Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) is a version of Windows XP designed to serve as a home-entertainment hub. The last version, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, was released on October 12, 2004.
There are four versions of Windows XP Media Center Edition. All editions of MCE are based on Windows XP Professional with all features enabled (with exception to Active Directory in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (see paragraph "Features removed in the last release") and Terminal Services in the original release:
* Windows XP Media Center Edition (codenamed 'eHome') The first release based directly on Windows XP Professional, this release was only available from Tier 1 computer manufacturers (HP, Dell, Zitech, et al).
* Windows XP Media Center Edition 2003 (codenamed 'Freestyle') added a number of features, including FM radio tuning.
* Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 (codenamed 'Harmony') released in 2003 and was later part of Windows XP Service Pack 2.
* Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (codenamed 'Symphony') The first edition of MCE available to non-Tier 1 system builders, amongst the other things includes support for Media Center Extenders, and CD/DVD-Video burning support.
To determine the underlying edition of XP on which a particular revision of MCE is based, the System Properties Control Panel can be used. To determine the revision of MCE that is being used, select the About Media Center option from the General-->Settings area inside MCE. Wikipedia
