Attack Computer Wiz

Here are some more tips if you are either thinking about building or you have already built a HTPC like Mike and I.

For those of you that missed it Mike did a nice write up on Blu-Ray support in Vista Media Center.

I really wanted to find a solution to play various media files through Vista Media Center. Some of you (like Mike) are probably thinking why not just use VLC? I have VLC installed and it is a great program for playing back various media files, however it didn't solve my Vista Media Center issue. So as most of us geeks would, I found myself googling for an answer and found a fantastic codec pack. The codec pack was very appropriately named Vista Codec Package. It can be found at Shark007's Vista Codecs Homepage. It was easy to install and has a nice menu if you need to modify the various codecs for closed caption and such. I am sure there are other Codec packs out there that would work but Shark007 has done a great job with the pack he created.

Posted by Jason

I pulled my hair out for hours trying to find the best way to get my Windows Vista Ultimate HTPC to support Blu-ray. Here are my requirements.

There are guides out there to help with this, like Revision3’s System. But their recommendations fell short of my needs because they suggested CyberLink PowerDVD 8. While this program is very nice, it does not support HD DVD, does not integrate with Media Center, does not integrate the Media Center remote (without the need for additional software **Update 9/17/2008: CyberLink now does function using the Media Center remote. But you still need the extra software to get the menu to pop-up**), and would not play the backups directly from the folder.

So, leaving the nuts and bolts out of it, and assuming you already have all the hardware you need installed and configured correctly, below are my steps and recommendations. I make no guarantees, but the below steps worked perfect for me and met all of my requirements listed above.
Two applications are all you need to get this job done. AnyDVD HD allow for the backup your DVD's to your hard disk drive. TotalMedia Theatre provides full Blu-ray and HD DVD playback and fully integrates with Media Center out of the box. Because of this integration the remote works flawlessly. TotalMedia also has the ability to play the backup videos from thier folders (Not launched from Media Center though. To play your backups you must launch them using the TotalMedia application not via Media Center).

Posted by Mike Wright

Netflix will soon be available on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 systems via the internet. Xbox 360 owners with the appropriate internet connection, Xbox live accounts, and Netflix subscriptions will be able to choose from the over 10K video on demand titles. While I do not personally own an Xbox 360 I do have a Home Theater PC and am a Netflix subscriber. I completely see the value of this service and the fact that current users will not need to purchase new hardware (such as an HTPC) to take advantage of Netflix on their TV’s is awesome.

LINK

Posted by Mike Wright