Who would want it?  It has been the most requested feature from the beginning.  Softsled was a product, along with Bobsled and Xsled.  It was developed, and was being tested.  It was presented in slide shows as part of Microsoft's Digital Living Room and Media Center ecosystem.  And, it just makes sense.  Why not allow the 300 million+ computers out there licensed with your operating system to access TV content from your DVR software.

But, for some inexplicable reason, Microsoft didn't want it, they killed it, and denied the users of their Media Center product even a modicum of client type functionality, even though it was the most requested feature and would take very little effort if any to implement.  Speculating about what the "profit" motive for Microsoft around copies of Softsled alone is nonsensical.  They would have made whatever additional profit there was to be made by having a better Media Center product and a more complete offering to sell to their customers.

Part of the Softsled enhancement is now available with Remote Potato, If we could get the DRM issue settled so at least you could play within your own Home Group we would be close to the entire Softsled solution.  See:  www.missingremote.com/.../shared-guide-potato-updated-version-117

@kingwr I think you missed the point of what I was saying.  I was just pointing out that Softsled would have little effect on Windows sales because of the large cost difference between the PC and the extender.  So wayner9's theory that Microsoft would see additional income from Windows sales if Softsled were an option is no good.  I mean really, give somebody two options for an extender:  A $500 PC extender and a $100 regular extender.  Now which one do you think they are going to pick?  Anybody that would pick the PC has another reason for wanting the PC and just wants Softsled as a bonus so they don't have to buy the extender.  That's really the group of people that want Softsled...the people that already have another PC that already has Windows 7 on it and they would like to use that PC as an extender.  It's the cheap way out.

And I agree that Softsled makes sense....for consumers.  But just because it makes sense for consumers doesn't mean it makes sense for the business.  In business, there's only one thing that matters:  Making money.  You always take the road that leads to the most money.  And I can all but guarantee you, that road does not contain Softsled.

I just wanted to claify that I dont believe there is or would be  a need for a "softsled Product." I am hoping they just allow other PC's to be set up as extenders. All you need is the ability for a 2nd PC's media center to be able to share cable card tuners and guide databases. They can already share video's, pics, music, etc... It certainly is something they should be able to add.

Microsoft has already realized they failed in the marketing of media center. The majority of consumers have not hjumped on board. I think (and I am sure everyone on here) that it is just rediculous; however the average consumer is too scared to spend the money on something this compicated. Its too bad that Microsoft wasnt willing to spend the money on a dedicated support team to set up Media Center, they could have owned the media world.

It seems like the same old argument to me.  

I wont debate the merits of Softsled or its viability but I find it interesting that a Windows 8 ARM tablet could easily be as secure as an Xbox 360 if done right. Therefore a Windows 8 ARM tablet has the potential to be a portable extender.  I don’t think Windows 8 ARM tablet will be sold for a loss either.  In addition Windows 8 X86 / X64 has elements of Xbox Live as well as game potential possibly sharing the same ecosystem so the ARM version will likely be the same in this respect.

The problem I see with Windows 8 ARM tablets accessing recorded TV isn't necessarily an issue of DRM but rather the likelihood that they would access this recorded TV files wirelessly.  In my experience, accessing H.264 based HD files wirelessly can get a little sketchy via 802.11G/N.  I use a Hauppauge HD DVR and Hauppauge Colossus PCIe to record DRM free HD / SD and these files can be huge.