XP Media Center PC: Can I build my own?

[CZroe]

I want to legally build my own XP Media Center PC if possible. Is it possible either way? They certainly don't sell it in stores.

I have old junk TV tuners and DVD cards and I'd like to make use of them

 

[timswim78]

I just read an article (can't remember where) that says the answer is no. Apparently, MS is only selling XP Media Edition to a few system builders. There are certain requirements that must be met such as a remote control, tv capture card, and etc . . . I am sure that with all of your equipment and the right software, you can make something that is close to XP Media Edition. Have a good time!

 

[imgod2u]

What I'm wondering is, why can't you record the videos you write onto HD into an SVCD or DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW? I mean, that seems to be one of the features others (like Panasonic's) PVR seems to be able to do quite well. It'd be nice since you'd have pretty much unlimited space (instead of having to continually add HD's) plus be able to share content. I mean, they allow you to record onto VHS and share, why not DVD?

 

[Budman]

Windows XP Media Center Edition: Exposed

 

[AMD4ME2]

lets just say someone... happened across media center edition...... uh... lying in the street outside their house.

what would someone need to get to have a working IR remote control?

I know you can buy replacement remotes from HP... they are pretty cheap $12.50 but does anyone know where to get an Infrared USB receiver?

 

[Cabana]

X10 sells one. I bought a serial version a few years ago.

 

[Xe0n]

I am having the same problem. Its relitivitally easy to find everything else (the card and the software), however I cant find anyone who will sell the remote part. The remote itself is easy enough to find on ebay, but I have Dish Network, so i really need the IR blaster. It seems philips has the rights on the technology and manufactures the remotes and the usb end of it, but I cant find anyone selling it.

 

[CZroe]

Originally posted by: AMD4ME2
lets just say someone... happened across media center edition...... uh... lying in the street outside their house.

That's what I'm sayin'

Will it work correctly with the hardware if you supply it yourself?

 

[Xe0n]

It should, assuming you have a card it supports (theres only 2, the wintv pvr and the maui pvr, and i cnat find anyone that sells the maui). Im trying to figure out if the remote is required.

 

[mojaam]

You have to be a true intellectual geek. Which I'm not so all I do is imagine it. Who knows, one day I might be able to make it reality.

 

[AMD4ME2]

I would say you probably don't have to have the remote to use it.. but whats the point without a remote?!?!? I'm planning on building a shuttle XPC with the new nforce2 chipset.. and using it as a travel machine/entertainment unit.. but I need to find that dang IR blaster...

 

[Xe0n]

Ya, i mean i would want to have it eventually, but it would be nice to get it running with only about 120 bucks investment (the cost of a wintv pvr 250 card).

 

[Aves]

In this month's Maximum PC there is an article about building a PC that funtions like XP Media Center using plain old Windows XP.

 

[AMD4ME2]

Hmm.. my friend gets that mag... I'll have to swipe it from him and check that out... hopefully it has some info on IR functions...