Windows Media Center PCs to have support for Cable TV!

Microsoft and CableLabs Announce Agreement to Enable High-Definition Digital Cable Programming on Windows-Based PCs: Future versions of Media Center PCs to receive digital cable programming without the need for a cable set-top box.

Microsoft Corp. and Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs?) today announced they have reached an agreement that will allow Microsoft and PC manufacturers to bring to market digital-cable-ready Windows? Media Center-based PCs in the holiday 2006 time frame.
These Media Center PCs, capable of supporting a CableCARD™ module, will allow consumers to enjoy one-way cable programming, including premium high-definition cable content, on their personal computer and throughout the home on compliant network-connected devices, such as Xbox 360™, while protecting cable operators’ investments in high-value content in a digital environment. Microsoft is working closely with CableLabs to document final approval of Windows Media? Digital Rights Management (DRM) as a content protection technology for OpenCable™ products that receive one-way cable content under the terms of this agreement.

Holy cow. This is big big news. Finally! The ability to decode cable signals in something other than a underpowered set-top box!