2012-03-31, 01:28
Significant amounts of apologies for the noobness in this post.
I have been looking at XBMC for years and finally have it running on an older system for testing (linux). I am probably going to get one running under Windows also, just to see the differences and difficulties with each.
I have a few very pointed questions before I get to the meat of my post...
This system is going to (attempt to ) replace a $129/mo cable subscription. I already have a Roku, not impressed. Netflix runs on the Roku and all the WIIs, fine. But I need the wifey's Bravo, HGTV, and Lifetime. And I need the kiddo's Disney, Nick, and Cartoon Network. I have yet to find any system that can get me content from these providers.
Assuming I can configure XBMC to find the aforementioned content "out there," I am curious as to which system is going to be the easiest for me to maintain (from a system administration standpoint of mirroring system drives, connecting it to a network storage device for storing and retrieving, connecting it to all of the other TVs and PCs (Windows) in the house, etc). Windows or linux? I am competent with both but far more comfortable with the former. If the kids need to use the system directly from the TV, how do I make it impossible for them to accidentally screw something up? Or view content I don't desire them to view?
I am in the process of reading (and trying) many of the step-by-step guides, but I am still in the stage where I am very much intimidated by the seemingly daunting task of configuring this system... I don't really need it to do a whole lot, initially... Just find some TV shows so I can convince the fam to cut ties with the cable company.
Ideas or suggestions most welcome.
I have been looking at XBMC for years and finally have it running on an older system for testing (linux). I am probably going to get one running under Windows also, just to see the differences and difficulties with each.
I have a few very pointed questions before I get to the meat of my post...
This system is going to (attempt to ) replace a $129/mo cable subscription. I already have a Roku, not impressed. Netflix runs on the Roku and all the WIIs, fine. But I need the wifey's Bravo, HGTV, and Lifetime. And I need the kiddo's Disney, Nick, and Cartoon Network. I have yet to find any system that can get me content from these providers.
Assuming I can configure XBMC to find the aforementioned content "out there," I am curious as to which system is going to be the easiest for me to maintain (from a system administration standpoint of mirroring system drives, connecting it to a network storage device for storing and retrieving, connecting it to all of the other TVs and PCs (Windows) in the house, etc). Windows or linux? I am competent with both but far more comfortable with the former. If the kids need to use the system directly from the TV, how do I make it impossible for them to accidentally screw something up? Or view content I don't desire them to view?
I am in the process of reading (and trying) many of the step-by-step guides, but I am still in the stage where I am very much intimidated by the seemingly daunting task of configuring this system... I don't really need it to do a whole lot, initially... Just find some TV shows so I can convince the fam to cut ties with the cable company.
Ideas or suggestions most welcome.