Well, it now appears Google is jumping into the mix and released a Media Server. The details on this are slim, but here is a quote from labnol.org "This requires a Universal Plug and Play compatible device like an Xbox or Playstation gaming console, set-top box or a photo frame like the Kodak EasyShare."It runs in the Google desktop.http://desktop.google.com/plugins/i/mediaserver.html?hl=en
I must admit this is a very poor feature set, but maybe if Google appears to be junping into the market it will kickstart Microsoft into the right gear and put Media Center down the correct path.
* Intel Petium D 820 on Intel Desktop Board D945GNT
* Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150
*VistaView DA-1N1-E Combo PCIe tuner
*Linksys extender - :( No more old extender, after upgrading to Vista. So sad.