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Photograph courtesy of Dell
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By WILSON ROTHMAN
A year ago, Microsoft launched the Media Center Edition, a remote-control driven offshoot of Windows XP that lets you watch and record DVDs, listen to music, browse photos and even record TV programs, all without getting up from the couch. The first version, seen in certain PCs built by Gateway, HP, ViewSonic, Toshiba and others, exceeded all sales expectations despite an obvious need for technical and aesthetic improvement. This week, Microsoft announced the improved Media Center Edition 2004, and Dell joined the party.
I was eager to try Dell's version, even though I felt it could never outperform my TiVo with Home Media Option. But off the bat it fit: when flipped on its side, Dell's 4600C box covers less surface area than many components, so I put it under the cable box and hooked it right into the TV.
There are several noticeable improvements. One of the best is a simple way to burn recorded TV shows. An add-on called Sonic PrimeTime uses the remote control instead of a mouse to select shows and get the burning started. And the TV show's picture quality actually improved on the DVD version.
Speaking of picture quality, the Media Center's photo manager is a dynamo. Slideshows are presented documentary style, with panning and zooming to liven up still shots. Also, the system has a smart red-eye removal feature, although it's not perfect every time.
Because the platform now supports third-party applications, new Media Centers have an array of off-the-beaten-path features, from a Game Boy-type video game to two full-fledged movie download services.
There are some problems. Video quality could be better, especially the live TV. While the remote control commands every feature in Media Center, it still can't turn the TV set on. If you're in another part of Media Center and flip to live TV, you canŐt backtrack to the beginning of the show or segment. One more thing: "A" and "The" are counted in the sorting of TV shows, so that "The Simpsons" is listed under T and not under S. At least one thing came out right: rather than calling The Daily Show with Jon Stewart a comedy series, Media Center lists it under News and Current Events.
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