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Anybody got a good media software for this set up
-XP home (I know it is my first problem)
-LAN with 1tb of storage
-2.7intel
-1536 mb ram
-2x200 hard drives
-128 mb ATI video w/s-video out, VGA, and DVI
-Tv tuner ATI
-15'' LCD touch screen (VGA)
-20.1'' LCD Viewsonic VP201b (DVI)
-30'' (S-video)
- X-10 USB interface with lightingundefinedundefined
-no money to spend on software
I want to make my desk top into a media center. I have lots of mp3 and moves on my server and want to use a remote or touchscreen to control it. I wnat to use something like media center but I do not want to buy a whole new system any Ideas that you have are welcome, and the cheaper they are the better. If I put anymore money into it, it will have to take out a new loan....lol... Thank you

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Dani AI

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is asking for a no-cost way to get a true Media-Center feel on an existing Windows desktop; rightly pointed out that vendor tuner software will do basic capture, but it rarely gives the polished full‑screen, remote/touch navigation and network-library features most people expect from a "media center."

A practical, low-cost approach:

  • Use a free media front end for the UI and library: try Kodi (cross‑platform, remote/touch friendly) or MediaPortal (Windows‑focused, strong TV/tuner support). Use VLC for trouble‑free ad‑hoc playback.
  • Handle remote/automation with lightweight tools: EventGhost maps IR/USB remotes to keyboard commands and scripts; WinLIRC can receive IR codes if your remote uses a serial/IR dongle.
  • For lighting/X10 control: the vendor utility is simplest, but automation tools above can call command‑line programs or plugins to integrate lighting with media events.

Setup checklist (in order): install the latest card drivers; mount the network share as a stable mapped drive or add it directly to the media front end; set the front end to run full‑screen on the desired display and configure which output is used for TV; map remote buttons to front‑end keyboard shortcuts via EventGhost/WinLIRC; test tuner in the front end and then tweak codecs/hardware acceleration if playback stutters.

Notes and cautions: remotes that present as USB HID (keyboard) are most reliable. Older Windows installs lose vendor support over time; keep drivers updated and consider OS upgrades later for long‑term compatibility. If things fail, report the exact software, remote model, and error observed so troubleshooting can be specific.

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Member Avatar for Dani

I guess I'm a little confused. Doesn't the hardware (i.e. ATi All-in-Wonder, etc.) provide their own proprietary software? Are you looking for an all-in-one solution? What about one of those computer remote controls?

Member Avatar for rbm

that was the toy I was going to buy. I did not know if there was a better remote out there. I wanted to get some mean software to run it. Most of the remotes I have used just work half of the time. I need something that will use the network to the fullest extent... Thank you.

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