What media centre software do you use with Windows 8?

JaseUK

JaseUK

JaseUK

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I have tried a few different ones now but can't seem to get one that does everything I need.

I love the look and feel of XBMC but struggling to get some backend TV tuner software to work. I did use NextPVR but it doesn't work properly with Windows 8, video rendering codec issue. I also love the fact you can play Blu-Ray through the MakeMKV add-on.

I have tried MediaPortal but it seems a bit bulky and slow for me.

I am after something that works in Windows 8 and allows me to play my DVD collection with cover art etc.

Be nice if it has some way of playing blu ray discs too but I know I am asking a lot.

TV tuner software essential.

Any recommendations guys for something that does it all.
 
I have a HP Microserver always on running Plex Media Server.

I then use Plex + Windows Media Center on a Windows 8 machine (plex integrates into the list). Allows me to watch/record TV and watch any TV shows or Movies that i want via Plex.

Power Dvd also integrates into WMC so I play Blu-Rays through that.

EDIT: I also have the plex app on my iphone/ipad (android/Smart TV version available too) which allows me to watch anything on plex from these devices :).
 
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Been using MediaPortal for years in combination with Argus TV (formerly For The Record). MP isn't perfect, but I still find it better for day to day use than most of the others that I've tried.
 
I did use NextPVR but it doesn't work properly with Windows 8, video rendering codec issue. I also love the fact you can play Blu-Ray through the MakeMKV add-on.
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Codec wise I use K-Lite (they have both 32 bit and 64 bit) I've yet to find anything I can't play in Win8 Pro x64.
 
JaseUK said:
I might give MediaPortal another try. Does it allow you to play Blu-ray discs?
Click to expand...

Native Blu-ray Support

MediaPortal can now play your unencrypted Blu-ray discs, including the menus, extras, etc! Development will continue because BD-J (Blu-ray Java) menus aren't supported (yet), but you can play the movie. So now you can enjoy the best video & audio quality right within MediaPortal, without the need of an external video player (like PowerDVD or TotalMedia Theatre) or a separate Blu-ray player.

Attention -- Encrypted Blu-ray discs require a 3rd party "on-the-fly" decoder. The wiki (link below) holds more information. Besides the playback of encrypted Blu-ray discs there are a few other limitations at the moment about which you can read more in our Wiki.

http://www.team-mediaportal.com/team-news
 
Infidelus said:
Been using MediaPortal for years in combination with Argus TV (formerly For The Record). MP isn't perfect, but I still find it better for day to day use than most of the others that I've tried.
Click to expand...

Just wonder why you use ArgusTV with MP as I though MP had its own tuner software built in.
 
JaseUK said:
Just wonder why you use ArgusTV with MP as I though MP had its own tuner software built in.
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I originally just used it for the (far more advanced) scheduler. TV Server has always been a bit spotty for reliability (from my use of it anyway), so when the Argus TV devs made their own tuner I decided to give it a go, and never really went back.

I have tried TV Server again recently, but it's still not something I can depend on without having to manually restart the service on resume from standby.

They both have their pros and cons though, so I guess it's just user choice at the end of the day :)
 
I have got MediaPortal installed and up and running and have to say I like it. It has everything I need in one piece of software which is always a bonus.

Thanks for the recommendations guys. :)
 
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