"To get Media Center on XP..." Not exactly true. Since 2005 when Windows MCE 2005 was released, most manufacturers began shipping that OS instead of XP Home on lower end computers. Windows 7 should increase this percentage as all US publicly available versions will include Media Center. Also Windows 7 handles Clear QAM digital cable out of the box, and manages up to 12 tuners at once for all versions. That is 4 CableCard Tuners, 4 ATSC/QAM Tuners, 4 Analog Tuners. And, yes, there still is a purpose for analog tuners - basic cable, which is still analog. CableLabs however is attempting to drive a wedge into this otherwise wonderfull exprience, and support from Dish Networks has ben dropped before it was fully developed, and DirecTV is waffling on support. CableLabs is requiring a certified, specially BIOS locked, prebuilt (expensive) computer to get CableCard support. Cable companies are talking about totally discontinuing analog support in the near future. And IPTV and streaming webservices like Netflix have only rudimentary unsopported third party apps for Media Center. Only one application provides reasonably transparent Bluray playback support (Arcsoft TotalMediaTheatre). There is only limited Internet Radio support. Too many companies are working against the consumer on this issue. Every provider wants us to get their proprietary and non-integrated solution. This is not acceptable. I am perfectly happy paying for various services, but for that payment I expect to get that media my way, on my existing equipment, in one box. The "one box" concept is why I use Media Center.

Now all we need is a way to get HD to Media Center on our terms. I am talking about the alienation of BYOPC hobbyists that can build a better media center box than most OEMs. The CableLabs certification requirement is what is killing this otherwise great tech. So, for now, my killer MC PC is a music / DVD player that also accesses limited online low def content on my sweet plasma. Kind of anti-climactic.

I wonder how many of the new WMC users are as dissapointed as I am. I can't seem to find much programing from the big networks like NBC, Fox, etc. Sure this is some sports and some news but, WMC is a long, long way from Hulu or some others. I would love to see WMC more like Hulu. Until then, I don't find WMC interesting enough to keep using it.

Have used Win Media Center for several years... not very stable and still too many anomalies, which Microsoft won't fix. Better going with a different software/hardware solution or a stand alone DVR.