Highlights from the Media Center 2005 launch in LA. The event is being hosted by Bill Gates and the other presenter is Sean Alexander.

• Bill is emphasizing that it’s important that consumers have the choice of which devices they use as well choice amongst media stores.
• WMP - 17 million downloads
• MSN Music - 1 million tracks available in 17 Countries
• MSN Music - Exclusive AC/DC content! :)
• Showing off an Audiovox phone that has WMP 10 so you can watch TV on your phone (in addition to viewing photos and listening to music).
• What works with what? Look for Plays For Sure logo. Eliminates the need for consumer to worry about file formats.
• 1 million copies of Media Center sold
• Showcasing HP hardware that doesn’t like like a PC, add to queue, burning, memory card reading, photo touch up, Windows Connect to configure networks, sharing via printing, burning, and Ofoto, dual tuner support, no service fees for the guide, movie portal, hidef support, MCE as a platform, showing off NPR, MSN Video, instant messenger, Queen Latifah is now on stage, MSN Music is available for MCE,…
• Video from Intel
• As Sean and Bill move to the ‘bedroom’, ‘You can get it wherever you want it’ - I think they’re talking about media :)
• Demoing the Extender and XBox Media Center kit
• Demoing Portable Media Center connecting to a mini-van DVD system

Update 0: Thomas Hawk has the definitive list of articles about MCE 2005

Update 1: Peter Near has a really good play by play of the launch. I was too busy watching to blog :).

Update 2: Engadget has an MP3 of the event

Update 3: Photos of launch from CNET