Microsoft screwing over current customers with Media Center TV Pac

[theelite]

Why isn't Microsoft releasing the Media Center TV Pack to current users who
already payed thousands of dollars for an OEM Media Center? The only way we
can get this update is to pay for another OEM system? We basically beta
tested the whole digital cable rollout for Microsoft and had to deal with
problem after problem, and our reward is to buy a new system to get these
features we should of had in the first place, thanks Microsoft.

# Native unencrypted QAM support (you no longer need DCTs to get basic cable
in Media Center)
# Native support for up to four DCTs (Vista Ultimate versions only)
# Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to
have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs
(although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet
released)

[JW]

Yes, it is true that if you purchase a new Vista Home Premium or Ultimate
system that comes with TV Pack that you will get the ability to receive
clear QAM using a new version of Vista MC that comes with the TV pack.

However, it is not currently known although hopefully it will be know on
Sept 3, which is the rumored date of the announcement of the new version,
what the ability of current users of Vista HP or Vista Ultimate to upgrade
to the same new version of MC that is included with TV pack will be.

Post by theelite
Why isn't Microsoft releasing the Media Center TV Pack to current users who
already payed thousands of dollars for an OEM Media Center? The only way we
can get this update is to pay for another OEM system? We basically beta
tested the whole digital cable rollout for Microsoft and had to deal with
problem after problem, and our reward is to buy a new system to get these
features we should of had in the first place, thanks Microsoft.
# Native unencrypted QAM support (you no longer need DCTs to get basic cable
in Media Center)
# Native support for up to four DCTs (Vista Ultimate versions only)
# Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to
have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs
(although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet
released)

[Curious]

It appears that the MS MC crews is using the same procedure with TV Pack
that was used with Vista SP1. It was released to all of the OEMs about a
month ahead of the general retail release. This was done so it could be
available from OEMs on new systems in stores and at OEM Websites at the same
time that it is released to the public.
The limited systems available now from HP are a very limited configuration
and required the purchase of an OCCUR cable card tuner.
It also appears possible that there will be two releases. The current one
without H.264 support and a later release with it when they get the problems
fixed that they could not fix in time for the OEM to be shipping them early
this fall.

Post by JW
Yes, it is true that if you purchase a new Vista Home Premium or Ultimate
system that comes with TV Pack that you will get the ability to receive
clear QAM using a new version of Vista MC that comes with the TV pack.
However, it is not currently known although hopefully it will be know on
Sept 3, which is the rumored date of the announcement of the new version,
what the ability of current users of Vista HP or Vista Ultimate to upgrade
to the same new version of MC that is included with TV pack will be.

Post by theelite
Why isn't Microsoft releasing the Media Center TV Pack to current users who
already payed thousands of dollars for an OEM Media Center? The only way we
can get this update is to pay for another OEM system? We basically beta
tested the whole digital cable rollout for Microsoft and had to deal with
problem after problem, and our reward is to buy a new system to get these
features we should of had in the first place, thanks Microsoft.
# Native unencrypted QAM support (you no longer need DCTs to get basic cable
in Media Center)
# Native support for up to four DCTs (Vista Ultimate versions only)
# Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to
have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs
(although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet
released)

[David B.]

It is available if you know where to look ;)
--
----
Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

Post by theelite
Why isn't Microsoft releasing the Media Center TV Pack to current users who
already payed thousands of dollars for an OEM Media Center? The only way we
can get this update is to pay for another OEM system? We basically beta
tested the whole digital cable rollout for Microsoft and had to deal with
problem after problem, and our reward is to buy a new system to get these
features we should of had in the first place, thanks Microsoft.
# Native unencrypted QAM support (you no longer need DCTs to get basic cable
in Media Center)
# Native support for up to four DCTs (Vista Ultimate versions only)
# Ability to watch non copy protected recorded TV on other PCs (that have to
have the TV feature pack installed though) and the ability to burn TV to DVDs
(although this feature requires an update to the DCT which is not yet
released)

[canttakeit.org]

We would also like to know the answer to this. We purchased a Vista for a
test Media Center only to find out it wasn't the newest version so we do not
have the latest Media Center. Now we payed the same amount of money as
someone if they were buying it today but we are not getting the same product.

We are debating starting a petition on this to voice our needs.

[Curious]

AFAIK very few OEMs are selling systems that contain TV Pack since they have
to provide the support for them. In the US the only ones I have seen are
systems that also include the ATI cable card tuner. Otherwise they are only
selling standard Vista with the current standard MC which does not include
TV Pack.
I have seen reports that TVPack will be part of the standard MC and will be
supported by MS directly in Windows7

Post by canttakeit.org
We would also like to know the answer to this. We purchased a Vista for a
test Media Center only to find out it wasn't the newest version so we do not
have the latest Media Center. Now we payed the same amount of money as
someone if they were buying it today but we are not getting the same product.
We are debating starting a petition on this to voice our needs.

[David B.]

Did you research the issue BEFORE you bought your PC or are are you just
whining like those goofballs that paid a premium for the iPhone when it came
out then complained because the price dropped?
The only blame I see is on you for not looking before you bought.
--
----
Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Help Us Help You http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

Post by canttakeit.org
We would also like to know the answer to this. We purchased a Vista for a
test Media Center only to find out it wasn't the newest version so we do not
have the latest Media Center. Now we payed the same amount of money as
someone if they were buying it today but we are not getting the same product.
We are debating starting a petition on this to voice our needs.