Linux Media Center

[Zachstar]

Well don't expect that to last too too long. DRM is really attractive to them you know...

However if that dosent happen I am quite interested in this whole idea. I first heard of computerized media centers in 2000 and thought it was a stupid idea having a loud computer with bright lights cluttering up a beautiful setup.

However, Today this sounds like a solution for my home, not just my living room...

Currently the little media that I do have is stored on my PC. I have experimented with VLC to record in perfect detail the government public domain stream called "NASA TV"

I would really like to be able to go to work without missing things such as EVA coverage or landings (I refuse to get a TIVO because I am not interested in their data collection policies) and have a graphical interface for the bit of media I have.

On top of that the ability to act as an alarm system with cheap sensors is nice.

[SUBMAN1]

There is no DRM that will never not be broken. Even Sony's Blu-Ray player that they said the DRM would not be broken for 10 years is , well, broken!

Anyway, a DVR is a good idea. I use Microsofts Media Center 2005 to capture most of my video. I also have a Tivo too, but it is hacked and mainly used for recording from my computer. I don't use it for recording TV.

This is what the quality looks like when using the Tivo to capture video from my main gaming box:

http://www.stage6.com/user/xman11/videos/

-S

PS. I think Microsoft's MCE 2005 is the best solution here. The reason? You don't have to pay for the guide data. It is free for life. So you get Tivo functionality, without the monthly bill.

[Zachstar]

Um no thanks. I much rather use a stable OS like Linux that is maintained by people and is free at the same time.

Also MS MCE is missing features compared to Linux MCE

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by Zachstar

Um no thanks. I much rather use a stable OS like Linux that is maintained by people and is free at the same time.

Also MS MCE is missing features compared to Linux MCE

Like what? There is nothing a Linux box gives me over MCE 2005. Actually, I'd have to say the Linux box may be missing a thing or two. Don't get me wrong though, I run a combination of Linux and Windows in this house, and each have their pluses and minuses. Free is a plus for Linux, but $99 for an OS (About what an OEM copy of MCE 2005 can be found for) and free guide data for life is too good a deal. Last I checked (about 3 to 4 months ago), with the Linux box, you have to still 'pay' for your guide data. It stopped being free. So sooner or later, you are going to pay more for your guide data than you did for your MCE 2005 copy.

And I can't remember a crash - its simply XP Pro with Media Center Capabilities. So for stability, it is a rock.

-S