Long rumored to be in the works, Microsoft has finally released a beta version of it's new internet-based TV service. Vista Home Premium and Ultimate users in the U.S. can try the new service, but so far Microsoft hasn't commented on international availability.
The beta release of Microsoft’s TV service is a little short on content, but it is free (with ads). At the moment there are about 100 hours of content available including:
Microsoft says the content “has been designed for both the TV and PC screen, and features high-quality video optimized for broadband streaming,” which means it can be played through your Xbox 360 as well as your PCs.
But Microsoft also clearly recognizes that the market here is for streaming content direct to your television. For that to work you’ll either need to have a wire running to your TV or get one of the new Extenders for Windows Media Center, which support wireless streaming of live high-def TV.
D-Link, HP and Linksys are all rolling out devices with built-in support for dual-band Wireless-N networking, and the D-Link and HP devices also support video formats such as DivX, XVid and H.264.
The long and short of it is, if you’re looking to build a wireless home entertainment center based around Windows Media Center, you’re going to want to upgrade your router very soon. None of the above devices are available yet, but you can expect them to be available sometime this holiday season (Check out the Gadget Lab blog to hear about the latest hardware).
In the mean time, you can give Microsoft’s internet TV a shot and see if it’s to your liking.
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