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The user interface was redesigned and tailored for the 16:9 aspect ratio. A new version of Windows Media Center was included in Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions. Originally codenamed "Freestyle" during development, Windows Media Center was first included with a special edition of Windows XP called Windows XP Media Center Edition. Many brands of tuner cards allow connection of TV antennas to the RF connector on a PCI or PCIe expansion card with Windows Media Center functionality. It is possible to view encrypted private network television stations that are not broadcast over the air with internal and external tuner options that support the insertion of a CableCard provided by the cable TV company. Both standard and high-definition unencrypted video are supported through DVB-T and ATSC standards. In the US up to four TV tuners on single- or dual-tuner cards are supported simultaneously (a maximum of two tuners elsewhere). It is possible to watch and pause live TV. Content can be played back on computer monitors or on television sets through the use of devices called Windows Media Center Extenders. Users can stream television programs and films through selected services such as Netflix. Media Center can play slideshows, videos and music from local hard drives, optical drives and network locations. It is also available for Windows 8 Pro as an add-on.
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The application is included in various versions of Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate, and all editions of Windows 7 except for Starter and Home Basic. It is an application that allows users to view and record live television, as well as organize and play music and videos. Windows Media Center is a digital video recorder and media player developed by Microsoft.
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