Need MCE, but whats the difference with it and XP Pro?

[ps3ud0]

Hi guys,

Im considering getting MCE to support my TV card better (Terratec Cinergy 2400i DT) which has BDA drivers to allow me to have extra features like PIP and better recording abilities.

Im already on XP Pro and Terratecs own software isnt brilliant - rudimentary at best and quite flaky...

What I want to understand though is the functional differences between XP MCE and XP Pro (not interested in Vista due to overall performance and driver support - also the pricing isnt justified IMO) to ensure Im aware what features I might lose/gain.

As an alternative what MCE-type software could I use on XP Pro to perform the same functions without changing OSes? Ive got a MCE remote so want to use this to ensure my PC is central to my entertainment requirements...

Im not sure if this matters but Im getting an Auzentech Prelude so I want to make sure support for DDL and DTS Connect is inbuilt into this MCE program - unsure if this is a driver thing or software...

TIA

ps3ud0

 

[ps3ud0]

Cheers guys, I dont consider the main use of my PC as a media player (the TVs usually in the corner of the screen while Im working (can MCE/Media Portal support usage like that?!?)), but I do watch a lot of DVDs and game.

I dont think MCE is worth it for me, and Ive noticed that my assumption it being the best media player is wrong looking at a few posts here (Media Portal seems more popular and feature rich compared and doesnt need an OS reinstall!). I think I just need a more solid TV player, but Ill give Media Portal a try as it doesnt seem to come with an disadvantages (correct?) though I dont think it does PIP, but thats not a deal breaker...

Thanks guys - anything else I should know - gonna try it over the weekend if I get the chance...

P.S. On the subject of TV media software - how do they get EPG information?

ps3ud0

 

[ps3ud0]

The problem Im having with the Terratec software is that its very sensitive with the reception strength so it pixelates a lot if Im doing something resource-heavy in the background (say Photoshop). Half the time it loses signal or crashes out, which is really frustrating...

Im going to reinstall XP Pro anyway so I thought Id ask about MCE but you guys have made my mind up regards that. Hopefully it fixes the Terratec software, but I think Ill give MP a try too (it does windowed mode it says - PIP would be nice but not essential).

ps3ud0