Introducing Extenders
for Windows Media Center

Overview

Extender technology is built in to some of your favorite home entertainment devices such as TVs, DVD players, and cool, quiet peripherals that fit comfortably with your other home theater components. We call these devices "Extenders for Windows Media Center".

The new Extenders for Windows Media Center let you take full advantage of the digital media on your Windows Vista–based PC and access it from any TV with an Extender in any room of your house – including HD video and surround sound from the comfort of your couch using a remote control. All you need is your PC running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate operating system and a wired or wireless home network.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Deliver instant access to your entire media library – live and recorded TV, music, movies, videos, sports, Internet TV, and other online content – through your wired or wireless home network to any TV in your home.
  • Leave your PC where it makes sense (like in your home office), and access your digital media and entertainment from any TV with an Extender.
  • Enjoy all of your High Definition (HD) content with full surround sound on any HDTV throughout your house.
  • Choose your favorite from a variety of cool, quiet devices, such as DVD players and TVs that have built in wireless functionality based on dual band draft 802.11n.

What you need to get started:

A PC running Windows® Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate operating system.
(TV tuner required to use the Extender to view live or recorded TV through Windows Media Center)

A wired or wireless home network.

A TV with appropriate inputs for your Extender device.



Xbox 360 is an Extender for Windows Media Center

If you have an Xbox 360®, you already have an Extender for Windows Media Center. Setup is easy, and soon you'll be cruising through Windows Media Center menus through your Xbox 360 anywhere in your home.

Learn more about using your Xbox 360 as an Extender for Windows Media Center >

About Windows Media Center

New Extender products are powered by Windows Media Center, which is available in Windows Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. Learn more about this versatile and dynamic set of features that allow you to use your computer to store, organize, and stream your digital media for a whole-home connected entertainment experience.

About Windows Media Center >

For complete details about Windows Media Center, please see the link at the bottom of this page.

Enjoying live and recorded HD content may require additional equipment, including an HD compatible receiver, tuner, set–top box, and TV or other display.

TV tuner required to use the Extender to view live or recorded TV through Windows Media Center. Enjoying live and recorded HDTV (U.S. only) may require additional equipment, including but not limited to an HD compatible tuner and TV or other display.

To enjoy all the benefits of Windows Media Center, Internet access is also recommended; for some features, such as the Microsoft Electronic Programming Guide, it is required.

Currently, Internet TV Beta is available only in the U.S. and requires a broadband Internet connection.

Online media is available only in selected countries. Internet service fees may apply.

Vongo content is currently not available in 5.1 surround sound.

Enjoying live and recorded HDTV (U.S. only) may require additional equipment, including but not limited to an HD compatible tuner and TV or other display.

Enjoying live and recorded HDTV (U.S. only) may require additional equipment, including but not limited to an HD compatible tuner and TV or other display.