Windows XP Media Center

[SpFiota]

Hey guys. I'm putting together a new computer and I intend to use an LCD television for a monitor. I had a few questions about Windows XP Media Center. This actually ties in a little with hardware... first off, is it possible to watch telvision AND use my computer simultaneously on the same screen, say with multiple windows? Someone told me I could, but I'd need a windows media center PC. As I said, I'm putting this computer together myself. What constitutes a media center PC? Just a powerful machine with Media Center XP on it? Finally, do you guys have any opinions on Media Center XP? The computer's mainly going to be a gaming rig. Is it a good OS? Thanks!

[chuck4456]

Just use XP Pro. Install your own media software. WMC will disappoint you. Why don't you just plug in a TV close by, if you want to watch at the same time? Save some money and space with your build. A media center PC is one that is equipped with a lot of extra software that can handle digital imaging, dvd editing, cd burning, etc. You will also need to install a video capture device if you plan on copying films, and you need to be sure that your Video Card supports the input/output capability. Not all Video Cards are compatable with Media Center XP. I learned that the hard way. You'll be too busy playing games to watch TV.

[glc]

For a standalone gaming rig, you don't even need XP Pro. XP Home will work fine.

To use the computer and watch TV at the same time on a LCD TV, that's a function of the TV, not Windows.