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I got Vista Ultimate as I needed the ability to login to a domain. And having supported myself for many years as a Microsoft IT networker, I was curious about the other features, including Backup and Encryption modules. I'll have to read the current literature, but at last read, I could not upgrade "down" to a Home Premium level from Ultimate. It had to be Ultimate to Ultimate. At the time (this was months ago), they wanted $249 for the upgrade. Steve
I don't think Home gives you that feature of domain login.
Quote from: GHM on 19 Oct 2009, 02:33 amI don't think Home gives you that feature of domain login. That is correct. When I bought Vista, it wasn't because I thought the OS would be better than (tried and true) XP, it was because I knew the Media Center part of it was definitely better. Steve
Quote from: jqp on 19 Oct 2009, 01:09 amSo are you saying there is a solution that is better than a one way cable card for an HTPC? What is that? I am saying that the cable box or DVR that the cable company supplies is usually a bi-directional device alowing you to transmit data to the cable company, and Pay-Per-View and Interactive Guides are examples of bi-directional services. In many markets, bi-directional cable cards are not available, and you won't be able to use those outbound data-driven services when using a non bi-directional cable card. Quote from: jqp on 19 Oct 2009, 01:09 amAll cable companies are required by law to support CableCard access But not necessarily bi-directional cable card access. Quote from: jqp on 19 Oct 2009, 01:09 amUmm...I think you should say that Sony does not want Apple nor Microsoft to play Blue Rays without paying licensing that neither one has chosen to pay? And that's fair. But if the manufacturer of my stand-alone $150 Blu-Ray player has paid the licensing fees (and the software is a small portion of the stand-alone hardware player), then Microsoft should surely have paid the licensing to include it their Media Center enabled software OS, which retails from $200 to $400, depending on the edition. Blu-Ray is becoming quite mainstream and it should be a Media Center inclusion. I think it's greed and maxium profits driving Microsoft. $400 for Windows 7 Ultimate (or whatever they're calling it)? Give me a break. The other problem is that Apple, outside of their Apple TV device, has chosen not to pursue the Media Center arena. Sure you could build an Apple Media Center, but you would be assembling various pieces of 3rd party software, and it wouldn't really work together. And that's too bad, because if Apple saw a market for themselves with a Media Center, I think they would have an even better one than Microsoft. Just my opinion. Steve
So are you saying there is a solution that is better than a one way cable card for an HTPC? What is that?
All cable companies are required by law to support CableCard access
Umm...I think you should say that Sony does not want Apple nor Microsoft to play Blue Rays without paying licensing that neither one has chosen to pay?
Quote from: srb on 19 Oct 2009, 02:44 amQuote from: GHM on 19 Oct 2009, 02:33 amI don't think Home gives you that feature of domain login. That is correct. When I bought Vista, it wasn't because I thought the OS would be better than (tried and true) XP, it was because I knew the Media Center part of it was definitely better. SteveBe reassured when you make the jump to Win7 it will be worth it. I have Vista here. I tried using it with Win7 dual booting to get a feel for the differences. It is a major improvement over Vista. I kept Vista on the machine for one day before I deleted it from the hard drive after living with Win7.You'll be pleased when you decide to make the switch.
I think I know what an interactive guide is, now that I think about it - you select the program and the channel appears on your screen? Also you can program the show to record?How can you do this with an HTPC though? Or maybe the question should be, why could you not do this with a CableCard?
You can get the Microsoft family pack for $150.00. This allows you to upgrade 3 PCs. Not the Ultimate, but having tried both the Home Premium will do what most people want anyway. That's not a bad deal at all.
Quote from: GHM on 18 Oct 2009, 06:52 pm Quote from: jqp on 18 Oct 2009, 06:54 pmAnd what about a CableCard? I don't know about Windows 7, but in Windows Vista, the only version that will work with cable cards is a special version sold only to HTPC integrators like Dell and Niveus. Again, have to wait and see if it's any different with Windows 7. According to the link posted above:"The newly relaxed restrictions mean that users can now install tuners themselves, but "piracy paranoia" hasn't disappeared completely. Microsoft says it will offer a "new tool" that "assesses the PC's ability to support the solution." In other words, the protected path certification process isn't so much going away as moving into software. Still, it's a step forward for those looking to add a CableCARD device to an existing machine."This is important for me, as I have too many trees to go satellite, and I can't convince the wife to go without cable. I do think cable costs are outrageous, as we're paying over $70/month for "basic extended", which isn't much. And, they're charging me $10/month to rent a crappy HDTV tuner. On the other hand, I can't see dropping cable because the quality is better than what one sees on a computer version, especially blown up to 92 inches.With this computer system and a cable card, I wouldn't have to buy Tivo and would have a great HDTV system.
Quote from: jqp on 18 Oct 2009, 06:54 pmAnd what about a CableCard? I don't know about Windows 7, but in Windows Vista, the only version that will work with cable cards is a special version sold only to HTPC integrators like Dell and Niveus. Again, have to wait and see if it's any different with Windows 7.
And what about a CableCard?
Where is this? Oops -- found it. It starts Oct. 22nd "until supplies last".
Guys,What about XP Media Center? A friend more knowledgeable than I said that it is being heavily discounted ($100)to clear it out for Windows 7 Media Center, and that it would serve me well for my HTPC project. I was planning on going with Ubuntu and then subscribe to Mythbuntu for my Tivo-like programming.But it all has to be running all the time, which I don't like. That is why it appears a lot of guys building new ones are going with those Intel Atom processors or the Ion processor, and small units with big hard drives. Also, there is XBMC software as well. Leaves me in a fog... Lyndon
I've had a HTPC integrated into my system for many years but I recently bought the WD HDLive media streamer for my basement system and it's pretty great. It puts out 1080p via HDMI, it connected to my media server without a hitch, it plays HULU and Youtube over the TV, it's quick and intuitive so people not familiar with it can use it after a minutes explanation.As for HTPC's, I can recommend Windows7 as well. It was the easiest OS I've ever loaded and it's been very stable. Windows Media Center works great. I have the HD Homerun plugged into my network for dual HD tuner work. I can watch HD content on any computer in my house with all the Media Center DVR functions.
What kind of PJ and screen did you get?Bob
Joe,I just saw a discussion of the WD HD live, and it's not too expensive. Anyone know how to integrate this with cable? If that HD Homerun had cablecards, that would be a great solution. Are the cablecards for home computers out yet?
