Whilst I was away, the Windows Media Center team opened up the nomination process to join the next beta. To apply, visit Microsoft Connect.
I’ve been beta testing MCE for over 3 years now, and I can certainly say I’ve learned more about computers and technology in general through that programme than anything else. You’ll get to participate in a great beta programme with other passionate enthusiasts and see what Microsoft have planned for future versions of Windows.
Usually, the team need a wide range of testers from different countries, using different types of equipment (both PC and TV reception) so whilst the eligibility bar can be high, you can step right in if you’re the “right” kind of setup they’re looking for.
Whilst I’ve been in the programme previously, there’s been no direct communication from the team as to whether previous testers are automatically included in the next beta (I hope so as I have a bunch of the team’s hardware to test on!). So I’ve put in an application just in case. I’m hoping a slightly passionate rant I had at Joe Belfiore (Media Center VP) last October in Redmond about lack of feature development in Diamond (the version of MCE bundled with Windows Vista) doesn’t get me banned from future betas. Sorry Joe, I was jetlagged! 
Anyway, Media Center is likely to be a perfect partner for Windows Home Server, so make sure you get your nomination in quickly and (hopefully) I’ll see you on the beta newsgroups!
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