I stumbled across HTPCs on avsforum, and started learning about the various software platforms along with the hardware to support the application(s). I built my first HTPC using a Kanam HT200B case, gigabyte LGA775 motherboard, dual core pentium, dual tuner capture card p, and IR blasters for my two cable set top boxes! I was going to use SageTV, and I even bought license for it. Then shortly after that I came across XP Windows Media Center. Back then the only way you could get it was on a OEM system builders disc. I was hooked.
They used to have a monthly computer show at The Scottish Rite Center here in San Diego. First part of 2005 I bought the disc with some other hardware there and at another place called PCAlchemy through thier website. I put it all together installed XP Media center, and I was off to the races.
Shortly after that I discovered MyMovies. I used it mostly for cataloging because at that time hardrives where pretty expensive. Anyone remember that Nividia DVD codec you had to buy separately? I used to just stick a disc in the dvdrom to rip my CDs to MP3s, and Media Center would do the rest. I was shielded by a lot of the complexity of tagging and organization. I’ve been using Windows Media Center up until very recently with TMT.
Which brings me to JRiver Media Center. What do I like about it? The number one thing for me is the built in player for DVDs and Blu-Rays. It does playback with menus! Everything I’ve thrown at it plays with out a problem. The picture is great, and I don’t have to be concerned about codecs! It just works. I like theatre view, and I can pick different skins though I’m rather fond of MetroX. Unlike PowerDVD there’s no special command that I have to use to force it to close to give up focus to get back to media center.
It would be nice if we had a actual application for creating theatre view skins like SageTV had with Sage studio.
I’ve never really been a big audio enthusiast, but now that I’m discovering what JRiver can do. I want to better organize and re-rip my CDs 1:1 now. SACDs! I had no idea you could play them. The tagging and organization is great, and I’ve just barely scratched the surface. I like the ability to pick only the formats you are interested in.
Zones, and there is so much more. It’s not an easy application, but little by little I’m getting the hang of it. Now I want to run out and buy a DAC, receiver, and speakers. I haven’t owned a receiver in over 20 years!