Windows XP Media Center

SeanMGSeanMG
edited June 2004 in Science & Tech
So for some reason which I can assume their reason, and it irritates me, Microsoft wont sell a version of Windows Media Center to load onto a computer. I read something allong the lines of "You're too stupid to build a computer that can run this, u have to buy one from our vendors". My dad bought a computer from dell (ya, he overpaid) that is really fast and he's been complaining about how he wants to watch TV on it and record shows like I have seen people do with WinMC. So for father's day Im getting together with my step-mom and she is going to get him a 9800 All in Wonder and I am trying to research a good progy that will fullfill all of his "I want TV on my computer" needs. Does anyone have a suggestion of one thats not too complicated? He gets bogged down if he has to work to hard for it :D


And also, are there any plans for releasing WinMC.


His computer is a P4 3.2 with 2 gigs of ram and all of the nice software Dell thinks u "need" with their name branded on it.

thanx in advance guys.

Comments

  • MadballMadball Fort Benton, MT
    edited June 2004
    The software that comes with the Radeon AIW is pretty good. Probably better than Microsoft's. I've heard that WMC isn't all it's cracked up to be. So use the included software and you should be fine. Wish I could get one of those for fathers day. :)
  • kanezfankanezfan sunny south florida Icrontian
    edited June 2004
    well why are you going to pay so much for a 9800 AIW when you can get a $40 haupaugge TV card with PVR function built in? i mean if he's a gamer that's fine and all but otherwise why not save the money. there is plenty of free software out there that can be used for HTPCs, i know myth tv can be used on a linux based pc, or there's myhtpc for windows based computers. if you're dead set on getting windows media center edition, then you need to 'acquire' it through other means which i cannot discuss here, but PM me if you want and we can talk about it more.
  • SeanMGSeanMG
    edited June 2004
    Well I was under the impression that WinMC was jsut an awesome program because of the TV listing and recording features, but if its not all i think its cracked up to be then I guess its not worth it.
  • BudBud Chesterfield, Va
    edited June 2004
    what card normally come in media center edition machines? I know the pvr-250 by happauge is awesome you should look into it.
  • SeanMGSeanMG
    edited June 2004
    While we're on the subject of media, Is anyone familiar with "Windows Media Server" I heard Maximum PC did an article about it, but I dont want to drive 35 minutes to the closest place that has the magazine to read about it. Is it pretty much just for web hosting and businees or can it be tapped in to for home-use and be worth it?


    Oh, and something just came to mind. He has Satelite TV, will it work with that?
  • kanezfankanezfan sunny south florida Icrontian
    edited June 2004
    it's the server OS required to host windwos media content. like if you wanted to run an online radio station and it was to be hosted on a windows box, that's what you'd use.
  • ShortyShorty Manchester, UK Icrontian
    edited June 2004
    Forget that bloated MS crap..

    http://myhtpc.net/

    Is all you need.. and it's free :)
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