Windows Media Centre program

[Ext User(Chock)]

"MJT" <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:43f92323.00005053.bm000@yahoo.com.au...
> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
> building a media centre PC.
>
> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
> to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.
>
> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
> that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
> couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
> to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
> expensive.
>

There are several HTPC apps available, some free. Media Portal is one.

They all essentially put a nice interface over Windows and integrate several
apps such as media players, picture viewers, HD TV, etc, into one.

Media Centre also has limited hardware support which is why you can't buy it
retail. But if you use your imagination you can figure out where to get an
OEM version to test out.

> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
> of the PVRs have.

Digital Now produces an app called DNTV Live! that allows up to 4 tuners
(even different makes/models). I don't know how well it works though.


> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
> loss that may occur over such a length.
>
> What are your views on this, folks?
>

- Chock

[Ext User(MJT)]

I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
building a media centre PC.

It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.

What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
expensive.

Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
loss that may occur over such a length.

What are your views on this, folks?



--
"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix." - Dan Quayle, again..

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Chock <no@spam.com> wrote:
> "MJT" <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
> news:43f92323.00005053.bm000@yahoo.com.au...
>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>> building a media centre PC.
>>
>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled
>> on a PC.
>>
>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>
>
> There are several HTPC apps available, some free. Media Portal is one.
>
> They all essentially put a nice interface over Windows and integrate
> several apps such as media players, picture viewers, HD TV, etc, into
> one.
>
> Media Centre also has limited hardware support which is why you can't
> buy it retail. But if you use your imagination you can figure out
> where to get an OEM version to test out.
>
>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>> lot of the PVRs have.

> Digital Now produces an app called DNTV Live! that allows up to 4 tuners
> (even different makes/models). I don't know how well it works though.

Pretty decent, tho I prefer WebScheduler for recording myself.

Its happy with as many cards as you choose to have.

>> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure
>> of the signal loss that may occur over such a length.

>> What are your views on this, folks?

[Ext User(Ernest)]

On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:11 +1000, MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

>I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>building a media centre PC.
>
>It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
>to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.
>
>What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
>that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
>couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
>to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
>expensive.
>
>Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
>of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
>loss that may occur over such a length.
>
>What are your views on this, folks?

I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
Media Edition has very limitd hardware
suppot and other drivers for it are non
existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
can not use his peripherals as the Win
XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
and the standard Windows XP drivers
will not work on it.

Try other alternatives as there are other
PC media centre software for Windows
and Linux that you can get drives for.


Regards,

Deadly Ernest
(all typos fault of server or
other gremlins)

[Ext User(Ernest)]

On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:11 +1000, MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

>I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>building a media centre PC.
>
>It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
>to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.
>
>What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
>that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
>couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
>to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
>expensive.
>
>Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
>of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
>loss that may occur over such a length.
>
>What are your views on this, folks?

I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
Media Edition has very limitd hardware
suppot and other drivers for it are non
existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
can not use his peripherals as the Win
XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
and the standard Windows XP drivers
will not work on it.

Try other alternatives as there are other
PC media centre software for Windows
and Linux that you can get drives for.


Regards,

Deadly Ernest
(all typos fault of server or
other gremlins)

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote:
> On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:11 +1000, MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>
>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>> building a media centre PC.
>>
>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled
>> on a PC.
>>
>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>
>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>> lot of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4
>> metre s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of
>> the signal loss that may occur over such a length.
>>
>> What are your views on this, folks?
>
> I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
> Media Edition has very limitd hardware
> suppot and other drivers for it are non
> existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
> a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
> his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
> of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
> can not use his peripherals as the Win
> XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
> and the standard Windows XP drivers
> will not work on it.

Oh, drivel.

> Try other alternatives as there are other
> PC media centre software for Windows
> and Linux that you can get drives for.

> Deadly Ernest

Pathetic, really.

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote:
> On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:11 +1000, MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>
>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>> building a media centre PC.
>>
>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled
>> on a PC.
>>
>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>
>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>> lot of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4
>> metre s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of
>> the signal loss that may occur over such a length.
>>
>> What are your views on this, folks?
>
> I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
> Media Edition has very limitd hardware
> suppot and other drivers for it are non
> existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
> a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
> his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
> of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
> can not use his peripherals as the Win
> XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
> and the standard Windows XP drivers
> will not work on it.

Oh, drivel.

> Try other alternatives as there are other
> PC media centre software for Windows
> and Linux that you can get drives for.

> Deadly Ernest

Pathetic, really.

[Ext User(Ernest)]

On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 21:41:18 +1100, "Rod Speed"
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:

>Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote:
>> On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:11 +1000, MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>>
>>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>>> building a media centre PC.
>>>
>>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled
>>> on a PC.
>>>
>>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>>
>>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>>> lot of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4
>>> metre s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of
>>> the signal loss that may occur over such a length.
>>>
>>> What are your views on this, folks?
>>
>> I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
>> Media Edition has very limitd hardware
>> suppot and other drivers for it are non
>> existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
>> a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
>> his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
>> of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
>> can not use his peripherals as the Win
>> XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
>> and the standard Windows XP drivers
>> will not work on it.
>
>Oh, drivel.
>
top pedling your drivel Ron,
even the MS website acknowledges
that the Win XP drivers for their own
hardware, Intellimouse etc, need a
different driver to run in Win XP Media
Edition they list it as a seperate operating
system when selecting the OS for the
driver download.

>> Try other alternatives as there are other
>> PC media centre software for Windows
>> and Linux that you can get drives for.
>
>> Deadly Ernest
>
>Pathetic, really.
>

Regards,

Deadly Ernest
(all typos fault of server or
other gremlins)

[Ext User(Ernest)]

On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 21:41:18 +1100, "Rod Speed"
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:

>Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote:
>> On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:11 +1000, MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>>
>>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
>>> building a media centre PC.
>>>
>>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled
>>> on a PC.
>>>
>>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>>
>>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>>> lot of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4
>>> metre s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of
>>> the signal loss that may occur over such a length.
>>>
>>> What are your views on this, folks?
>>
>> I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
>> Media Edition has very limitd hardware
>> suppot and other drivers for it are non
>> existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
>> a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
>> his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
>> of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
>> can not use his peripherals as the Win
>> XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
>> and the standard Windows XP drivers
>> will not work on it.
>
>Oh, drivel.
>
top pedling your drivel Ron,
even the MS website acknowledges
that the Win XP drivers for their own
hardware, Intellimouse etc, need a
different driver to run in Win XP Media
Edition they list it as a seperate operating
system when selecting the OS for the
driver download.

>> Try other alternatives as there are other
>> PC media centre software for Windows
>> and Linux that you can get drives for.
>
>> Deadly Ernest
>
>Pathetic, really.
>

Regards,

Deadly Ernest
(all typos fault of server or
other gremlins)

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote
>>> MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote

>>>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article
>>>> on building a media centre PC.
>>>>
>>>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>>>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it
>>>> preinstalled on a PC.
>>>>
>>>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>>>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>>>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>>>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>>>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>>>
>>>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>>>> lot of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4
>>>> metre s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of
>>>> the signal loss that may occur over such a length.
>>>>
>>>> What are your views on this, folks?
>>>
>>> I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
>>> Media Edition has very limitd hardware
>>> suppot and other drivers for it are non
>>> existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
>>> a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
>>> his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
>>> of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
>>> can not use his peripherals as the Win
>>> XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
>>> and the standard Windows XP drivers
>>> will not work on it.

>> Oh, drivel.

> top pedling your drivel Ron,

Go and fuck yourself, gutless.

> even the MS website acknowledges
> that the Win XP drivers for their own
> hardware, Intellimouse etc, need a
> different driver to run in Win XP Media
> Edition they list it as a seperate operating
> system when selecting the OS for the
> driver download.

Nothing like your original pig ignorant claim.

>>> Try other alternatives as there are other
>>> PC media centre software for Windows
>>> and Linux that you can get drives for.

> Deadly Ernest

Pathetic, really.

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> Ernest <deadly@REM.netspace.net.au> wrote
>>> MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote

>>>> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article
>>>> on building a media centre PC.
>>>>
>>>> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick
>>>> visit to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it
>>>> preinstalled on a PC.
>>>>
>>>> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the
>>>> software that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented
>>>> with this a couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was
>>>> somewhat ordinary, to say the least. Of course, the package that I
>>>> had wasn't that expensive.
>>>>
>>>> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a
>>>> lot of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4
>>>> metre s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of
>>>> the signal loss that may occur over such a length.
>>>>
>>>> What are your views on this, folks?
>>>
>>> I would not bothe if I were you. Win XP
>>> Media Edition has very limitd hardware
>>> suppot and other drivers for it are non
>>> existant. In one of the tech forums I go to
>>> a fellow there has a DELL PC exactly like
>>> his friends, but his fiend has got a copy
>>> of Win XP Med Ed and put it on and now
>>> can not use his peripherals as the Win
>>> XP Med Ed has a totally different kernel
>>> and the standard Windows XP drivers
>>> will not work on it.

>> Oh, drivel.

> top pedling your drivel Ron,

Go and fuck yourself, gutless.

> even the MS website acknowledges
> that the Win XP drivers for their own
> hardware, Intellimouse etc, need a
> different driver to run in Win XP Media
> Edition they list it as a seperate operating
> system when selecting the OS for the
> driver download.

Nothing like your original pig ignorant claim.

>>> Try other alternatives as there are other
>>> PC media centre software for Windows
>>> and Linux that you can get drives for.

> Deadly Ernest

Pathetic, really.

[Ext User(Chock)]

"MJT" <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:43fa7357.00001718.bm001@yahoo.com.au...
> Chock wrote:
>
> >> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
> >> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
> >> loss that may occur over such a length.
>
> I just tried this last night. I bought a 5 metre s-video cable and
> plugged it into my DVD/HDD recorder and the the s-video output of the
> video card.
>
> It took some rooting around to get it going. However, the result is
> somewhat disappointing. On the TV, the output looks fuzzy and lo res and
> is in black/white.
>
> Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Output is set to PAL.
>
> Thing is, when I configured it, the PC monitor became the 'right' screen
> of a twin screen setup, with the TV being the 'left' screen.
> Unfortunately, all the active windows appear in the 'left' screen or in
> other words, on the TV in the lounge. So I can't see it from the PC in
> order to effect changes. Darned annoying. I have to move the mouse
> across the screen til it disappears then get the missus to direct me
> which way to move the mouse so I can drag the video config window over
> to the monitor.
>
> I would've thought that the monitor and the TV would display the same
> info, not have it as a twin monitor setup.
>

I don't believe that over only 5 metres, the signal would degrade that much
as you have described.

I can only suggest that the drivers for your video card are not installed
properly or you have the settings incorrect.

The windows Display Properties should show your PC monitor as Monitor 1 and
your TV as monitor 2 (there will be a button labelled "Identify" which when
clicked, will flash up briefly a large "1" or "2" on the appropriate
display)


--
- Chock

Google is the Chinese government's friend

[Ext User(Chock)]

"MJT" <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:43fa7357.00001718.bm001@yahoo.com.au...
> Chock wrote:
>
> >> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
> >> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
> >> loss that may occur over such a length.
>
> I just tried this last night. I bought a 5 metre s-video cable and
> plugged it into my DVD/HDD recorder and the the s-video output of the
> video card.
>
> It took some rooting around to get it going. However, the result is
> somewhat disappointing. On the TV, the output looks fuzzy and lo res and
> is in black/white.
>
> Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Output is set to PAL.
>
> Thing is, when I configured it, the PC monitor became the 'right' screen
> of a twin screen setup, with the TV being the 'left' screen.
> Unfortunately, all the active windows appear in the 'left' screen or in
> other words, on the TV in the lounge. So I can't see it from the PC in
> order to effect changes. Darned annoying. I have to move the mouse
> across the screen til it disappears then get the missus to direct me
> which way to move the mouse so I can drag the video config window over
> to the monitor.
>
> I would've thought that the monitor and the TV would display the same
> info, not have it as a twin monitor setup.
>

I don't believe that over only 5 metres, the signal would degrade that much
as you have described.

I can only suggest that the drivers for your video card are not installed
properly or you have the settings incorrect.

The windows Display Properties should show your PC monitor as Monitor 1 and
your TV as monitor 2 (there will be a button labelled "Identify" which when
clicked, will flash up briefly a large "1" or "2" on the appropriate
display)


--
- Chock

Google is the Chinese government's friend

[Ext User(MJT)]

Chock wrote:

>> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
>> loss that may occur over such a length.

I just tried this last night. I bought a 5 metre s-video cable and
plugged it into my DVD/HDD recorder and the the s-video output of the
video card.

It took some rooting around to get it going. However, the result is
somewhat disappointing. On the TV, the output looks fuzzy and lo res and
is in black/white.

Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Output is set to PAL.

Thing is, when I configured it, the PC monitor became the 'right' screen
of a twin screen setup, with the TV being the 'left' screen.
Unfortunately, all the active windows appear in the 'left' screen or in
other words, on the TV in the lounge. So I can't see it from the PC in
order to effect changes. Darned annoying. I have to move the mouse
across the screen til it disappears then get the missus to direct me
which way to move the mouse so I can drag the video config window over
to the monitor.

I would've thought that the monitor and the TV would display the same
info, not have it as a twin monitor setup.



--
"Thank God I'm an atheist." - Luis Bunel

[Ext User(MJT)]

Chock wrote:

>> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
>> loss that may occur over such a length.

I just tried this last night. I bought a 5 metre s-video cable and
plugged it into my DVD/HDD recorder and the the s-video output of the
video card.

It took some rooting around to get it going. However, the result is
somewhat disappointing. On the TV, the output looks fuzzy and lo res and
is in black/white.

Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Output is set to PAL.

Thing is, when I configured it, the PC monitor became the 'right' screen
of a twin screen setup, with the TV being the 'left' screen.
Unfortunately, all the active windows appear in the 'left' screen or in
other words, on the TV in the lounge. So I can't see it from the PC in
order to effect changes. Darned annoying. I have to move the mouse
across the screen til it disappears then get the missus to direct me
which way to move the mouse so I can drag the video config window over
to the monitor.

I would've thought that the monitor and the TV would display the same
info, not have it as a twin monitor setup.



--
"Thank God I'm an atheist." - Luis Bunel

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote
> Chock wrote

>>> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>>> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure
>>> of the signal loss that may occur over such a length.

> I just tried this last night. I bought a 5 metre s-video
> cable and plugged it into my DVD/HDD recorder and
> the the s-video output of the video card.

> It took some rooting around to get it going. However,
> the result is somewhat disappointing. On the TV, the
> output looks fuzzy and lo res and is in black/white.

> Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Your usual problem of completely fucking everything you touch.

> Output is set to PAL.

> Thing is, when I configured it, the PC monitor became the 'right'
> screen of a twin screen setup, with the TV being the 'left' screen.
> Unfortunately, all the active windows appear in the 'left' screen or
> in other words, on the TV in the lounge. So I can't see it from the
> PC in order to effect changes. Darned annoying. I have to move
> the mouse across the screen til it disappears then get the missus
> to direct me which way to move the mouse so I can drag the
> video config window over to the monitor.

You should have the two screens mirror each other, that fixes that.

> I would've thought that the monitor and the TV would
> display the same info, not have it as a twin monitor setup.

Thats configurable in the setup.

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote
> Chock wrote

>>> Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
>>> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure
>>> of the signal loss that may occur over such a length.

> I just tried this last night. I bought a 5 metre s-video
> cable and plugged it into my DVD/HDD recorder and
> the the s-video output of the video card.

> It took some rooting around to get it going. However,
> the result is somewhat disappointing. On the TV, the
> output looks fuzzy and lo res and is in black/white.

> Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Your usual problem of completely fucking everything you touch.

> Output is set to PAL.

> Thing is, when I configured it, the PC monitor became the 'right'
> screen of a twin screen setup, with the TV being the 'left' screen.
> Unfortunately, all the active windows appear in the 'left' screen or
> in other words, on the TV in the lounge. So I can't see it from the
> PC in order to effect changes. Darned annoying. I have to move
> the mouse across the screen til it disappears then get the missus
> to direct me which way to move the mouse so I can drag the
> video config window over to the monitor.

You should have the two screens mirror each other, that fixes that.

> I would've thought that the monitor and the TV would
> display the same info, not have it as a twin monitor setup.

Thats configurable in the setup.

[Ext User(Dee)]

In article <43f92323.00005053.bm000@yahoo.com.au>, mjpt57@yahoo.com.au
says...
> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
> building a media centre PC.
>
> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
> to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.
>
> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
> that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
> couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
> to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
> expensive.
>
> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
> of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
> loss that may occur over such a length.
>
> What are your views on this, folks?
>
>
>
>
I use MC on my home built projector with great results, it's running on
a homebuilt pc as well (media center was purchased off ebay seperately)
microsoft has a page showing compatible display cards, i just picked the
cheapest and used that (nvidia 5200 i think it was), as for tuner cards,
do a bit of research first on the card you like and they usually mention
if it has MC drivers, but MC will support 2 cards anyway, so by shopping
around you may find that the cheaper option, just aim for one card to
have a pass through for the antenna cable to make life easier, MC will
set up the cards itself to choose which one to record with. one good
thing about MC is it's designed to be viewed on a normal TV, so all the
menus are large, but microsoft won't support a EPG for australia, but a
few smart people have found ways around this.
I havn't tried media portal but hear good stuff about it .... and it's
free, but i'm very happy about MC.

Dee

[Ext User(Dee)]

In article <43f92323.00005053.bm000@yahoo.com.au>, mjpt57@yahoo.com.au
says...
> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
> building a media centre PC.
>
> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
> to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.
>
> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
> that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
> couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
> to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
> expensive.
>
> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
> of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
> loss that may occur over such a length.
>
> What are your views on this, folks?
>
>
>
>
I use MC on my home built projector with great results, it's running on
a homebuilt pc as well (media center was purchased off ebay seperately)
microsoft has a page showing compatible display cards, i just picked the
cheapest and used that (nvidia 5200 i think it was), as for tuner cards,
do a bit of research first on the card you like and they usually mention
if it has MC drivers, but MC will support 2 cards anyway, so by shopping
around you may find that the cheaper option, just aim for one card to
have a pass through for the antenna cable to make life easier, MC will
set up the cards itself to choose which one to record with. one good
thing about MC is it's designed to be viewed on a normal TV, so all the
menus are large, but microsoft won't support a EPG for australia, but a
few smart people have found ways around this.
I havn't tried media portal but hear good stuff about it .... and it's
free, but i'm very happy about MC.

Dee

[Ext User(Dee)]

In article <43f92323.00005053.bm000@yahoo.com.au>, mjpt57@yahoo.com.au
says...
> I'm currently reading the latest PC User magazine and its article on
> building a media centre PC.
>
> It talks about using MS's Media Centre "edition". However, a quick visit
> to the MS website tells me that I can only buy it preinstalled on a PC.
>
> What alternatives are there to MC? For example, how good is the software
> that comes with video tuner/capture cards? I experimented with this a
> couple of years ago. What was on offer back then was somewhat ordinary,
> to say the least. Of course, the package that I had wasn't that
> expensive.
>
> Ideally, what I'd like is a card that has twin tuners, like what a lot
> of the PVRs have. Where my PC is I'd have to run probably 3-4 metre
> s-video cable. I think that they exist, but I'm not sure of the signal
> loss that may occur over such a length.
>
> What are your views on this, folks?
>
>
>
>
I use MC on my home built projector with great results, it's running on
a homebuilt pc as well (media center was purchased off ebay seperately)
microsoft has a page showing compatible display cards, i just picked the
cheapest and used that (nvidia 5200 i think it was), as for tuner cards,
do a bit of research first on the card you like and they usually mention
if it has MC drivers, but MC will support 2 cards anyway, so by shopping
around you may find that the cheaper option, just aim for one card to
have a pass through for the antenna cable to make life easier, MC will
set up the cards itself to choose which one to record with. one good
thing about MC is it's designed to be viewed on a normal TV, so all the
menus are large, but microsoft won't support a EPG for australia, but a
few smart people have found ways around this.
I havn't tried media portal but hear good stuff about it .... and it's
free, but i'm very happy about MC.

Dee