Can someone explain what so special about Windows XP MCE 2005 compared to other XP versions?

[Pikarya]

My fiancee wants to downgrade one of her Vista PC's to Windows XP MCE 2005. Reason why is because she watches a lot of TV on her PC and doesn't wanna give up Media Center (Yeah, I know).

Anyways whats the difference? From researching it seems its just a fancy version of XP Professional with Media Center/Media Capabilities enhanced.

[SephYuyX]

Im guessing she has the shitty basic version of vista, most other versions have MCE built in, just upgrade to another version, or go back to MCE, w/e.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista_editions

But yes, thats all the MCE is.

[Pikarya]

alright, thanks a bunch. just wanted to make sure since I've never used with OS version.

[The Stig]

I believe it's impossible to install MCE? I knew back when it first came out it was only released to machines with Media Centre capabilities/Media PCs and it wasn't available to purchase at all.

Or are you doing it via a torrent? (I've never looked or tried)

EDIT: Or did the machine already come with MCE initially and you upgraded? I don't quite understand the statement.

[Pikarya]

There have been three releases of Windows XP Media Center Edition.

* Windows XP Media Center Edition (codenamed Freestyle, Sep 2002), was only available from Tier 1 computer manufacturers (HP, Dell, Sony, Zitech, et al).
* Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 (codenamed Harmony, Nov 2003). Windows XP Service Pack 2 upgrades earlier versions of MCE to this one.
* Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (codenamed Symphony, Nov 2004) is the first edition of MCE available to non-Tier 1 system builders. Among other things it includes support for Media Center Extenders, and CD/DVD-Video burning support.

^

[The Stig]

Oooooo. I'll have to buy a copy then. That slipped pass my radar.

[mootsfox]

Use Vista, it's much better than the shit support of MCE.