This just showed up overnight via Windows Update:
February 2010 Windows Media Center Cumulative Update for Windows 7
Microsoft has released the February 2010 Cumulative Update for Windows Media Center for Windows 7. This update rollup is intended for computers that are running Windows Media Center on Microsoft Windows 7.
Issues that this cumulative update package fixes
The February 2010 Cumulative Update for Windows Media Center for Windows 7 resolves the following issues:
- Improves the overall experience for systems that are configured by using digital cable card tuners.
- Resolves backward compatibility issues for some legacy Windows Media Center extensibility applications.
- Resolves an issue with how recorded TV shows are managed when switching to a user locale that is based on the Hijri calendar.
- Improves the overall experience when you use Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB) tuners. ISDB is a Japanese standard for digital television and digital radio.
The first bullet is probably the most important one. I’ve noticed very few issues on the two CableCARD systems I have running here, but with the opening up of CableCARD tuners to hobbyists and the launch of Ceton’s new tuners imminent, there should be an influx of new digital cable tuners this year.
If anyone spots any issues after this update, be sure to leave a comment.
Ed Bott (@ wordpress.com) 
I’ll wait to install this since I rely on MC for all my TV watching, but I’m surprised to hear you say 7MC with CableCARDs that you’ve experienced “very few issues.”
My EPG database has crashed like 4 times in the past 6 months. Luckily MC recovers very gracefully and in fact the only way I can tell is because my “only keep 5 episodes” series recordings get reset — meaning it keeps 10 episodes, 5 from before the crash and the most recent 5.
I’m also having more recording issues where some shows are skipped and others get recorded from various channels even though I have it set to “only record on WTVTDT.”
Anways, I’ll be watching this and other threads closely before I upgrade. Thanks
Ben
Ben, I haven’t seen anything like that. Is there an Event Viewer log entry and Event ID that marks this? I’d like to check and see if I can find anything like that.
FWIW, I have two systems, one with two DCTs and the other with just one. Both have been running since October. WFA is still at 10.
One thing is missing dearly on Windows 7 Media Center: MHEG5 support, allowing for a better EPG experience on those countries where the standard EPG is limited and the whole programming guide is delivered via the MHEG5 standard.
That, and putting pressure on ATI to deliver drivers that actually have no problems with H.264 interlaced content. But that’s another battle.
I sorry to say this but Microsoft has missed the game. The Media Center development is much too slow and it doesn’t incorporate other Internet programming content sufficiently.
It’s software should be incorporated into standalone boxes instead of merely PCs. I just bought a blu-ray player that has Netflix and Youtube access. Why not something similar for Media Center access that directs the user to Internet and personal content playback?
I can’t imagine how Media Center can be used in any way as currently configured in the living room.
Thanks for the heads up, Ed. I have a dual ATI CableCARD setup and it is only so-so on stability. I still end up rebooting the system and the extenders once a week just so things don’t hang. Perhaps the biggest problem is my CableCARDS, which go to “Error” state spontaneously about every 2 weeks, each. So, each week I have a CableCARD that locks up. It is resolved by a tuner reboot. Not good for the WAF.
My bigger problem is dealing with Time Warner Cable in Raleigh. I want to swap these CableCARDs out, and while TWC has sent 3 truck rolls, not a single one has had a different CableCARD in hand. At this point I’m just going to wait it out and use one of them with a Ceton tuner. (The other one is going right where TWC’s sun doesn’t shine).
Hmmm. Not happy with this update (although can’t say it was the cause, have to investigate), but my media center PC rebooted today while watching DVB-T content (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=84&topicid=57825).
Bugger. Another reboot. Uninstalled update now and will see how it goes.
Now I stunned. Rebooted again, even after removing the update.
I don’t need cable tuners because I have at&T U-Verse, which allows me to record up to four programs simultaneously. But I use WMC with software from http://www.Mymovies.dk. I have the software installed on my Windows Home Server and on three PC clients. I can watch my entire DVD and BluRay collection, which I have ripped to my server. Moreover, the software provides a magnificent display of phots from the movies at startup, and also provides actors and crew, among other things. I love it.
Forgive the typos: I have macular degeneration, and it is sometimes difficult to see my mistakes as I submit a comment. Ed, again, thanks for the info. You always do a great job. I wish that there were more like you.
Hi Ed – Are you familiar with the MC add-in called TunerFree MCE? While it’s focus is on UK users for those of us in the US it says it provides full access to the Hulu catalog: http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=11
I’ve not installed it yet myself.
Using the Hash key on yr phone pad during the automated activation, really cuts down the time as well.
I have never had a problem in 6 yrs of using the phone activation.