alternative to MCE

neil_g · 19 Dec 2007 at 10:28

wanting to use my old nforce2 based box as a media center

spec:
dfi lanparty nforce2
amd barton 2800 (clocked to 2200mhz)
2gb pc3200 ddr
nvidia fx5500

runs XP SP2 like a dream. however..

the copy of XP MCE from the MS download servers once burnt to disk returns an error during setup. MS suggest a faulty CD, tried several different disks with same problem.

tried vista ultimate with MCE, which installs fine upgrading from XP. however since doing a windows update is now stuck in a reboot loop. genius.

so, is there any (free if poss) alternatives to MS MCE?

cheers

wombraider · 19 Dec 2007 at 10:39

Yep there is this amazing free program called GB PVR that I have used for the
last couple of years.

Xp + GB PVR + Nova-t 500 = awesome PVR system

boosfuk · 19 Dec 2007 at 11:50

wombraider said:
Yep there is this amazing free program called GB PVR that I have used for the
last couple of years.

Xp + GB PVR + Nova-t 500 = awesome PVR system

Agreed. GB-PVR is so easy to setup/use and it just works so well

neil_g · 19 Dec 2007 at 11:58

cheers guys.

also looking at mediaportal, anyone rate that?

boosfuk · 19 Dec 2007 at 12:48

neil_g said:
cheers guys.

also looking at mediaportal, anyone rate that?

Mediaportal probably has more bells & whistles but I found it slow and monolithic. Mediaportal II looks more promising but it is not even in beta yet. In comparison what I like about GB-PVR is that it separates the Recording service (windows service in background) and the GUI; seemed more stable and runs well on older hardware.
Both have a very active community, helpful forums and lots of plugins.

neil_g · 19 Dec 2007 at 12:54

installed it now, seems okay so far..