Windows Media Center

[l Maximus l]

For those that have Windows Vista, have any of you used the Windows Media Center?

As some of you may know, I recently purchased a new laptop and this is my first stab at Windows Vista. So far, I'm loving it! While I was playing around with it tonight, I noticed Windows Media Center.

I haven't actually done anything with it, but, it appears that you can do everything that a DVR can do, which is one thing among many. Apparently, my laptop can be connected to my plasma television and I can record shows, record live TV, etc.

You can even set up an entire home video/audio system using your laptop (or any computer) as your control panel from what I've been reading.

Has anyone done this or even attempted it? It seems pretty impressive, but, I wanted to see what your feedback is - I mean, after all, XBA is the place to go for stuff like this!

[Kamshaft-XBA]

Moved the thread...I made a video playback forum a while back to get people into the video playback part of the Xbox. :cool:

I'm not using the Media Center part of the Xbox, but rather the straight playback on it. It plays good, but doesn't support all the video formats.

[ChessPieceFace]

I have a windows media PC and I connect it to cable and record shows. Also I use my 360 to connect to the PC to watch T.V. or you can stream recorded materials from the PC to the 360. its easy to setup and useful.

[BattleCruiser]

I have media center pc with two tv tuners (XP Media Center) connected to two sat boxes and pc changes the channels on the sat boxes. Able to record two channels at a time and on pc. My wife uses it alot. She can program it to record from the xbox360s and watch the recorded tv on the 360s over the network.

We love it, more versatile than tivo and no subs.

[l Maximus l]

Man, I missing the boat! I need to get myself set up! Thanks for the info, Brethren!

[Kamshaft-XBA]

I'm actually building myself a HTPC (Home Theater PC). So far it's only cost me around $550 Canadian. Once I'm done, it will play anything I throw at it. At least that's the plan...even Blu-ray & HD-DVD Discs.

Why? Because the Xbox 360 just doesn't cut the mustard for video playback.

I'll keep you posted on my creation.
:cheers:

[Rhiannon]

I used it to send all my playlists from the pc to the T.V so i could use the audio for parties and when I am doing housework or whatever.

[l Maximus l]

I'm actually building myself a HTPC (Home Theater PC). So far it's only cost me around $550 Canadian. Once I'm done, it will play anything I throw at it. At least that's the plan...even Blu-ray & HD-DVD Discs.

Why? Because the Xbox 360 just doesn't cut the mustard for video playback.

I'll keep you posted on my creation.
:cheers:

I'm mainly referring to my PC, not my XBox 360. I recently bought a new laptop and am finally experiencing Vista - and I'm really liking it. I had no idea that I can set up an entire video/audio system using my laptop as the "brains" behind the system. It sounds really appealing.

Take pictures of your set up, Stephen...it sounds like it's going to be cool. I really need to get some new audio speakers. I have a good amplifier - But, I'm thinking about going with a new system altogether. Of course, it will cost me some serious duckets for the one I want to get, though.

[Kamshaft-XBA]

I'm mainly referring to my PC, not my XBox 360. I recently bought a new laptop and am finally experiencing Vista - and I'm really liking it. I had no idea that I can set up an entire video/audio system using my laptop as the "brains" behind the system. It sounds really appealing.

Take pictures of your set up, Stephen...it sounds like it's going to be cool. I really need to get some new audio speakers. I have a good amplifier - But, I'm thinking about going with a new system altogether. Of course, it will cost me some serious duckets for the one I want to get, though.

I will!

[frag yo mamma 2]

so ok, i seen that i can watch things off my LAptop thru the Media Center, on the xbox.. when the are connected. but is there a way (here is the laptop i have:http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8780198&st=laptop&lp=10&type=product&cp=1&id=1204332501169 )..too connect the laptop too the TV, and record whats being shown on the screen? i dunno ALOT about pc's but i know that there is alot the laptop we got can do, lol...

[Kamshaft-XBA]

so ok, i seen that i can watch things off my LAptop thru the Media Center, on the xbox.. when the are connected. but is there a way (here is the laptop i have:http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8780198&st=laptop&lp=10&type=product&cp=1&id=1204332501169 )..too connect the laptop too the TV, and record whats being shown on the screen? i dunno ALOT about pc's but i know that there is alot the laptop we got can do, lol...

You need a video capture device. Seems like your Laptop doesn't.