network (1 Viewer)

[jakc]

Hello all.
Set up a HTPC at weekend - 28 tv, simple box with 512 ram, intel graphics/sound, xp pro, digitv newbula usb card - nothing special but enough to watch video and use as a HTPC.

Started off with TVedia and it was ok - Some of the features did not work like links to google video, youtube and the flikr slideshows were not allways working. Apart from that, it appeared to work ok. Have files stored on separate computer, and most the time, playing them over the network was ok - sometimes it would cut out - perhaps this was a network problem, not too sure.

However, I wasnt entirely happy with the GUI/broken features.

First off, I want a HTPC that is reliable, easy GUI, and most importantly, works in network conditions. I dont want friends over to watch a movie, and it takes 10 minutes to set-up, and cut-outs during play. I know my way around computers so I dont mind the initial struggle - as long as its worth it.

So - am I in the right place - I know this is a MediaPortal forum, but unbiased views would be great. Perhaps I should install LinuxMCE or VistaMCE - The former looks overbloated for my needs, and the latter I have heard bad reviews/compatibility probs. Is MediaPortal a good choice?

Network - I installed MP last night and added a video folder - went to network places, found the shared folder and added it. Video seemed to playback fine. I saw options of ftp - how does that work?

Thing I do like the look of with MP over TVedia is this forum - TVEdia had no support, least Ive got someone to moan to here.

Comments, advice, tips, for new starter - bring it on.

 

[Marcusb]

well, MP is probably the most powerful and complete Media Centre from what I have seen (although it's been a few years since I compared all the others).
If you want simplicity and ease of use, then MCE is probably your best bet, but most of the people here want to be able to tweak a whole lot more than MCE will allow them.

Since it's free, I would suggest to take your time setting it up. If it doesn't meet your needs, then you've only really wasted your time, not money.

The forum is very active here so if you have any questions or need help, just ask away but remember to list as many details as possible. we aren't mind readers, despite what some people seem to think (or even expect ;-) ).

Not sure about FTP though. I just use folders on my local network as you have. I think if you have a fast net connection or even an ftp server on your local network you can use that.

Welcome to the forums, too.