Media Center XP Vs. Professional
When Windows XP was released there were only two versions: Home and Professional. A couple years later Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) was released. Windows MCE includes all the features of Windows XP Professional. Windows XP MCE, however, is also designed to function as a media center.
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Media center program
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The main difference between Windows XP Professional and Windows XP MCE is a single program: Windows Media Center. This program, designed to be controlled via remote from across the room, allows users to browse their music, videos and photos within a simple interface. The point is that a conventional computer usable from a chair can double as a media center usable from a couch, combining two appliances into one.
Remote Control
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Computers that shipped with Windows MCE came with a remote control. This device is what made controlling the media center from across the room possible, and was designed specifically for Windows MCE. The remote isn't all that different from your standard TV or DVD remote; the main difference is what it controls. You can use it to playback DVDs, explore your pictures, music or videos or, in some cases, explore various online videos.
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Record Television
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Computers that come with Windows MCE always come with a TV tuner card, so that the Media Center can be used to watch television. Additionally, such setups can record television much like a TiVo. An interface within the media center allows users to record shows on a regular or one-time basis, all using the remote.
Purchase Movies Online
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Windows MCE allows users to purchase videos online from within the Media Center environment. Intended to be a virtual replacement for the video store, this never really took off and as such isn't widely supported today.
Xbox 360 Integration
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Windows MCE is designed to integrate with the Xbox 360, meaning all content on the MCE computer can be browsed and played back on an Xbox. This feature is useful if you own the 360 as a media center, or would simply like to watch the occasional movie from your computer on a television.
Alternative
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If you want to add many of these features and more to an existing Windows XP Professional setup, try installing Boxee. This free program can be installed on Windows and works with a remote, offering you DVD playback, streams from sites like Hulu and CBS and a convenient way to play back all the media on your computer from across the room, all within a sleek interface. Check out the resources section of this article for a free download.
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References
Resources
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Comments
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Terrific! right to the point and eminently understandable. The first clear answer I have run across - after a dozen or so sites! Thank you very much.
