i use the tool "classicshell" for start directly in Desktop screen and i have a customizable Startmenu.
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
Thank you for this. Its nice to "skip" metro start and head straight into MP. On occasion my HTPC does still go to the login screen but that is no biggy as the remote will click past it.
I had a problem with win8 selecting the wrong driver for my tv tuners, but with the help of classicshell every thing else has gone smoothly.
I'm surprised about the previous posts regarding dvd playback. I havn't used a dvd for video in many years , surely it is only a legacy option now?
It is nice to have a OS for ~$45 - this must be the least expensive Windows ever
BRING ON TITAN