Comments on: The Media Center Tax http://thomashawk.com/2006/01/media-center-tax.html Sat, 26 May 2012 02:31:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Anonymous http://thomashawk.com/2006/01/media-center-tax.html/comment-page-1#comment-17893 Anonymous Mon, 20 Mar 2006 10:51:00 +0000 http://clients.emmense.com/thomashawk/?p=2628#comment-17893 Now, here's the skinny on the restriction error - I finally found out how to get rid of it - after trying EVERY DAMN patch and update on the internet I tried this ...(and it works) first I unplugged the cable/sat from the VCR and straight into the PC (for me with S-Video) and I have not gotten that Damn restriction error since. Now, just a guess - either not being connected DIRECTLY into the PC or the ANT(regular screw on) hookup causes the restriction error - Try the direct hookup from the cable/sat box & S-Video(if you have this choice) and you will be SMILING SMILING SMILING... Now, here’s the skinny on the restriction error – I finally found out how to get rid of it – after trying EVERY DAMN patch and update on the internet I tried this …(and it works) first I unplugged the cable/sat from the VCR and straight into the PC (for me with S-Video) and I have not gotten that Damn restriction error since. Now, just a guess – either not being connected DIRECTLY into the PC or the ANT(regular screw on) hookup causes the restriction error – Try the direct hookup from the cable/sat box & S-Video(if you have this choice) and you will be SMILING SMILING SMILING…

]]> By: Anonymous http://thomashawk.com/2006/01/media-center-tax.html/comment-page-1#comment-17894 Anonymous Thu, 05 Jan 2006 16:50:00 +0000 http://clients.emmense.com/thomashawk/?p=2628#comment-17894 Sounds like a Firewire connection will only allow the five or six major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, UPN/WB) because those are th only ones that go out over the air. So that means that everything else...ESPN, MSG, SHO, MTV, CNN, TMC, InHD, SCI, HBO, DIS, A&E;, MAX, VH1 would be encrypted and unavailable? Why would Microsoft bother to go this route to only make five or six channels available for recording? <br />Besides, anyone who already has a cable box with a Firewire port can just exchange it for a CableCard, and then have every channel available in Media Center. Why bother to keep the old box? Sounds like a Firewire connection will only allow the five or six major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, UPN/WB) because those are th only ones that go out over the air. So that means that everything else…ESPN, MSG, SHO, MTV, CNN, TMC, InHD, SCI, HBO, DIS, A&E;, MAX, VH1 would be encrypted and unavailable? Why would Microsoft bother to go this route to only make five or six channels available for recording?
Besides, anyone who already has a cable box with a Firewire port can just exchange it for a CableCard, and then have every channel available in Media Center. Why bother to keep the old box?

]]> By: Anonymous http://thomashawk.com/2006/01/media-center-tax.html/comment-page-1#comment-17895 Anonymous Wed, 04 Jan 2006 18:42:00 +0000 http://clients.emmense.com/thomashawk/?p=2628#comment-17895 In my opinion what you'll see happen is that there will be two forms of MCE boxes, one that supports cable card. This one will be for the enthusiasts that want to have the ultimate home theater setup. <br />The second one will be a traditional PC supporting a Firewire connection. Firewire compatibility is federally mandated for all cable companies STB and the cable companies/networks aren't allowed to downgrade or encrypted the signal of any broadcasts that also go out OTA. The biggest problem with Firewire is that the premium cable networks HBO, Stars, etc.. can legal encrypt their signal and their is no way to get them (short of using cable card). Firewire provides a simple and effective solution to getting signal to a PC. Since it doesn't require a tuner or IR blaster it's also extremely economical for a PC vendor to make an instant DVR. The cable companies aren't gonna complain either because they're still getting their STB rental fee.<br /><br />The real question is-- will Microsoft be the leader in introducing a firewire solution, or will Apple implement it first? Both companies are reluctant to upset their partners, but I'd Bet on Apple to take the lead. Front row could be a category killer if it had a DVR feature combined with Ipod compatibility.<br /><br />Getting back to your original point--- Maybe Microsoft is trying to partner up with the premium networks (Stars) to offer their programing since it won't be made available via Firewire. Of course I could be totally wrong and Microsoft might entirely forsake thier customers and continue thier courtship with the media companies. I think even the boys in Seattle realize if they do that they will lose the battle for the living room in very short order. In my opinion what you’ll see happen is that there will be two forms of MCE boxes, one that supports cable card. This one will be for the enthusiasts that want to have the ultimate home theater setup.
The second one will be a traditional PC supporting a Firewire connection. Firewire compatibility is federally mandated for all cable companies STB and the cable companies/networks aren’t allowed to downgrade or encrypted the signal of any broadcasts that also go out OTA. The biggest problem with Firewire is that the premium cable networks HBO, Stars, etc.. can legal encrypt their signal and their is no way to get them (short of using cable card). Firewire provides a simple and effective solution to getting signal to a PC. Since it doesn’t require a tuner or IR blaster it’s also extremely economical for a PC vendor to make an instant DVR. The cable companies aren’t gonna complain either because they’re still getting their STB rental fee.

The real question is– will Microsoft be the leader in introducing a firewire solution, or will Apple implement it first? Both companies are reluctant to upset their partners, but I’d Bet on Apple to take the lead. Front row could be a category killer if it had a DVR feature combined with Ipod compatibility.

Getting back to your original point— Maybe Microsoft is trying to partner up with the premium networks (Stars) to offer their programing since it won’t be made available via Firewire. Of course I could be totally wrong and Microsoft might entirely forsake thier customers and continue thier courtship with the media companies. I think even the boys in Seattle realize if they do that they will lose the battle for the living room in very short order.

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