If you've been using Windows  Vista Home Premium or Windows 7,  I am sure that you have come across Windows Media Center.   We'll,  my family has been using the Windows Media Center for just over one year and we've seen what it can do.  We've also seen what it cannot do.

This program is like a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), only it will let you view videos, pictures, televisions shows and movies on your computer. In order to view the television shows, you'll need a TV Tuner card in your computer.   Here's the Sabrent TV Tuner card, with the included remote control.   It works best with your provider's basic cable package since the basic cable package does not require an external box.  The cable plugs directly in to the card.   Right now, these cards do not support Digital Cable or Satellite TV.

This card will allow you to watch television directly on your computer.  Combined with the Media Software, it will allow you to record your favorite programs and  view them later.  I recommend a 250 GB or larger hard drive in your computer for the most storage space.  Terabyte hard drives are around $100 and give you even more space.

If you want to view these programs on  your television and replace your cable company's costly DVR service, you'll need a Media Extender.  The media extender connects back to your computer with a simple Ethernet cable or WiFi connection and allows you to access the pictures, songs, MP3s and recorded shows from any connected Television.   I use the Linksys DMA-2200 Media Extender.   In 2008, I was able to find this unit on Amazon.Com for $99, but haven't been able to find such a bargain since.

PROS:  Allows you to watch cable television channels, listen to MP3s and play recorded shows.  Integrates with your NetFlix Account on your desktop.  Allows you to store your DVDs on your computer and view them through Windows Media Center on your desktop.

CONS:  Does not allow you to view DVD movies stored on your hard drive on your Media Center Extender (i.e - your television).  The same goes for NetFlix movies.   The Media Center Extender does not support NetFlix.

If you'd like to view your NetFlix movies online and on your Television, you'll need something like the Roku box.  I'll add a review for the Roku on a later blog entry.