rodalpho Wrote:Everything core works except python scripts, but it's not entirely stable, changing some options under video decoding will crash/freeze the program, it still has some references to the Xbox including game saves, there's no user friendly install, and it requires linux proficiency.
Not entirely true with regard to core functions - DVD playback still doesn't work for me. If you have ripped DVD to an ISO format then you are probably good to go but I've ripped mine to IFO/VOB and the result at playback is perfect playback in a corner of the screen while the rest of the interface displays - it's like I've switched away from DVD playback mid-movie.:p
All in all though I find it to be pretty stable although since I build OFTEN that can vary. I keep a second install that is known good for those times when I want to watch something and it's not stable.
Since I cannot watch any of my DVDs I keep my old XBOX around. However if I wish to watch High-Def rips or downloaded content my Linux box gets the job and does it WELL. Since the question here is playing HD rips with the desire to skip the PC interface I'd ask - What format are these rips? If the content is a raw rip from BR or HD-DVD forget it. You will need to transcode the video - I'd suggest a MKV container with good sound and say an X264 compress to save space. This is what I do with my
HD-DVD videos and just today I've received a Blu-Ray drive to start working with, now I need some content
Anyway, if ripped\compress content and downloaded stuff like TV shows is what you're after then XBMC rocks! If you've got tons of SD DVD in ISO format then that too ought to play great judging from other's posts. If it's IFO/VOB then hang onto the XBOX a little longer but go ahead and try XBMC on Linux - I've found nothing better.
Edit: Gah! - Yeah best to continue this elsewhere,say the successes thread vs sidetracking this thread.