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WMC? Huh.......

post #1 of 10
3/3/06 at 10:25am
Thread Starter 
Those of you who run media center; is it worth it over regular home edition xp? If so, how? And if i am running XP, how do i upgrade, do i need to buy new windows or can i install WMC and use my current XP licenses?
Thanks
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post #2 of 10
3/3/06 at 1:12pm
as of right now, the only way to get media center is with the purchase of a new computer, or you can buy it oem on newegg. its a totally fresh install, so your old XP license is replaced.
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post #3 of 10
3/3/06 at 1:24pm
It's got sme nice bells and whistles, but unless your going to be using the Media features it probably isn't worth an upgrade.
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post #4 of 10
3/3/06 at 1:31pm
TigerDirect also has MCE for about $100 right now.

As for your question about worth. Do you want to use your computer as a Tivo? Cause thats about it as far as differences go. Keep in mind you will also need a tv tuner (USB if your going to use your laptop). And also a remote is an optional piece of hardware.

If you dont want to go the route of "a whole new install". There are MCE ports of sorts (heh), one of the more popular is called Beyond TV They usually have some sort of bundle deal with the software/tuner/remote.
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post #5 of 10
3/3/06 at 5:35pm
It's a little more then just a TiVo clone. If you are goign to use your PC for any media (videos, music, DVD's) and have your computer connected to a normal TV the MCE interface is really pretty good. It is designed to display on a normal TV so it doesn't look all jacked up like Windows itself does.

I have an MCE box connected to my TV and I like it. I currently have a Tivo but I am thinking about getting a TV tuner/Capture card for my MCE machine. At that point I may look at other programs such as Beyond due to the fact that MCE has a DRMed format for its video.

The remote works pretty well too.
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post #6 of 10
3/3/06 at 6:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boricua71
Those of you who run media center;

is it worth it over regular home edition xp?
If you're asking because of using TV cards without buying 3rd party software - yes.

If so, how?
Other than the obvious eHome ability, and Xbox360 Media Extender - there is the advantages of it being XP Pro and being more flexible.

And if i am running XP, how do i upgrade, do i need to buy new windows or can i install WMC and use my current XP licenses?
No, you cannot use your current XP Home license. You must buy an OEM version.

Thanks
You're welcome.
-Jax
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post #7 of 10
3/4/06 at 12:12am
Media center edition is XP pro with some bells and whistles which beats home hands down
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post #8 of 10
3/4/06 at 1:33am
I assume that you have a Dell, Just look on E-bay for a Dell Oem restore disc and install it. No need to register it or anything, It's done through the Bios
I bought XP pro very cheap less than $15 shipped.
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post #9 of 10
3/4/06 at 6:10am
How long ago may I ask did you buy that XP Pro restore disc and install? I was under the impression that the Serial Number was still needed for activation. And the trading of restore discs like that is a very borderline legal issue as well.
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post #10 of 10
3/4/06 at 3:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaxChris
How long ago may I ask did you buy that XP Pro restore disc and install? I was under the impression that the Serial Number was still needed for activation. And the trading of restore discs like that is a very borderline legal issue as well.
I got in in Jan-06 the disc is XP PRO SP2.
Nothing is needed for activation, it never prompts you to activate.
I have a few Dell desktops as well and always install whatever OS I want, I have a small collection of Dell restore disks.
As far as the legal issues, I speed and don't always use my turn signals either but thats just me
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