HTPC build software

[Jeepers]

I feel its time to swap out my current software (win7 media center) for something new and looking to see what other use ... my current specs are

Zotac Ionitx-g-e
OCZ Reaper HPC Edition Triple Channel 6 GB
WD 1 TB green drive HDD(soon to upgrade to a 2TB drive)
Hauppauge WinTV HVR-2250 dual tuner
bluray/dvd drive with power dvd s/w
gyration remote control

I have been running win7 media center with media browser for my vid collection for over a year now, but have been having issues with both live tv signal (thinking it just the card sucks) and crashing during playback using media browser(recent reinstall of all s/w including fresh instal of win7)

this is the family HTPC so i have to keep it fairly simple to navigate and use, have been thinking about running MYTH on it ,but wanted to ask for some input from other to see what they are running....

so what suggestions does the CG ppl have on HTPC's ? ...

[gfourth]

I've always heard good things about XBMC, never have used it though.

[Jeepers]

I've always heard good things about XBMC, never have used it though.

i have looked into XBMC but the issues i see with it is no Blu-ray playback and no support for tv tuner, both have workarounds but far from ideal in my eyes, but going to have the same issues in MYTHTV

[ke6guj]

I'm using SageTV on mine. I've got 6 tuners, a mix of analog and QAM tuners in it and am looking at the new 3-port CableCard tuner when they get it working in Sage.

[JDay]

Checkout MythTV. You can run it under Windows or Linux.

http://www.mythtv.org

http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythTV_on_Windows

[Boristheblade]

Have you given any thought into making the box with capture cards a server and buying a media streamer for locations around the house?

A long time ago I had a all in one PC that never worked right and I was always messing with it.
Now I have a server in my office and two XBMC boxes in the house. I have all my movies, tv shows and other videos on it. I hardly have issues anymore.

You don't have to go with XBMC, but these other boxes have a lot of features.

[Jeepers]

I am trying to keep all services such as blu-ray,media library,live tv, and netflixs all in one box but it is a pita .. i have to admit win7 media center does a "ok" job at it , but my media browser plugin causes crashing way to much, I don't think it likes the terabyte of videos it has to refresh every time its opened and played ......

been thinking about just picking up a cheap blu-ray player with netflixs and a standalone networked media server but then you have to change the "source" on the TV every time you want to watch one or the other or TV .. I am just surprised no one has come out with a all in one package for HTPC's ... I am going to give XBMC and Media Portal a shot to see if i like it ...

[Boristheblade]

I am trying to keep all services such as blu-ray,media library,live tv, and netflixs all in one box but it is a pita .. i have to admit win7 media center does a "ok" job at it , but my media browser plugin causes crashing way to much, I don't think it likes the terabyte of videos it has to refresh every time its opened and played ......

been thinking about just picking up a cheap blu-ray player with netflixs and a standalone networked media server but then you have to change the "source" on the TV every time you want to watch one or the other or TV .. I am just surprised no one has come out with a all in one package for HTPC's ... I am going to give XBMC and Media Portal a shot to see if i like it ...

I agree.. For the longest time I wanted one box that can do everything, but the problem is when a company makes a box that does just a couple it doesn't do them all that great and sometimes short on features.

Blu-ray players can

-Pandora
-Netflix
-Vudu
-amazon movies

I have heard that LG has a blu-ray player in the works that will have plex software.http://www.plexapp.com/

So you can use a streamer/htpc to watch your videos and stuff then use a blu-ray player for the other stuff.



In my living room I have a Xbox 360(for gaming but I watch netflix too) and a htpc . All my blu-rays are ripped to my server so I can watch them from my htpc.

My bedroom I have a Blu-ray player and htpc.The Blu-ray I use for netflix.

[Boristheblade]

I forgot about this too

http://www.zotacusa.com/zotac-zbox-zbox-id36br3d-plus-u-intel-atom-d525-1-8-ghz-dual-core-all-in-one-mini-pc.html

[bartt]

Check out MythBuntu.

[dohey]

Not trying to brag, but my HTPC does everything. Had to buy a few add on applications to supplement Win 7 media center, but everything works great now.

[Jeepers]

Not trying to brag, but my HTPC does everything. Had to buy a few add on applications to supplement Win 7 media center, but everything works great now.

what apps?

[ethik226]

boxee!!! try it! its awesome