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Media Center PCs?

HUH...

A long time ago, I used my computer for
an answering machine. I don't
anymore, guess why?

The technology wasn't there... I drive to work every day... But not in a bumpy uncomfortable Model T Ford. Oh and don't forget VoIP!!


A long time ago, I used to use my
computer to listen to CDs. I don't
anymore, guess why?


Cause you can't take your computer to the Gym? I guess thats what the iPods for... Guess what? Deep down inside it's a computer.

I used to use my computer to watch
DVDs. I don't anymore, guess why?


You used to watch DVD's on your computer!!! That must have been torture! Why would you do that?

I bought a stand alone device that
could do the function MUCH BETTER
without tying up my computer. Same
goes for the Tivo entertainment
functions.

Those days are numbered... Pluging in a seperate fax, answering machine, printer, scanner, Tivo, TV, Stereo, cordless phone, cable box, et al, will become as passe as:
Walking into a bank to withdraw money (bet you didn't like ATM's when they first came out: the personal service thing, right?)
Boiling water on the stove (damn Mr Coffee never gets it right, does it?)
Mailing important documents (still can't read those facsimilies on that cruddy thermal paper, yuk)
and i could go on about other dissed technology like microwaves, colour tv, etc.. the first run through is never good, but the techonology can be built on .


Why use a $2000-$3000 machine to
answer calls when you could buy a $15
answering machine?

good question! Why would you? But it's not just the answering machine... It's a whole host of communication functions.. and its only gonna cost 2000-3000 if you insist on a G5.

Same goes for the Media PC's!

No... the CD and DVD are temporary formats domed to oblivion, just like the 8track, cassette, LP, floppy disk, zip disk, et al... all files will exist digitally and streamed to they player... and that player, wether it stands alone or as part of an integrated package WILL BE A COMPUTER!!!

Have you checked the specs on your CD player, DVD, iPod, digital answering machine, etc... they already are computer... not 64 bit power house for sure, but computers none the less.. LOL.. duh.

You just got a lot more stuff to plug in than I do.
 
In need of help/suggestions.

I'm just looking for a solution, an ultimate solution.

My situation is somewhat simple. I'm not a techie, i'm just an ordinary consumer looking for more.

I currently have a normal large screen TV hooked up to a radio receiver, VCR, DVD player, and sound system.

I dream of having a system that does a few simple things. I want a large LCD or plasma TV. I want a sound system to go along with that. I want a computer, easily sitting right next to my TV system, that will do the following: Play Internet radio, mp3, and DVDs (downloaded from movielink.com for example, or from its internal SuperDrive) all through this main TV/sound system. I don't want multiple remotes. I don't want a clutter of devices. I want a G5 running the media to the system. I want to be able to access the desktop through the TV. I want to use a bluetooth keyboard and trackpad to navigate from my couch or chair across the room.

This computer is not meant to be a computer used for personal task, such as typing, or browsing the web, though they are possible. I want it to just broadcast media to my TV/Sound system.

How can I do this?
 
I don't think it's a matter of if or should.

If you had to decide between tv and internet which would you
choose?

If you had to decide where your dollars go, an excellent tv set or a killer monitor, which would you get?

A bad ass sound system for your tv/stereo, or for the ultimate gaming experience?

Who has the money/space for all this stuff? The average person in their late 20's early 30's and on with a job and disposable income.

Most people under the age of 25 are using their computers for a hell of a lot more than working on their tax returns and printing xmas cards. Yeah the TiVo IS cool, but so what, who gives a _ especially at >$200 when I can do it on my PC for free. I want video games, email, and internet. I want to listen to my CD's while I rip them and watch DVD's with the same killer sound. AND the big thing- there is no way I could survive without a computer, none, the only question is which one to get. So screw the tv and the TiVo and the DVD player and...
 
I was thinking, and, although Tivo has started this, how about a "mini-PC" for the living room? A hard drive for recording programs, wireless or wired network access to pull photos and music and other media from your PC. Now, if Apple could make this mini-device, I would be right there. You know it would work dependably, look good, and be a really impressive piece of technology.

Of course, that's just me....

Jeff
 
Originally posted by Analog Kid
Me, for one... Saves me from owning a TV and all the crap that goes with it...

Not saying I'm normal, but a market of at least one exists... :)
Click to expand...

me too. no space in the dorm for a tv.
 
Originally posted by frankinla
HUH...


A long time ago, I used to use my
computer to listen to CDs. I don't
anymore, guess why?


Cause you can't take your computer to the Gym? I guess thats what the iPods for... Guess what? Deep down inside it's a computer.
Click to expand...

No, deep down inside it contains a computer. The difference is important. Like a VCR or microwave oven or fancy washing machine, the iPod uses software to perform its function. That function is to record and play videotapes, or heat food, or clean clothes, or play digitized music.

The function of a computer is to run software. Running software is not the goal of someone who wants to watch a movie.
 
Re: Pro Vs Home User (Oh, and screw TiVo

Originally posted by frankinla
I put My AMD/AIW system together w/ all the connecting hardware, bigger HD, extra ram, etc, for about a grand, including a 19" crt (AMD 2k $500, AIW $170, 512 RAM $60, 120GB $100, Refrb 19" $140, cables about $50), less of course the TV's and Stereo I already had.

Building your own is not for everyone, but now you don't have to. And once people see it, they want it!

Screw Tivo and another monthly fee... cable pvr's have restrictions and cost not mentioned b4... and especially screw the folks who think that just because Jobs doesn't endorse it, it shouldn't be done. It's being done now, and you're gonna see alot more of it, because it makes sense.

Convergance is here... adapt or go broke!

Hey Steve.. you listening?
Click to expand...

You spent over a thousand dollars to build something that does basically the same thing as a TiVo plus DVD player. I spent $500 for a TiVo with lifetime service, plus $50 for a DVD player. Who's going broke?
 
-All

Important point: Does anybody remember TV's with built-in VCR's? Well the primary issue to that was if the VCR broke down, you had to send your TV in at the same time - thus lose you TV too.

I have this same fundamental problem with the all-in-one eggs-in-one basket philosophy of Microsoft, and it's simmilar foray into the Media Center PC's. I don't believe having your videos, CD,s and Pictures etc, on one media-serving box, even if the OS was not susceptible to ills often associated with Windows.

I would prefer an array of task-based mini devices, each with their own purpose. Which leads me back to the componentized stereo I already own.

Though it would be nifty to have some devices that could integrate with it that could pass pictures to the TV and run iTunes streams. It sounds to me like an enhanced receiver would do the trick.

I still don't see the benefit of a Media Center PC over what already exists.
 
Originally posted by frankinla
I bought a stand alone device that
could do the function MUCH BETTER
without tying up my computer. Same
goes for the Tivo entertainment
functions.

Those days are numbered... Pluging in a seperate fax, answering machine, printer, scanner, Tivo, TV, Stereo, cordless phone, cable box, et al, will become as passe as:
Walking into a bank to withdraw money (bet you didn't like ATM's when they first came out: the personal service thing, right?)
Boiling water on the stove (damn Mr Coffee never gets it right, does it?)
Mailing important documents (still can't read those facsimilies on that cruddy thermal paper, yuk)
Click to expand...

You might want to reconsider those examples. In each case, you've pointed out something where a separate "appliance" does the job where a monolithic central all-in-one "solution" was there before. An ATM is a "cash dispensing appliance" which works better for many people's needs than a full-service bank building. A Mr. Coffee is a "water heating/coffee making appliance" which works better for many people than a more general range top plus kettle. A facsimile machine is a "document transmission appliance" that works better for many people than a large network of trucks and postal workers who can deliver much more than simple photocopies of paper.

It sounds like what you're calling "passe" is the integrated solution, not the standalone one. Everything you listed argues for a dedicated device that can focus on its task.

It would obviously be beneficial for these dedicated devices to be able to cooperate, but that's not at all the same thing as having their functions all be provided by a larger, more complicated device.
 
Originally posted by patrick0brien
Though it would be nifty to have some devices that could integrate with it that could pass pictures to the TV and run iTunes streams. It sounds to me like an enhanced receiver would do the trick.
Click to expand...

TiVo does exactly that. For a $99 one-time fee, you can enable the built-in feature on a Series 2 TiVo. Make the network connection, run the little "server" program on your Mac or Windows PC, and your off-the-shelf TiVo will show pictures and play music from the computer.

It's not free, but it's a lot less than you'd pay for the same thing as part of a dedicated Home Media PC.
 
You used to watch DVD's on your computer!!! That must have been torture! Why would you do that?


Anyone who own a video projector. An 800x600 (max res for an Infocus X1) image is much better than 480p.
 
Originally posted by 1macker1
WOW you must stay in a tiny dorm room. Do you sleep standing up.:)
Click to expand...

okay....no COUNTER space in the dorm for a tv. I guess I could set it on the floor, but that wouldn't really be worth it.. also there are no more outlets after I've used up two power strips and my roommate is using one strip and another outlet. Had to get a Dr. Ferd's Wart Remover also so that I can have my keyboard and printer both plugged in at the same time. It sucked having to crawl down there to switch them. Probably would blow the circuit if I added anything else.
Might as well use my computer. Plus I can watch movies wherever I want. I can sit in my bed, or sit in my comfy chair at my desk. Or go down to the lounge. It's a PBook of course.
But just because I watch movies on it doesn't mean I would spring for the media center idea. If you try to put too many functions in one piece of equipment, it means each function can only be mediocre. I think I'd rather get high quality + more features out of different devices. I think my PBook strikes a good balance of doing my music/projects/internet/homework and (movies) in parentheses because i'm sure most will disagree with that.
 
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