Wolfeman
10-12-2005 16:34:03
OK, so I'm getting the 360 soon but besides that the Media Center has some cool functions I'd like. My questions are
1. Is it worth it to upgrade?
2. Does Media Center have all the functions of Pro? I use Remote Desktop and domains so I need Pro features.
Thanks )
agroman
10-12-2005 16:39:45
Windows XP MCE can connect to file/print shares on workgroups/domains, but you cannot join the computer to a domain.
However, it looks like someone has found some registry edit that might allow you do this. http//www.tss2000.nl/vbforum/showthread.php?t=50
shrug
Wolfeman
10-12-2005 16:40:31
[quote1c07ba0a39="agroman"]Windows XP MCE can connect to file/print shares on workgroups/domains, but you cannot join the computer to a domain.
However, it looks like someone has found some registry edit that might allow you do this. http//www.tss2000.nl/vbforum/showthread.php?t=50
shrug[/quote1c07ba0a39]
What about remote desktops?
agroman
10-12-2005 16:42:57
I'm pretty sure that functionality remains because the MCE extender uses the RDP protocol.
agroman
10-12-2005 16:43:18
http//www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/faq.mspx
check that out.
Wolfeman
10-12-2005 16:49:17
Remote Desktop is still allowed. OK so thats my first hurdle. Now is it worth it? How hard is it to setup a TV tuner? Do you just run a normal coax cable? I'm looking at this tuner but I don't have a HD LCD (not yet) so is it worth it?
http//www.yesmicro.com/Item.aspx?sku=330123TD&sgd=341d319d318d317d316
agroman
10-12-2005 17:14:28
The problem with HD tuners right now is that the coax input will only pickup OTA HD broadcasts. This is basically the same problem that most HDTV's have.
In order to get the HD channels that your cable or satellite provider offers you'll need to have your cable/satellite box hooked up to the component video inputs on the card. Which also means that you'll have to have an IR blaster (or somethinig equivalent) setup to change the channels on the cable/sat box.
If you are wanting to record HD, you might look into finding an HD cable/sat box that has firewire/usb and can dump the mpeg transport stream.
Also, another thing about TV tuner cards. Look for one that has an mpeg encoder on board. You'll save lots of CPU when recording. That ATI probably has one, but some don't... just something to be aware of when you're shopping.
Peinecone
10-12-2005 17:33:22
I will be getting a 360 also, and i thought about getting MCE. But the only advantage you get involving the 360 is the ability to stream video. With Media Connect, and XP, you can stream pics and music.
Currentlly, i have a HD cable box with DVR built-in, so doesn't really benifit me to get a tuner card and MCE.