windows xp or media center?

OK, here's the thing. I'm having a computer custom built for hubby
(Specs to follow) but before I finalize order, I have a couple questions.
I think I'd like to be able to record tv to dvd and assume I need a tv tuner card in addition to the graphics card and DVD burner, yes? With this company this option is only available if MS Media Center is installed. Personally I'm kinda hooked on XP.
Is one OS preferable to the other as far as gaming is concerened?
Would it be better to keep system specs as is and install a tuner card myself? At least that way I can keep XP.
Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated! Oh - any preferences to the tuner card? Anything specific I should look for? (I know - this question should be on the hardware board, but well, you see where I'm coming from)
thanks
Noel

New System Specs
CPU: (939-pin) AMD ATHLON™64 3700+ CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology
CAS: Hot New! X-Cruiser Mid-Tower 420W Case W/ WINDOW, MultiMeter Display & Control
CASUPGRADE: 12" COLD CATHODE NEON LIGHT
CD: (Special Price) LG GWA-4161 16X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER
CD2: (Special Price) LG GWA-4161 16X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER
CABLE: None
FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer
FAN: AMD ATHLON64 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK + 3 EXTRA CASE FANS
HDD: 160GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8M Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive
IEEE_CARD: NONE
KEYBOARD: Logitech Deluxe 104 PS/2 Keyboard
MOUSE: Logitech MX518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse
MOTHERBOARD: (Sckt939)ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe nForce4 SLI Chipset SATA RAID Dual PCIE MB w/Gb-LAN,USB2.0,IEEE-1394,&7.1Audio
MEMORY: 1024 MB (512MBx2) PC3200 400MHz Dual Channel DDR MEMORY (Corsair Value Select)
MONITOR: Gaming LCD ViewSonic® VA712B 17" 8MS Response Time w/ 350:1 Contrast Ratio
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2
PRO_WIRING: Professional Wiring for All WIRINGs Inside The System Chasis with High Performance Thermal Compound on CPU
POWERSUPPLY: NZXT PF-500 500Watt Power Supply
RAID: NONE
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: Logitech X-230 2.1 Configuration Speakers System
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY PLUS ONE-YEAR ONSITE SERVICE
TVRC: None
TEMPAS SHOWN)
USB: Build-in USB 2.0 Ports
VIDEO: ATI RADEON X550 256MB 16X PCI EXPRESS VIDEO CARD
VIDEO2: NONE

 

Media Center Edition is Windows XP, with tacked on media features. It is still the same OS.

 

thanks .. so YOU'D go ahead with media center?

 

Like Adrynalyne said, Media Center is still XP OS. All the basic, core functions and technologies are the same. However, from a non-technical point of view, it does look different and you do need to get used to it (even if you're techy). It is made to be media oriented. so it's easier/convenient(?) once you get used to it for audio, video ... etc.
Another fact is, like Adrynalyne said, IT IS STILL Windows XP. Meaning XP Pro you love, (and I love it too) should do whatever media center does. Of course there will be little tweaks, installs, modifyings to be done. But it will get the job done. And most of the video capturing/editting software come with video capturing card.
So I guess it is up to your preference. Do you like working on your PC? Do you like to fix and learn yourself? or do you like to pay extra money so you don't have to worry about them? Me? I've seen both ways because of my job. It is totally up to you.
If you want to buy the video card yourself, check out some of All-in-Wonder cards. They have TV in/out, remotes, audio-out... it's little expansive but I think that's what you're looking for.

However, if you're simply trying to record tv/cable shows, I strongly suggest getting one of those Tivo's. I've dealt with many of my customers with custom built PC's (like your future one), and very few of them are happy with the functionality and features. They are either too complex, too many steps, too many errors... I, myself, built me a TV capturing station. But never use it because Tivo is so easy and fast... and turns out - CHEAPER!

So there you have it. You need not to worry about OS choice. You DO need to think about what you're going to do with new PC. Especially, if this is for your hubby, what is HE gonna do with it? Should you just by him a "emachine" and a Tivo?

 

You DO need to think about what you're going to do with new PC. Especially, if this is for your hubby, what is HE gonna do with it? Should you just by him a "emachine" and a Tivo?
ROTFL if only it were that easy! With 2 college kids (away and sharing videos, or home and online gaming) and Hubby into the newest, fastest flashiest games he can get his hands on, they outgrew an emachine in less than a year .. then I got to hear how none of the programs they wanted to use would work - and that was back when they were in jr high!
Recording tv was strictly for me (they couldn't care less, unless of course it's 24 I'm recording!) We've been gaming on computers since the oldest was in 1st grade, and DOS was it LOL .. Hubby gets a computer to keep him off mine! (hard to get work done when he's got his puppy face on, or the kids are asking when I'm gonna get done or or or - not to mention my own time to play! What do I want it to do?? Play games better than mine ! LOL

 

As someone who has recently build an MCE PC I would say if the cost of the OS is not much different then go with MCE.

MCE as others have said IS Windows XP. The only difference most users (i.e. me as a fairly non-technical user) will notice is that there is the 'green button' in the start menu (and on your remote control and keyboard if you buy MCE specific devices). It does not look any different as the media software is just another program that you run in XP.

I've also noticed that you get the CD burning software included that I believe is in XP Pro but not XP home.

Using XP day to day (office or gaming) you will not notice any difference. The only differences are that you'll probably need to download MCE specific drivers for your video card and can add a TV tuner or 2 later on if you want to.

Personally I love being able to use the PC as a HiFi or TV or Video recorder using an ordinary remote control.

 

Small correction. All versions of XP have the same cd writing software.

 

Cheers Adrynalyne. The things I didn't know about my old computer...

Anyway. Hope the rest was useful.

 

all were very helpful, thank you