Microsoft extender links computer with HDTV

Microsoft has announced new Extenders for Windows Media Center, which connects a broadband-connected PC to a home entertainment centre.

The technology provides easy access to HDTV, video formats including DivX, music, photos and other media, from any TV in a house, via a network connection.

The Extenders make it possible to pause a TV show in one room and then resume watching in from a TV in another room.

Extenders for Windows Media Center is compatible with PCs running Vista Premium and Ultimate.

Linksys, D-Link and Niveus are all offering units to make this work, and HP is incorporating the extender technology in its MediaSmart LCD HDTV range, and Linksys, D-Link and Niveus are all offering units to make the technology work.

HP MediaSmart LCD HDTVs are available in 42-inch and 47-inch sizes and support 1080p video, 802.11n wireless, and DivX, XVid, WMV and other video formats

If Extenders for Windows Media Center proves popular, Microsoft has a large potential market. Currently, fewer than 10% of US households have extender devices connecting the PC and TV.

Extenders for Windows Media Center should be available by Christmas.