Vista Media Center can seamlessly playback DVDs, HD DVD or Blu-ray discs require a 3rd party application.

ENGADGET: Will there ever be integrated HD media support in Vista? HD

If you want the ultimate HD media machine, it is hard to beat Vista Media Center.

ENGADGET: Will there ever be integrated HD media support in Vista? HD

The XL2 version is an update to the XL1 that will be shown later on the floor -- it's the big sister to the XL1 media center system with a built-in HD tuner.

ENGADGET: Live at the Sony press preview

DirecTV paired its HD interface with the five tuner, RVU ready HR34 Home Media Center DVR back in March, so what will it do next to take advantage of the multiroom boxes with five tuners and massive hard drives?

ENGADGET: DirecTV HR34 DVR 'Genie' recommendations and autorecording get previewed ahead of fall launch

This Windows Media Center 2005-powered machine delivers that crystal clear HD video via the ATI X1600 graphics card, and AMEX even throws in a "multi-function" remote to control the action from your oh-so-comfy loveseat.

ENGADGET: AMEX Digital launches M505-BDR Blu-ray recording HTPC

TiVo and Windows Media Center users that rely on CableCARDs to get 'em HD goodness have had a unique reason to prefer Verizon FiOS TV over the competition, which is apparently at its last stop.

ENGADGET: Verizon FiOS TV finally getting tough on CableCARD users HD

Dropbox, Windows Live Mesh, Splashtop HD, Spotify, Logitech Media Server and other apps ran simultaneously behind Media Center and other apps without stressing the system.

ENGADGET: How-to: Build a multi-talented HTPC for (roughly) $1,000

Windows Media Center handled recording and watching 1080i TV channels (using the terrestrial Freeview HD service in the UK) with no issues.

ENGADGET: How-to: Build a multi-talented HTPC for (roughly) $1,000