Canada/Europe: SageTV Adds HD Support for Windows

SageTV has released its Media Center Version 4.0 for Windows, an upgrade to its Media Center software suite that the company said adds the ability to watch and/or record HD programs and stream them throughout the home.

The new edition also provides integrated electronic program guides for Canada and Europe, expanded support for music file types and play lists, and a new configuration designed to simplify the process of turning Windows PCs into DVR/media centers.

Version 4.0 allows customization of SageTV's user interface and the integration of online content such as RSS newsreaders, interactive weather maps and IMDB [Internet Movie Data Base] browsers into the media software by users and developers. (The SageTV Studio SDK personal license is free with every registered version of SageTV 4.0.)

The Media Center enables Windows users to record a single show or an entire season of HD or SD video on PCs equipped with the appropriate tuner cards. Functions include pause, rewind and fast-forward of live or recorded cable, satellite or antenna-obtained programming, and the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously.

HD content can also be streamed to other PCs on a home or office network using SageTV Client--and eventually to any TV set in the dwelling with SageTV's upcoming Media Extender, scheduled for release by the end of December). SageTV was founded in 2002 and headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.