Windows Media Center

[AgnesIO]

I have never really used this, just assuming it was pretty much windows media player, just made for other media etc.

But actually, it really is brilliant. The UI is impressive (I love it anyway), and am now using the program over any other music software.

Other peoples thoughts on the center?

[Jack!]

I use it on my xbox for streaming media from my home server, Can be a bit laggy, but its ok

[Recursion]

I use it as my main TV and it's great :P Got all my media and a TV tuner. Also paired my PS3 BluRay remote to my PC's bluetooth so I don't have to get out of bed xD!

[lawrawrrr]

Really lags my laptop - when I use it, I'm generally not doing anything else, but I use it as a DVD and TV player - love the layout and little features, my favourite media player.

IMO, the software designed by windows/apple etc are usually really underrated - people can be really prejudiced against simple software like this...

[Suspective]

I think its a brilliant program and I always use it to play music and DVDs as well as using it for files on my 360.

I'm thinking of getting a TV Tuner as I would defiantly use it.

[AgnesIO]

I use it as my main TV and it's great :P Got all my media and a TV tuner. Also paired my PS3 BluRay remote to my PC's bluetooth so I don't have to get out of bed xD!

What do you use to get signal to your TV Tuner?

I have one but can't get signal to it lol

[Recursion]

What do you use to get signal to your TV Tuner?

I have one but can't get signal to it lol

Oh, we have aerial ports in every room so it's just a standard coaxial cable going into the wall to our distribution amp.

a.k.a, a cable going into the wall.

[AgnesIO]

Oh, we have aerial ports in every room so it's just a standard coaxial cable going into the wall to our distribution amp.

a.k.a, a cable going into the wall.

Ah you are lucky :L

I don't have one going to my 'office' thing, so settling with Sky Player on WMC atm :P

[GommeInc]

WMC is very good. If you have a media PC it is a must have - thankfully you can't exactly go without it if you have Windows 7 :P One criticism I have is that it needs a bit of tweaking, and modernising to keep up with current streaming trends, and to add more channels e.g. ITV Player, iPlayer, 4oD etc etc.

[Suspective]

That is a good idea, many other things are integrated with iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD, Demand5 etc. so why shouldn't WMC?

It is a feature which would really increase its usage and popularity, and it would certainly help me out.

[GommeInc]

That is a good idea, many other things are integrated with iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD, Demand5 etc. so why shouldn't WMC?

It is a feature which would really increase its usage and popularity, and it would certainly help me out.
I think it may be down to Windows Media Centre existing before iPlayer and the like ever existing. It was mainly advertised as a way to watch TV using an aerial on your computer. It would be useful if Microsoft updated it, i's not out of date, but does need some more customisable features...

[Robbie]

WMC is very good. If you have a media PC it is a must have - thankfully you can't exactly go without it if you have Windows 7 :P One criticism I have is that it needs a bit of tweaking, and modernising to keep up with current streaming trends, and to add more channels e.g. ITV Player, iPlayer, 4oD etc etc.

XMBC ftw!

[Recursion]

XMBC ftw!

If you're going down that route...

Boxee ftw!

[Gilesfun]

That is a good idea, many other things are integrated with iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD, Demand5 etc. so why shouldn't WMC?

It is a feature which would really increase its usage and popularity, and it would certainly help me out.

Try Tuner Free MCE it enables this sort of thing
http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9:iplayer-mce&catid=1:software&Itemid=11

[Jordy]

Try Tuner Free MCE it enables this sort of thing
http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9:iplayer-mce&catid=1:software&Itemid=11Yeah was about to point this out. Been using this for years now, it's a very impressive add-on :)

I like Windows Media Center, I had lots of issues recording with it on Vista but on Windows 7 I have no such problems. It's fantastic for TV and DVDs but I generally use iTunes for Music and WMP for Videos. My issue is it's a bit slow in opening up and responding. I also don't like it's full screen mode.

[Markeh]

I do prefer Boxee, to be honest. But it doesn't run too well on the thing I jokingly call a HTPC.