Q: When will MCE2005 be available via MSDN download?
A: Soon!
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Q: What are the main differences between MCE 2005 and XP Pro SP2?
A: the ability to record, playback live tv.
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Q: Does the xbox extender support 16x9 format?
A: Not at this time.
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Q: When will MCE 2005 appear on msdn?
A: not at this time but soon
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Q: What is the recommended software decoder engine for MCE. We have been having difficulty with powerdvd. WinDVD 6 seems to work.
A: Please see the compatability list available on oem.microsoft.com/MCEReady
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Q: Does MCE2005 support Intel EM64T extensions - or does it just run in 32 bit modes.
A: It only runs 32bit
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Q: Is there any planned time yet for MSDN launch?
A: not at this time
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Q: Why was domain support removed?
A: MCE is aimed for the home/end-user. Why would someone using a MCE computer in their living/family room need to log into a domain?
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Q: When will MCE 2005 be available on MSDN?
A: soon
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Q: is it just software?
A: and a whole lot more
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Q: do I need a new remote to run media center 2005 if I already have 2004 remote from HP?
A: not all functions will be available and the remote will be alot slower.
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Q: Why has domain support been removed?
A: Because the media center extender requires fast user switching.
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Q: What will be the RRP of MCE 2005?
A: You will need to contact your authorized Microsoft OEM Distributor for pricing. Thanks.
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Q: Is there support for Dual HDTV PVR's right now?
A: not at this time
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Q: Will current action pack subscribers receive wmc in a quarterly shipment?
A: Yes!
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Q: where can i get the OPK tools from?
A: OPK tools ship in the 3-pack of Windows Media Center 2005 that you can order from your authorized Microsoft OEM Distributor (the list is at
http://oem.microsoft.com).
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Q: "Yes but domain support has been removed. " So this means it's basically WinXP Home??
A: No, it is still XP Pro. There is more to XP Pro then just the ability to log into a domain.
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Q: Has the performance improved for accessing large MP3 libraries (over 30K files)
A: Yes. That was one of the design features over 2004, improved performance.
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Q: When MCE comes in the action pack will the remote control come with it?
A: not at this time
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Q: Where can I get information on MCE 2005 licensing?
A: Please see
www.microsoft.com/oem. The system builder licensing requirements/agreement are the same for MCE as with other System Builder software.
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Q: Will MCE 2004 harware be compatible with MCE 2005?
A: Yes.
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Q: Will offer a feature in the future for recoding the radio to mp3?
A: not being implemented at this time
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Q: Can substitute a different software DVD player instead of the standard player?
A: I am unsure of your question. The UI inside of MCE 2005 for playing DVDs cannot be changed. If you are referring to the MPEG2 encoder software you can choose as to which company you license the technology from.
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Q: Will you be able to add thumbnail images to videos (similar to album covers)?
A: In 2005 the videos are shown as thumbnails.
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Q: Will there be a NFR version of MCE available to System builders not subscribed to action pack?
A: No NFR
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Q: So if customers upgrade from 2004 to 2005, their 2004 remotes will not work?
A: they do work but works very slow.
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Q: Will system builders be able to buy single licenses of MCE 2005 or will they be forced to buy 3 licenses at a time.
A: MCE is only available in OEM three packs.
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Q: Is Media Center 2005 compatible with the Hauppauge WinTV PVR-250?
A: yes it is supported with the WinTV PVR-250-MCE
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Q: Why did you not make the on and off button and the windows button in one button?
A: Because that was too confusing to some users and made it too easy for people to accidently turn on/off when they didn't intend to.
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Q: Will the videocard and remote controll being sold as a seperate product?
A: They are seperate products.
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Q: Explain the Digital Media Feature Pack?
A: It exhances the Media Center experience. What more do you wish to know? Most information is at oem.microsoft.com/mceready.
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Q: If MCE will be available in the Action Pack...will the Remote Control come with it?
A: not at this time.
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Q: what normal supply chain will be able to buy
A: Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition 2005 is available to OEMs and System Builders. For System Builders, please contact your authorized Microsoft OEM Distributor to order.
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Q: IF xbox extender is used, does this not offer the DVD option?
A: Xbox can already play DVDs without the extender.
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Q: Can MCE 2k4 PC's be upgraded to MCE 2k5??
A: Yes, you will need to contact the OEM that supplied your MCE 2004 to see if they will be offering the upgrade.
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Q: Can it be installed on top of XP home?
A: No. MCE is not a seperate software package.
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Q: Are there any other OEMs that are going to provide extenders?
A: The extenders are being offered by HP and Linksys at this time.
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Q: Where can I get licensing information for Media Center Edition 2005?
A: On
www.microsoft.com/oem under "licensing and anti-piracy" flyout. MCE licensing is the same as other system builder licensing.
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Q: Can you have two different seperate tv card such as ATI and Hauppauge or do you have to have a card that has dual tunners built in for the TV to work?
A: you can have two different tuners in the card.