Q: What's an action pack?
A: The action pack is a compilation of Microsoft software and marketing guides that are available for subsciption to members of the Microsoft Partner Program. The action pack is shipped and refreshed with the latest Microsoft software every quarter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: I hear cleves kingston will be on when?
A: After the Bill Gate presentation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will the MC be able to network and share among computers?
A: Yes but the computer can not be part of a domain.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Can a MCE be built in a regular CPU case. As I were to build my own PC.
A: If you were a system builder then yes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Does MCE 2005 provide more options for aspect ratios within MY TV? (e.g. 16:9, stretch, cinema, etc.)
A: Yes we have many options around 16x9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How good is the video quality?
A: Video quality is great!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Is it safe/legal to share downloaded content wireless between MCE extenders?
A: Yes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: When will the Australian EPG guide be ready for use with MCE 2005?
A: Microsoft is working with our partners to get the EPG up and going for Australia and will post more information when it is available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Are the black MCE remotes we received in the MCE preview pack MCE 2005 compatable and programmable?
A: Compatible, yes. Programmable, no.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Hello, where can I get more information on licensing for MCE?
A: Check out the MOSB licensing site at http
em.microsoft.comlicensing_main. The same license requirements apply to MCE as to other System Builder product
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How can a user, such as myself, even consider MCE when my cable company requires the use of their cable boxes? That's a huge issue here in the NYC area.
A: With the IR Blaster you can use any STB.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How much will computers that come preloaded with MCE2005 prices range?
A: The prices will vary from OEM to OEM and can range anywhere from a low end MCE machine for under $1000 to high end systems that will run $2000 - $3000 depending on the features and included hardware.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will MCE2005 support PPV Guide listings on satellite (DirectTV in particular)?
A: We are working to include PPV data in the Guide.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Are OEM system builders permitted to sell Media Center 2005 without a PC, but with a "significant piece of hardware", as other vendors have done in the past?
A: Yes, MCE can be distributed to another system builder with a "non-peripheral hardware component" just as you can with Windows XP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Is there an intention to provide dual tuner w/ separate sources?
A: Not supported at this time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will media center 2005 be included with action pack?
A: Yes!! It will be part of the Action Pack for the countries where MCE is available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Is there a hardware device that will decode directv, or do you have to use an existing DirecTV receiver?
A: Currently you will have to use an existing DirectTV receiver as there are not any tuner cards with built in satellite decoders.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Are more TV Tuners supported in MCE 2005 than in prior versions?
A: yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will Extender products be released in the UK soon?
A: Yes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What is the exact url/link to this streaming media so I can view it in other media players?
A: Please visit
www.microsoft.com/oem
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: will it work with canadian satelite services?
A: Yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will the downloadable webcast be on the MCE2005 site? When will it be uploaded?
A: For system builders, you can find it after 24 hours on
www.microsoft.com/oem
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: windows media center is available in italy?
A: Yes it'll be available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What are the benefits of upgrading to MCE 2005 from MCE 2004?
A: There is a full list available at
http://oem.microsoft.com/MCEReady and also at
http://www.microsot.com/MediaCenter. The biggest difference people will notice is that we support dual TV tuners and with the update that is available on Windows Update, we support Digital T that is broadcast over the air.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: when will the xbox extender software be available in the us?
A: It should be available by the holidays.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Does MCE 2005 have Windows XP Pro features?
A: MCE 2005 does not support joining a domain. MCE 2004 users that are connected to a domain that upgrade to 2005 will still be joined to the domain however.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Hi Will the Systembuilder Roadshow include most of the information we see here today, excepting the keynote!
A: Yes it will. Plus more exciting info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will XP MCE OS media ever be available to the public for purchase?
A: No not at this time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will extenders work with non microsoft codecs such as divx or xvid?
A: No.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Do you know when the webcast will be available for download?
A: Yes - this presentation will be made available a day or so after this event. It will be posted to the Microsoft OEM System Builder Website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: how should we contact on nvidia to get decoder 4.00.29
A: the nvidia decoder should be available at the NVidia website for purchase. For asistance with this you may need to contact your supplier for nVidia hardware and software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Hi from Holland, when will the MCE extenders be available?
A: As of today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: When will Media Center Extenders be released in Europe?
A: yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will the download be available on this site or on the Microsoft site?
A: MCE can be purchased through your vendor. It cannot be downloaded.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Will MCE have any new technologies involving "install on demand" software via websites. This is the most frustrating thing I see from my customers.
A: Our 3rd party partner may implement this independantly
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: is the webcast going to be archived so i can watch it later?
A: Yes, it will be on this web site by tomorrow for our viewing. Thanks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: where can we download this webcast later???
A:
www.microsoft.com/oem/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Can i upgrade from XP Home/Pro to MCE2005 without having to do a full reinstall?
A: MCE does not support upgrading over existing versions of Windows XP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Where can the remote control be purchased, and on what hardware does it works?
A: Microsoft makes a great remote control for MCE! YOu can find all the information on it and the other hardware components at: oem.microsoft.com/mceready
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What happens if you accidently click purchase?
A: You buy it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: is there any way to record this webcast or download it later?
A: It is being recorded and will be posted on the Microsoft OEM website
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: The suggested audio cards require specific speaker systems like the SB audigy 2 zs. are there any recommended audio cards the interface with home theatre systems? such as fiber connections, or coaxial?
A: For a omplete list of supported hardware please see the HCL at
http://oem.microsot.com/MCEReady