bjdraw:

AndresE:

So on September 8th we will have ALL of the facts, not just part of them.   On that date I will decide what my Media Center future will be based on the complete picutre.

You are dilusional.

This is all there is, what is it going to take to convince you, a personal call from Ben Reed?

Ok I am dilusional. 

Chris - Are you able to speak on behalf of Microsoft in saying that we have all the facts?  I'm really not holding my breath, but Jeff and few others were making a big deal about CEDIA as if we were going to get more info than what was leaked.  From the post I read there was NOTHING new in that.

What we need at this point is someone from Microsoft to come on here and speak to our concerns.  This was like someone leaving a bag of sh** on fire on our doorstep, ringing the doorbell and running off.

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My Network Project - Media Center Blog

jelinback:

al74:

Leaked or not leaked, this is a very disappointing announcement that should insult every member of this community. I think that each of the users here should do a lot of thinking, before purchasing an OEM HTPC or any MSFT product in the future. This is the worst support I could ever imagined receiving from a manufacturer/service provider. While watching all iPhone owners enjoing almost monthly firmware updates and fixes to their product while I am, an avid MSFT user never got a single update to my Windows Mobile 6 device (I guess I can always buy a new one), I now understand that this is just how the big software company operates. Suppliers and OEMs are its biggest customers and not us and taking care of OEMs means screw the end user.

The problem is that until we, the avid users take a stand, we will get screwed over and over again. I can promise you that. I will use the MSFT products I already purchased. I will not purchase any more MSFT products. Not directly or from an OEM. So long Windows 7, helo Mac. So long HTC Touch Diamond, helo iPhone. If enough consumers will do the same, maybe eventualy MSFT learn who are its real customers - the end user.

Oh please.  Losing us HTPC users would be as devastating to Microsoft as a gnat's fart in a bag would be toward ozone loss.

Fine. Continue spending your money on supportless products. Don't come crying when there's no Direct TV support or whatever in Windows 7.

AndresE:

Chris - Are you able to speak on behalf of Microsoft in saying that we have all the facts?  I'm really not holding my breath, but Jeff and few others were making a big deal about CEDIA as if we were going to get more info than what was leaked.  From the post I read there was NOTHING new in that.

What we need at this point is someone from Microsoft to come on here and speak to our concerns.  This was like someone leaving a bag of sh** on fire on our doorstep, ringing the doorbell and running off.

I feel pretty good in saying that I can speak on Microsoft's behalf here.  I've had the beta software for sometime, I talked on the phone with Ben Reed and MS PR before the announcement was made, etc, etc.  You have all the facts about what the TV Pack is.  Clearly they have not gone into detail about other features that we all know are there (.WTV, Subchannels, etc, etc), but what Ben said in the post is what the product is about.

They can still try and make a splash at CEDIA without dropping some new feature that we haven't heard about.  For example, they have the Media Center Install Contest going on.  They have the official TV Pack announcement and release with demo PCs to show it off, and so on.

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Chris Lanier
The Green Button Forum Moderator

al74:

jelinback:

al74:

Leaked or not leaked, this is a very disappointing announcement that should insult every member of this community. I think that each of the users here should do a lot of thinking, before purchasing an OEM HTPC or any MSFT product in the future. This is the worst support I could ever imagined receiving from a manufacturer/service provider. While watching all iPhone owners enjoing almost monthly firmware updates and fixes to their product while I am, an avid MSFT user never got a single update to my Windows Mobile 6 device (I guess I can always buy a new one), I now understand that this is just how the big software company operates. Suppliers and OEMs are its biggest customers and not us and taking care of OEMs means screw the end user.

The problem is that until we, the avid users take a stand, we will get screwed over and over again. I can promise you that. I will use the MSFT products I already purchased. I will not purchase any more MSFT products. Not directly or from an OEM. So long Windows 7, helo Mac. So long HTC Touch Diamond, helo iPhone. If enough consumers will do the same, maybe eventualy MSFT learn who are its real customers - the end user.

Oh please.  Losing us HTPC users would be as devastating to Microsoft as a gnat's fart in a bag would be toward ozone loss.

Fine. Continue spending your money on supportless products. Don't come crying when there's no Direct TV support or whatever in Windows 7.

I won't come crying.  Unlike some here, I held no great expectations for Fiji, and I don't hold any great expectations for Windows 7, or for the so called "convergence", "connected home", or whatever buzzword that is currently in vogue this week.  I watched Vista's development, and its feature loss along the way.  I know how monolithic companies like Microsoft work, having worked for one.  Despite the eHome team having some autonomy in its area, they are still accountable to the greater entity, and company management. 

Chris - Moderator:

AndresE:

Chris - Are you able to speak on behalf of Microsoft in saying that we have all the facts?  I'm really not holding my breath, but Jeff and few others were making a big deal about CEDIA as if we were going to get more info than what was leaked.  From the post I read there was NOTHING new in that.

What we need at this point is someone from Microsoft to come on here and speak to our concerns.  This was like someone leaving a bag of sh** on fire on our doorstep, ringing the doorbell and running off.

I feel pretty good in saying that I can speak on Microsoft's behalf here.  I've had the beta software for sometime, I talked on the phone with Ben Reed and MS PR before the announcement was made, etc, etc.  You have all the facts about what the TV Pack is.  Clearly they have not gone into detail about other features that we all know are there (.WTV, Subchannels, etc, etc), but what Ben said in the post is what the product is about.

They can still try and make a splash at CEDIA without dropping some new feature that we haven't heard about.  For example, they have the Media Center Install Contest going on.  They have the official TV Pack announcement and release with demo PCs to show it off, and so on.

Personally, I hope their CEDIA announcement falls flat.  I'm seriously pissed that it's going to be at least another year until we get DirecTV support.  Hell, if I had the opportunity I'd show up at CEDIA just to heckle the TV Pack PR guys.

The management in charge of the e-home division should be fired.  Lord knows they seem to be quite intent on driving Media Center into the ground.

Thanks Chris.  That helps clear that up.  I think if there was ever a time for Microsoft to be more forthcoming with their plans for Media Center as a product and platform this would be it.

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My Network Project - Media Center Blog

i posted this on chris's blog but i think it belongs here as well....

i have to say i will be pretty mad if directv support is pushed to windows 7.  but i still say media center needs to be taken out of the os and needs to be done a long time ago.  that would remove all the problems associated with these "updates".  just release the "next" version and charge an upgrade fee. having media center have to adhere to the os update cycle is turning out to be the mistake of all mistakes.

i am actually looking into building a new computer server and trying to put whs on it but ive put those plans on hold because ms still cant even work properly with their own os's (making it a bigger slap in the face is sagetv can).  so now those plans are on hold and more than likely for a long time now.  

come on ms.... i WANT to give you more money if you will only get your ass in gear.

jelinback:

Oh please.  Losing us HTPC users would be as devastating to Microsoft as a gnat's fart in a bag would be toward ozone loss.

 

LOL 

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myspace.com/patsowellproject

Velocity Micro Z70:
Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Core 2 Quad Q9450
4GB DDR2-800
512MB ATI Radeon 3450
2 x ATI OCUR DCT's
HDHomeRun dual QAM
300GB 10k RPM for OS
2TB RAID5
2 x Xbox 360's
52" LCD 1080p
40" LCD 1080p

Leaked brochures ... broken NDAs ... cryptic messages from those trying to respect the NDA ... leaked OEM software ... MS employees winking at us while we download it from a link on a forum that they own ... strange, awkward silence from Microsoft ... when they finally speak - such an underwhelming announcement ...it's all weird.  There must be a LOT of money at risk somewhere - I'm not smart enough (or have the energy) to try figure out where all the politics lie.

I'll keep watching DVDs and listening to music on my $1500 DVD player.  And watching TV on my DirecTV DVR until someone else sorts it out for me.  My head hurts.

Guys, you have the update...  You have the instructions...  what the heck is everybody all pissed about?  Am I missing something?  I understand how the DirecTV customers with DIYs VMC boxes could be a little disappointed...  That does suck...  But all you CableCard PC owners...  *like the SNL skit* 

Really?

You're complaining, and the link is in this thread?

Really?

---

myspace.com/patsowellproject

Velocity Micro Z70:
Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Core 2 Quad Q9450
4GB DDR2-800
512MB ATI Radeon 3450
2 x ATI OCUR DCT's
HDHomeRun dual QAM
300GB 10k RPM for OS
2TB RAID5
2 x Xbox 360's
52" LCD 1080p
40" LCD 1080p

I do realize your frustrations though.  Right now, you know what the update does, and you can choose to install it at your own risk I suppose.  Personally, I'm going to wait until lifeextender and webguide support it....  Then if most of the other folks with similar setups are using it and liking it, I'm hoping onboard the TV Pack train.

---

myspace.com/patsowellproject

Velocity Micro Z70:
Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Core 2 Quad Q9450
4GB DDR2-800
512MB ATI Radeon 3450
2 x ATI OCUR DCT's
HDHomeRun dual QAM
300GB 10k RPM for OS
2TB RAID5
2 x Xbox 360's
52" LCD 1080p
40" LCD 1080p

webguide eh?

didnt he quit and work for ms? :<

SESnut:

webguide eh?

didnt he quit and work for ms? :<

Yea I tried it for a very brief time on my old box and it was buggy, but worked..  I was able to watch recorded tv, but nothing live.  Its the only thing I'm aware of that will do what it does...  Unless there is something better?  I am pretty new to this whole MC thing. 

---

myspace.com/patsowellproject

Velocity Micro Z70:
Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Core 2 Quad Q9450
4GB DDR2-800
512MB ATI Radeon 3450
2 x ATI OCUR DCT's
HDHomeRun dual QAM
300GB 10k RPM for OS
2TB RAID5
2 x Xbox 360's
52" LCD 1080p
40" LCD 1080p

One quick question and apologies if this is simple. Currently I have Comcast HD and Dish Network for a few international channels. With hetrogeneous tuner support, does this mean I can have a CableCard PC (OEM with Media Center TV Pack) with another tuner internal/external e.g. HDTV Wonder connected to my Dish Network STB and still have the guide merged and be able to control channels/record programming etc.? One of my friends has ClearQAM working with TV pack and also has Dish Network STB hooked up to MCE and it's all working the way I mentioned. But I am not sure what will happen with CableCard. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

No DVB-C?

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55" Sony Bravia FullHD | Yamaha RX-V659 | Yamaha Soavo 5.1 Surround System | Vista Media Center