Microsoft applauded the capabilities of Windows Media Center in the Home Premium and Ultimate SKUs of Windows Vista in terms of serving enhanced TV content, even though not all users of the two editions of the operating system will be able to enjoy them. This because enhanced TV materials are intimately connected with the Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 OEM update for Windows Media Center, formerly Windows Fiji. Still, the Redmond giant and the UK-based tuner manufacturer Hauppauge Computer Works have joined efforts for the release of the first Freeview-certified HVR 2200 tuner.

According to Microsoft, the HVR 2200 tuner is designed as a PC-based TV solution aimed at delivering to Vista Home Premium and Ultimate users enhanced TV with interactive functionality and personal video recorder capabilities, but only through the combination of Windows Media Center and Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008. Windows Fiji, a Windows Media Center update, released exclusively to OEMs, is tailored to European TV standards, with Freeview support delivered by Microsoft through Windows Media Center TV Pack's improvements in terms of Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB).

“The launch of our Freeview-enabled solution is a great addition to Windows Media Center, allowing us to reach more users and add real value to TV consumers and broadcasters. We are dedicated to improving Windows Media Center for customers worldwide, and this addition of Freeview as a platform and brand will offer a real benefit to our partners and consumers. We see this as a critical step to building awareness and setting a standard for great TV experiences on the PC,” explained John Curran, director, Windows Client Group, Microsoft UK.

The Redmond company indicated that both Windows Media Center and Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 received the Freeview-compliant label. The certification offered by the Digital TV Group, together with Hauppauge's HVR 2200, is valid exclusively for digital TV in the UK.

“The expansion in service of Freeview digital terrestrial TV has created consumer demand for more advanced PC-TV solutions,” added Ken Plotkin, CEO, Hauppauge. “Our Freeview-certified dual tuner, WinTV-HVR-2200, provides Windows Media Center with the ability to record one Freeview digital TV program while it displays another TV program on the PC screen.”