Advice please, new pet project....

Pongo

OK, I'm looking to install Windows Media Centre in a Dell desktop. I've found it on sale here: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315135

for €101, which isn't too bad I think? I assume that this will install ok in the Dell, I know there are issues trying to install a Dell OEM disk in another PC, but I assume that once I wipe the hard drive this will install ok on it?

The remote is an extra €38, but I notice a lot of TV cards come with a remote included, will I still need the Microsoft one?

Now for the really stupid questions.... The PC (a basic Dell desktop) doesn't have a graphics card, is one necessary for TV output, I've got a hdtv that the PC is hooked up to through the PC in connection on the TV, but will I need to install a graphics card with a tv out slot? Bearing in mind that the PC has no AGP or PCI express slot, my choices are fairly limited, Komplett do have a couple of PCI graphics cards with tv out though.

Also, any reccomendations for a TV card? I've got NTL digital, not sure if that makes a difference.....

Many thanks in advance.....

andy1249

MCE ( Media centre Edition ) should install OK , however the version from Komplett needs activation within 30 days , and wont activate twice , so get it right first time or you have to get on the phone to microsoft.

It should install , but MCE is really particular about what type of TV cards you can use. ( for recording , pausing live tv etc., note that this is not the same as a graphics card ! ) The most popular TV card of choice in these parts that is MCE compatible is the PVR500 from Hauppage , I dont know if your Dell can work with this. ( maybe it will , all you can do is try it and see ! )

You wont need a graphics card with TV out for output to your TV if your TV has a PC input. TV out is rubbish anyway as it converts the output to PAL and in most cases this makes any computer text on the TV unreadable.
The PC input on a HDTV will be able to show the full PC resolution on screen , at say 1024 x 768 for most HDTV's , and this wipes the floor with any TV out connection.

adrian.s

Since you're on NTL Digital I'd use either the Huappauge 150 or 500. Your ntl digital box will need to connect to the card using the S-Video in, and you'll need an IR blaster to control the box. But the nice bit is you can split the cable feed to the digital box and feed the cable directly to the analouge in of your card. That way you can use the digital box to view all you regular tv, and use the card to record NTL's analogue stuff. If you'd like to record more than one channel at the same time use the 500.

Much and all as I don't like Microsoft, the remote is brilliant. Well worth getting, and it should include a couple of IR cables that will allow you to control your NTL digital box.

A.

Tom Dunne

Before forking out the money, have you considered the free alternatives? Have a look at MediaPortal and GB-PVR first. The former is quite resource hungry and a buggy, but the latter is pretty damn good.

Both also work with a wide range of hardware, AFAIK more than MCE.

Pongo

Thanks lads, all advice much appreciated, and thanks for the tip about the free alternatives. I should be ordering later today, expecting delivery during next week, so I'll probably be back here this time next week asking for advice on where I screwed it all up!

leahcim

I decided to build a media system myself a couple of weeks back. I was going to buy Microsoft WMC but I decided to give media portal a go before splashing out the cash. I have been running Media Portal for a while now and I have never experienced a crash or resource problem. I never did order Microsoft WMC.

I know previous releases of Media Portal have been buggy but it is work in progress. Try installing the lastest release candidate and see what you think yourself.

the website is

http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

its free so you have nothing to loose.