[MLStrand56]

I'm building a HTPC audio/video server. That's all it is, nothing more.

I'd like recommendations of software that other people have used successfully on HTPC Servers.

I'm buying hardware now, so I'm open to all OS/software suggestions.

Thanx

MLStrand56

[LiveBrianD]

Windows Media Center works well. I think Windows 8's metro could work well there, but then there are the other issues with it (like them making it unintuitive and hiding controls for no reason), so I'm not sure I'd recommend that. (Also, I think you'll need the Pro version of it to get media center.) If you get Windows 7, it's included with Home Premium and up.

[waldojim]

LiveBrianD, on 30 August 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Windows Media Center works well. I think Windows 8's metro could work well there, but then there are the other issues with it (like them making it unintuitive and hiding controls for no reason), so I'm not sure I'd recommend that. (Also, I think you'll need the Pro version of it to get media center.) If you get Windows 7, it's included with Home Premium and up.

Metro has no effect on WMC in Windows 8. Had you actually used it, instead of parroting, you would know this.

Windows Media Center makes for a terrific HTPC. It also makes for a terrible video/audio server. Unless you are streaming only to a local xbox, or similar. For remote streaming, you want Orb. Though, as a local HTPC it is quite pathetic. If you can get away with it, use WMC for your local frontend/backend, and use Orb to stream your content.

[MLStrand56]

Win7 is a natural choice for the media server. Another natural choice is "Tag & Rename" for fixing incorrectly tagged files.

What is a good FREE program to Rip CD's @ 320kbs?

I decided to build the HTPC so that my family can listen to my music w/o touching my CD's/DVD's. I'm using a Silverstone GD08B case. To start with I'll use 4 x WD 2Gig HD's in RAID 5 config. for music/movies. That'll leave another 4x HD slots for expansion. The case will have 1 Blu-burner & 1 DVD multi-burner. I'll use a 2.5" HD (SSD?) for the OS & Programs.

MLStrand56

[LiveBrianD]

waldojim, on 30 August 2012 - 09:10 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 30 August 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Windows Media Center works well. I think Windows 8's metro could work well there, but then there are the other issues with it (like them making it unintuitive and hiding controls for no reason), so I'm not sure I'd recommend that. (Also, I think you'll need the Pro version of it to get media center.) If you get Windows 7, it's included with Home Premium and up.

Metro has no effect on WMC in Windows 8. Had you actually used it, instead of parroting, you would know this.

Windows Media Center makes for a terrific HTPC. It also makes for a terrible video/audio server. Unless you are streaming only to a local xbox, or similar. For remote streaming, you want Orb. Though, as a local HTPC it is quite pathetic. If you can get away with it, use WMC for your local frontend/backend, and use Orb to stream your content.

Except that I never said that metro had any impact on WMC in Windows 8. What I said is that the rest of the UI, should he choose to use it for other things as well, isn't very good. Had you actually read my post, you would know this.

[waldojim]

LiveBrianD, on 31 August 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

waldojim, on 30 August 2012 - 09:10 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 30 August 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Windows Media Center works well. I think Windows 8's metro could work well there, but then there are the other issues with it (like them making it unintuitive and hiding controls for no reason), so I'm not sure I'd recommend that. (Also, I think you'll need the Pro version of it to get media center.) If you get Windows 7, it's included with Home Premium and up.

Metro has no effect on WMC in Windows 8. Had you actually used it, instead of parroting, you would know this.

Windows Media Center makes for a terrific HTPC. It also makes for a terrible video/audio server. Unless you are streaming only to a local xbox, or similar. For remote streaming, you want Orb. Though, as a local HTPC it is quite pathetic. If you can get away with it, use WMC for your local frontend/backend, and use Orb to stream your content.

Except that I never said that metro had any impact on WMC in Windows 8. What I said is that the rest of the UI, should he choose to use it for other things as well, isn't very good. Had you actually read my post, you would know this.

Then say what you mean. Your statement reads as though Metro has hidden functions/controls in WMC. It does not. Read what you wrote.

[LiveBrianD]

I said "I think Windows 8's metro could work well there, but then there are other issues with it". I did NOT say anything about MCE having issues in Windows 8.

[waldojim]

Now read the entire statement. Front to end. What you see there is WMC works well. Metro could work well, but has other issues. Hiding controls for example. That reads like Windows 8 Metro has influenced WMC. Which it has not. Since WMC in Windows 8 is improved upon from Windows 7, and Metro has no effects there, your implications are not needed.

[waldojim]

LiveBrianD, on 01 September 2012 - 05:41 PM, said:

Whatever... I have better things to deal with than people who can't read properly.

Express your thoughts clearly, and there won't be any guesswork.

This post has been edited by coastie65: 03 September 2012 - 01:03 PM
Reason for edit: REmoved what could be considered an inflammatory remark.

[MLStrand56]

PCWorld recently recommended a program that will Extract album pictures from .pdf files.

http://www.pcworld.c...k.nl_ddx_h_misc

I have run across album pictures locked in a .pdf file.

I'm going to try this program to extract the picture from the .pdf.

If this program works, it'll be a useful tool to have.

MLStrand56