Recommendation needed please for HTPC/PVR/media centre software.

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Recommendation needed please for HTPC/PVR/media centre software.

DavidT

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#26843 5-Oct-2008 17:51

Hi, just wondering what options I have for media center software. Or what is the best for NZ. I had a look at the Media Portal website, and I hear GB-PVR is an option but I am at a loss how to evaluate - and are there any others.

I have my PC in the lounge, nice case, quiet fans and HD all hooked up to my LCD. But I need to move from the PC look to the media centre look and feel. My main HTPC needs are mp3, divx, skype video, msn chat, and if possible outlook email. I think for the rest I would be confined to my study!

At present I have a separate DVR which takes care of TV recording so i am not too bothered about the PVR side of the PC - although I need to plan for to the future.

I currently play divx/xvid movies and mp3s through WMP11.

Anyone any suggestions or recommendations?

thanks in advance, David

davidcole

6099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1465

Trusted

#169149 5-Oct-2008 18:16

I'm guessing, it just a matter of trying them.

The software will exist with each other, just stop their recording services. And start them up when you want to evaluate each one.

Then once you've chosen, I'd recommend rebuilding you system with your selected software.

Also I wouldn't eliminate mythtv and maybe MCE as well. there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Although with MCE and Mythtv, these aren't as interchangable as Media Portal and GBPVR.

Previously known as psycik

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garvani

1873 posts

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Trusted

#169151 5-Oct-2008 18:30

For mp3s and videos i recommend XBMC (xbox media centre) it has been ported to windows and linux. It really cant be beaten, its been in development for over 5 years so its a quality product. you can download from www.xbmc.org, give it a try.. I recommend the aeon skin if you want a professional looking product:

questforknowledge

31 posts

Geek

#169172 5-Oct-2008 20:26

Hi David, after a fair bit of research I went down the MP path about a month ago. I'm not a super geek but thought I was reasonably computer savvy until I started on the MP challenge, however it's finally starting to pay off. Previously I was a bit like you relying on seperate elements but I'm starting to be confident that it's all going to come together under MP. There's a lot of good techie support out there for MP from helpful people. Have a look at the posts by mcraenz, kiwijunglist, exDee, auklander, these guys seem to be well on top of MP. It will be a matter of trial and error but be under no illusion that it will take some time and a lot of effort. Good luck

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1gkar

722 posts

Ultimate Geek

#169431 6-Oct-2008 22:06

I have used both GB-PVR & now use Mediaportal & both are excellent PVRs. XBMC appear another top option. The ones I am familar with both have reasonable learning curves but are well worth the effort.

Just for comparison sakes, here are some Mediaportal screenshots of MY TVSeries & Moving Pictures plugins. I prefer basic home skins, like Monochrome. I prefer my eye candy to be further inside the frontend.

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NZRobin

161 posts

Master Geek

#174631 30-Oct-2008 14:58

Sorry have I got this right that the xbox media center works as a front end on windows xp or vista? I thought it was just FOR the xbox?

and... Can you download these different players to try for free?

and... If you download more than one to compare will they interfere with each other?

and... Umm, no thats it. Thanks ;-)

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NZRobin

161 posts

Master Geek

#174633 30-Oct-2008 15:01

NZRobin:
Sorry have I got this right that the xbox media center works as a front end on windows xp or vista? I thought it was just FOR the xbox?

and... If you download more than one to compare will they interfere with each other?
and... Umm, no thats it. Thanks ;-)

Oops sorry I see this was answered!

Quotes

" Robot wars.... thats a sport!!!"

"Believing something doesn't make it so."