XPMCE.com: Windows Media Center Edition Web Site

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.xpmce.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.xpmce.com/</a><br /><br /></div>If you've got a Windows Media Center PC, XPMCE.com looks like a great resource for you to use and interact with other Windows Media Center PC users. Of course, I'm also hoping you'll do that here. ;-)

[possmann]

MS getting ready to test the new Media Center Edition?

Cool.

Anyone know of any cool boxes - boxes that will fit into a stereo cabinet - aka the PC looks like a stereo system/receiver for this product yet?

And something else - something I think that every PC hardware maker has overlooked for this PC - the ability to hook up some really cool speakers - like the kind you buy in a stereo store. Music is sound and if you have to rely on the speakers the ahrdware vendor has - many which pre wired lengths wich mean splicing and sacrificing quality to get them in the right location....

When I look at the back of these hardware boxes I want something there so I can hook up my Kliptsch speakers and subwoofer... When is that going to happen?

[Steven Hughes]

If you are looking for an A/V component form factor Gateway makes one called the FMC-901.

http://content.gateway.com/www.gateway.com/img/prod/249x176/fmc901x_pd.jpg

http://www.gateway.com/home/products/hm_dtp_mediapc.shtml

Alienware also makes ones based on a Shuttlecase that will easily fit in a audio/video cabinet:

DHS-301 and DHS-311 http://www.alienware.com/Images/case_images/navigator_large.jpg

http://www.alienware.com/

[possmann]

here is another thing I can't stand - just went out to a couple of hardware vendors and looked at the hardware configuration - one of the biggest and most important components to this is the Video Accelerator Card... Hardware vendors (the ones I ahve seen) don't allow you to select a higher/faster card - most only coming with 64 - why?

If you ask me, MS is way too limiting on this OS - or is it the hardware vendor that is limiting the decisions?

Anyone hook up REAL speakers to one of these yet? And how?

[Steven Hughes]

here is another thing I can't stand - just went out to a couple of hardware vendors and looked at the hardware configuration - one of the biggest and most important components to this is the Video Accelerator Card... Hardware vendors (the ones I ahve seen) don't allow you to select a higher/faster card - most only coming with 64 - why?


I think the lower quality cards are geared for these systems for 2 reasons:

1. To keep the cost down so it canb be an affordable addition to a home theatre setup.

2. The manufacturers probably don't think these will be used as gaming rigs and kinda want to evolve these into set top boxes.

I agree with you, you should have the option of adding a better card, but there are some strict guidelines for making one of these so there would be a "reliable standard". Also with a lower performing card and processor, the system would need less cooling hence there would be less ambient noise of fans buzzing in the background...there is still going to be noise, but if you going to have one I recommend storing it in a cabinet like other AV equipment(some have installed them in another room and extened the cables or a closet) to reduce the sound from the cooling.


If you ask me, MS is way too limiting on this OS - or is it the hardware vendor that is limiting the decisions?


From what I understand, it is mostly the Microsoft spec/standard for the Windows Media Center. So systems would remain relatively similar kinda like TiVo licensing its OS to other manufacturers of PVRs, but different enough for consumers to choose a system that meets their needs.


Anyone hook up REAL speakers to one of these yet? And how?

Most of the Media Center PCs have fairly decent sound cards(again not the best) with an optical output so you can hook it up to your home theatre and enjoy the best sound possible. Some even come with some PC surround sound speakers. Again they are not Primo quality, but more than adequate for audio and video use.

I am sure as the platform matures, we will probably see more advanced systems coming down the pipe that support HDTV and 7.1 THX surround sound as well as HDMI(High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors and partners with some of the leaders in the home enterntainment sector. I am thinking Microsoft wants to make the XPMCE the "hub" of the house computing needs with access from many other devices like the Xbox and other computers, which makes sense- basically an easily accessible catch-all for all your video, audio, and pictures with expansion into their internet and computing services like MSN, Hotmail,etc...

This just my 2 cents with 3 cents change...

:D

[michael]

Anyone hook up REAL speakers to one of these yet? And how?

I have mine connected to my home theatre system via an optical cable.

[possmann]

I have mine connected to my home theatre system via an optical cable.

But isn't that kinda redundant? I mean I thought the ultimate purpose of the Media PC was to REPLACE the Home Entertainment system.

I agree that the product should be in a AV box - like those you see for premium recievers - plenting of cooling availble to keep cards cool. I think this OS has a long way to go in Hardware. For me, it's nothing but a glorified PC that allows you to use a remote control. I currently cannot find any value in purchasing this. The concept is cool, but alas, in my opinion, MS has not done enough to really make this a replacement fora home entertainment system...

Give me a wireless bridge from my PC to my reciever so I can play my WMA files via my stereo system and I'm done. Everything else will continue to go through my stereo/home entertainment system.

[michael]

I have mine connected to my home theatre system via an optical cable.

But isn't that kinda redundant? I mean I thought the ultimate purpose of the Media PC was to REPLACE the Home Entertainment system.


Not really. My home theatre setup is my reciever and dvd-changer. The Media Center PC is hooked up the reciever. It's just another A/V component in the system. It could replace the DVD player as well, but I like having a multi-disk changer so for now I have both. There's no reason not to just have a reciever and a Media Center PC or at a lower end just a Media Center PC with a multi-channel sound card and speakers.

[michael]

The concept is cool, but alas, in my opinion, MS has not done enough to really make this a replacement fora home entertainment system...


What in your opinion is missing? What would you add?

[possmann]

What would I add? :lol:

It's mainly hardware related...
Allow for multiple user configurations - how about selling the software on it's own thereby allowing us (the consumer) to build a system instead of being locked into vendor restictions... (sorry, I'll save that for another rant).

Well vented and cooled AV-type box (lying horizontally not vertically - make it look like an entertainment component and not a computer)
at least 512 RAM (configurable)
at least 128MB video card with DVI (configurable) and excellent ablity to capture local and cable TV shows
A really fast large capacity disk with at least one extra bay availible for expansion
Digital radio tuner so we can listen to local radio stations and not be forced to subscribe to premium streaming content
USB and Firewall ports ON THE FRONT as well as the rear - so we can hook up and un hook addtional items with ease
Stereo connections in the rear that will allow you to hook up at least 6 speakers (center, sub, main R/L and rear R/L) oh - and a sound card that can handle that configuration
Audio and Video connectors in the front to hook up a non digital video camera (if needed)
DVD-RW, CD-RW device - I assume that you'd want to store all your movies and music on the hard drive(s) so a hook up to an external "turntable" may not be needed.
on board bluetooth and wifi capabilty

I think that would about cover it. With this box I wouldn't need a reciever - just this box and a set of awesome surroundaround speakers

[michael]

possmann, The Gateway 901X can do most of that, I don't think it's got front ports for the a camcorder though. I think we'll start to see more OEMs producing A/V component style systems in the future. I don't think the reciever is going to go away though for anything other than low end as PC speakers just aren't up to the quality of regular speakers.

[Steven Hughes]

You can build your own...

Antec makes a really cool set-top box called the Overture($140).
http://www.antec-inc.com/pro_details_enclosure.php?ProdID=15728

http://www.pcabusers.com/reviews/antec/overture/soverture04.jpg

A review of it is here: http://www.pcabusers.com/reviews/antec/overture/page2.html

I agree with your need for memory, at least 3600 DDR 512MB you could easily go with 1GB if you plan on using it for more than a Multi-Media center and want it for gaming or video editing as well... I recommend 1GB 4400 Kinston Hyper X about $300. Note in a few months DDR2 will be coming out and it will be significantly faster and with it more expensive and not backwards compatible so a newer MB will be needed.

For Video ATI AIW 9800 Pro 128MB RAM it has everything you are looking for and a remote control! :D ($165)

Logitech Wirless Keyboard and Mouse($20-$250), best place to find a cheap pair is at www.justdeals.com

Motherboard and Processor is up to your own personal choice just remember the faster the processor, the more heat if possible go with one with a fast FSB(Front side bus) like 800(2x400), but not to fast that it needs a fan running all the time to keep it cool(most recommend either a 2.4GHz P4 or AMD . Most motherboards now include support for 6 speakers, Optical IN and OUT, FireWire,USB2, for front and rear of the case as well as front Audio, LAN 10/100/1GB support, Video,etc. Some cases even come with their own custom motherboards.($150-$350)

You can actually get satellite radio through the internet on your computer, additional hardware/software for XM and free internet stream with Sirius. There are radio tuner cards out there that can be added and there is even a case by MSI called the MEGABASS that has a digital display and FM radio and MP3 playability without turning on the PC.($600!)

http://www.hardwarezone.com/img/data/articles/2004/1021/overall-1.jpg

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=26&id=1021

You can add a 8XDVD+/-RW for about $100 some even support HD burning where you can squeeze 1.4GB on a 700MB CD good for about an hour of uncompressed MPEG video.

I would also recommend a multiple card reader bay to read and transfer images from your digital camera.($30)

Hard Drive I would get as big as you can afford and if possible go for a SATA drive there isn't much price difference, but the performance gains are worth it.($100-$250)

Tack on some adequate surround sound speakers or if you are into audio/video editing some powered studio Monitor speakers from $69-$499. Xbox has a pair of upgradable Omni speakers for $499, but I would opt for a some studio monitor speakers. For a good set of stereo speakers that will have your ears ringing M-Audio make a pair (BX5) of 5" speakers for around $299 or you can opt for the M-Audio LX4 surround setup that includes 5 satellites and a 8" subwoofer for about $438. These are AWESOME setups for the money if you are into Audio and Video editing.

For software and OS that would be up to you...the system above can be built for under $1000 and even under $800 if you wish to cut back on some of the high-end items...granted you will have to pay for software and an OS. You will have a top system for about the same price as a Manufactured one with all the things YOU want if you have the time.

There is a lot of options...


What would I add? :lol:

It's mainly hardware related...
Allow for multiple user configurations - how about selling the software on it's own thereby allowing us (the consumer) to build a system instead of being locked into vendor restictions... (sorry, I'll save that for another rant).

Well vented and cooled AV-type box (lying horizontally not vertically - make it look like an entertainment component and not a computer)
at least 512 RAM (configurable)
at least 128MB video card with DVI (configurable) and excellent ablity to capture local and cable TV shows
A really fast large capacity disk with at least one extra bay availible for expansion
Digital radio tuner so we can listen to local radio stations and not be forced to subscribe to premium streaming content
USB and Firewall ports ON THE FRONT as well as the rear - so we can hook up and un hook addtional items with ease
Stereo connections in the rear that will allow you to hook up at least 6 speakers (center, sub, main R/L and rear R/L) oh - and a sound card that can handle that configuration
Audio and Video connectors in the front to hook up a non digital video camera (if needed)
DVD-RW, CD-RW device - I assume that you'd want to store all your movies and music on the hard drive(s) so a hook up to an external "turntable" may not be needed.
on board bluetooth and wifi capabilty

I think that would about cover it. With this box I wouldn't need a reciever - just this box and a set of awesome surroundaround speakers