Windows Media Center vs. XBMC vs. Steam Big Pic - help

[Anapan]

I decided to get my dad a media center desktop recently. After trying a few front ends I decided on meediOS - it's media import functions work awesome and it's much more configurable than the others. It's got a bit of a learning curve but I ultimately found it easier launching apps rather than juggling through piles of glitchy plugins. I got Hulu, Netflix, UFC.TV, and Pandora as well as local videos and browsing the web working great all using his Logitech Harmont remote (it's webpage implementation accepts keyboard input for browsing while fullscreen so a mouse isn't necessary).

A couple things I found useful setting this up; You can export webpages to a shortcut "as an app" in Chrome. Hulu Desktop still works fine - you just need to find the executable. A cool background app called HuluMute skips commercials.

[TSTR]

this shit's in front of fold-out couch. Pack yr bags, my dood.

Pandora's Box: Open

[noiseredux]

Ok, so I've got Steam working from XBMC, but Netflix not so much. I can actually get in, browse my queue, etc, but it's not playing nice w/ the Chrome Add-On even though I did install that. Not sure. So I will still be watching your progress w/ WMC Crono.

A thought: I'm running XBMC on Win8. There's a Win8 Netflix app. Is there some way I can launch that app from within XBMC?

[TSTR]

Hmm. Windows 8. Large interface. Metro?

[noiseredux]

Hmm. Windows 8. Large interface. Metro?

so I think what you're saying is skip the frontends altogether, and just load up the Metro w/ those media apps? You might be on to something here...

[noiseredux]

TSTR you sonofabitch, never thought I'd find a good use for Windows 8. This is great. I've got the Metro to display apps for Youtube, Netflix, Live TV, Steam, DVD Player, etc. This is perfect.

One weird glitch. For some reason when I turn the PC on it bypasses the Metro and brings up the Libraries folder on my desktop. Can't figure out how to get rid of this. Nothing is in my Startup folder.

(I can't believe I'm asking how to make Win8 look more like Win8....)

EDIT: looks like I fixed it w/ msconfig dabbling. Ok, cool. I have to say, using Win8's Metro is a pretty solid option for customized media center.

[TSTR]

Who knew Metro was actually good for something?

[flex wood]

Who knew Metro was actually good for something?

I have been saying that's one of the good things about the metro since I built my pc. Most complaints about it I've heard are from people that never bothered to customize anything about it, or bought pre builts loaded with useless apps and just thought that's how it is.

Noise right click the start button. Or did you already know that one?

I'm actually thinking about trying to do a set up for my dad soon similar to what you've got going on noise. I broke/stepped on his laptop and was thinking an itx build he could just plug into the tv would be perfect for him. Then I can get my ps3 back from him since it's on netflix duty at his house now. That would also be a good enough reason to get him to upgrade to gigabit internet since it would be cheaper than what he pays for cable.

[noiseredux]

Noise right click the start button. Or did you already know that one?

I got no start button. I'm on 8. I've tried 3 or 4 times to upgrade to 8.1, and after a half hour it tells me it didn't take and is reverting back to 8. No idea. But I'm fine w/ keeping it at 8 at this point.

[flex wood]

Noise right click the start button. Or did you already know that one?

I got no start button. I'm on 8. I've tried 3 or 4 times to upgrade to 8.1, and after a half hour it tells me it didn't take and is reverting back to 8. No idea. But I'm fine w/ keeping it at 8 at this point.

Weird. How are you trying to upgrade? I just did it through the Windows store front, or whatever it is, on my dad's laptop before I messed it up and it went off without a hiccup.