Re: Getting ready to jump into Media Center by Jaime
Jaime
Mon Jun 09 10:11:08 PDT 2008
A few opinions inline:
"Bob Day" <BobDay@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F7831AEB-DCA3-4900-8247-88304AA1EA73@microsoft.com...
> I want to start using Media Center, but have several questions:
>
> a) As I understand it, the Home Premium and Ultimate vista have Media
> Center, is one ot the other better for Media Center?
The Media Center features are the same in either version, just depend on
whether or not you need the other features in Ultimate vs Home Premium.
> b) I have Windows XP and media center, but have never used it. Is it
> worth
> messing with or should I immediate go to Vista Media Center? (I would
> think
> vista).
Up to you and your hardware's capabilities (if you are thinking about an
upgrade). The Media Center features in Vista are not that much different
than those in XP and some people have very strong opinions (pro and con) as
far as Vista is concerned. Personally, I recently purchased a new
well-powered notebook with Vista Ultimate 64, I am really enjoying Vista,
and have no problems whatsoever. However I also have a XP MCE system that I
have had for several years, functions as dedicated MCE computer, and I'm
have no plans to change it to Vista any time soon because it does it's job.
> c) Is a dedicated PC better that trying to share one that you are doing
> other work on?
Probably, if you are using it for that purpose regularly, if you are going
to occasionally record a show, it could be a dual purpose. Again depends on
how much hassle to have the PC hooked to the TV (if that is what you want)
and still be easy to use for other purposes.
> d) Is the a dual tv turner that peole have had good luck with? I have
> cable
> and an antenna for HD local stations.
Some have found two separate tuners less fickle, I have a Hauppauge 150
(analog/cable) and a separate Digital tuner for OTA HD and they works very
nicely together.
> e) any URL that reviews teh product, the good the bad and the ugly would
> be
> helpfull.
>
> f) any URL that goes through everything I need to know would be helpful
> too.
>
> Thanks!
> Bob Day