Microsoft makes web PVR

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Microsoft has developed a feature that lets people use the Internet to program their Media Center PCs remotely. MSN Remote Record allows customers running the latest version of Media Center to schedule recordings via any Web-connected computer.

For now, the feature is in a beta, or test, phase. Customers have to register at Microsoft's BetaPlace Web site to get the software. A final version is expected in early 2005, according to the company. The new tool works only with PCs running Media Center 2005, and it is available only in the United States and Canada.

Rival TiVo already offers a similar feature via its Web site. For a customer who has a TiVo connected to a broadband Internet connection, the message to record is sent within a few minutes. For machines connected via dial-up, it can take up to 24 hours. "It is the most popular feature on our Web site, and it is growing every week," said TiVo.