It that time of year to predict trends for the new year and PC Pro have their predictions for the top techs of 2008. In the list are things like Rich Internet Applications, 10 gigabit Ethernet and commercial P2P, topping the list are Media Center Extenders, which is properly the first time I have seen Media Center related technology top a list like this. Part of the reason why they top this list is the fact that they will be available in the UK for the first time.
HP and Linksys released Media Center Extenders in 2004, but they didn’t take off in the US and never made it across the pond. They’re back for 2008, this time from Linksys, D-Link and Niveus – and they’re coming to the UK.
By streaming the Windows Media Center interface directly to a receiver, you get all the same features as when using the computer locally, but in a small, silent box. This includes access to the PC’s TV tuners to stream live broadcasts, watching or scheduling TV recordings, or viewing music, photos or video
It’s good to see Media Center getting the attention it deserves and with a bit of marketing by Microsoft and it’s partners Media Center could be one of the success stories of 2008, hopefully given a boost by some announcements at CES. Other one other Microsoft product in (at no8) the list is Windows Home Server
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