Home Network Streaming with Media Center

Last week's post talked about using a HTPC to watch shows and movies on your home theater. This time we'll look at using a networked PC along with a Media Center Extender.

Remember, there are some advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods and everyone will find a different solution that works best for them.

Windows Media Center
When Windows Media Center Edition came to market in 2005, Media Center Extenders were hyped as the next big thing. A Media Extender is a device that connects to your home network and can share files with other PCs on your network, no matter where in the house they are. By doing this, you don't need a dedicated computer for your living room, and you can still maintain full control over your home theater setup with a universal remote.

Now-a-days you don't need Windows Media Center Edition for this functionality. Most users don't realize that Windows Media Center is built into all versions of Windows Vista and the forthcoming Windows 7 will be no different.

Naming Confusion
The biggest problem with these devices is a lack of consumer understanding. Electronics vendors couldn't even settle on a naming convention since each manufacturer uses different terms for devices with the same functions. Some were called 'digital media players', while others were dubbed 'network media streamers' or 'networked media extenders'. Any conceivable permutation of those words could be found on a products' packaging.

Game Console Media Centers
When Microsoft's Xbox 360 came to market, it was touted as an all-in-one media center that could do much more than just play video games. The Xbox 360 was one of the first devices to connect to Windows PCs. Since Microsoft makes the software for both devices, they had a step up on the competition in taking advantage of this new technology.

When Sony released the PLAYSTATION 3 a year later, they too had built media center capabilities into their console. If you plan on using an Xbox 360 or PS3 as a media center, I recommend checking out a program called TVersity that does a great job of streaming content to your game console.

Discontinued Models
Recently, fans of media extenders have had some bad news as two major manufacturers, LinSys and HP, have both pulled the plug on their respective devices.

One of the reasons these devices are failing is that many of the people interested in such a device already have either the Xbox 360 or a PLAYSTATION 3, which both have similar capabilities.

Initial Setup
Another issue hindering adoption of Media Center Extenders is that some technical know-how is usually required to get the device setup and connected to your home network. However, once connected correctly, it can be used by anyone.

After trying out a few of these devices, I have settled on the Popcorn Hour A-110, but I have friends who use a HTPC desktop or laptop. Check back for a full review of the Popcorn Hour A-110 and a look at their upcoming device, the Popcorn Hour C200 in a few weeks.

Have you used a game console as a media center?
Weigh in with your thoughts on HTPCs vs. media extenders below.