Re: The _REAL_ media center
From: Peter Near [MCE MVP] (peter_at_thenears.com)
Date: 09/09/04
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Date: Thu, 09 Sep 2004 10:28:47 -0400
Penang:
I have no doubt that some of the Linux PVRs are indeed useful. My
experience with alot of the Open Source stuff is that it is generally:
- difficult to install
- difficult for novices to get help
- sometimes frustrating to deal with constant code change
That said, the fact that you're asking and crossposting to the linux
advocacy group would cause me to infer that you are okay with the above
limitations of the OSS stuff.
If you're into playing around and figuring things out, then you're best
off trying out the Open Source alternatives first. No harm and maybe
(probably) they will meet your needs.
If you're more of a "typical consumer" and would prefer not to deal with
the source code, builds, and the like, I would recommend MCE.
Here's the differentiating factor, in my opinion: Media Center
Extenders will allow you to use MCE as the backend media "server", and
run terminal sessions for multiple different TV sets. It gets the HTPC
experience away from the PC, and that is in my opinion unique to XP
Media Center Edition. I don't truly believe that the mass-consumer
audience wants a PC sitting in their stereo rack, but they are okay with
a thin device that elegantly interacts with the PC.
If I had a crystal ball that I could look into, I would predict that all
Windows PCs will be MCE PCs in the future. If someone wants to
experience their media on the TV (which is where it seems to belong),
they will buy a Media Center Extender and plug it into their home
theater system.
Unfortunately due to the crosspost, I know that I'm signing myself up
for a week of defending my opinion. Sigh... That's okay. I'd be happy
to discuss why I believe that MCX is going to be different than PrismIQ
and other devices that are trying to do what sounds like the same thing
as MCX (but they're not).
Pete
Penang wrote:
> Microsoft is touting its new XP Media Center Edition, see
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/hardware.mspx
>
> On the other hand, Linux has several ongoing projects, also deal with media, see
> http://www.geexbox.org/en/index.html
> http://freevo.sourceforge.net/about.html
> http://freshmeat.net/search/?q=freevo§ion=projects&Go.x=0&Go.y=0
>
> My question to all is, which one works ?
>
> If all work, then, which one do you think works BETTER ?!
>
> Thanks for your opinions !!
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