Alternative to Windows Media Center

Skeeter

Skeeter

Skeeter

Caporegime
Joined
8 Mar 2007
Posts
37,146
Location
Surrey
I'm looking to replace my HTPC with something smaller and quieter, but first I need to decide on the frontend to use.

I currently use WMC in Windows 7 using a Media Centre remote. I no longer use the TV features, so its used for photos and videos, and above all else, watching my movie collection stored on my server. I use the MyMovies addin, and I love it.

What alternatives are there out there? All my media is stored primarily on my server and streamed, so it will need to play all kinds of video format. Most importantly though it needs to be able to play my DVD rips that are stored in VIDEO_TS folder format. It must also have an incredibly simple and good looking frontend like MyMovies, with a catalogue system that shows DVD covers and synopsis' and other details. Anyone who has used MyMovies will know its as simple as putting the DVD rip in a folder and its all there for you.

Most important though, it needs to be incredibly simple to setup. I do not know linux, and neither do I have a desire to learn it just to setup a streaming box. The reason why I have stuck with WMC is because setting it up was as easy as installing the MyMovies app and server app and pressing the Green Button. That said, if there is a linux install that is that simple I will give it a bosh.

5.1 audio and 1080p are also required, but there more down to the hardware I choose than the software I expect.

What do you suggest?
 
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/07/mk802-android-4-0-mini-pc-hands-on-impressions/

I'll let you know what it's like when it arrives. £46
A fair few similar devices out there now. Dirt cheap, tiny, easy to use and silent.

Or wait for a win8 version, doesn't sound like you're in any hurray.

And if it works well going to get this
scaled.php

Internal rechargeable battery, track pad, media keys.
 
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1080p and 5.1 Audio?

I assume streaming of VIDEO_TS format movies would depend on the Media App? I wonder if there is a TV orientated Home app for Android yet, hmm...
 
Skeeter said:
Most important though, it needs to be incredibly simple to setup. I do not know linux, and neither do I have a desire to learn it just to setup a streaming box. The reason why I have stuck with WMC is because setting it up was as easy as installing the MyMovies app and server app and pressing the Green Button. That said, if there is a linux install that is that simple I will give it a bosh.
Click to expand...
I'd go for XBMC as well... also there's really no need to be frightened of the customised XBMC/Linux "appliance" builds (eg OpenELEC) as they generally boot straight into the XBMC GUI where all of the everyday configuration takes place.

Having said that, it seems you're already very happy with WMC + MyMovies, so why not just stick with what you know and like, unless you think it would struggle on the kind of hardware you're envisaging?

Glaucus said:
And if it works well going to get this
Internal rechargeable battery, track pad, media keys.
Click to expand...

[interested] What's that? Does it have standard remote buttons on the other side?
 
That one doesn't, but others do, well not full remote, but this
There must be 12 or so different designs.
scaled.php


Search for IPazzPort

All around €25-50
 
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CaptainCrash said:
Having said that, it seems you're already very happy with WMC + MyMovies, so why not just stick with what you know and like, unless you think it would struggle on the kind of hardware you're envisaging?
Click to expand...

Exactly that. Before Sky+ and before my server my HTPC had dual Freeview cards in it and a beefy HDD for media and recordings. Now I have a server and Sky+ I have no need for the HDD capacity of for it to be 'PC sized' to take PCI tuners. I would ideally like something small and silent (or as close as) that can be tucked out the way, which means W7 is a bit overkill.
 
Glaucus said:
That one doesn't, but others do, well not full remote, but this
There must be 12 or so different designs.
Search for IPazzPort

All around €25-50
Click to expand...
*Almost* what I'm looking for... ideally I'd really like something similar to the Motorola NYXboard, but with a built-in touchpad (don't think such a thing exists though). Thanks anyway. :)
 
I'm going to give XBMCbuntu a go on my current HTPC using a LiveCd or USB.

Which would be better, CD or USB?

(Due to a unique situation I have with my network setup on my HTPC, this experiment could very well end in either the USB stick or CD flying across the room with force :))
 
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