TV Media Centre (PC Based)

stugster · 13-09-2008, 23:52

Hi All,

I'm currently looking to replace my DVD player and FreeView Box with a desktop computer. My television currently accepts a DVI input, which I'll happily use to connect to the PC...

My problem is this, however:
What software can I use that will allow me to control the PC from my sofa using a standard remote control?
Will it play/pause/rewind DVDs in the drive, DivX files on the disk?

Will it let me change the channel on the PCI freeview card?

Is there actually software out that will do this? Or am I going to have to succumb to lots of remote controls again?

14-09-2008, 08:49

windows xp media centre and the remote control that is used with this software is the first solution i'd think of,cost around £80 for the oem software,or more for retail.The remote is around £30-.

pci Tv cards can have their own remote control,the hauppauge units have.

You'll need audio cable/s too if you are only using dvi rather than hdmi.

clockworks999 · 14-09-2008, 08:55

What's the reason for replacing the separate boxes with a computer?

If you go ahead with this, consider using a Mac Mini - they are virtually silent, small and reliable. They come with a remote and apps for playing music and video.

Jittlov · 14-09-2008, 21:33

You just need one remote for a home theater PC, I got a Speed Link SL-6399 from play.com for £9.99 inc P&P.

This controls Windows Media Centre (2005 and Vista), as well as most freeware media center software. You get full control over DVDs and Digital TV (you can even move the mouse pointer

).

There are many free media center apps out there for Windows and Linux, but for simplicity Windows MCE 2005 or Vista Home Premium is best.

Most of the freeware stuff is quite technical, MythTV and MediaPortal for example. (lost half my hair trying to install and set up those two

)

stugster · 15-09-2008, 12:00

The reason for replacing the separate boxes is that I don't want separate boxes!

Also, I'm going to be chucking my DVD collection on to the computer ("back them up" as DIVX/XVID) so that I can just search and not have to get up to the DVD collection and stick the disc in!

I quite like the idea of using a computer for these kinds of tasks... I might even delve in to the world of home automation

LozPR · 15-09-2008, 12:36

Hi,

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but the Media Remote Control, MCE [SL-6399] says that it is the remote control allows you to access the Media Center® of your PC at the press of a button and gives you complete control over all TV and video functions. You have access to all multimedia data from television broadcasters to videos including your own photo albums - all from the comfort of your sofa.

It is on Amazon Marketplace for £9.25

13-09-2008, 23:52	#1
stugster Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 9	TV Media Centre (PC Based) Hi All, I'm currently looking to replace my DVD player and FreeView Box with a desktop computer. My television currently accepts a DVI input, which I'll happily use to connect to the PC... My problem is this, however: What software can I use that will allow me to control the PC from my sofa using a standard remote control? Will it play/pause/rewind DVDs in the drive, DivX files on the disk? Will it let me change the channel on the PCI freeview card? Is there actually software out that will do this? Or am I going to have to succumb to lots of remote controls again?

14-09-2008, 08:49	#2
beintot Posts: n/a	windows xp media centre and the remote control that is used with this software is the first solution i'd think of,cost around £80 for the oem software,or more for retail.The remote is around £30-. pci Tv cards can have their own remote control,the hauppauge units have. You'll need audio cable/s too if you are only using dvi rather than hdmi.

14-09-2008, 08:55	#3
clockworks999 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 2,014	What's the reason for replacing the separate boxes with a computer? If you go ahead with this, consider using a Mac Mini - they are virtually silent, small and reliable. They come with a remote and apps for playing music and video.

14-09-2008, 21:33	#4
Jittlov Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Yorkshire Posts: 1,493	You just need one remote for a home theater PC, I got a Speed Link SL-6399 from play.com for £9.99 inc P&P. This controls Windows Media Centre (2005 and Vista), as well as most freeware media center software. You get full control over DVDs and Digital TV (you can even move the mouse pointer ). There are many free media center apps out there for Windows and Linux, but for simplicity Windows MCE 2005 or Vista Home Premium is best. Most of the freeware stuff is quite technical, MythTV and MediaPortal for example. (lost half my hair trying to install and set up those two )

15-09-2008, 12:00	#5
stugster Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 9	The reason for replacing the separate boxes is that I don't want separate boxes! Also, I'm going to be chucking my DVD collection on to the computer ("back them up" as DIVX/XVID) so that I can just search and not have to get up to the DVD collection and stick the disc in! I quite like the idea of using a computer for these kinds of tasks... I might even delve in to the world of home automation

15-09-2008, 12:36	#6
LozPR Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: PriceRunner Desk Posts: 238	Hi, I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but the Media Remote Control, MCE [SL-6399] says that it is the remote control allows you to access the Media Center® of your PC at the press of a button and gives you complete control over all TV and video functions. You have access to all multimedia data from television broadcasters to videos including your own photo albums - all from the comfort of your sofa. It is on Amazon Marketplace for £9.25

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TV Media Centre (PC Based)