With all the talk of a Zune HD it got me thinking that what would make a great device is a Offline Media Center Extender. The way a Media Center Extender works at the moment is the content is stream over the network and this is great for fixed devices like the Xbox 360 but not so handy if you want to take your content with you or if you have bandwidth issues. So how about a portable device that has a similar interface to the Media Center Extender but allows you to make content available offline? The device would need a HDMI port for connecting to a TV, a display to watch the content on the device and wifi and this is exactly what the rumoured Zune HD could have.
So you could select a TV show make it available offline and take the device outside your network and still have the Media Center experience. It would also act as a streaming player as well making it a true Media Center extender and a smaller and quieter alternative the Xbox 360
Would you buy one?
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You had me convinced at offline extender
Anyone remember Portable Media Centers – I still have one fantastic little device with a very similar UI to the original XP Media Center but it could do with HDMI etc.
God yes. What a fantastic idea!!
[I'll be buying a Zune HD anyway, but this would be truly fantastic.]
Hell yes. That’d be awesome!
This would be a super way for Microsoft to start taking over Apple’s share of the consumer electronics market! While docking the ZuneHD to the Media Center computer would be equivalent to docking an iPod to iTunes, Microsoft could take this concept 1 step further by making extenders that having Zune docking stations. Then, children in their bedrooms could transfer TV shows to the Zune using only their extender. Get the dock-equipped extender also connecting to the Zune store for purchases and subscription service downloads, and you have a whole-house option that is superior than anything…by a longshot.
As far as CableCard content on the portable, the Media Center system could license up to, say, 3 devices for portable storage. This is the way that Rhapsody ToGo’s DRM works with portables and it is fantastic. I just have to connect at least every 30 days to update the licenses.
I have been holding off buying a Zune (Hate I-Tunes) untill MS got better integration with MC.
If these rumours and specs hold true…………..I Will be opening up my wallet.
Finally!!
II’ve been holding off aune untill they release it in the UK. Bloody MS’s poor relations again…