Recommend software for a new HTPC

[DurocShark]

I'll be running either Win98se, Win2k or Linux.

Haven't decided yet, so post your favorite HTPC apps (and links please!) regardless of the OS!

 

[BimmerGuy330]

I've been wondering the exact same thing!

Not to thread-jack, but to make this a more HTPC-comprehensive post, maybe if people could put input in things such as:
1) The hardware involved (small formfactor vs. ATX, good/bad video card, what TV Tuner is the best for price/performance)
2) Pro's/Con's of using Linux instead of Windows (and what flavor of Linux?)

And as far as the software goes, maybe just list things that you guys use often, and describe hte function, and possibly provide a link also.

 

[DurocShark]

Well, here's my hardware and the plan:

MSI K7T266 Pro mobo
Duron 1.1
256 PC2100
Hercules Fortissimo 7.1
Either:
AIW 8500DV
or
GeForce & VooDoo TV200
20gig HD
Either:
Sony DRU-500a
or
Generic DVD player
Creative PC Remote
GE Wireless Optical Mouse

All in an old Pioneer stereo receiver case. 😀

I'm using my hand-me-downs for this. (I've bought a few bits of it, but nothing drastic.) I want to be able to play games like Red Faction and Starcraft and Homeworld and such, so some kind of 3d card is requred.

98se is a consideration for the TV card. (No "official" XP drivers). There are Linux drivers for it too, so one or the other. I'm leaning towards the GF/VDTV so I can keep the 8500 in my personal machine. Still haven't decided if I want the DVD burner over there or not... We'll have to see. The silver front of the Sony is a buzzkill for it...

I'd prefer a Windows solution since my family will be using it and they're completely unfamiliar with Linux.

 

[rbV5]

Of your choices, I'd take the AIW 8500dv with Cat 3.6 and MMC 8.5 and use EZlook for your frontend with the Remote wonder. What are you going to use for a display? What kind of video are you planning to view?

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: rbV5
Of your choices, I'd take the AIW 8500dv with Cat 3.6 and MMC 8.5 and use EZlook for your frontend with the Remote wonder. What are you going to use for a display? What kind of video are you planning to view?

PVR (TiVo) and DVD's so far. I may use it as a standard tuner once I'm able to get rid of my VCR (someday... Just like the paperless office..heh). Till then I'll feed the HTPC's output through the VCR and let the VCR do all the tuning except for recording.

I no longer have my Remote Wonder (sigh). That's why I'll be using the Creative Remote PC regardless of the vid solution.

If I had a faster vid card for my personal PC I'd be all over using the 8500DV for the HTPC. But until that time, it probably won't happen...

I've been looking at LCD displays here too. Set it up with Winamp control. (At $85 for a complete setup with a drive bay faceplate it seems like a good deal. Even less if I don't use the faceplate..)

 

[DurocShark]

Oh, and on a 27" TV with my Altec Lansing 5 piece speakers. TV speakers will act as center channel. 😀

 

[MrChad]

TheaterTek for DVD playback.

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: MrChad
TheaterTek for DVD playback.

Hmm... Looks cool. But if I stay with Windoze, I'll probably use WinDVD EX that came with my Fortissimo sound card. 😀