htpc suggestions

Kevlar3D · 2007-06-21, 00:47

I have been using XBMC for the last few years and have been amazingly pleased with it. I had no need for anything else, xbmc is PERFECT... until... hdtv.

So i got my HDTV and the xbox displays xbmc fine at 1080i, no complaints but 1080i/720p content will not play. As i understand this is simply a limitation of the 733mhz celeron processor in the xbox.

I have tried all of the linux distros and have found nothing that works like xbmc. Freevo, mythtv, linuxmce etc etc. Xbmc is so easy to use, I programmed my RF remote to work with an IR flasher on the xbox remote control. The Xbox is totally integrated into my entertainment center. I want to move it to my den so it can stream disney movies all day long for the kids (no high def required). I understand XBMC is being ported to linux, eventually i will probably get an appletv and load xbmc on it- once the project gets to that point. But i need something that works as good as XBMC for an extra 3ghz p4 computer with dvi output.

So far the best candidate is Mediaportal... Anyone have any suggestions? I would prefer to stay away from windows based media centers, but i think this may be the only thing that will pass the "wife test" like xbmc has.

I do not PVR any shows or play any xbox games, the only purpose of XBMC in my house is to connect to my NAS and grab movies, pictures and mp3's.

Any suggestions? Thanks for your time

Lotus · 2007-06-21, 01:25

Considering that this works pretty much exactly the same, I think you are safe. If you are running Project Mayhem skin (which I think is default) the same skin is available for Media Portal as well.

It passed the wife test in my house as well.

tangmonster · 2007-06-28, 07:31

It's funny how many people needs there htpc's to pass the wife test. hehe

Mine needed to do that also.

I felt a bit left behind when after i installed the pc and everything worked well and a few weeks later my wife started showing me shortcuts.....

I have to say though that i like the blackmyst skin the most. it is just the most simple one I find with me using a wireless keyboard and mouse setup with no remote.

2007-06-21, 00:47	#1 (permalink)
Kevlar3D Portal Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Age: 28 Posts: 9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	htpc suggestions I have been using XBMC for the last few years and have been amazingly pleased with it. I had no need for anything else, xbmc is PERFECT... until... hdtv. So i got my HDTV and the xbox displays xbmc fine at 1080i, no complaints but 1080i/720p content will not play. As i understand this is simply a limitation of the 733mhz celeron processor in the xbox. I have tried all of the linux distros and have found nothing that works like xbmc. Freevo, mythtv, linuxmce etc etc. Xbmc is so easy to use, I programmed my RF remote to work with an IR flasher on the xbox remote control. The Xbox is totally integrated into my entertainment center. I want to move it to my den so it can stream disney movies all day long for the kids (no high def required). I understand XBMC is being ported to linux, eventually i will probably get an appletv and load xbmc on it- once the project gets to that point. But i need something that works as good as XBMC for an extra 3ghz p4 computer with dvi output. So far the best candidate is Mediaportal... Anyone have any suggestions? I would prefer to stay away from windows based media centers, but i think this may be the only thing that will pass the "wife test" like xbmc has. I do not PVR any shows or play any xbox games, the only purpose of XBMC in my house is to connect to my NAS and grab movies, pictures and mp3's. Any suggestions? Thanks for your time

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2007-06-21, 01:25	#2 (permalink)
Lotus Portal Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Age: 24 Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	Considering that this works pretty much exactly the same, I think you are safe. If you are running Project Mayhem skin (which I think is default) the same skin is available for Media Portal as well. It passed the wife test in my house as well.

2007-06-28, 07:31	#3 (permalink)
tangmonster Portal Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: cape town Age: 28 Posts: 74 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	It's funny how many people needs there htpc's to pass the wife test. hehe Mine needed to do that also. I felt a bit left behind when after i installed the pc and everything worked well and a few weeks later my wife started showing me shortcuts..... I have to say though that i like the blackmyst skin the most. it is just the most simple one I find with me using a wireless keyboard and mouse setup with no remote.