Uproars Entertainment

What is the best way to control computer files through a home entertainment system?

I have been doing some research on Windows Media Center and I want to be able to control music files, internet radio, video and other files from my computer on my home entertainment system and tv. I would also like to be able to use this system to "tivo" what I am watching on TV. What are some good options?

Public Comments

1. I have also been considering a similar set-up. Have you looked at the Mac Mini? I think if you will have the computer at the entertainment system, then this is the best bet. for connections, the Mac Mini has a DVI out for video and optical for audio size: 6" x 6" x 2" slient: no fan remote control you would need to buy a tv tuner reasonably priced (<$800)
2. The Prismiq Media Player will do everything except Tivo. It is ridiculously cheap since the company went out of business. I use one myself and it works flawlessly. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=prismiq
3. I think you've answered your own question. Aside from some subtle problems (e.g. no simultaneous analog and digital surround output), Windows Media Center does just what you want. Moreover, it is easy to extend into other rooms via Xbox extenders and other types of media extenders (e.g. Linksys). Another approahc that provides more features, but less simplicity is IR-MAN. It's a combination of software and an infrared receiver that let's you control your computer via macros assigned to arbitrary IR signals. So you press "Button A" on your remote and it makes your computer start iTunes, set the volume to max and play your favorite playlist. Of course, you have to do programming to make this work...
4. I've gone the route of WMC with 2 XBox Media Center Extenders. If you are just wanting to watch items that your WMCE box has recorded or a large bank of .mp3's, it works above average. If you have hi-def content or want to do some wireless connectivity, you will start seeing some performance issues. Overall, I'm very happy with my Windows Media Center machine. .MP3 - Network server (via Media Center Extender), thumbs up. - Streaming audio, thumbs up .MPG (std def) - DVR utlility - thumbs up (although I prefer my TIVO) - Network media server , meh, not quite ready - streaming video....no .MPG (high-def) - DVR utility - heh, ....no - Media server - no - streaming...good heavens no Seems like network streaming, sharing and playing of MP3's is there. Network streaming, sharing and playing of std format MPG's is ok. High-Def streaming, sharing and playing aren't quite ready. That seems to be the case across the board though. The best thing that I've found is to use the compress my own HD content (350mb for 1 hour show) and deal with it as file sharing over the network.
5. You are so arrogant. If you have nothing good to say, don't say it! You shut up!