Re: HTPC vs XBMC

["gigtekmediacomputers" <stuartmc@xxxxxxxxxx>]

When you buy a three pack of Windows MCE2005 it comes with an
additional DVD called the "Multimedia Feature Pack". This is a
DVD
that installs via a batch file. Most of the it is sample files, sample
photos etc. The most interesting part is the Sonic ENCODERS. This
allows you to burn DVDs on MCE for playing on other DVD players. The
standard burn DVD without this just creates Data DVDs.

This DVD should be installed by OEMs prior to shipping to customers.
If you buy a single pack from a reseller/distributor they will have
split a three pack, which is the only way Microsoft ships the product
to distributors, and it will probably not have this DVD. It is
intended by Microsoft as a bonus for those who buy per-bulit systems.
We install these on all Media Centers we sell.

Hope this helps

Stuart


--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Jon Whiten" <jon@w...> wrote:
> Can you advise further on : "If you want to record programmes to
DVD
make
> sure you get the Multimedia extension pack that only ships with a
three-pack
> of MCE2005 OEM."?
>
> TA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gigtekmediacomputers [mailto:stuartmc@g...]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 3:55 PM
> To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> Subject: [ukha_d] Re: HTPC vs XBMC
>
>
>
>
> Recommended spec (it will run in less) is
>
> 2.8GHz CPU
> 512Mb RAM
> DirectX9.0 compatible video card(ATI 9600 or Nvidia 5200) Large hard
disk



> (at least 80Gb) DVD Writer TV Tuner (ideally two for Sky+
functionailty
> Quiet PSU, CPU coller and case fans Wireless Keyboard, Mouse and
Remote
> control MPEG Decoder
>
> For Freeview, Black Gold is best in twin tuner configuration
>
> Powerstrip will allow you to do a 1:1 pixel mapping for your display.
>
> Not aware of Region coding issues as long as you run something like
DVD
> RegionFree
>
> PVR functionality with twin tuners is as good as it gets on Freeview.
> EPG is two weeks and is free (unlike Tivo) Watch one while recording
another
> and record two while watching a prerecorded programme.
>
> If you want to record programmes to DVD make sure you get the
Multimedia
> extension pack that only ships with a three-pack of MCE2005 OEM.
>
> If you need any more help email me to stuartmc at gigtek.com
>
> S.
>
>
> --- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Ho Yin Ng <yahoogroups@h...> wrote:
> > I don't think I have grasped this correctly .. and I will
probably
> be told
> > to read more on this subject.
> >
> > I am in the process of doing so!
> >
> > But mean while can someone answer some basic questions?
> >
> > What is the recommended spec for a PC to run Windows Media Centre
2005?
> >
> > What capture cards are people using? Are they using ones with
built in
> > Freeview? And doing away with an external freeview box?
> >
> > Are you all using internal scalers?
> >
> > Are there really a lot of advantages in using a HTPC compared to
an
> Xbox
> > running XBMC?
> >
> > I have read that using a PC people have problems with playing
> > different region DVDs due to different frequencies?
> >
> > I am assuming HTPC will provide better picture quality than an
Xbox
> as I
> > can use a DVI connection to a LCD TV therefore produce 1:1 pixel
> matching,
> > whereas Xbox will just be via component out or RGB.
> >
> > I guess also that the HTPC will allow a basic PVR system to run.
But
> > is this basic system really good enough?
> >
> > A lot of questions and some that are probably very stupid ..
> >
> > Thanks for reading.
> >
> > Ho yin
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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