pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

So I was thinking of setting up a pc as a home media center.. you know plugged into my tv, do away with DVD player etc, have the pc control Tv, DVD the lot ... what would you recommend?

Basic PC with Windows Media Center?? and a remote?

Normal PC with Wireless keyboard and mouse ?

mike1210

Shuttle Europe - Home



it's a pre made one but may be worth a look

corradoboy

Mac Mini + Elgato EyeTV all running in FrontRow

cottonfoo

If you're feeling adventurous and know a few things, MythTV on Linux works well.

Iain Young

If you want a Windows based machine, I'd wait a little while and see what Vista machines become available. It has all the features of Media Center (plus a load more) and is more likely to be compatible with devices going forward...

John@TunerUK

I have just asked a friend of mine the same question, and he uses MythTV. A reasonably spec'd back end PC hidden away complete with 3 DVB-T cards and lots of storage, with a low spec front end in a nice case Like this perhaps.

I think the case has a receiver for the microsoft media centre remote, but I can't seem to find whether or not the remote is compatible with normal XP. Or is Linux an OS that would have to be used??

InvisibleMan

its a shame that the xbox cant read anything other than wmv i would have used that and my usb HD but its a pain having to convert everything.
You dont really need a 'media center pc' do you, why cant you use anything, just need to be able to connect to tv?

cottonfoo

MythTV is only for Linux, you can use an IR remote with the lirc kernel modules. I have no clue about MS MCE, not open enough for my needs.

druddle

Another vote for MythTV (running on Ubuntu Edgy Linux). There are some very good installation notes on the Ubuntu Wiki. Have MythWeb installed which means i can connect to my media PC from a web browser and schedule recordings, view recordings, films, pics, etc so no more forgetting to set the recorder, i can do it from work !!!

Dave

GC8

Its not as straightforward as you seem to think. MCE is a PITA to set up, which is why its only available as an OEM product.

You need ensure that the kit used will work with MCE (much easier said than done); rather than decide what you want and try to get the OS to work with it...

Simon

dowser

A modded Xbox with XBMC can read all media formats, and connect to a shared drive on your PC to read media from. Allegedly....I've fitted the modchip and will be loading the XBMC app as a dashboard tonight

Richard

Iain Young

It can't output HD video, or display / record tv though. A decent media pc can. Of course, they do cost a little more

STi wanna Subaru

iTrader: (1)

HD support has been added I believe...... how well it copes with it though I cant say. Getting a bit long in the tooth is the Xbox now. As for the display/record Tv well you just download the shows from the US first and watch them prior to people in the UK.

MadGrip

I'm in the proccess of doing the same thing, and whats mentioned in this thread is correct. MCE is an absolute **** to configure correctly unless you have the hardware "IT" wants.

an easier way to do it though, is to install XP inc SP2 on the pc that you intend to use as your media centre, and install a front end like THIS

Its open source & free

arguably no where near as good/complex as MCE, but well worth a look if you get stuck

cheers

Phil