Media Extender - (May be known as MCX, Windows Media Extender, Windows Media Center Extender) - A Media Extender is a device connected to a digital media hub that can transfer photos, audio, video, etc. to a display device such as a TV or home theater. Wired or wireless network connections can be incorporated. Examples of digital media hubs include Media Center PCs, standard PCs, media centers, home servers and gaming consoles. It's often powered by Microsoft's Windows CE embedded operating system.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates introduced Windows Media Center Extender Technology at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). He envisioned it's primary function to be extending the reach of media center PCs (with Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition Operating System and later Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate editions,) to television displays in various locations around the home.

There are two types of Media Extenders. One is a hardware device with the extender software built-into it. This hardware device may be a dedicated, standalone device (sometimes known as a “Media Center Extender Set-top Box”) or a product such as Microsoft Xbox 360 that also has other functions.

The other type of Media Extender takes the form of a Media Extender software application that’s integrated into another device. Thus Media Center Extender technology can be embedded in a TV eliminating the need for an enabled set-top box or integrated unit such as an Xbox 360.

Digital Media Hub - definition

Windows Media Video - (WMV) - A generic name for the set of video codec technologies developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Windows Media framework.