About 2 weeks ago I purchased the RAM and whatnot that I needed to max out all our machines. So here is where we are now. My main machine - P4 2.8, 2Gb PC3200, 120Gb HDD - Audra's main machine - P4 3.0, 3Gb PC3200, 250Gb SATA HDD - and the HTPC (Home Theater PC) - AMD 3200 64 bit 2.0, 3Gb PC3200, 250Gb SATA, and an ATI Sapphire HD3850. The girls also have a machine, it is a P3 Coppermine 733, 256Mb PC133, 80Gb HDD.
Anyway, We have all been running Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) with absolutely no issues at all. Linux really is great.
Last week, however, I decided to rebuild the HTPC from scratch because I didn't like the way the Linux drivers were controlling the ATI card. So I did a fresh install of XP Pro SP3. The Catalyst drivers are working excellent and the 480P and 1080i feeds are great. So the next step was to install some Media Center software to make the experience that much easier. There is just something that's no fun about using a regular old desktop on a TV. Anyway, after much research I have ended up with XMBC. Let me tell you, it is sweet.
So now not only do I have very user friendly access to all of my media, but, I can also use IE or FF to browse to Hulu and MLB.tv premium. So this year it may be totally possible to kiss goodbye to traditional television. I may be able to get rid of Dish and thus save over $50 per month.
Both Hulu and MLB.tv premium stream in HD, so the quality is great. With Hulu I just have to wait until the next day to watch shows, which I already do anyway. MLB.tv not only streams in HD, but also offers DVR functionality and Archived games as well. I am diggin' it. So this year we'll get to watch all the Cardinal games and more in HD. Go PUJOLS!!!
4 comments:
What kind of cable connection are you using from your video card to your TV?
The Sapphire HD3850 can output anything, but the best my TV can take is component. I was actually very surprised at how great 480p looks with this setup. I cannot tell the difference between it and the 1080i my Dish is feeding it. The key is the XBMC HTPC software. tThe UI is incredible and easy. Load it and I can answer most of your setup and config questions.
I need to rebuild my HTPC but I'd rather buy a whole new system. Not sure if that will happen anytime soon as it's not a priority or in the budget. I think I may just use my laptop when needed as it has HDMI output and a blu-ray dvd player. Vista Home Premium has built-in media interface and not sure how it compares to what your using. Do you have any experience using Vista to know the difference between the two?
Nope. I have totally switched to Ubuntu Linux. Although my HTPC is running XP Pro SP3 because it seems to drive the ATI video card a little better. My TV won't do 1080p so I am settling for 1080i right now. Maybe someday we'll upgrade the TV, but it's not a priority right now. XBMC is really sweet...you should read up on it.
Post a Comment