Today, Chris Lanier posted that he has information from a reliable Microsoft source that "Microsoft is looking to take Media Center off the desktop and turn it into a CE appliance."  (the quotes are mine)

From the article:

So, I’m a bit shocked that Microsoft is looking to do anything like this. For years I have been saying that such a device would fail in the market due to its un-doubtable high cost in comparison to other CE devices like TiVo’s and the $10/month cable/satellite DVR.

Media Center’s number one problem has been failing to define itself in the market. Enthusiasts and power users want features not currently provided by Media Center, most of which Microsoft has shown little interest in actually implementing, and they want it at the smallest price possible. The high-end custom install channel wants the same things, but are willing to pay as much as they need to in order to get the features. Then the rest of the world doesn’t know that Media Center exists, and even if they did they want it at a price lower than what enthusiasts and power users are willing to spend.

First of all, I have to agree with Chris.  I don’t see this being much of a success in the wide market.  For the majority of people, it’s 10 times easier to let the cable guy hook up a DVR while he’s there and be done with it.  Hell, Dish Network has started handing out HD DVRs with a contract.  End of story.  Other than the tech savvy, I don’t see people spending the money this would cost when there’s a "free" (minus monthly fee) alternative out there.  Even for the tech savvy, there are solutions out there already:  Niveus, Lifeware, etc.  They’re pricey but available.  Besides that, the geek set are more likely to be willing to tinker with a PC to get what they want.

I don’t see a problem with a headless CE device.  The more people using Media Center, the better.  It’s a great product that can bring an entire home of media together. 

What I do have a problem with is the mention of Media Center being removed from the desktop.  All I know is that when that happens, that’s the day I convert to an alternative.  Something that I can run on a PC and allows me the freedom to play.  A big part of my love for Media Center is the PC part of it.  I love to build, maintain and see what I can do with computers.  If I wanted a dumb DVR, I’d get it from the cable company.  It’s certainly easier to deal with!  But I don’t use Media Center for easy.  I use it because I like what MS has done and I want to play with it to see what I can make it do.  When you take away the customization, well, it’s time for SageTV, BeyondTV or one of those.  If I’m going to have a whole house system, it’s going to be one I can enjoy.

Some may read this and say it’s a bit early to jump the gun.  After all, this is just a rumor, right?  Well, yes it is but better to let MS know what I’m thinking now, before it’s too late.  I sincerely hope I’m jumping up too fast and this rumor will be shot down.  I know for a fact that someone at MS reads this blog…not all the time, but they’ve been here.  I hope that they see this and comment, even anonymously.  Please give me hope that no one is going to take my Media Center "PC" away from me.