I'm new to this forum, exploring the options and hardware recommendations for a media PC to hook up to the media center. Having built a number of gaming rigs, I'm not entirery a novice to the medium. My question is which OS to install, WMCE or XP pro, which I've put on my other rigs. Is the change really worth it or woud I be better served using the WMCE? I plan on doing most of the tasks discussed as well as a gaming rig. I'd like some experienced take on the OS. Thanks.
MCE is just XP with additional gewgaws for Media Center. It's perfectly capable of playing games as well as XP Pro. The only downside with MCE is that it's based on XPHome, so you can't join a domain.
Is it correct that the only MCE currently sold is OEM, with the MS activation restriction on one set of hardware + minor upgrades?
Are the 'gee-gaws' worth the difference? I've already got a TIVO on the satellite so probably wouldn't be using the dual tuner capability referred to in other articles.
Look at mediaportal or gbpvr if you want something free and works with xp. I have a pvr/htpc built with gbpvr.
not really its just an app that skins a few other apps like media player, slideshow player and msn messenger 7 when you're watching movies. oh you also get the fish screen saver like in plus. and a remote similar to the radeaon all in one remote as you've got a tivo already don't bother, the pvr style is nice but you'll need a hardware mpeg tv tunner to get the most out of MC or a DVB card.
