[Am-info] Microsoft, HP Unwrap Media Center PCs

[Erick Andrews]

Movin' Right along...

Although "Digital Rights' Management" wasn't mentioned, it's sure
to be pushed for.

http://boston.internet.com/news/article.php/1490081

October 29, 2002
Microsoft, HP Unwrap Media Center PCs 
By Thor Olavsrud 
Microsoft (Quote, Company Info) and partner HP (Quote, Company Info) Tuesday took the wraps
off their latest play to become a powerhouse in the living room: a PC designed to be an audio/video
entertainment hub. 

HP unveiled its new lineup of HP Media Center PCs, equipped with Microsoft's latest version of the
Windows XP operating system, Windows XP Media Center Edition (formerly code-named
Freestyle). 

The new machines are intended to bring together the television, stereo and PC, allowing the user to
play DVDs and music CDs, manage a digital music library, and even store digitally recorded
television on the PC -- all controllable with a remote control.  [next year, your coffee pot...Erick]

"This is a bit of an experimental product for Microsoft as a way to extend the reach of the PC in the
home into new areas," said Michael Gartenberg, Research Director for Jupiter Research. "The key
to success will be the ability to position the Media Center PC as a new breed of personal information
appliance with the emphasis on entertainment and not on running Word and Excel." 

However, that may not be as simple as it sounds, especially as the current machines range in price
from $1,350 to $2,000. 

[...]

-- 
Erick Andrews