I know. But with so many free MediaCenter alternatives available and especially considering how cheap NAS devices have become by now, there's sort of no need for Microsoft to provide and maintain their own solution. I used the MediaCenter <-> Xbox 360 extender solution myself for a long time, but I eventually ditched it in favor of a Linux server running miniDLNA.
Are you for real ? Windows Media Center is the ONLY DVR PC based software that supports Protected DRM channels. No other product on the market has cable card certification. NO OTHER PRODUCT, NOT ONE.
So, no free or other option COULD replace Windows Media Center.... Sure, movies and some streaming content, there is other options but, something that can do EVERYTHING with cablecard support, nope, no other options.