Media Center without an XBOX

Advantages: The media center interface, decent codec support, HD movies stream really well.
Disadvantages: The DVD player is terrible.

...Okay, the big pull of this DVD player is the built in Media Center Extender software, which once set up runs really well. You need to have vista installed on a PC (which needs to be on for it to work) and you also need a good network connection between the two. I have tried both a 200mbps powerline ethernet network and a wireless N network and for me the wireless network performed better for HD movies, but this will differ for most people so just make sure you arn't relying on a bog standard 54mbps wifi connection. The built in DVD play is poor to say the least, it doesn't scale DVD's out to widescreen it simply takes the DVD's basic resolution and outputs it to the middle of the screen. I tried watching an old cracker and had to stop as it was displayed as a 640x480 picture in the middle of my 720p HDTV, believe me this looks...

coops1979 18.06.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2200

Windows Media Center 2005 - My HTPC

Advantages: User Friendly, Easy to Use, Value for Money, Comprehensive Operating System.
Disadvantages: Poor Documentation, Titanic Struggle Installing Operating System

...like Microsoft have taken a few que's from Apple and have added slightly more functionality to make this a comprehensive media hub that can be linked to other computers in your home. There's a lot to explore and many settings are attainable but only you will find out what is best for you. This could be the ideal solution if you are looking to tidy up your front room so that you can truly entertain and eduacate yourself/family. I have no hesitations in recommending Media Center 2005, especially as you'll have to wait until at least 2007 before the next incarnation of Windows is likely to emerge. You have the option of using the XP Professional interface or the more pleasent Media Center one. Don't forget to purchase your Media Center 2005 remote and invest in a decent wireless keyboard and mouse. One thing I did forget to mention...

thehitman 21.11.2005 (22.11.2005) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Complete package

HP Pavilion Media Center dv9341eu

Advantages: High Specs, Low Price, Great Graphics, Dual Core CPU, Two 120gb Hard Drives
Disadvantages: None i Can think of

...compatible sound Altec Lansing® speakers Keyboard: Full size desktop keyboard (with separate numeric keypad layout) Pointing Device: Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down pad, volume control, mute buttons, 2 Quick Launch Buttons PC Card Slots: One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34) External Ports: 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards 1 VGA port 1 HDMI port; 4 USB 2.0 ports 1 IEEE-1394 1 RJ 11 modem connector 1 RJ 45 Ethernet connector S-video TV out Remote control infrared port (Remote Control optional) 2 Headphones-out one w/ SPDIF Digital Audio, 1 Microphone-in port Cable docking connector Dimensions: 28.50 cm (L) x 39.60 cm (W) x 4.18 cm (max) H Weight: 3...

pfishers 15.08.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of HP Pavilion Media Center Dv9341eu

Excellent addon to your Media Centre PC

Advantages: Allows you to do everything from 20 feet way!
Disadvantages: None

...Introduction ########## This remote control came with my computer package setup with Windows Media Centre Edition. If you have the Media Centre Edition on your PC but it didn't come with this remote control, don't despair; you can purchase the remote and the receiver separately and install it. Who Is This For? ############## This is for users of Windows Media Centre Edition computers. It will allow you to work mouse free from 20 feet away. You can control your PC via the menu system and also pause, play, and even record TV onto your hard drive with this (you have to have a TV tuner installed for these features). You can manage your music, shuffle through tracks, play, pause and even record from radio channels. It's like your digital hub. That's what I really enjoy about it. I have my PC in my living room and use it...

underworldmagic 23.03.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Microsoft Remote Control and USB Receiver for Windows Media Center PC

The m7281.uk Media Center PC

Advantages: All-round entertainment system that keeps up with the best.
Disadvantages: Graphocs card could do with upgrading.

...OK, Had this machine for a month now and must say i am very impressed. Its not only nice to look at but has endless features and capabilities that will not dissapoint. First of all its HP so you know you're going to get the good quality and performance. Especially with a pentium 4 3.2Ghz. So, the good bits:- Performance: Excellent performance will keep up with the high end machines anyday. Media: Has a massive 250GB Hard Drive aswell as a very stylish removable hard drive (160GB). It is going to take me a very long time before i run out of space!! OS: Comes with Media Center 2005 which i have to say suprised me. Its the first time ive tried this OS and would rate it 10/10 any day. I love the fact that i can watch my TV on my pc and navigate with the remote control. DVD-RW... Up to speed DVD rewrite with a massive bonus...

dbox2k6 04.01.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of HP Pavilion Media Center M7281.uk

media laptop, fantastic!!

Advantages: the media centre
Disadvantages: the small hard drive space

...The Compaq Presario media centre c310EU is exactly what it says on the tin, its basically a media centre laptop, so if you love your photos, love your videos and love listening to loads of music. Then this laptop is designed for you. Because it has windows media centre built in, when you turn it on, it automatically goes straight onto the media centre screen, and it does this very fast too. From this screen, you can listen to all your music tracks, view all of your photos, look at all your videos and even tape and watch recorded TV. However you will need to purchase a TV tuner card if you want to record TV from your laptop. However these can be bought for just £40 and they go straight into your USB port, and you can then record thing straight onto your laptop, watch TV live, pause live TV (on some of the TV cards) and even set it to...

techno_man_37 20.12.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Compaq Presario Media Center C310EU

Take control of your PC

Advantages: Easy to use, even if your not familar with PC's
Disadvantages: Shape of the remote

...I built my own Windows Media Centre PC, so naturally I wanted Microsoft's own remote to go with it. When you first open the box the remote comes in, you get the feeling that someting is missing, all you get is:- 1. The Remote itself. 2. The USB reciever. 3. 2x AA Batteries. 4. A leaflet about warranty. So thats it, no software CD and no instructions. Luckly installation is a breeze, simply put the batteries into the remote, then plug the USB reciever into a spare USB socket on your Windows Media Centre PC. Thats it, Windows just reconizies it and away you go. A simple press of the large green media centre button in the middle of the remote and media centre launches straight away. From there on its just like using any other modern DVD or TV remote, 4 large buttons, up, down, left & right control the on-screen menu...

grooveriw 30.08.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Microsoft Remote Control and USB Receiver for Windows Media Center PC

Perfect for media center pc

Advantages: Small light Range Touchpad
Disadvantages: battery life

...Bought this Keyboard a couple of month back so i could lay in bed while having my pc on my HD TV. The ketboard its self is styled to look like a laptop keyboard with the touchpad and 2 buttonsat the bottom middle part of the board.on the side of the touch pad there is a scroll function,this is very useful for browsing text documents etc. The distance this keyboard is excellent because it uses the 802.11 protocol just liek wireless it is one of the best available and for the price of £28 you cant go wrong. It is perfect for media center pcs because you dont need a mouse or keyboard when you have this little gizmo. There is only 2 minor problems with this keyboard: 1. Batterys dont seem to last very long in this it uses 4 AAA's 2.When i start my computer the keyboard automatically is set with the numlock on this means that some...

richooooo 05.03.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Keysonic ACK-540 RF - keyboard , touchpad

Powerful Media PC great value

Advantages: very powerful entertainment PC with great media experience
Disadvantages: doesnt include with tv card

...The 'Compaq Presario Media Center SR2019UK' PC is a great buy. It is powerful enough to display all the media you could want and with XP media centre, you can access your music, video, radio and tv while laying back. The 7.1 surround sound has great quality and the software offers many options to tweak your sound. The DVD Writer drive allows you to burn your media quikly from either the media centre user interface, or from various other included softwares. If you use other devices that use memory cards, theres no need to use cables, just slot the cards into the memory card readeer in the front panel. The only critisism is that the power of 2,2 Ghz is by far not the most powerful available today, and sometimes when using many programmes the pc can be slightly slugish but aslong as programmes aren't left running while not in use...

michaeljm20 27.02.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Compaq Presario Media Center SR2019UK

HP Media Centre set to explode!

Advantages: High Spec and a Few Hidden Extras
Disadvantages: Doesn't Really Look Like a Media Centre

...Ok, so my title is a bit OTT, but there isn't much this PC cannot do, add an integrated toaster and it would be perfect. Even though I have had the PC for about a year I'm new to Ciao so I thought I better write a review for thing that brought me and Ciao together. ~*~Cosmetics~*~ To look at the M7081 looks like every other home PC. I'm not going to tell how it doesn't? because it does. The familiar tower structure is fairly plain with the usual memory card slots located at the top of the case, the connectivity panel is well hidden by one of the two sliding doors on the front, what's behind the other will come later on. The look of the PC is more suited to bedroom rather than at the heart of the home as the name "Media Centre" suggests, the two tone chrome effect works well the blue light that emits from the power...

Aelred2k6 19.06.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of HP Pavilion Media Center M7081.uk Photosmart PC