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Microsoft Patches Restricted Content Errors on MCE 2005

Microsoft patched the Restricted Content errors in Windows Vista a few months back, and today lonely old Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is getting its fix.  The patch (KB956148) is used to resolve “an issue in which a Windows Media Center configuration that uses an analog TV broadcast without a set-top box, displays a protected content message when recording television shows.”

You should be able to grab the patch from Windows Update, or if you want it directly go here.

Microsoft Announces New Zune Pass Music Subscription Model

Consumers can now keep the tracks they love.

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 19, 2008 — Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s digital music and entertainment service, today announced landmark agreements with major and independent music labels to bring significant new value to the subscription music model. The Zune Pass subscription service currently gives consumers on-demand access to millions of tracks for $14.99 per month. Starting today subscribers will also get to select 10 tracks per month to keep and add them to their permanent collection (an estimated $10 value).

Agreements have been signed between Microsoft and EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group, as well as independent distributors INgrooves, Independent Online Distribution Alliance and The Orchard. The Orchard delivers digital music, video and brand services globally, and represents labels including Barsuk Records (Nada Surf) and Fania Records (Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz). IODA represents labels including Arts & Crafts (Broken Social Scene, The Stills) and Ghostly International (Matthew Dear, School of Seven Bells). The new enhanced subscription model came about as a result of close collaboration with all of these companies.

Zune Pass subscribers will have the added benefit of retaining digital rights management (DRM)-free MP3 tracks from Sony BMG and UMG, in addition to MP3 tracks from EMI Music, Warner Music Group and a large portion of the independent music labels. With the addition of tracks from UMG and Sony BMG, Zune will soon offer over 90 percent of its music in the MP3 format.

“The way people consume music has changed. With the shift to digital from CDs, it is more challenging than ever to offer the right mix of deep content, music discovery and economic value,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune at Microsoft. “People want the freedom to listen to whatever they want across millions of songs, combined with the confidence that they can keep their favorite tracks forever.”

From its inception, Zune has bet on the power of subscription, not only as a consumption model but also as a way to highlight the music discovery features central to the Zune experience and the PC platform. The Zune service gives consumers convenient and unlimited access to the music they want, and also connects them to other music fans and expert sources to help them find the music they will love. The new enhancements to the Zune Pass subscription service offer unprecedented value for all music fans.

Read Full Press Release

Okoro Media Systems Now shipping 2009 LX100 CableCARD Media Center

Okoro Media Systems, manufacturer of Digital Entertainment Systems for the high end audio video market, is pleased to announce the availability of the 2009 OMS-LX100 Digital Entertainment System. The new 2009 LX100, part of the “Low Profile” Digital Entertainment Systems series, is built on a combined Intel and Nvidia energy efficient platform. The OMS-LX100 features cool and quiet operation, 7.1 LPCM HDMI support, and low power green operation.
 
“Customers have really enjoyed our LX100 series for years. Now by working with our various technology partners, we are now able to offer this next generation unit to our customers at a very nice price point. This is all part of our company mantra of providing next generation options across all of our product lines. We want to offer our customers the best Digital Entertainment System that is going to work well in their specific home theater setup.” said Christopher Curry, VP of Sales & Marketing.

The OMS-LX100 is priced at $1725 and is now shipping with the following standard specifications:
   
Dimensions: 17.00" Width x  4.13" Height x 16.13" Depth
 

• 65watt Dual Core Intel Processor
• 8-channel LPCM audio via HDMI
• 4GB RAM
• 500GB low power HD storage
• DVD Burner  
• HDMI, DVI, VGA, Display Port output
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Choice of ATI Digital Cable Tuner or Dual NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners

For more information about the 2009 OMS-LX100 Digital Entertainment system, please visit www.okoromedia.com.

Upcoming Windows 7 Media Center Feature: Broadband TV Services

By now you have most likely seen what some of the new features of Media Center in Windows 7 are, but don’t think it stops there.  In this series I will go over some of the upcoming features of Media Center in Windows 7.  These features should start appearing in later builds, although some of them will be limited to specific testers.

I’ve been saying for some time now that Media Center needs to get serious about Internet and Web TV.  Microsoft will be taking another step toward this in Windows 7 by integrating online services in the standard EPG (Guide).  Below is a screenshot of the type of integration you can expect.  Wouldn’t it be sweet to get Hulu in here?

CableLabs Confirms Tuning Adaptor Support in Media Center (Kind of)

Good news, OCURs (can) support Tuning Adapters.  Bad news, OCUR is an open spec and the fact that they “can” doesn’t mean a whole lot.  CableLabs recently addressed the issue (PDF)with the two fantastic (ok, maybe not) bits of information below.  Pair that with Microsoft’s own fantastic response from a few months ago and the bottom line is not to expect a Tuning Adapter mixed with an OCUR any time soon.

If things work the way I think they will then we are waiting for one of two things to happen.

Possibility A: CableLabs updates the specs for the TA/TR to clearly state that it can work with OCURs using the PC as a hub.  ATI provides a firmware update for the OCURs to work and Microsoft updates Windows and Media Center to allow it to work.

Possibility B: ATI or some other company releases new OCURs (eg. New hardware) with the correct firmware upgrades and USB port configuration to work with the current TR specs.  Microsoft provides an update for Media Center because CableLabs is suggesting it will be needed.

Judging by CableLabs verbiage in the below statements, I think a bit more than a Tuning Adapter connecting to the PC is involved.  It isn’t a good sign when the main entity behind these things is saying that a timeline for development hasn’t been identified.  Stay tuned for some other changes CableLabs is making.

Can existing DTVs, STBs or OCURs by upgraded to support the Tuning Adapter?

“Existing one-way products that already include an USB port may be able to be upgraded by the manufacturer to support the Tuning Adapter.  Some manufacturers have announced plans for much upgrades.  For more information, check with the manufacturer of your unidirectional Digital Cable Product.”

Will the Tuning Adapter work with a Vista PC that is equipped with a Digital Cable Tuner?

“The TRIF specification is designed so that it can also with a Vista PC that is equipped with a Digital Cable Tuner.  However the timing for the development, availability and support of compatible products depends upon the PC and OCUR manufacturers’ schedule, as well as necessary upgrades provided by Microsoft.”

Short Bits: Windows 7

So the big question in my e-mail Inbox is where have I been hiding.  The answer is that I’ve been crazy busy with school and work, so blogging had to go for a bit.  That doesn’t mean it is over, so let’s start it up again.

The biggest news that I missed covering was the big Windows 7 unveiling at WinHEC.  Charlie Owen write a great blog post going over some of the new looks and features, and I hear there is more to come in later builds.  Of course, the focus of some posts about Media Center in Windows 7 is the UI changes.  The UI has never been the problem with Media Center.  Some will like the changes and some will not, but at the end of the day Microsoft’s failure to execute is the real issue.

Having said that there is a lot of goods stuff in Windows 7 including a signed driver for the DIRECTV Tuner (you didn’t think it was dead, did you?), MPEG-4 support (H.264, MPEG-4 ASP), and much more.  You might even have a chance to beta test it or other Media Center products.

More coverage on We Got Served, GeekTonic, Missing Remote, and Ian Dixon.

HP Cutting MediaSmart TV Lineup; Exits LCD TV Business

CED is reporting that HP is ending their run in the LCD TV business and killing off their MediaSmart HDTV lineup.  I can’t confirm the report myself, but if true this puts another dent in Microsoft’s vision to have Extender technology built into HDTVs.  Their focus is now said to be their MediaSmart Receiver which I reviewed earlier this year.    Watch for deals, word is the current displays will be getting a price cut at Costco stores.

In related news, Samsung has shipped their MediaLive Extender which only works with Samsung Series 4 and up displays and you can still get Linksys Extenders for cheap at Newegg and Amazon (thanks Harry!).

Chances Latest Xbox 360 Blu-ray Rumor is True?

I’m a few weeks behind on this one, but those pesky Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumors came back into the spotlight early this month.  Spotlight might actually be the wrong word to use, as the usual tech blogs didn’t even bother to cover the rumor.  I’ve made it quite clear over the past year that I don’t think Blu-ray for the Xbox 360 makes sense for Microsoft, but X-bit Labs hears different. 

According to the October 8^th article Microsoft is working with Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology Corp (TSST) to manufacturer external Blu-ray Disc drives for the Xbox 360.  According to the article the target price is would be $100 - $150 with an unknown release date.  Microsoft yet again denied the rumor with “We have no plans to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience.”

Interestingly I’ve actually heard more information behind the scenes (read: non Microsoft behind the scenes) about this rumor than any other.  Some are saying they have word from retailers that the product is a-go, but I’m hardly going to believe that when the source article doesn’t have an expected release date and nothing from TSST has leaked out.

The only opinion I have to add to this is that with the recent Xbox 360 price cuts Microsoft could compete with Sony head-to-head by offering a Blu-ray Drive, but I still fail to see why they would want to.  I’ve said several times in my other posts that the Xbox 360 would benefit from a price cut (and fixing RROD issues) more than it would from getting Blu-ray, and I think that was proved a few weeks ago.  The “it has Blu-ray” factor of the PlayStation 3 has kind of died down, and Blu-ray is hardly busting into the market and likely will not move much in the next few months given the current global economic outlook.

Review: Vidabox Premium Wireless Keyboard with Laser Trackball

Just about a year ago I reviewed Vidabox’s Premium Wireless Keyboard with Optical Trackball and came to a pretty simple conclusion; great inexpensive wireless keyboard that didn’t have a Green Button for Media Center use.  The fact that it didn’t include a Green Button came as a downer to me as it is the central way to navigate the Media Center experience. The lack of a Green Button has been on Vidabox’s radar and they recently released a newer model using a laser trackball.

The Vidabox Premium Wireless HTPC Media Center Keyboard with Laser Trackball includes a 2000dpi laser trackball, a Green Button hotkey at the top of the keyboard, improved battery life (6+ months), and redesigned internals to help with better reception via RF.  Throughout my testing I found that the quoted 30-foot wireless range held up pretty well without any major drops that can become frustrating.

Back when I reviewed the optical version my big complaints where the lack of a Green Button and a trackball that moved with the slightest touch (kills batteries over the long haul and puts a mouse pointer on your screen).  Both of these issues have been fixed with the laser trackball version and it is still a solid keyboard that I would recommend highly.

Buy here

Included in the box:

Premium Wireless Keyboard with Optical Trackball

Three AA batteries

USB Receiver

Pros:

Inexpensive ($69.99)

Designed for your lap

Laser Trackball/Mouse works very well

Cons:

Control takes getting use to

Photos (Click for larger view)

Vista SP2 Doesn’t Support Blu-ray Playback

Due to a poorly worded article over at CNET I’ve seen a few dozen people getting excited about Vista SP2 bringing “support for Blu-ray drives,” but everyone should take a quick step back and realize Vista SP2 will add “support for burning Blu-ray data discs” but nothing involving Blu-ray Disc movie playback.

So far Vista SP2 is basically a collection of previously planned “Feature Packs” including the Storage Feature Pack (where Blu-ray burning comes from), and the Wireless Feature Pack.  My guess is that Microsoft is worried the press behind Windows 7 is going to kick Vista sales to the curb so they want to make sure they are keeping it current.

Microsoft.com Forgets About Media Center

Long Zheng just posted about a recently updated version of Microsoft.com, so I went to check out the changes and realized a few things.  First, I think it has been well over a year since I actually felt the need to checkout Microsoft’s homepage.  Second, I realized that Media Center is nowhere to be found on Microsoft’s homepage.  About the closest you get is Windows Media Player or Media Center Peripherals which apparently is another wording for “mouse and keyboard.”

Microsoft Releases Media Center SideShow Gadgets

Microsoft has officially released their Media Center SideShow Gadgets for public download.  The Gadgets, previously in beta, allow you to use a SideShow device to browse the EPG, schedule recordings, start playback of content (TV, music, videos, pictures) and more.

I’ve yet to test it, but the only thing Microsoft didn’t specifically mention was Extender support which I hope is still present.  Of course, testing the Gadgets is pretty hard to do given the lack of SideShow devices.  Ricavision had promise, until they went out of business (website is now dead).  Other than that, the built-in SideShow display on the Dell XPS 420 and then Windows Mobile are pretty much the only options.

One day SideShow will actually be worth the wait.

Microsoft Releases October Media Center Updates

October 2008 Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista (KB955519)

• Fixes an issue in which you cannot seek through recorded TV shows on Windows Media Center systems that have digital cable tuners. Additionally, the recorded TV shows display the incorrect length.
• Fixes an issue in which Windows Media Center Extenders cannot re-connect to a host computer after the host computer resumes from the suspend mode or the sleep mode.
• Fixes an issue which is introduced by KB950126. In this issue, a video that is paused may resume if you minimize or maximize the Windows Media Center window or if a screen saver starts.
• Implements support for Digital Rights Management (DRM) free copy for digital cable tuners that have the latest digital cable tuner BIOS that support DRM free copy.
• Expands the solution that was introduced in KB950126 to improve the experience of recording analog TV broadcasts to include set-top box scenarios. Previously, some analog TV broadcasts were blocked with the "protected content" message.

October 2008 Cumulative Update for Media Center TV Pack for Windows Vista (KB956147)

• Addresses an issue in which Windows Media Center Extenders cannot re-connect to host computer after the computer resumes from the suspend or sleep mode.
• Improves the experience of recording analog TV broadcasts to include set-top box scenarios. Previously, some shows were blocked with "protected content" messages.
  • Note: This solution does not apply to configurations that use analog TV over digital cable tuners. The BIOS for the digital cable tuners provide content protection.
• Addresses an issue in which incorrect PlayReady API is called.
• Addresses an issue in identification of systems with the Windows Media Center TV Pack installed for server-related content.
• Addresses an issue with certain extensibility applications that pass the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) protocol-based URLs.
• Addresses an issue with .wtv files that are listed as unsupported file type after the third-party decoders are installed.
• Addresses an issue with Terrestrial Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-T) digital TV signal when it uses component or composite output.

Update: Ricavision Misses SideShow Remote Ship Date, Again

It sure has been a long wait to get a SideShow enabled remote control.  The once cool feature of Windows Vista was going to allow inexpensive devices with external displays to grab content from the PC and control it remotely.  This technology still has a lot of potential, but considering we are just a few weeks away from at least a pre-beta of Windows 7, it looks like SideShow for Vista has basically been a flop.

This is especially evident with Ricavision’s SideShow remote which still hasn’t shipped even after a nearly two year delay.  They have just missing their Summer 2008 ship date that was just way at the first of the year.  I’m hoping at this point Ricavision is waiting for Microsoft to finish their Media Center SideShow Gadgets, but it sure would be nice to get some good two-way SideShow devices on the market.

Update: CE Pro is reporting that Ricavision is now out of business.

Okoro Media Systems Introduces New 2009 Low Profile Media Center

Okoro Media Systems, manufacturer of Digital Entertainment Systems for the high end audio video market, is pleased to announce the availability of the 2009 OMS-SX100 model. The OMS-SX100 is an “Ultra Low Profile” Digital Entertainment Systems based on AMD's energy efficient Athlon X2 platform. The OMS-SX100 features cool and quiet operation, 7.1 LPCM HDMI support, 1080P Blu-ray playback and low power green operation. The 2009 OMS-SX100 Digital Entertainment System can also handle the needs of customers with limited space with its 2.7 inch ultra low profile frame. Coupled with the OMS Slim Blu-ray drive, the unit is Blu-ray profile 2.0 compliant and can decode 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS along with 7.1 Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio formats. 
 
"Since the release of the low profile series in 2006, Okoro Media Systems has been working on delivering to our customers the next generation of ultra low profile systems. Our customers want a powerful machine that can manage their media, playback Blu-ray titles as well as being green. We feel that the SX100 will give them a feature packed Digital Entertainment System in a thin and elegant form factor. " said Christopher Curry, VP of Sales & Marketing.
 
The OMS-SX100 is now shipping and has the following standard specifications:
 

• 45watt Dual Core AMD Processor
• 8-channel LPCM audio via HDMI
• 2GB RAM
• 500GB low power HD storage
• DVD Burner 
• HDMI, DVI, VGA output
• Windows Vista Home Premium

The following options are also available:

• OMS Slim Blu-ray Drive
• 4GB RAM upgrade
• 1TB low power HD upgrade

Coming soon CableCARD and SAGETV HDPVR models and other additional upgrades. 
 
For more information about the OMS-SX100 Digital Entertainment system, please visit www.okoromedia.com.

RealNetworks Could be Key to Media Center DVD Streaming

A few weeks back RealNetworks unveiled RealDVD, a $30 program designed to legally allow ripping DVDs.  The legal part might be a bit of a stretch seeing as Real has sued the CCA and the MPAA has sued Real back.  While press about the idea of paying to rip your DVDs while keeping them protected has been unanimously poor, people need to keep an open mind about this when it comes to Media Center and other commercial products.

Several years ago I posted about the idea of enabling streaming DVDs using Microsoft’s WMDRM to protect the DVDs.  The concept is the exact same with RealDVD.  If RealNetworks can win their suit against the MPAA and CCA, the door is even more wide open for Microsoft to do exactly the same and rip DVDs wrapped in their DRM (maybe part of what this patent is about).  This could enable streaming to any device including Media Center Extenders and (possibility) Zunes, or maybe not as Microsoft has a hard time finding a good business case to do any of the work for such features.  Even if Microsoft doesn't jump on, I've heard that Real is also interested in developing a Media Center plug-in for RealDVD which could be interesting if they do it right (not sure Real could do that).

Another interesting bit involving ripping of disc, AACS has still not hit their final version which was expected over the summer.  Still no word if the final version, whenever finished, will include support for Managed Copy.

Short Bits: Zune Mobile, Home Servers, TV Pack, More

Remember when I said you would hear more about Zune on mobile phones before the years end?  Well, now you have.  “Zune software will also be ported to and be more important not just with the hardware but on the PC, on Windows Mobile devices, etc.," said Steve Ballmer.

Missing Remote has had a few great articles over the past few weeks including a Battle of the Windows Home Server Systems and a letter to Microsoft about what is going on with Media Center.  The article ends with a note to Microsoft asking for them to “go back to the drawing board and re-think the Media Center product: its future as a product, the viability of the strategy of having it tossed into random Windows versions, and goals for the technologies that make up Windows Media Center.”

Last month Ed Bott wrote the best article ever on the Media Center platform.  He covered several issues but mainly focused on the TV Pack and all of the issues that happened behind the scenes.  I didn’t get to post about it when he first published it, but I have to get it out there because Ed really did a fantastic job with the article.

PC Mag has an “unofficial” Guide to the TV Pack including installation instructions just in case you happen to find it online somewhere.

I’ll be a guest on The Media Center Show before year’s end, but that shouldn’t stop you from waiting until then to listen to Ian’s other weekly podcasts.  Hear about Open Media Library (OML) from David Shulitz and CEA Mark Of Excellence Awards with Roland Graham.

Linksys Extenders $100 at Amazon

In case you have missed the dozen other Linksys DMA2100 Extender deals over the past few weeks, you can now pick them up at Amazon.com for $99 after Amazon’s special $20 off a $100+ Linksys purchase.  Using the same deal you can get the DMA2200 for only $130.

Microsoft Launches MSNBC News Beta

Today Microsoft officially launched their MSNBC News beta in Media Center to the world (err, I mean US and Canada).  This was actually something that popped up on one of my beta machines a few months ago, but when I asked about it Microsoft said I wasn’t even supposed to have it, and thus I didn’t blog about it.  Much like the Internet TV Beta, access the new application can be found on the TV + Movies strip.

Ian Dixon and Brandon LeBlanc have some screenshots up on their respective blogs.  These out-of-band “feature” plug-ins might be Microsoft’s hope to keep the Media Center platform moving between Windows releases, so I’m hoping this isn’t the last one that we will see.

• Access the latest U.S. Election 08 videos
• Editor Picks and Most Popular videos, as selected by viewers
• Five-day weather forecast for any zip code in the U.S.
• Customize your own news video playlists
• Ability to browse by category, such as Business, Sports, and Entertainment
•  Search for stories using keywords
• Related videos for each story