Simplest HTPC interface software?

[TrueWisdom]

Does anyone know where I can find a comparison of the most popular HTPC software suites? I want to build an HTPC for my parents that requires very little computer savviness to operate. I'd like it to ideally be as simple turning the TV on, then pushing the power button on a computer remote, and voila--analog or HD cable on the screen. I have a fairly good grasp on the hardware aspects of the HTPC, but my foremost concern is making sure my parents don't have trouble using the software. The more we can automate for them, the better, and if more advanced options (like PVR) can be navigated with simple, clear menus, that would be a fantastic bonus. Thanks in advance.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Windows XP MCE or Snapstream BeyondTV 4 are both excelent in those aspects, I went with BeyondTV for my Media Center for a couple of reasons.
1. No MS DRM to hell and back.
2. Support for multiple tuners.
3. Simple to set up an operate.

Now if you don't feel like paying for anything there are several free options out there, but none of them seemed as polished as BTV or MCE.

 

[Queasy]

I haven't tried BeyondTV but Windows XP MCE is about as easy as it gets in the world of HTPC. I've tried others and XP MCE was the easiest to setup and use out of the box.

 

[TrueWisdom]

Thanks to both of you. I was wondering whether or not Linux would be an option--installing and configuring it won't be an issue for me, as I'm willing to spend the hours/days/lifetimes it takes to make everything run smoothly. I'd just like the front-end to be transparent as possible. Can you purchase XP MCE outside of an OEM manufacturer? I was under the impression its compatible hardware list was very small.

I'll check out the BeyondTV website. Thanks again for your replies.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: TrueWisdom
Thanks to both of you. I was wondering whether or not Linux would be an option--installing and configuring it won't be an issue for me, as I'm willing to spend the hours/days/lifetimes it takes to make everything run smoothly. I'd just like the front-end to be transparent as possible. Can you purchase XP MCE outside of an OEM manufacturer? I was under the impression its compatible hardware list was very small.

I'll check out the BeyondTV website. Thanks again for your replies.

Yes you can purchase MCE (as an OEM version) seperately from places such as Newegg or ZipZoomFly.
There were some minor hardware incompatibilites in the first versions of MCE, but the most recent ones should work with almost any hardware you throw at it.

 

[Velk]

Originally posted by: TrueWisdom
Thanks to both of you. I was wondering whether or not Linux would be an option--installing and configuring it won't be an issue for me, as I'm willing to spend the hours/days/lifetimes it takes to make everything run smoothly. I'd just like the front-end to be transparent as possible.

It depends what you are doing with it. Once fully setup, mythtv lacks a bit in the way of flexibility compared to MCE if the users were not the people who set it up. For example, if they get a new computer and display stuff from it on their HTPC it will be essentially impossible for them to do so without calling you and getting you to help them.

If they just use it in the preset configuration, and you spend all the time making everything work properly, it would be a viable alternative though - it's generally setup to boot into a large friendly menu that's easy to use with a remote. Some things, like commerical cutting, are a little esoteric, but given MCE doesn't have commercial cutting it's not like that's an improvement.

 

[doan]

GBPVR is free and easy

 

[flashbacck]

Seriously, HTPC is not for the computer illiterate. If this was for my parents, I would recommend you just go w/ tivo. So many things can go wrong w/ HTPCs. Too many hardware and software variations and potential issues.