCE to time-out when no signals are found. You can change this default.
Start Media Center, My TV, Settings, My TY, Choose "Only when I select Live TV", SAVE.
By changing this default, MCE will start right away without attempting to processing TV signals. This worked for me.

JL

[CAB]

With regards to the version mismatch, anyone try running the TweakMCE applet on 2005 (where OS reports 2002)? It comes back and reports that it's only for MCE2005. Anybody got a fix for this?

[mac]

i resently received my dell 6000. i had to do a pc restore problems with sound and freezing,etc. after i did this i found out my operating system went back to xp media center edition 2002, which was suppositly installed 2005. why did this occur. dell is sending me a new pc. i even tried a repair install but that it change a thing. i still see 2002 in my properities.

[Bob]

I purchased the MCE 2005 HP dual tuner (Adaptec). It works fine with the MCE 2004, faster and better picture. One thing I have noticed is that in order for it to remain fast, I have to run the defrag quite often. Anyone have any input on that? Also, the dual tuner words great, however, I cannot get both tuners to work. Any ideas?

[Bill]

DONT get a copy of HP MCE 2005 Upgrade from javizun@gmail.com . He got his copy from me and never paid. I have heard from people who go through him that he takes the money but DOES NOT SEND THE PRODUCT.

[Jen]

Two problems I am having....

1. Everyime I open Media Center I get an error msg "Windows - No disk; There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk into the drive"

2. I hear no sound for live TV, but recorded TV is fine.

Someone helpppp me!

[Umore]

try this http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter/browse_thread/thread/0290d51d18793a73/d05dd8c06435fa73?lnk=raot

[Doug Selix]

to the comment about MCE starting slower. Defrag your hard drive, it helped my load times a lot. Also if you have lots of fragments you will be better off using a program like diskeeper rather than standard defrag.

[Dave Houchin]

I got a copy of the US HP MCE2005 upgrade disk from Bob ( see above posting)and it was fine. I live in the UK and have a UK spec 1070 HP machine , HP did not even offer the upgrade in the UK .The only issues I had was that if I used the disc to upgrade it did not update the Hauppauge PAL TV card, but tried to upgrade the Hauppage Rila card that was supplied with the US spec machine and whatever I did to try and solve the problem it would not work, in the end I hacked the upgrade disk to make it do a clean install without the dedicated drivers and used my existing machine licence key, then I installed Framework.Net 1.0/1.1, rollup 2, the audology 2, Hauppauge 500pvr dual tuner and PowerDVD drivers after the install.
Everything works great and I'm more than happy with the results.

[Billy]

Who can I get a copy of the upgrade from? I've got an HP and they're giving me the run around on the software even though it's still under warranty. Anyways... I want to upgrade to 2005 from my 2004 edition and they don't want to give the upgrade to me as of yet, I'm supposed to hear from them tonight though. If someone out there has the HP edition upgrade let me know as I want a copy of that disk. Thanks

[Billy]

Here's a copy of my recent conversation with HP I JUST had.

Laura D: Hi Billy. Welcome to HP Total Care. My name is Laura. How may I assist you today?

Billy: I've got a case number if you'd like to review it, if not I can proceed

Billy: Doesn't matter to me

Laura D: Billy, I am not able to access the previous sessions. Could you let me know the detail of the issue that you are facing?

Billy: All I'm looking for is a way to recieve the 2005 media center upgrade. I was told prior to my trip to vegas this weekned that he would call back to assist me with this. I left out the next day and am finally home to deal with this

Billy: I've got a media center extender that requires the 2005 version

Billy: My comp. is still under warranty also

Laura D: Billy, please confirm if you are trying to upgrade from Media Center 2004 to 2005.

Billy: that is correct

Billy: I currently have 2004 and am in need of the 2005 version

Laura D: Okay. The media center 2004 upgrade is not available right now. I would suggest to contact Microsoft for information on this at 1-800-426-9400.

Billy: I have done that already, but they refered me back to you guys

Billy: At one time earlier this year the upgrade was available from you in the form of a cd or dvd. For the price of 9.95. What happened to that option? Just curious, not upset. lol
Laura D: You are right James. The HP Web site for Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition 2005 upgrade fulfillment is now closed. The fulfillment phone numbers have also been closed now that program has expired

Billy: I didn't need or require that upgrade at the time the program was going, and now that I need the upgrade I'm not allowed to participate even though my pc is still under warranty?

Billy: I understand your concern James. I would suggest to await the update that will be released by Microsoft.

Billy: When do you think this will come available? Also if I go through them it is required that I pay for a software upgrade that was purchased with my computer, doesn't seem like a great way to upgrade considering a few months back you guys were shipping the disks out for $10. Is the reason for the dismisal of the program cost or something? Possiable an inferior upgrade to the one supposedly "coming out"? whenever that is?

Laura D: I completely understand your concern. As Microsoft is the vendor of the product, I would suggest to contact them for complete information on the availability of upgrade.

Billy: Ok, thanks for your time, have a good day Laura D

Now that being said.... looks like the old update disk that's floating around out there is the best option.

[LD]

Bob who posted Nov 1... if you say you're the trusted one to go to for a copy of the HP 2005 upgrade disc then you're the one I wanna go through... what's your email address so I can get in touch?

[LD]

My bad... I meant Bill on Nov 10.

[Jason]

I am also trying to find a copy of the HP upgrade disk. I had the same problem as Billy. I can't believe that HP would not help out its customers. Can anyone help me out. Contact me at jason.kirco@gmail.com.

Thanks!

[Jason]

Sorry the email address should be: jason.kircos@gmail.com

[Allan]

I have a FRY's FM7750, (which has different specs now at outpost.com than when I bought my 7750), regardless, under the mediaCenter, it says Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
Under WINVER, it says its media edition, but gives a year of 2002. And in the bottom corner of desktop, its just XP professional.
Does this indicate a problem?
Sorry for rambling. thx

[Patrick]

I also have a Fry's MCE 2004 box, model FM7470 its a few yrs old, I have it pluged into a sony wega CRT 36" via DVI,720x480(using std cable TV). Recording, watching TV, ripping movies, callerID, live365, Mp3's, even works as a nice gaming PC.
My system has never crashed, it runs 24/7,have
since added second HD 200gig & 1gig ram.

for me, regardless if Fry's offered an upgrade, my plan is to purches another box with 05.

Thx Microsoft, I couldnt imagine my home with out it.

[Vincent]

Thanks for the informative posts regarding the versions. I was pulling my hair out because I purchased a refurbed eMachine from TigerDirect and under system properties, it says 2002. Tiger had no idea, nor did eMachines. Only after reading on here did I find the 'About this Media Center' link.

[Greg]

Does anyone have a copy of the Sony MCE 2005 upgrade that they would be willing to burn me?? Or does the HP MCE upgrade work for all MCE pcs? I have been frustrated myself since I too had missed the SONY deadline by a week or so.

Thanks

[Ruth]

I am also looking for the Media Center 2005 upgrade for my HP MCE 2004 computer. Can someone tell me where I can get it? HP gave me a runaround even though I am still under warranty. My email is ruthy721@aol.com. Thanks to all.

[Terry]

When is Apple's Mac Mini Media Center coming out? I don't want viruses to appear on my TV, too.

[Jen]

I am looking for the MCE 2005 Upgrade for HP also if anyone has it. I was all excited to get my XBOX 360 connected to media center on my pc and lo and behold I have the 2004 edition which won't work. Anyone who can burn me the upgrade please e-mail jeepthing_97@yahoo.com Thanks!

[Clay]

I am also looking for the Media Center 2005 upgrade for my HP MCE 2004 computer. Can someone tell me where I can download or get a copy?

HP was no help

THANKS
lifeisgoodinstarkville@yahoo.com

[Rybo0]

I'm thinking of buying a MCE PC to run through a normal crt widescreen TV. I know the windows applications may look shabby but have been told that the Media Center looks fine.

Is there any info available?

THANKS

[paleride]

I tghinking of getting media 2005, will i be able to us this to edit pic and movies from my camcorder. i got 2002 and i thought i was able to put home movies on my pc from camcorder then burn.

[Ricky]

Hello Everyone,

I just bought Xbox 360 and it requires MCE 2005...I have Sony Vaio PCV-RZ46F MCE 2002...is it possible to upgrade or will have I have to buy a new computer???
Sorry Im very new at this soooo any help would be great.

Please help
Thanks,
Ricky
rickless696969@yahoo.com

[Andy]

I have seen several people charging 10 dollars for the Hp upgrade disk I would be willing to pay this if I could get someone willing to send me a copy drop me an email at

aewagner@gmail.com
make sure to put MCE upgrade in the subject thanks

[Lance]

I'm willing to pay for a copy of the SONY upgrade CD as well since I missed out too.
I'm mad at Sony about this since I contact them about it back when they were not going to upgrade and it turns out they changed their mind a few weeks later when I thought it was hopeless and never looked into it again until now...

If someone can help, drop me a line at lhart2@cfl.rr.com

[tom]

hi i have also had the runaround in the past year trying to upgrade my mce 2004 computer to 2005. all the same problems as the above posts when contacting hp & microsoft. if anyone can get a copy to me id appreciate it. thank you my email is Thomasandrewbailey@yahoo.com

[Alex]

Media center is ok, i prefer watching videos with power dvd or windvd but with DVDs it automatically opens MCE player and the top and bottom menu never go away throughout the whole movie, powerdvd and windvd didn't do that, it would have been nicer to just have xp pro

[johnny B goode]

I have a Toshiba F25 and the about under system and media center are different, 2002 and 2005 respectively.

[Dru]

I too would like to get ahold of that cd for the hp upgrade.
If anyone has one for sell, contact me at:
dru10@sherbtel.net

Thanks,
Dru

[Will]

I've got 2 HP media centers with 2004 and would like to get a copy of the 2005 upgrade. If anyone has one to sell, please contact me.
Thanks

[DW]

I'm willing to pay for a copy of the SONY upgrade CD for WME 2005 as well since I missed out on the upgrade.
I have a RZ44G

If someone can help, drop me a line at dwegelin@msn.com

[John]

I would be willing to pay for the sony disc since they stopped offering. E-mail me at piett1@hotmail.com if anyone can help me out.

Thanks, John

[Leon]

I would like to pay for the sony ugrade CD. E-mail me at leon.sun@yahoo.com if you can help.

[joe]

i too am looking for the HP upgrade 20 MCE 2005. someone please e-mail me and give me some insight on how to get a copy........... thx in advance

[joe]

above should read: i too am looking for the HP upgrade *to* MCE 2005.....

[joe]

damn i am a new-b my e-mail is vig1116@aol.com

[Chad]

I need to upgrade my HP MCE 2004 to MCE 2005 for my xbox 360 and got the same runaround last night from Microsoft and HP... I was kind of glad to see people having the same problem (though I'm not glad it's happening). Anyone know how I can get a copy of the MCE 2005 upgrade? email me at dabullz7@yahoo.com
-Thanks a bunch.

[Randy]

I have Windows Media Center and I also have WinDVD..When I go to play a dvd it always plays in Media Center and then I have to stop it and then play it in WinDVD..How can I make WinDVD my default dvd player instead of Media Center.?

[bill]

I too am looking for the sony upgrade. If anyone can help please shoot me an email, this whole thing is ridiculous!!! Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Bill]

My email for above post is minitrail1@yahoo.com. This is for the Sony MCE 2004-->MCE 2005 upgrade. Please help! Thanks

[Jim G]

I have a HP MCE 2004 to HP MCE 2005 upgrade disk. It won't install in my zd7000 laptop. A window appears that says it is only for HP desk tops. Is there a way for it to install?
james_gawron@yahoo.com