I don't even have a beta invitation to Hulu yet, and already I can tell you that the new online video service from NBC and FOX is a game-changer. Sure, you can't download episodes and burn them to DVD or carry them with you on your iPod. But because the service provides free ad-supported streaming episodes of a bunch of series you actually want to watch, Hulu could make a serious dent on iTunes, Amazon, Joost, and other services that let you watch videos on your PC.

And since Hulu is partnering with online video sites like AOL and MSN, you can already watch quite a bit of Hulu content today, even without a beta account.

But there's one thing you can't easily do with Hulu -- yet. And that's watch the videos on your TV. But something tells me that's about to change very quickly. When Microsoft launched its new "Internet TV" component for Windows Vista Media Center last month, we were impressed by the technology but a bit disappointed with the content options.

The only videos available were from the MSN Video site. That means it's a bunch of clips from popular programs, user-generated content, and a handful of music videos and concerts. There was a grand total of one TV series with full length streaming episodes available. And while I love me some Arrested Development, I was really hoping for a bit more.

As of this morning, there are 80+ series available on MSN Video. Not all of the shows are from Hulu. There's also some CBS programming, including 18 billion different versions of CSI. There's no way to access these shows from the Windows Media Center interface yet. But I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before these episodes start showing up in MCE.

Update: I just got an email from someone at MSN Video PR, and it appears Hulu content will not be available through Internet TV. I suppose NBC/FOX don't want to cannibalize DVD sales, but this is still pretty disappointing news.

If you're in the market for a new Windows Media Center-compatible remote control, it looks like you can pick up a new Ricavision remote for $30. Actually, you can get the remote for $7, but if you want a Bluetooth/RC6 infrared receiver too you'll have to find $30 in your couch cushions for the bundle.

We first heard about these new remotes from Ricavision way back in February, so it's good to see that they're finally shipping. But it would also be nice if Ricavision would get around to shipping the high-end Sideshow remotes they promised last year.

Sideshow is a new protocol that lets devices like internet tablets and remote controls interact with Windows Vista machines to display things like program guides, music playlists, and weather forecasts on an LCD display without turning on your PC monitor. Somehow we suspect Ricavision's Sideshow-enabled remote controls will cost a bit more than $30.

[via Chris Lanier]

MCEDev has released a new beta of TV Toolbox, a Windows Media Center application for editing recorded shows using your remote control.

TV Toolbox lets you convert DVR-MS files to other video formats or perform basic video editing tasks without getting up from your couch. The latest beta includes a number of bug fixes and updates including:

• Fixed a problem that caused TV Toolbox to hang on startup
• Fixed a problem with file name generation
• TV Toolbox refreshes list of recordings when grouping changes or application restarts
• You can now create rules to convert any recordings created by Windows Media Center when the files include a certain keyword

Even if you had no problems with the first release, this is a recommended download since the first beta will expire at the end of August. Beta2 will expire at the end of September.

[via Aaron Stebner]

As expected, TiVo Desktop 2.5 has been released. Make that 2.5.274381 to be exact.

Here are a few of the updates in the latest version, some of which are long overdue:

• Compatible with Windows Vista
• Apple iPod has been added to the list of supported portable devices, and converted files are added to your iTunes library
  
• Supports transfer and playback of XviD and DivX (4.0 and up) files
• Adds the ability to convert previously transfered files

Now if TiVo could just come out with a patch that enables Windows Vista to startup and shut down properly we'd be all set.

[via Zatz Not Funny]

Microsoft has released the June 2007 Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista. If they'd waited any longer they would have had to change the title, and really, who wants to download the July 2007 cumulative update?

You can get this operating system update through Windows Update, or you can download the 32 bit or 64 bit installers from the web.

What goodies are wrapped up in this update?

• Fixed: Windows Media Center does not correctly configure a combo TV tuner that supports both ATSC and NTSC signals
• Fixed: When you resize the Windows Media Center window, video playback may stop
• Fixed: No audio during DVD or Live TV playback after waking your computer from sleep
• Several fixes for the Media Center Extensibility Platform
• Update to the Digital Card component to provide better support for interaction between the digital cable tuner, the CableCard, and Windwos Media Center
• Includes April 2007 Cumulative Update
  

[via Missing Remote]

One of the coolest things about Windows Media Center is that you can plugin a ton of 3rd party applications to add the ability to do things like read RSS feeds, check your email, or even make video phone calls. OABsoftware has updates its line of Vista Media Center plugins that do just those things.

All of the plugins have been updated to work with Windows Vista. You can also use Media Center RSS Reader and Media Center Mail on an media extender.

OABsoftware has also released a new Vista-compatible applications called Media Center Outlook. The plugin lets you access all your MS Outlook information including your calendar, contacts, tasks, notes, and emails.

[via Aaron Stebner]