Windows Media Edition PCs -vs- Plus Digital Media Edition Software

[Guest]

I am curious as to why Microsoft made an ENTIRE new Media Edition
Operating System based on Windows XP, as well as why the Plus Media
Edition is nothing like the Operating System version. I would think that they
would have the same basic components. But there is no television
application, etc. within the Plus version of Media Edition. It actually
makes myself
feel cheated I purchase the Plus Digital Media Edition WELL in advance of the
Windows Media Edition Operating System being released, and would THINK
that they would be compariable with one another! I am also one of the people
that purchased Windows 98, and Windows 98SE. And this is something that
Microsoft should release as a free CD too owners of WindowsXP!!!

 

[Chris Lanier [MVP]]

These two products offer different features, they are not one in the same
nor are they marketed to be.

Windows XP Media Center Edition allows you to use your PC as a PVR (Personal
Video Recorder) for recording your favorite TV shows. It features a EPG to
schedule recordings ahead of time. You can organize all of your music,
videos, and pictures. All of this can be control via a remote control, so
you don't have to sit at your PC to enjoy all of the functions. Hook it up
to a TV and your set.

Plus! Digital Media Edition adds small features that allow you to enjoy
pictures, video, and music in different ways then you can with just Windows
XP with Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker. You get an Analog
Audio Recorder so you can record from an outside audio source, new effects
for Windows Movie Maker, Photo Story 2, CD Labeler, Dancers and more. None
of his can be controlled via a remote control and the features don't do the
same as a Media Center Edition PC.

If you feel cheated you should return the product, however the two products
are not the same. I'm not sure what you were expected Plus! to be, but I
might suggest researching the products next time before making a purchase if
you are not sure what it is or does. The retail box for Plus! says nothing
about any of the features included with Media Center PCs.

Windows 98 and 98SE also has nothing to do with this, did you mean Plus! for
Windows 98? I'm not sure why Plus! Digital Media Edition should be released
as a free product because you purchased Windows 98 and 98SE. It doesn't
exactly relate to it in any way, shape, or form.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I am curious as to why Microsoft made an ENTIRE new Media Edition
Operating System based on Windows XP, as well as why the Plus Media
Edition is nothing like the Operating System version. I would think that they
would have the same basic components. But there is no television
application, etc. within the Plus version of Media Edition. It actually
makes myself

MCE goes far further. It is for a complete installation integrating
computer, TV and remote control with program guides and the hard disk
being used for personal video recording TiVO style.

Plus is just a few add on goodies, of little value to most people

 

[Yves Leclerc]

The PLUS! editions (for Windows 98 and XP) are not complete operating
systems. They add additional features/software to the operating system.

Therefore, The Plus! Digital Media Edition still requires an XP operating
system.

Windows XP Media Centre Edition (aka MCE) offers a home entertainment
experience. You could replace your stereo, VCR and DVD player with a PC
with MCE. MCE is not sold as a retail software kit but comes configured on
new PCs.