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kenneths

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21 years ago

K

kenneths

7 Posts

0

9485

January 14th, 2005 22:00

MCE 2004 to 2005

Does anyone know when:
 
1. Microsoft announced MCE 2005?
2. Microsoft released MCE 2005?
3. Dell announced MCE 2005?
4. Dell shipped MCE 2005?
5. if ever before they shipped, Dell let customers know that their MCE-2004 system wouldn't be supported?
 
I bought a Dimension XGEN3 in September 2004, just before MCE 2005 came out. I didn't buy such a hot box just for MCE, but I wanted it as part of my multimedia kit. Dell isn't very responsive on this, and I'd like to add some facts.
 
Also, I've seen the MS OEM upgrade to MCE 2005 offered on the net for about $125. Very pricey, but has anyone tried this on an recent Dimension?
 
-Ken
  • B

    bjoy

    18 Posts

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    Posted January 15th, 2005 01:00

    I did that upgrade this week on a Dimension 8400 that came with MCE 2004 because I wanted a second TV tuner.  Though it did fill my last unused PCI slot.
     
    I did a complete rebuild and everything came together nicely with no problems.
     
    I haven't yet explored many of the changes made to Media Center.  The two features that I have found useful so far is the display of scheduled recordings, and the improved ability to resolve conflicts when I have scheduled more than two recordings at the same time.  The only glitch is that in one place they added a menu item at the top so I keep making the wrong selection there.
  • D

    dallison

    5 Posts

    327

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    Posted January 16th, 2005 00:00

    Where and how did you get the upgrade?

    Thanks for you help....

  • B

    bjoy

    18 Posts

    327

    0

    Posted January 16th, 2005 01:00

    I bought mine at newegg.com.  You can find other slightly cheaper vendors through pricewatch.com.
     
    Microsoft requires that you buy hardware in the same purchase.  I went for a black NEC 3520A dual layer 16X DVD burner at $65 rather than trying to find something cheap to satisfy the requirement.
     
    The additional TV eHome tuner cost $57, but you can save a few bucks if you get the version without the FM tuner on it.
     
    So my total cost on the upgrade plus second TV tuner plus DVD burner is roughly $250.  I did download a trial full version of PowerDVD 6.0 to get the DVD decoder (which Media Center needs for viewing TV), so that cost will go up some if I decide to buy that.
     
     
  • D

    dfcd

    2 Posts

    327

    0

    Posted February 1st, 2005 14:00

    I'd like to understand better.  I have to become a "System Builder" to get MCE 2005?

    I looked at newegg and saw MCE 2005 OEM for $131.  I see "*Must be purchased with hardware*" but I don't see where/what hareware is specified.  Is there more information somewhere in case I was brave enough to attempt this?

  • S

    sborgardt

    1 Message

    327

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    Posted February 10th, 2005 21:00

    This is ridiculous that Dell is not offering an upgrade path for customers who recently purchased systems with 2004 MCE on them. I also bought an 8400 late last year and would like to take advantage of the HDTV capabilities in 2005 but Dell says sorry, no upgrade. Sony and HP are both offering an upgrade at  no charge for their customers. Dell should take a hint....
  • S

    simpswr

    2 Intern

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    3224 Posts

    327

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    Posted February 11th, 2005 01:00

    If it makes you feel any better . . Gateway is not offering an upgrade either.
     
    The newegg requirement for hardware can be anything . . I buy oem from them all the time.
     
    wrs
  • K

    kenneths

    7 Posts

    327

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    Posted February 11th, 2005 22:00

    Hmmnnh! So far we have:

     

    Offers upgrade - Newegg, other online discount shops

    Supports upgrade - Microsoft

    Offers and supports upgrade - Sony, HP

    Doesn't offer or support upgrade - Dell, Gateway

    Undecided - Burger King, Google, eBay

     

    Any more points on the curve?

  • N

    newbies99

    4 Posts

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    Posted September 26th, 2005 02:00

    I am in the same delima...8400 with MCE2004. I will not buy a dell computer again!!!

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