Windows Media Center Makes the Best Out of a "Plain Vanilla" Windows Vista

Well, this is not the first time that I've said this, but Microsoft should increase its focus on Windows Vista features, capabilities, functionality, etc., that do, without a doubt, deliver a superior user experience. To accomplish this, the company needs to scrap the pragmatic approach to marketing the operating system and bring into focus components such as Windows Media Center, ultimately increasing the appeal of its flagship product. Two Vista SKUs feature Windows Media Center: the Home premium and the Ultimate versions. And there's a reason, beyond mere coincidence, why the two editions are leading the sales of Vista copies worldwide.

"Windows Media Center can turn your PC from a "plain vanilla" computer into something pretty powerful and impressive: the hub of your entertainment system. Use Windows Media Center to browse your music collection by cover art or year, organize photos and create albums and jazz up custom slide shows with music. And if you like movies and TV, you'll enjoy Internet TV Beta. This new feature allows you to play free streaming video content on demand, choosing from more than 100 hours of TV entertainment, music concerts, movie trailers, news, and sports content from MSN Video," revealed Microsoft Manager, Been Reed.

However, Windows Media Center is not limited at just these examples. Although end users have never been big fans of Digital Rights Management, Microsoft did include copyright protection into the fabric of Windows Vista. This means that end users have easy access to a range of protected content through the operating system. The DRM is perhaps one of the most criticized aspects of Vista showing that, in, fact the Redmond company needs to reassess its priorities and put user experience on the first place, by taking measures to remove Digital Rights Management from the platform.

"Right about now, you're probably thinking "Hey, this sounds pretty good - but I'll bet set-up is complicated." Not so! A TV tuner is all you need to start enjoying live TV on your Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate PC.2. Just plug your TV antenna, cable, or the video output from your satellite set-top box into your TV tuner, open Windows Media Center, and follow the appropriate set-up instructions. Some Windows Media Center users like to stream their digital media throughout the house. If that appeals to you, Extenders for Windows Media Center are just the ticket. And here's a tip: If you have an Xbox 360, you already have a first-rate extender available," Reed added.