Most versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 included Media Center, which
allows you to use your living room computer as a TV tuner and audio/video
player. With the move to Windows 8, however, Microsoft has dropped Media
Center from the basic product, apparently citing the cost of additional
decoder licenses as the main reason for having to charge almost $40 for the
add-in. However, you can still get Media Center for free if you upgrade to
Windows 8 Pro before the end of January 2013. Just head to this Microsoft
website address, enter your email address, and you'll receive the software
plus a licence key. Windows Media Center makes a great TV and PVR (personal
video recorder) combo. So it's definitely worth getting hold of a copy while
it's free, even if you don't intend to install Windows 8 right away.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/upgrading-win8-how-avoid-paying-40-extra-media-centre.htm
