Media portal "lite" (1 Viewer)

[billybob00]

So I was thinking... since my computer has pretty much xbox-like specs (PIII 800 mhz, 512 RAM), and it's capable of playing back video... there really is no reason for me to upgrade and get a newer computer. All I'd have to do is get a video card that supports tv out (I have an s-video connector on my tv). Theoritcally, I could just get a wireless keyboard, and control windows from there.

I guess my question is... is there a "lite" version of media portal for low-spec machines? I'm not looking to do anything crazy, like record live tv... all I want to do is play back video, and not even HD video at that... well, maybe DVD quality or such. I just need an easy-to-use interface, so I don't have to fumble around in windows explorer to select my files. So if I can get away with a skin that uses very little resources, that would be the way to go.

Thanks

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Try 1.3, pretty much MCE like and need .net 1.1 installed.

Not as fun as MP0.2 versions, but pretty functional

Regards

 

[billybob00]

what's 1.3, and where do I get it?

 

[-ltb-]

1.3 is one of the first version of MP,
u can download it here

 

[wortelsoft]

I think a 0.2.0x version will be better as quite a few speed inprovements where made between the release 0.1.3 and the 0.2.0 version. But you have to experiment with the different skins to see what works best. I started with MP on a duron 800 system and that was fast enough for most task but I do have a DX9 videocard. Also experiment with the different video codecs because some are to heavy for a "slow" processor. Tip: open taskmanger before starting mp and then examine the trend view after you stop ussing MP. If you don't have a Dx9 card it will be hard with your processor.

You might have look at:

http://geexbox.org/en/index.html

It's a linux bootable cd wich instantly turns your pc in a multi media device. Just burn to a cd an try it.

 

[Bram]

I've started with MP on a 1Ghz with 128MB AGP DX8 card. I've used it for half a year but got anoied by the lack op CPU time. Movies compressed with newer codecs often need more then a PIII 1Ghz.

For music and lower quality movies a PIII800 will be fine.

 

[Marcusb]

Well since it's free, there's nothing stopping you downloading it and trying...
If it's not fast enough, then try some of the tweaks already outlined in this post.

And yeah, I would think v0.2 would be the best choice.