Hi guys,

 

Thought I'd do a quick post on a new update S1Digital will be releasing shortly (I can only speak on behalf of S1Digital, as other OEMs may have other plans, and I can only talk about what we're doing). But I thought you might find it useful.

 

S1Digital will soon be including Windows Media Center TV Pack on NEW systems (only). Basically, the TV Pack will add the following new features (to US markets):

• Native unencrypted QAM support (you no longer need DCTs to get basic cable in Media Center)
• Native support for up to four DCTs (Vista Ultimate versions only)
• Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs (although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet released)

This update changes the file format of recorded TV and now uses the file extension .WTV

 

I can't say when we'll be shipping systems with the TV Pack, but it will be soon.

 

I hope that helps some.

 

Paul

Thanks for the info Paul, although it sounds like you are confirming that the update is either OEM only or requires a fresh install of Vista.  I really admire your products, although I'm probably not going to invest in a new HTPC right now just for the features above.   Thanks again for the info.

S1Digital:

• Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs (although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet released)

Both of these refer to CableCARD recordings?

Chris - Moderator:

S1Digital:

• Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs (although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet released)

Both of these refer to CableCARD recordings?

TV Pack as an update to the OEM-only Digital Cable version of Vista?  Available to existing DCT-Vista owners? 

(I dunno.. I'm making this up as I go, but as a DCT owner, I have to give myself hope somehow.)

I've got hope for you  , I just didn't know if it was going to come this soon.

>Native unencrypted QAM support

Can someone educate me on what QAM is and what all the fuss about it is?

S1Digital:

S1Digital will soon be including Windows Media Center TV Pack on NEW systems (only).

Can older systems be upgraded? perhaps with a new OS disk?

S1Digital:

Native unencrypted QAM support (you no longer need DCTs to get basic cable in Media Center)

You don't need a DCT to get basic cable right now. It's the tier channels and the HD people wan't.

S1Digital:

Native support for up to four DCTs (Vista Ultimate versions only)

Just DCT's, what about other types of tuners? (just cuious... two tuners would be plenty for me.)

S1Digital:

Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs

I can watch non-copy protected recordings on other PC's now.

S1Digital:

(that have to have the TV feature pack installed though)

Ahhh!!! So all PC's may need to be replaced.

This is not encouraging,

Chris - Moderator:

S1Digital:

• Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs (although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet released)

Both of these refer to CableCARD recordings?

Well, you could already do that with non CableCard recorded shows :)

New systems only that's not good! Screwed by MS yet again!

 

Paul, are you able to state whether the requirement to only make the product available on new systems is per Microsoft or your own decision?  To me it just doesn't make business sense for a HTPC OEM manufacturer to alienate existing customers who spent a considerable markup for their systems.  I'd think in this niche market repeat customers would be essential.

Interesting,….

For some reason I thought DCTs encrypted everything before it even hit the hard drive. So does this mean that DCTs under the Windows Media Center TV Pack will only encrypt specific shows?

This is bitter sweet news as on one hand I'm glad to see that non-copy protected content won't be protected anymore, but on the other I'm wondering how existing VMC fans will be able to access it without replacing thier computers.

I am with you BJ this would be my wet dream to lose the copy protection on non copyright protected shows (which is most of what I watch)

Octavean:

Interesting,….

For some reason I thought DCTs encrypted everything before it even hit the hard drive. So does this mean that DCTs under the Windows Media Center TV Pack will only encrypt specific shows?

While I can't say yes or no because I'm still under NDA, if you read the first post you'll notice it says it requires an update to the DCT that isn't available yet...

Ah!

Very good thank you. Not sure how I missed that.