If you want to record in the format of your choice with an XP MCE PC, no one is stopping you. Understand this: An MCE PC has one or more TV tuners and video capture cards in it and they will function exactly like any other PC with that hardware. MCE isn't an interface to multiple video formats and types and simply wonld not function correctly if it were.

You're clearly one seriously misinformed individual. Having to use the proprietary MS stuff with all their DRM garbage is unsuitable.' CZroe - Sunday, Octolink 'Windows MCE will never be any use for people serious about video until it allows you to select what codecs you want to use for encoding from all the DirectShow codecs installed on your system.However, if you're looking to upgrade, the best way to go would be a dual core processor in the mid-2GHz range or a single core closer to 3GHz. More times than not, MCE will work just fine with the hardware you already own. Make sure your system is up to multimedia before you start investing in MCE. Your computer should also have an available PCI slot or USB connector for the tuner. To begin at the beginning: For this exercise in taking control of your computer you'll only need a few items: A copy of MCE, a TV tuner (keep in mind that many systems that come pre-installed with MCE don't come with tuner), DVD player software, and, of course, a PC that you're willing to upgrade. If you're an installation guru, then you might find a couple of tips to help you avoid any unnecessary time-wasters. If you're new to OS installs, this will give you the guidelines you'll need to get through the process with a minimum of angst.

As a result, those who want to upgrade a system to MCE (or put it on a fresh system) will encounter a few more roadblocks than with the usual Windows install. The problem is that Microsoft has always intended MCE to be installed by the original equipment manufacturers ( OEMs) who sell PCs, and not by the end users who spend their hard earned money on them. When it comes to audio, video, and still-image file handling, Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) offers a lot in terms of convenience and overall organization.

Windows media center for xp for non mce