The main new feature of Windows Vista Media Center is the addition of CableCARD support. By using CableCARD, you will be able to view high definition television through your computer. Recently, I have been using an indoor antenna to receive high definition broadcast television on my Dell 24″ widescreen monitor. With my indoor antenna, I get all of the major networks for free, including PBS and the new CW (woohoo!).
So what exactly will a Vista HTPC with CableCARD support actually get for me? The answer is high definition cable programming. My local cable provider is Cox cable. I took a look at the list of cable channels Cox provides in order to see what I am missing. In total Cox offers 15 high definition stations (not including HBO and Showtime). Of those 15, I get 6 for free over the air. Here are the 9 channels I would not get in HD without Cox:
- Discovery HD Theater
- ESPN HD
- INHD 1
- INHD 2
- Universal HDTV
- Starz HD
- TNT HD
- MHD (MTV)
- ESPN2 HD
That is an underwhelming list if you ask me. Universal HD and INHD appear to be groupings of channels that offer round the clock HD programs, like “Law and Order : SVU” and “Battlestar Galactica.” To be fair, the lack of HD channels is not Microsoft’s fault. After realizing the lack of HD programming offered by Cox, I am suddenly not as interested in a Vista HTPC for the short-term. As more channels become HD, a CableCARD will certainly be useful. This research did reinforce to me what a cool thing broadcast TV has become with the inclusion of high definition. Most of the shows I watch, like “Lost” and “Heroes” are available to me for free. Most of the other programs I watch, like Maryland basketball and football, are not available in HD, at least from Cox.
If CableCARD is not a killer feature, I think Vista’s Media Center is limited and ultimately too expensive. If I am only watching broadcast TV, MythTV and Linux become much more attractive, especially when you can buy a full-featured MythTV box for only $499.
May 16th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I am using Windows Vista Media Center with a Cablecard on an Okoro BX300 system. Yes I can playback both SDV and HDV TV channels OK. However, be aware that you can’t use the Burn DVD function ON ANY RECORDED CLIPS, EVEN ON NON-LICENSED PROGRAMS (e.g. PBS). I am told that this a limitation stemming from DRM handling by Vista, that Microsoft is aware of and working on a solution with ATI which should be available “soon”.
JB.