Windows Media Center fan and photographer Thomas Hawk recently got to visit the people behind the platform, returning with pics of the people who put the product together and a few of the tools used to make it happen. Captured above is the team's listening room (also used by other AV teams working on Windows Media Player, codecs, etc.), unfortunately there aren't any snaps of future upgrades and projects from the team, but if you use it, be sure to hit the read link and find out a bit more about where and who it comes from.

We'll admit that SideShow hasn't acquired nearly the fanfare we bet Microsoft figured it would, but those still interested in what it can do will likely be elated to find that the long-awaited Windows Media Center SideShow Gadget is finally available. Released last week in beta form, said download can be sucked down as we speak and used within Vista Media Center to change live TV channels, schedule recordings, start / stop playback of clips and browse your photo / music files to boot. Anyone spent any serious time with it over the holiday (in the US, anyway) weekend?

[Via Chris Lanier's Blog, thanks Josh]

Trust us, you all aren't the only ones wondering what the status is on DirecTV's HDPC-20 PC tuner. After assuming that it was closer to (beta) release than ever after a mysterious signup made the rounds late last month, along comes the confirmation we've been yearning for. Numerous readers have received hardware agreements as part of the DirecTV Media Center Beta test, and sure enough, it very plainly states that the HDPC-20 is the item that will be tested. Hailed as a "dual satellite DirecTV tuner (black case) including two BBC modules connectors, a DC power cable and a USB cable," those lucky enough to get in on the action may also receive a Media Center Remote, IR receiver and TV tuner card. And we all know what happens after beta testing is over, right?

In a move just short of sending Xzibit over with a copy of Windows Media Center, Microsoft is encouraging customer installers to show just how much they can do and how well they can integrate media center into a home theater setup. Sure, anyone can run a few wires here and there, or bring a boxed solution to the table, but we get the feeling they're looking for some extra flash. In return, the winning company gets a trip for one to CEDIA 2008, trip for two to Microsoft HQ in Redmond, a photo shoot of the winning install and a "technology pack" including an Xbox 360 Elite, games, Zune and AV cables. Head over to the site to check out the rules before the deadline hits August 1, and don't be too shy to slide us pics of your potentially Xbox-winning setup, we'd like to see what you play CoD4 on.

While most Xbox 360 owners could find something to look forward to in the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard Update, Media Extender users just found out they've been skipped over, again. Just like the previous update adding H.264 support, the 360's newfound DivX compatibility doesn't apply when its being used as a Window Media Center Extender. AC3 audio support as well as a host of other media-related updates are nice, but Microsoft is leaving some of its most dedicated users out in the cold. We wonder what will get DivX first, Xbox 360 Media Center or the PlayStation 3?

Most people that've tried Microsoft's Media Center have come away impressed. Even the most devout TiVo fanboy has to admit that Microsoft has gotten quite a few things right this time around, but will they blow it? One of Media Center's biggest proponents isn't so sure, as Chris Lanier (MS MVP) writes how disappointed he is with many of the recent revelations including; "four CableCARDs only for custom installs. v1 Extenders don't work on Vista (no rebate program either). Overpriced v2 Extenders. No DVD streaming to overpriced Extenders. No MPEG-4 support in Xbox 360 Extenders. No SoftSled (Software Extender). Delayed launch/beta of the Media Center update in Vista. No DIRECTV support despite it being announced two years ago. Zune that doesn't sync with Media Center. Windows Home Server which doesn't work out-of-the-box with Media Center." Wow Chris, that's quite a list, and you didn't even mention that there's no native support for HD DVD or Blu-ray! As much as we agree, we do feel bad for Microsoft -- yeah we said it -- cause they're stuck trying to be everything to everyone. Just about every example here is a compromise with someone, like AACS getting in the way of HD DVD and Blu-ray support, or DirecTV involvement in bringing their programming to the platform. In the end consumers don't care, they just want the best experience and for now we'll all have to wait.

Technically, Niveus was the first of the major partners to spill the proverbial beans on its Extender for Windows Media Center, and while it was sitting around for all to see at CEDIA, details were admittedly slim. Now, however, the firm has come clean and doled out the specs for its Media Center Extender - EDGE, following the moves made by Linksys and D-Link earlier. The EDGE boasts a "Glacier Passive Cooling for near silent operation," RS-232 / IP / IR for third-party control support, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet jack, HDMI / component outputs and two-channel analog / digital optical audio outs. Unfortunately, Niveus' box doesn't include integrated WiFi, so its wired or nothin' here, and while we'd love to know how much this thing will actually cost, we do know it'll land sometime in November. Click on for a few more looks.

Remember those Linksys Media Center Extenders that popped up yesterday? Well, today the duo has officially been priced, but there's no good news for folks hoping for these two to undercut the other guys. Up first is the DMA2200, which will of course sport an integrated "upscaling DVD player" along with the obligatory dual-band Wireless N functionality, while the DMA2100 arrives in a smaller package (see it up close after the break) but keeps to the basics by omitting the optical drive. Both boxes are set to land this November, and while the DVD playin' DMA2200 will run you $349.99, you can save $50 by opting for the lesser-spec'd sibling.

Just in case Linksys and D-Link's introductions weren't enough to satisfy, Microsoft is now announcing yet another partner in its refreshed Extenders for Windows Media Center effort. Beginning in "early 2008," owners of HP's current 42- and 47-inch MediaSmart LCD HDTVs will be able to utilize all of the features of the Media Center Extender platform sans any additional hardware. According to Microsoft, users will simply download a software update for their set, after which they'll be able to kick back and enjoy a little Windows Media Center Internet TV while basking in the glory that is added functionality.

It was but three months ago that Microsoft opened the flood gates to beta signups for Windows Live for TV, and now the mega-corp is soliciting the help of free laborers yet again to test out a potentially buggy and likely frustrating piece of forthcoming software. If you're still intrigued, Microsoft is holding an open signup to beta test Windows Media Center update for Vista, but we certainly hope you weren't counting on even a partial list of features, as the curiously bland signup page doesn't relinquish much of anything beyond procedural instructions. So if you're hankering for something new to try out, and don't mind replying to Microsoft's "surveys, bug reports, and other means as required," feel free to hit the read link and toss your name in the hat.

[Via BoyGeniusReport]

Klegg seems to be kicking it up a notch from the wee LCDs it's accustomed to producing, as the 40-inch KLM-4010 is more suited for your living room than your front pocket. While it's certainly not the first LCD TV to stuff MCE functionality into its confines, this brushed aluminum beast packs quite a laundry list of impressive specs. It boasts a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 500cd/m2 of brightness, 1,366 x 768 resolution, HDMI, a pair of DVI ports, component, S-Video, composite, digital audio output, and a built-in Hauppauage PVR-150 MCE tuner. Additionally, it rocks an Intel Pentium 4 3GHz 630 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 6200 graphics card, dual-layer, slot-loading DVD burner, FireWire / USB 2.0 connectors, flash card reader, and dual seven-watt integrated speakers. This PC / TV hybrid touts the ability to download video directly from the internet and store it without the need for a separate HTPC, but unfortunately there's no (presumably high) pricetag or release details to ponder over.

[Via CrunchGear]

We placeshift our HDTV with an Xbox 360, so this was interesting news to us. SageTV's newest beta (4.1.7 for you Sage-a-maniacs) now supports placeshifting via a client called "SageTVPlaceshifter".
Don't be disappointed in the name, what did you expect since the names "Orb" and "Slingbox" were already taken? We're guessing that you're not shifting HD content with this first version, but we all know that's where things are headed. Does anyone know the patron saint of "bandwidth" so we can light a candle?

[via eHomeUpgrade]

This might only apply to the "hands-on" crowd, but I think even the non-DIY readers could benefit. We posted earlier today that PC Mag just built an HD WMCE box for a shade over two-grand and it's very easy to spend more or less depending on what features you're looking for.

HDBeat reader Buzzcut commented on that story: "I'd also be more interested in a story about the CHEAPEST HD MCE box possible. Can it be done for less than $800 with a HD tuner card and a reasonable hard drive (at least 250 GB)?"

To basically answer that question, we'd say yes. Our sub-grand machine does the trick for us and you should now find the same parts for less than we paid in December. Our total cost was around $950 back then, so $800 isn't a stretch, but we'll research that one for sure. While we do that, how about a little high-def homework?

Let's open up the comments for you to spec out an HD WMCE machine. If you want to go all out and spend several grand, that's up to you. If you want to tackle Buzzcut's requirements, that's fine too. Who's up for a little PC spec'ing?

We've built an HD WMCE PC, then Engadget built one; so what happens next? PC Magazine is building one; wow, we feel like such trend setters. Ah, who are we kidding, do-it-yerselfers have been building PCs since the 1980's! PC Mag drops over two-grand on their high-def system, which is much more than the $950 we spent, but in fairness to them, the do have more RAM, double the hard drive space and multiple tuners for their high-def content. Additionally, their case choice of a SilverStone LaScala LC17 looks more component-like and less PC-ish. If you're interested at all in building a high-def capable home media center, this is another good article worth the read.

[via Wired@Home.blog]