G
Guest
I have done research for two weeks now and I'm more confused than before I
started. I'm hoping someone here can help straighten things out for me.
I am wanting to build a computer to use extensively to be able to stream my
mp3's to my stereo and use a tv tuner to connect my tv (not lcd)to be able to
see playlists and to watch my cable tv(I don't want to have to rent another
cable box).
Here is what I have. I have two desktops with wired connection to my router
and one wireless laptop. I can not run ethernet cable in my home due to
concrete walls so I need to have the media computer to be able to connect
wirelessly or via coaxial. I was going to build my computer with MCE but
hear that you can't connect wirelessly so that would mean I would need XP
Home instead. But MCE has so many media/entertainment features that Home
doesn't have. Some I may not use but if I had them maybe I would.
I do have a SB Audigy 2 zs with the front external box to connect my stereo
to the computer and I have an ATI All-In-Wonder X800XL with all the tv
connections and PVR functions . I have not installed the All-In-Wonder yet
until I know I'm goint to use it, so I don't know what the software is like
or all the functions. The PVR functions sound interesting but I'm not sure
I will use it.
So since I have a tv tuner/PVR and sound card connections do I really need
MCE? My hesitation about getting MCE is because I've read it isn't easy to
install, isn't compatible with a lot of motherboards & peripherals and can't
connect wirelessly. I just don't want to get stuck with either the
All-In-Wonder or the XP MCE as they are so expensive and may not work for
what I want to do.
Any suggestions and/or personal experiences would be appreciated.
started. I'm hoping someone here can help straighten things out for me.
I am wanting to build a computer to use extensively to be able to stream my
mp3's to my stereo and use a tv tuner to connect my tv (not lcd)to be able to
see playlists and to watch my cable tv(I don't want to have to rent another
cable box).
Here is what I have. I have two desktops with wired connection to my router
and one wireless laptop. I can not run ethernet cable in my home due to
concrete walls so I need to have the media computer to be able to connect
wirelessly or via coaxial. I was going to build my computer with MCE but
hear that you can't connect wirelessly so that would mean I would need XP
Home instead. But MCE has so many media/entertainment features that Home
doesn't have. Some I may not use but if I had them maybe I would.
I do have a SB Audigy 2 zs with the front external box to connect my stereo
to the computer and I have an ATI All-In-Wonder X800XL with all the tv
connections and PVR functions . I have not installed the All-In-Wonder yet
until I know I'm goint to use it, so I don't know what the software is like
or all the functions. The PVR functions sound interesting but I'm not sure
I will use it.
So since I have a tv tuner/PVR and sound card connections do I really need
MCE? My hesitation about getting MCE is because I've read it isn't easy to
install, isn't compatible with a lot of motherboards & peripherals and can't
connect wirelessly. I just don't want to get stuck with either the
All-In-Wonder or the XP MCE as they are so expensive and may not work for
what I want to do.
Any suggestions and/or personal experiences would be appreciated.