Windows Media Center PCs get cable-TV ready.(Microsoft Corp. signed contract with Cable Television Laboratories Inc. to develop digital-cable-ready Windows Media Center-based PC )

Online Reporter, The, November, 2005

Microsoft and PC makers will be able to sell digital-cable-ready Windows Media Center-based PC by the fall of 2006 under a deal Microsoft has made with CableLabs (Cable Television Laboratories), the cable TV industry's research and development operation. In effect, the PCs will have the cable TV set-top box built in.

Media Center PC users will be able to view standard and high-definition cable channels on their PC or laptop, as well as through networked devices such as the Xbox 360, by installing a digital cable card. Consumers will be able to use their Windows Media PCs instead of a TV to watch cable TV programming--no external box required.

"The cable industry is very interested in having the PC serve as another means to allow consumers to enjoy...

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