Microsoft originally launched the Media Center Extender for Windows XP in 2004-2005, then later followed it up with the Media Center Extender for the Xbox 360. As far as I can tell, neither was successful; for one thing, it was tough to justify the cost of a $250 Media Extender, let alone alongside the actual Windows XP Media Center Edition OS. The new version will, naturally, be tied to Windows Vista.

At a press conference Thursday morning at the CEDIA expo here in Denver, Niveus chief executive Tim Cutting helpfully divulged the launch date but would not comment on price. When asked why the time was right to resuscitate the Media Center Extender, Cutting basically said that he really didn't care what consumers wanted. The custom installers who represent the CEDIA audience, however, think the technology is the best solution for whole-house, protected media distribution, he said.

"In the CE channel this is going to be highly successful, and that's what I care about," Cutting said. The Niveus extender will be launched in the fourth quarter.

Interesting note: this will be the third Media Center Extender, which -- if you believe in the "Microsoft rule of three" that only its third-generation products are successful -- augurs well for the new version.

Niveus also ananounced some preliminary details on its new Niveus N4 media server. Normally, the Niveus products are priced out of the range of the ordinary consumer, or about $8,000 to $15,000. The new N4 will be priced at $5,000 and include HD DVD support, as well as upscale DVDs to 1080p.