A Global Solution

Finally, for the less technically-minded, it would be a good idea to have a turnkey solution including the PC, the multimedia receiver and all the controls with a common, easy-to-use interface. That's what Microsoft offers with Media Center 2005 and the Extender system. Take a look at our first article on the subject. But we looked for it in vain. Microsoft Extender was conspicuous by its absence.

Linksys is the only manufacturer that offers an Extender, but it wasn't on view at the show. The Dual-Band Wireless Media Center Extender connects via Wi-Fi to any Microsoft Media Center PC. It brings TV, video (WMV), photos and music into your living room. The advantage of this solution is in the interface and remote control, which are common to the PC and the Extender. We have no information as to availability.

So we fell back on one or two proprietary solutions that are not without interest.

Searching For The Digital Home

Maybe somebody had set up a digital home at the exhibition? We set out to find one at the CeBIT and here's what we found.