I have a new HTPC. I'm using Windows Vista64 and its basically a fresh install. I followed the guide in putting together the parts for the HTPC. Programs I have available to me at this time are:
DVDFab Plat
AnyDVD
PowerDVD (newest version - with BD support)
I need this thing to be wife friendly and that's proving to be the only frustratng part. I am able to play DVD's and BD via PowerDVD at this time, and my wife could get the hang of that. Ultimately though, I want some kind of "front end" that will play all my video content - DVD's, BD's, and h264 download's I get for TV shows via torrents.
I am willing to pay for software to make this easy for my wife (which in turn makes it easy for me). I plan to incorporate a remote for the PC in the near future.
Now the questions:
1. Dumb one first. How do i launch Windows Medica Center in vista (not windows media player)?
2. I plan to rip dvd's I own and BD I own to a HD array. I need a program that can play them. What I would love is some sort of front end that would get cover art from online and basically you click on the video cover to launch a player which plays the movie from its location on the HD. I don't care if there needs to be a virtual drive setup, as long as I can make that process automated. I basically want my wife to be able to brouse our movie selection and pick one a-la jute box style. What will do this for me?
3. What app can I use to manage my TV show downloads? Is there something that I can get that will, like I asked above, scan my HD for shows and present a jute box style list of things to play?
Thank you VERY much to those that reply. I love to tinker, but my wife gets...well....angry....when she has strugle.
DVDFab Plat
AnyDVD
PowerDVD (newest version - with BD support)
I need this thing to be wife friendly and that's proving to be the only frustratng part. I am able to play DVD's and BD via PowerDVD at this time, and my wife could get the hang of that. Ultimately though, I want some kind of "front end" that will play all my video content - DVD's, BD's, and h264 download's I get for TV shows via torrents.
I am willing to pay for software to make this easy for my wife (which in turn makes it easy for me). I plan to incorporate a remote for the PC in the near future.
Now the questions:
1. Dumb one first. How do i launch Windows Medica Center in vista (not windows media player)?
2. I plan to rip dvd's I own and BD I own to a HD array. I need a program that can play them. What I would love is some sort of front end that would get cover art from online and basically you click on the video cover to launch a player which plays the movie from its location on the HD. I don't care if there needs to be a virtual drive setup, as long as I can make that process automated. I basically want my wife to be able to brouse our movie selection and pick one a-la jute box style. What will do this for me?
3. What app can I use to manage my TV show downloads? Is there something that I can get that will, like I asked above, scan my HD for shows and present a jute box style list of things to play?
Thank you VERY much to those that reply. I love to tinker, but my wife gets...well....angry....when she has strugle.
