Reply to: Alternative to windows media centre

[norrahe]

Mac mini + raid disk + Apple TV + assorted Airport Express + ipod touch (as a remote) + itunes = hassle free media all over the house...

You can then leave the mac mini & the raid disk in a cupboard somewhere.

I don't do macs.

Bought new stuff, my technician (Mr N) has sorted it all out

[Moscow Mule]

after all that the damned media pc has died on me!

blue screen of death

gives me an excuse to buy some new stuff and upgrade things

Mac mini + raid disk + Apple TV + assorted Airport Express + ipod touch (as a remote) + itunes = hassle free media all over the house...

You can then leave the mac mini & the raid disk in a cupboard somewhere.

[Svalbaard]

Have a Synology NAS which has built in media server as well as many other natty features.

[FarmerPalmer]

GBPVR ?

I'm currently investigating getting a media PC in to replace my DVD & PVR.
I've got a box running Windows 7 Media Centre at the moment and I'm quite impressed.

It does however have its limitations, e.g.
- no Blu Ray playback - need software for that (PowerDVD)
- can only switch DVD region 5 times - need software for that (anyDVD HD)
- can't record multiple channels on the same multiplex even though you are decoding it (which is why I'm going to be looking at what GBPVR can do)

This board is quite useful:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-cinema-pcs/

[norrahe]

after all that the damned media pc has died on me!

blue screen of death

gives me an excuse to buy some new stuff and upgrade things

[norrahe]

can't say I've really noticed mine that much.... probably have the TV on too loud

yep!

Also you'll find the xbox sounds like it's about to take off when watching films.

[pzz76077]

Any recommendations? Just doesn't seem to be up to par.

Go to the cinema??

PZZ

[Spacecadet]

The background noise these things make is pretty annoying when watching vids.

I've just got a PS3 slim and though it's not as bad as the original, it's still like having a Henry Hoover under the telly.

can't say I've really noticed mine that much.... probably have the TV on too loud

[vandiss]

PS3

Has the added benefit that it'll play the occasional game as well (when the wife isn't on it)

The background noise these things make is pretty annoying when watching vids.

I've just got a PS3 slim and though it's not as bad as the original, it's still like having a Henry Hoover under the telly.

[Spacecadet]

PS3

Has the added benefit that it'll play the occasional game as well (when the wife isn't on it)

[b0redom]

Plex - but will require a macmini or hackintosh. Pair it with a Harmony One, and it's absolutely outstanding.

[stingman123]

Try http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

Dan

WHS, user friendly and open source, loads of plugins etc and free

[ribble]

Try http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

Dan

[vandiss]

Have a look at Popcorn Hour. http://www.popcornhour.com

I've got one sitting under my TV in the living room connected via homeplugs to my QNAP NAS (linux box, torrent bitch, video server, etc.)

Advantage of this is that there are no 'moving parts' in the living room, meaning the only noise comes from the TV speakers. Having experienced the background sounds generated by an XBox 'media server', this can only be a good thing.

[suityou01]

myth doesn't do bluray (which will explain why we haven't put that in), will have to look into moovida

There you go changing the spec again.