How do I make Windows function as a media center extender?

glugglug

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2002
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Rather than having 3 DVRs/cable boxes for 3 rooms, I would like to set up my main PC as THE DVR, with barebones budget PCs in the other rooms viewing either recordings or live TV from the main box.

Is there anything that can be downloaded for Windows to turn it into a media center extender to facilitate this? Will Media Center Edition do it as is?

Assuming I put at least 3 tuners in the main box, will I be able to watch 3 separate live shows in the 3 rooms?