Comprehensive list of HTPC software pros and cons

[Ilmater]

I'm trying to decide between the many options I have to use on my HTPC setup. I know I can get an Xbox 360 and use it as an extender with Windows 7 Media Center, but I'm wondering what it has or doesn't have over all the other software options (Sage TV, Myth TV, etc.). I also would like a more comprehensive list of all the different software options. I've tried Googling this, but there are SO MANY articles out there that I can't seem to find them all.

Does anyone know of a good list out there somewhere that lists out features or pros/cons? I would appreciate it.

 

[blackangst1]

The absolute authority on HTPC: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

 

[B00giE]

Start with XBMC to get your feet wet and then work your way out from there. Unless your plan requires PVR and you're going to be recording TV via a tuner card (a chore I leave to my comcast DVR) this software will provide you with just about everything you need to get up and running for movie playback, cataloging and music management.

 

[slag]

Start with XBMC to get your feet wet and then work your way out from there. Unless your plan requires PVR and you're going to be recording TV via a tuner card (a chore I leave to my comcast DVR) this software will provide you with just about everything you need to get up and running for movie playback, cataloging and music management.

XBMC doesn't have any way of handling TV ota or from a STB so for many people, its not an option. Since I'm going with uverse next week, I'm not going to include it in my htpc setup, but i'm using media center on windows 7 along with media browser (free addon) and it works pretty well.

 

[Ilmater]

I should probably be more clear: I'm looking to get rid of Uverse (as much as I love it) so that I can dump my cable bill. I'd like to do HD OTA for the big 4 channels and then just get other shows from DVD or whatever.