Opinions on WinXP Media Center Edition 2005

[zoobie]

As it turns out, I'll need a new OS. I searched and read here among other places (including the cnet one) the reviews on the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
I read here that it's like XP Pro with some features. I'm not sure why I'd really need these features...but anyway, maybe some could give me a clue.
I saw MCE 2005 on the web for $95.
Reviews anyone?
Thanks

PS - What I'd really like to do is run Linux and forget about Windows...but I've been told that XP really is a good OS to edit video.

[hoyboy]

I have recently installed media centre xp on my systems. it has been very good, very stable so far.

[waheed]

As the name suggests, designed for Media. A good OS if you watch a alot of TV on your PC.

[Gurm]

The "extra features" are really quite nice, considering that it costs less than XP Pro!

- DVR. It turns your PC into a digital VCR. That's pretty useful right there, now isn't it?

- Media Center. It has cool media organizational features.

- TV output. It's optimized to work properly on a TV, as opposed to just using regular Windows with TV output, which often looks icky.

[HatchetMan]

My dad's got it on his laptop, I like it. He's also got a phat widescreen on that puppy, I'm so jealous.

[zoobie]

Sounds like a weiner...
I saw where it saves in a MS format and just hope I can turn off all the stuff if I need to.
Thanks

[zoobie]

Do I need the remote control to install this OS?
Thanks

[zoobie]

Anyone on my last post?
With MS, you never know...and I'd like to.
Thanks

[dkelly701]

I got MCE 2005 on my new Dell desktop. Be very careful and make sure you understand exactly what you are getting. Unfortunately, I didn’t. MCE gives your computer a TiVo like function. It is designed to be used in a Media Center (hence, Media Center Edition). This means your computer needs to be physically close to your media center. The little ir buds only have a short cable (10 feet?) so it needs to be close to your cable box. Also be warned that the TV tuner cards have to be specifically made for MCE. These cards are not the same as capture cards. They do not work outside of the MCE environment and they are not designed to do captures from cameras. The only way that I can capture from my Hi 8 Camera is to disconnect the cable TV signal from the computer and then connect the camera. I then have to go through the MCE TV setup process to “fool” the TV card into thinking the camera is a TV broadcast. Once I am finished capturing from the camera, I have to reconnect the cable TV and set MCE back up again.

MCE uses a Microsoft format to record video. It is dvr-ms. I think it is basically an mpg file with extras (allows TiVo like features like watch while record, program information etc). You have to convert this file back to mpg to be able to do anything with it. TMPGEnc 3.0 Xpress and a few others will do this. Your options while you are capturing are limited. If I try to use any other software to capture, I always get an error that that says the device is in use. No matter if MCE is running or not, it always has control over your TV card. I was told by Dell that I could not put a regular (non MCE) card in my computer because it would cause a conflict. If you have MCE and regularly do captures, you will have to use something external that connects via USB or firewire. This according to Dell.

Investigate very carefully before you switch to MCE. If you want a computer TiVo, it is exactly what you want. If not, buyer beware.

[zoobie]

Thanks for the review. I believe I asked before if you could disconnect all the MCE stuff...and wasn't answered. Now I see you can't.

Everybody's system is different. I don't think this OS is for me for several reasons. First, I just bought a card that isn't on the list. I suppose I could sell it on eBay...but why? It seems good enuf for low end.
Secondly, I'm buying a stand alone player/recorder.
Third, it sounds very limited in it's capturing formats. There's been no mention of it's editing capabilities (fades, wipes, special effects, etc.) or quality in the dvr-ms format before converting to mpeg2.
Fourthly, no mention of any sound/sync problems. Might be good...might be bad.

Anyone else care to comment?

[edDV]

Zoobie, some basic facts about MCE.

It is designed as an OEM OS for a purpose built PC. The approved parts list is very specific. It is not intended or supported as a user upgrade.

A MCE is an entertainment center. It has nothing specific to do with editing video.

It is a proprietary MS environment. The dvr-ms format is not widely supported by other video products although some are beginning to import dvr-ms.

There are specific forums talking about MCE, but you must be a certified OEM to get access to all of the Microsoft information.

[zoobie]

Wow...proprietary MS environment that can't be shut off...yikes.
Well, I just want to edit low end video on a multi-purpose box.

[edDV]

XP Home Edition will work fine for most any video app.