Windows Media Center Question

Hello,

What's the differance between Windows XP Media Center and Windows XP Home/Pro?

If you choose to set up a Computer controled Entertainment Center what would you do or use?

I was also wondering would a system as good as the many differant products out there. (dvd player, DVR, Cable box)

This is somthing I've read about and always wanted to try.

Thanks,
Matt

 

Media edition is pretty much the same as XP with some extra functions based around GUESS WHAT..... MEDIA
You can watch and record tv, play your music etc all with a remote control.

You thinking of buying a new system or converting an exsisting one?

 

Windows XP MCE 2005 is a neutered version of XP Pro, with disabled features, like joining a domain.

 

I really don't Know, I have some unused PC equipment laying around and thought maybe I could put something low cost together and see if its worth making something later.

I really don't know if its worth trying. I don't know anyone that's done it.

Matt

 

Could I just Install one of my XP Home or Pro software and add media software?
(I have a copy of XP Home not in use)

If so what media software would I buy?

I could figure out the remote control part later.

 

You could still use XP home with all your bits lying around and make yourself up a little system to run music etc and buy a tv card to run tv.

I`m not sure if media edition is available as an add on or not, the main problem being that if all your odds and sods are quite low end then you wont get much in the way of quality with regards to picture on your tv (If any at all)

What I did with my old 1ghz Emachine was install a soundblaster audigy zx, which comes with an external box and plugged in everything in my living room into this. Including DVD player, SKY etc. Its now like a JUKEBOX and little media PC for pictures etc Just cant handle the TV side of things. (The addition of a set of s750 speakers helped it along the way but at £300 they were a touch extravagant)

 

Thats very close to what I want to do. I would also like to try it with the tv.
I would play with it low budget and if I liked it would upgrade. If it doesn't make me cool than a would just ditch the project and move on.

Thnaks,
Matt

 

Well it hasn`t made me cool.......... although I`m a DJ, and when I plug my decks into it at house parties I suppose it helps my cred a little, lol

To have a go at the TV side of things. You could get a tv card for various prices depending on quality but that will only let you watch TV on the PC Monitor. If you want to get it on your normal TV with a fairly decent picture then you`ll need a fairly good graphics card with a TV out socket on it.