Microsoft Tries Again

By Wilson Rothman

Microsoft is famous for getting software right on the second or third go-round, and this year marks the second try for its Windows XP Media Center Edition. When it debuted last year, Media Center was the first PC system nongeeks could operate like a combination TiVo--DVD player--music jukebox. This year's update enhances the photo slide show and adds a radio tuner. Better yet are two movie-download services and a program that lets you burn DVDs by using just the remote control. The user interface could still be improved, but with living-room-friendly PCs coming from Dell, Gateway and others, even DVD-equipped TiVos will face stiff competition this holiday season.

--By Wilson Rothman