Windows XP Media the same?

[Mikegrif]

I was wondering what the difference between Windows Media Center and Windows Xp? I know that Windows Media Center has all the recording software and etc. but is there a difference when it comes to reliability? I have free resources to XP pro but I really wanted a Media Center comp.

[nocturnx]

Im confused on the question. Windows XP is the operating system, Windows Media Center is a program the runs within the operating system.

[Andrew Downie]

What Mikegrif Means is, is there is Difference between XP Pro/Home and XP Media Centre Edition.

And, to answer that question, i don't have the foggiest.
I've never used MCE before.

Sorry buddy!

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[raftero]

from microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/m...tion/top10.asp

[mb26]

windows XP media centre edition is an OS and not 'a program the runs within the operating system'

however, you are nearly right as the only real difference between normal XP and XP MCE is that it has the extra program, which allows you to record etc. (aswell as saying windows XP media centre addition down by the start menu).. in practice it is just winXP with an extra program, but it is an operating system in its own right (i dont think you can just install the program to winXP)
i dont think you can buy it without a PC however (?)

[Mikegrif]

Ya I wanted to know about buying it seperately too. Because I was thinking about these two comps: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?EdpNo=719630

and this one with media center:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8&Sku=C67-1348

I do a lot of movie editing so that's why I thought media center would come in handy, but I game too. So do any of you know where I could get a cheap Widescreen lcd?

[RJ]

Personally I think you'd be better off with known good video editing programs instead of some M$ stuff like Movie Maker (which you can forget if you want serious video editing), so just get the normal Windows XP.
Also consider building your own PC instead of buying a finished one.

RJ

[Mikegrif]

Well i already have the full studio 8 package I am getting Media Center to record tv and stuff. And could I build a system with a 17"widescreen lcd for that much? It looks like a really good deal and its from tigerdirect

[RJ]

Every TV card comes with software that you can use to record. I don't see the point in Media Center. I'm sure it doesn't do its job well (though it's just a thought, I haven't tried it . . but seeing how movie maker is. . uggh).
But the final choice is yours.

RJ

[homer15]

media center is a souped up version of xp pro. at the moment, i don't think you can even buy it by itself. it has to come from a storebought system.

[Hi Ho]

You can only get Windows XP Media Center Edition in a store-bought computer. You cannot buy it seperately. I am not sure of the reason but I do know that MCE act's more like a souped up PVR.

[homer15]

HERE is an alternative to the media center. you can download the free trial to see how you like it.

[Mikegrif]

Thanks so far with your replies. But if you look back to my one post with the two links which one is a better comp? I was thinking that th 64 would be better for games and the intel for working?

[RJ]

The AMD machine has 1 GB of RAM, which is a clear advantage for video editing. If you get the Intel machine you should upgrade it to 1 GB as well.

But then I don't see any kind of TV card, and you're gonna need that. So if you get the AMD machine, you need to add a TV card to it.

For games. .. well that is impossible to say because the specs of that Intel machine does not say what the graphics chip is. On the AMD machine it's an ATI 9200SE, which isn't really a gaming chip when it comes to current games.

Can't really say which one is better. As I am Intel biased I'd lean more to the Intel, but again, without clear specs it can't be said if it is really the better one. Since it's a proprietary machine I believe most parts are proprietary too.

RJ

[Mikegrif]

Well it doesn't matter that much about the graphics because right now I have a 256mb GeForce5200 but I was buying a 5950 soon. So which is a better deal? And about the lcd screen will that be worth it? No matter which I will be using 2 monitors(I will get as many 21"crt's depending on the intel or athlon)

[gosu mike]

windows MCE is for home theater pcs. it does an excellent job at PVR and most would say it has the best UI to date.

edit: oh yeah and it obviously doesnt work with ATi AIW cards...you would need hacked drivers (they are out there) for AIW cards to fully work with windows MCE. but since youre using nvidia, you should be fine.