Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a good new year. Just a few updates since I didn't post anything here while I was out for Christmas.

Finally I posted the v1.02 version of my reset utility for Media Center yesterday, but handily I managed to break the CSS on the download page in my haste - so I will need to take care of that at some point. However the download link is currently fully working.

New in this version:

v1.02 Compiled 2nd January 2005, Released 16th January 2005

New: Companion application to restore recording schedule

New: Detects Media Center Extender

Change: Backup recording schedule now enabled in main application

Fix: Media Center 2004 Reset now allows selecting another TV type during first run

Download: http://mvps.org/marksxp/MediaCenter/util/reset.php

In Late December, Microsoft also released a patch for the HP and Linksys Media Center Extender devices to allow them to playback content which is Protected by the CGMS-A broadcast flag. The update is for each specific device so be sure to choose the correct one for your hardware.

Update Rollup 1 for Linksys Media Center Extender with CGMS-A Support

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=85bb96a5-3b50-4071-9a2a-8774b3104f6a&DisplayLang=en

Update Rollup 1 for HP Media Center Extender with CGMS-A Support

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=930d322b-f76d-4fd9-9492-0ef50285ff8a&DisplayLang=en

An updated version of the Extender Software is due soon for the XBox version of Media Center Extender.

And finally some information which was posted to the public newsgroups...

'Subject: Microsoft is looking for prospective candidates for an upcoming beta program.

Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter

Date: 2004-12-27 11:51:26 PST

Microsoft is looking for prospective candidates for an upcoming beta

program. The program will introduce you to a set of technologies providing

new digital media experiences on Windows consumer PCs.

Please respond to this invitation using the registration instructions below.

Eligible beta testers will be selected based on data collected from those

who fill out the questionnaire at Microsoft BetaPlace.

The beta testing process is very important because it helps ensure that we

release the best possible product.  If you are selected to participate in

the beta program, you will be asked to install the product and report your

testing experiences to Microsoft. Reporting will include installation

surveys, bug reports, and other means as required by Microsoft.

To RSVP and become a candidate for this beta program, go to

http://beta.microsoft.com and sign in using a Passport account and the Guest

ID below.

If you are new to BetaPlace, you will be asked for a beta ID or Guest ID

after logging in with Passport.  Please log in using the Guest ID below.

If you are a current Microsoft beta tester, you will be taken to your

personalized Microsoft beta web site after logging in with Passport. On your

personalized site, click on the link "Sign in as a Guest" in the upper right

side of the page.

When you are prompted for a Guest ID enter the following:

Guest ID:  MS_BetaApp

Please note, if you are currently an active tester on other Microsoft beta

programs but have received this mail, you still need to go to the site and

RSVP by filling out the entire survey to be considered for this new beta

program.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!'