Re: The _REAL_ media center

From: Nigel Barker (nigel_at_hp.com)
Date: 09/09/04 

Date: Thu, 09 Sep 2004 16:03:09 GMT

On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 10:28:47 -0400, "Peter Near [MCE MVP]" <peter@thenears.com>
wrote:

>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

MCE functionality plus Extenders is already available with the rather cool
looking GBPVR http://www.gbpvr.com/ It runs on Windows & uses the Hauppauge
MediaMVP as a client device. 

--
Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur

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