Imaging being able to command your PC or television the same way Ali Baba opened his door to riches. You can, if you use the Media Center Edition of Windows XP. But instead of starting with "Open Sesame," you start your commands with "One Voice."

It's made possible by Media Center Communicator, add-on software from OneVoice Technologies.

The basic package comes with the software and a microphone to plug into the USB port of your PC. Together they allow you to take advantage of voice navigation to play your favorite albums, watch your favorite TV channels or change the volume.

As if having a virtual remote control isn't enough, you also can have OneVoice order a pizza or start up your favorite software application. (I like the pizza command -- especially when it gets delivered during a good football game or at the perfect spot in a movie.)

Communications is the strength of the Media Center Communicator. In addition to being able to make phone calls, you can create and send e-mail, instant messages and even text messages verbally. Of course, you'll need the appropriate communications application to work with OneVoice Media Center Communicator, which for phone calls means a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone service such as Vonage or Skype.

Previous versions of Media Center Communicator used a Logitech microphone wired to your PC.

I find that it works well, even though it's usually across the room from me. The new version builds a microphone right into the Windows Media Center remote control.

It would be interesting to find out whether you can use it when you lose the remote under the cushion, as always happens around my home.

Media Center Communicator costs $149.95 at www.onev.com.