Opinions on Media Center PC's?

[RKelly]

I currently have a Sony Vaio PCV RZ14G desktop which I've been using for the last 4-5 years. The thing has been a workhorse. I have done a lot of video editing, processing, authoring, etc and it's worked very well. But, being that its getting on in years, its definitely starting to slow down and I think it's nearing the end of it's run. I would also love to upgrade to a system with newer specs. I know several companies offer media center pcs (Gateway, HP, Sony). I'm looking for advice as to which media center I should buy. I'm looking for a machine that I can use as an everday computer (word processing, Internet, etc) but also has the capability to do the video processing/editing, etc. The reason I'm looking for a media center mainly is for the inputs (tv tuner, composite, firewire, etc) Any advice as to a good make/model? Thanks for your opinions.

[DereX888]

for me, no one make a 'media center' up to my needs so i always made them myself with the components i wanted since I had very first PC and the first ATi All-In-Wonder card - I added X-10 "mouse remote" and I had media center before they even existed in 1997
"Media Center" is just a marketing gimmick, youre almost sure to be better off if you built one youself. I have tried once Windows XP Media Center on my previous 'media center' machine, and boy how I hated it LOL, nothing beats full version OS. ALso you'll never get a really fully-loaded 'media center', usually its just a regular PC with WinXPMC and somewhat nicer case, thats all. If you want i.e. digital sat tuner etc - I'm almost 100% sure none would have it.
But yeah, if youre not able to build it yourself (its nothing special, same as any other PC) then I guess your options are somewhat limited.

[edDV]

I currently have a Sony Vaio PCV RZ14G desktop which I've been using for the last 4-5 years. The thing has been a workhorse. I have done a lot of video editing, processing, authoring, etc and it's worked very well. But, being that its getting on in years, its definitely starting to slow down and I think it's nearing the end of it's run. I would also love to upgrade to a system with newer specs. I know several companies offer media center pcs (Gateway, HP, Sony). I'm looking for advice as to which media center I should buy. I'm looking for a machine that I can use as an everday computer (word processing, Internet, etc) but also has the capability to do the video processing/editing, etc. The reason I'm looking for a media center mainly is for the inputs (tv tuner, composite, firewire, etc) Any advice as to a good make/model? Thanks for your opinions.

Describe better what you are doing now and the software used. I see the consumer video users falling into these broad segments.

1. Pro influenced, camcorder source "hair shirt" PC video editors that began with MJPEG hardware cards (later uncompressed), RAID disks and programs like Adobe Premiere for editing. This evolved into DV format (1998-2000) centric editing with single capture disk and output to DVD. Adobe, ULead, Vegas and Apple mostly follow this model. This segment is moving up to HDV or AVCHD MPeg2/4 and HD/BluRay DVD.

2. Hobbiest capture culture centered on TV tuner (usually Brooktree-Connexant based) cards where the goal was capturing external video rather than making original work. Emphasis was on capture, restoration filtering and extreme re-compression rather than editing. This segement evolved from single tape capture to automated PVR tuner capture and internet file trading.

3. PC based "Tivo" emulators where the control interaction is from a TV screen and remote control rather than a desktop mouse and keyboard. ATI, Sage and Snapstream pioneered this segment. MCE and AppleTV are based on this model.

"Media Center" usually means a living room (or dorm room) computer that functions as a primary TV but also may double as a computer.

[RKelly]

Thanks for your input. To address the first reply, while I agree building my own system would be the best route, I don't have the time/knowledge/inclination to take on such an endeavor, so I am looking for a ready made system.

To the second post, I use a variety of editing/authoring programs. In the past, I used Sony's Giga Pocket quite a bit to input video via RCA cables into Mpeg format, then use various mpeg editors and authoring programs. While I don't use this method as much these days, I would still like the capabilities/software, such as when I need to input video from a vcr. I have moved on to programs like Sony Vegas, inputting mini dv tape via firewire port (another key input) and using that and a variety of other programs to edit.

I do not want a system to replace my tv or entertainment center, but mainly I want one that has a variety of inputs, user friendly programs, and is as reliable (believe it or not) as the Vaio has been. A pc that I can do my everyday computing activities on but also has reliable editing software and the variety of inputs. I may end up going with another Vaio, though I have had trouble locating ones similar to the PCV RZ series. In addition, Sony is expensive. Other computer manufacturers seem to have systems similiar to what I'm looking for, I'm looking for advice as to which one I should buy, or any user reviews as to the durability of these style pc's. Thanks.

[edDV]

Be aware that store bought "media center" PC's are built to the Microsoft Media Center Model as a living room TV.

See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/mediacenter.mspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP_Media_Center_Edition

This may not be what you want and the microsoft spec tuners and parts may not work with other software. Do your homework first.

[RKelly]

ok so perhaps I don't want a "Media Center" PC, although those seem to be the only ones with the inputs I would like. Can somebody recommend one with the specs I have listed, but is not classified as a media center pc? I haven't been able to find one. Thanks!

[edDV]

You won't find prosumer video editing system configurations in retail stores. They are considered specialty products. One extreme is to start with a Dell or HP Workstation as detail spec'd by software vendors like Avid or Adobe. Then you need to figure out how to spec and assemble such a computer. A mid course if you don't want to do it yourself is to find an online system integrator who will support a product for a defined task.

Say you are a creative professional (right brainer) and want a system that works but don't first want to learn computer assembly and test skills. You just want to get to work. Second you want an expert to call with system problems.

I'll show you one example that may still be extreme on the pro end for you but it will illustrate my point. If you deal with an online turn key system integrator you don't need to learn be a system integrator yourself.

Somebody is going to say "Buy a MAC" but depending on what you are doing, a MAC gets delivered as a bunch of boxes of uninstalled software, cables and interface hardware as well. No real difference.

http://www.4videoequipment.com/video/store2/Scripts/diyturnkey.asp
I'm not endorsing these guys. Just using them as an example.

Less extreme turn key vendors exist. This may help you better define your needs.

And don't forget, operating the software is a separate subject.

[DereX888]

how hard is it to find a local shop where they could (professionally and probably at low cost too) build it for you... depending on your requirements it may even cost you less than a 'midrange' box from online shop on another end of America.
Composite inputs usually come on most TV tuner cards; if not included on mobo separate multiple firewire + USB2 ports cards aren't expensive either; good 7.1 DTS audio card may be the most expensive 'specialty' part next to the tv card (if you even need it); and there are plenty of standalone remotes for PCs if none of your cards or mobo won't come with it, etc etc...

The hardest part is to make a decision what exactly do YOU want hardware-wise, and none of us can answer it for you.
The rest is easy, but if you really can't build it and configure it yourself, Im sure there are plenty local computer shops that will make it for you with pleasure (i.e. I do enjoy to build such systems).

[edDV]

I agree the local system integrators as another great resource especially for networking. They tend to speicalize 95% to local small business and retail because those are the ones willing to pay for support.

They won't be as good or experienced in mid audio/video range editing systems. You should be able to find some integrators specializing in A/V in larger cities.

The path most of us take is to learn it ourselves but it means you are taking on another job. Many get bogged down in the computer details and never get around to editing those tapes.

[DereX888]

Path most of us take is to learn it ourselves but it means you are taking on another job.

Amen

[RKelly]

Thank you for all your input. What about a machine like this? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RNI6L0/ref=nosim/coffeeresearch5215-20
It appears to have the specs I am looking for. It doesn't seem to be a living room machine, but rather one that has inputs I'm looking for and can otherwise handle daily computing activities. Is there something I'm missing here?

[edDV]

Thank you for all your input. What about a machine like this? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RNI6L0/ref=nosim/coffeeresearch5215-20
It appears to have the specs I am looking for. It doesn't seem to be a living room machine, but rather one that has inputs I'm looking for and can otherwise handle daily computing activities. Is there something I'm missing here?

You haven't detailed your needs for video compatibility.

That is another MCE machine with on-motherbord NVIDIA GeForce 6150 graphics output (Low-Medium range)
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-media-center/4507-3118_7-32473154.html?tag=sub
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2626

The tuner is NTSC and digital ATSC capable but not identified and likely to be only for OEM MCE with questionable independent PVR or capture support (not good).

It does have 2 IEEE-1394 ports (good).

So the display card is not strong for HD acceleration (especially MPeg4 AVC) and the tuner may need to be replaced. OS is Vista Home Premium (good), Processor is Athlon 64 X2 5600 (Medium) and DRAM is 3 GB (very good but limited or no overclocking at PC2-5300).


PS: From the HP PDF
http://www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/pdf/gc673aa.pdf
All slots are occupied so you can't upgrade without tossing something out.
Tuner is not defined so assume no other software will support it.
System RAM is shared by the motherboard graphics processor.

"(r) ATSC high-definition (HD) source content varies and will depend on broadcast signal,
signal, antenna, and other factors. In cities where local off-air HD programs are available,
available, reception may vary based on geographic location. An external over-the-air antenna
antenna that receives UHF and VHF signals is required for ATSC reception. Viewing HD
HD content will require a compatible high-definition display. Ability to record, edit, or transfer
transfer broadcast content such as TV programming may be limited depending on the type
type of content."

They seem to be saying "don't expect it to work"

[RKelly]

Thanks again for all your input. Your knowledge certainly is helpful!