Media PCs are popping up everywhere and we're spotting more and more new models targeting the home theater. The much-talked-about Envive E-Center Pro is a great example of a Media Center PC that looks pretty irresistible. But resist! Even with solid tech specs, form-factors and features, now is not the right time to buy any Media Center PC. Read More to find out why.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Media Center PCs (MCPC) and like the idea of using devices like MCPCs and Macs in home theaters. Now, however, is the wrong time to buy one. If you already have one and have been using it successfully, as I have, you probably love it. This recommendation is directed to anyone considering buying an MCPC this fall. Today's Media Center PCs do a great job playing DVDs, some play games well and they generally do a reasonable job of recording and playing SD TV.

Why wait, you ask? Two words -- High Definition!

Today's MCPCs are missing soon-to-be-available features that should make you think twice before spending your hard-earned cash:

1. No CableCARD support
   Despite the fact that Internet content is steadily increasing, Cable TV is far from dead -- especially when it comes to HDTV. Current MCPC models lack CableCARD support. That means you can't watch or record HD cable TV on today's units. Until Vista comes out, you won't see MCPCs that support CableCARDs. Vista provides the facility for HDTV CableCARD support and copy protection management for protected (HDCP) content through CableCARDs. I wouldn't assume you can easily upgrade to a unit that supports CableCARD.
   
   
2. Limited high definition DVD format support
   We still don't recommend HD-DVD or Blu-ray high definition formats for anyone except those who have $$ to burn. Despite that, buying a home theater device today for $500+ should give you more than just basic DVD and SD playback. Most Media Center PCs can't guarantee playback for either high def DVD format at full HD. This is especially true for movies that implement quality-reducing security tokens when HDCP encryption isn't maintained through the display chain. Therefore, even if the MCPC you're eyeing says it can play one of the two high def formats, you can't be assured you'll be able to play all upcoming content at full HD resolution. HDCP might get into the way without an OS and/or hardware upgrade. Vista should resolve much of this.
   

We're keeping a close eye on this and will review the first Media Center PCs running Vista with CableCARDs. But for now, we recommend that you don't buy a Media Center PC as your primary home theater device until early next year when we start to see the new Vista-based units. More to come.

Let us know what you are considering in the comments below.

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