Microsoft still working on DirecTV for Media Center
Windows Media Center fans have been dreaming of having access to DirecTV's programming for at least two years, and just when we think both companies have let the idea fade away, we get new clues that it might actually happen. According to a recent job posting, Microsoft is looking for a qualified individual to help it develop "premium TV experiences from world class satellite TV network operators" with experience in pay-per-view, H.264 and in-band programming data. Currently, Media Center uses the internet to obtain its programming data, but just like the DirecTiVo before it, Media Center looks to get the information via satellite from DirecTV. Mostly, we're just happy that both companies are (apparently) still working to make this happen, but having access to PPV is just icing on the cake and a new experience for Media Center fans.[Via Chris Lanier's Blog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Vidikron (FU) @ Dec 21st 2007 12:15PM
Hmm... at first glance I thought that was a picture of a new version of the Wii knock-off known as the Vii.
Eddie @ Dec 21st 2007 12:56PM
Yes please! I just had to process the replacement order for my HD DirecTiVo with a (yuck) HR-20. Please Microsoft! I'll even use Vista, I swear!
elvisizer @ Dec 21st 2007 1:56PM
don't knock it 'till you try it, eddie. you actually have missed all the problems we early hr-20 adopters had to put up with. At this point, the hr-20 is as reliable as my old HD directivo. And there are some ways that I prefer the UI on the hr-20 to the old tivo.
SimbaDogg @ Dec 21st 2007 1:34PM
please allow me to use my sweet computer to dvr direct channels in HD...thats all i want for xmas.
Keefer Madness @ Dec 21st 2007 1:45PM
This would be so sweet if it actually happened. I'm hesitant to invest in a media center rig because of TWC's lackluster HD offerings.
Korey @ Dec 21st 2007 2:55PM
I hear ya. Dish is coming over this weekend so I can toss TWC.
Garry @ Dec 21st 2007 2:23PM
Seriously, what's the holdup? It seems like I've been reading about this for years now. I would LOVE to have my desktop with Media Center as a backup for my (beloved) HR-20. Any shows I'd like to archive would be set up on the PC, since I can add hard drives by the dozen, and cheaply to boot. Combine it with the Xbox360 at the TV and BAM! Perfect Media Center/DirecTV goodness.
Also, a (shockingly) knowledgeable D* service tech told me the other night on the phone that there are no longer any plans to have the eSATA expansion function as an addition to the internal HDD...it will remain a full replacement for the internal disk. Bummer!
MegaZone @ Dec 21st 2007 7:48PM
You have - it was CES 2006 when Microsoft and DirecTV announced their partnership.
Galley @ Dec 21st 2007 4:28PM
Whatever happened with DirecTV integration in Windows 98?
cckrobinson @ Dec 21st 2007 9:27PM
It's a start. I'll believe it when I see it.