The problem with Windows Media Center is that it requires Windows and I think that is much overhead for a HTPC. If I were ever going to go that route again I go with XMBC on Linux or on the ATV.

I am fairly content with Boxee Box. It gets about 90 percent of my library right all on its own and it supports NFOs for the things it doesn't. It scrapes all the info and it also has trailers when available.

Much overhead? Not really. My htpc are made from old equipment left over after an upgrade. Most people use windows so it is familiar to most. Get under the hood of xbmc and you are lost.

Originally Posted by AQ_OC

Much overhead? Not really. My htpc are made from old equipment left over after an upgrade. Most people use windows so it is familiar to most. Get under the hood of xbmc and you are lost.

It is not just about the equipment which can be noisy but also about the software. Windows has gotten to be pretty annoying in its old age. Its user-friendly user-proof design annoys me to no end.

Originally Posted by beesknees

It is not just about the equipment which can be noisy but also about the software. Windows has gotten to be pretty annoying in its old age. Its user-friendly user-proof design annoys me to no end.

It is easy to deal with noise with all if the low noise fans you can fund these days. And the design doesnt bother me one bit and I understand it. The networking in windows 7 with the home group makes thing simple.

Originally Posted by AQ_OC

It is easy to deal with noise with all if the low noise fans you can fund these days. And the design doesnt bother me one bit and I understand it. The networking in windows 7 with the home group makes thing simple.

I guess since you mentioned ipad with your set-up we are not really hijacking this thread...

For me the HTPC is overkill. Outside of a local channel DVR my Boxee Box does everything WMP does. It supports the playback of everything from ISOs to mpegs. It supports every audio codec. It has a searchable db of all my content and just about every one of the 265 sites it has apps for. I have even loaded a bunch of content on a 2tb usb drive and travelled with it. It is only 179 bucks. To make sure we are still on topic... as I mentioned before it even supports air play.

Originally Posted by beesknees

I guess since you mentioned ipad with your set-up we are not really hijacking this thread...

For me the HTPC is overkill. Outside of a local channel DVR my Boxee Box does everything WMP does. It supports the playback of everything from ISOs to mpegs. It supports every audio codec. It has a searchable db of all my content and just about every one of the 265 sites it has apps for. I have even loaded a bunch of content on a 2tb usb drive and travelled with it. It is only 179 bucks. To make sure we are still on topic... as I mentioned before it even supports air play.

I think the last few posts are definitely off topic. How did xbmc and boxee box get in here and how do they use the iPad (I posted about an app that integrates iPad into home entertainment solution)?

Originally Posted by AQ_OC

I think the last few posts are definitely off topic. How did xbmc and boxee box get in here and how do they use the iPad (I posted about an app that integrates iPad into home entertainment solution)?

You can control the BB with an ipad and it supports air play.

You can load XMBC on ATV which is also integrated with the ipad.

Besides I am countering your view of the HTPC as a solution. Obviously it is a preference thing but I have an HTPC that I never use for media anymore. I thought by having a good natured debate we can relay additional information to anyone interested which I thought was one of the reasons for these forums.

So yeah we might be skirting the line but I don't think we crossed it too much. Any mod please correct me if I am wrong.

But we can sum it up with a quick comparison.

The strengths of the HTPC regardless of software is that things like Hulu that refuse to be on set-top-boxes can be viewed in the living room. Anything that can be played on a computer can be on your big screen. It can be used as a DVR for local channels with the aid of a digital antenna.

For a windows version the weakness is all the hassle of a normal computer. Updates, anti-virus scans, and other computer health utilities The only cost effective way is to have one is to either re-purpose an older computer, get a used one, or build one all of which will have to be re-fitted with quiet fans and some LEDs may have to be disconnected.

Sorry. This part got accidentally deleted. The pros for the Boxxee Box is that it is a STB. It is ready to go not long after leaving the box. It makes no noise and it is designed to be in your entertainment rack. It is completely remote control driven and the interface is super easy. In addition to the other things I have already mentioned there is no additional software to buy.

The cons are that it can't play everything a computer can and while it does now support local broadcasts you have to buy a special antenna and there is no DVR. However the recent CES winner simple.tv looks to be a good option once they launch. The boxee development team is too aggressive and it results in buggy firmware releases.

The cons of both is that special utilities have to be used to build a local library. Ripping and correct filename assignment are not user friendly

Anything to add my friend?

Bees, this is really way off topic. I don't think we need to hijack this thread for this discussion when there are suitable forums here for this discussion. Finally, I don't think either of us is interested in changing how we handle our home entertainment. I've cast my stones and am happy with them. Seems the same with you.

Originally Posted by AQ_OC

Bees, this is really way off topic. I don't think we need to hijack this thread for this discussion when there are suitable forums here for this discussion. Finally, I don't think either of us is interested in changing how we handle our home entertainment. I've cast my stones and am happy with them. Seems the same with you.

I disagree but if you are uncomfortable with a friendly back and forth to provide more information I will leave it alone. You have been here longer.

Originally Posted by beesknees

I disagree but if you are uncomfortable with a friendly back and forth to provide more information I will leave it alone. You have been here longer.

We can take it over to the off topic forum if you like....I actually do like to discuss HT stuff. After all, I've spent a lot of $$ on it.