wondering which OS to use for HTPC build

[Shadowmeph]

I am wondering which Operation system works best for a Home theater PC build
I have a TV card and hopefully my Audio card still is working which OS is the best to use

[Phobia]

I use xp and vista for my HTPC's and I like/hate both equally :P

[grinder]

Vista Home Premium is a nice "plug and play" option, and easy to setup. I've used MythTV, LinuxMCE, and XP MCE 2005 previously. I don't record TV any more so it's mostly a video playback device for ripped VOB files and the odd MP3 mix.

[JD]

I run Vista + MediaPortal. Though I could run XP but I've grown to really hate XP's UI.

[lowfat]

Vista here. With XBMC for playback (seriously, nothing compares). And BeyondTV for recording.

[Shadowmeph]

Originally Posted by lowfat

Vista here. With XBMC for playback (seriously, nothing compares). And BeyondTV for recording.

what is your set up and what is XBMC

[lowfat]

Originally Posted by Shadowmeph

what is your set up and what is XBMC

XBMC (XBMC Media Center for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux) Is the best media front end you can use. Once setup properly it is absolutely beautiful, and loaded with features. Only issue I have is that it can't record TV.

My HTPC is the Q8200 based rig in my signature.

[Shadowmeph]

That is a nice set up :) I feel so ..poor hahahahaha

[lowfat]

You don't need something so powerful. But BeyondTV is a PIG when used with the Hauppauge HD PVR. Video playback of stuff I've recorded can take 2 full cores on the Q8200. And updating the guide/library each can load another core. I was using a 5000+ before this and seeking/fast forwarding it a good 2-3 seconds less lag.

XBMC isn't nearly as demanding. A dual core should play all 1080p videos without much of a problem.

[Shadowmeph]

I am wondering if my old athlon 64x2 3800 is going to be enough.

also I heard of people using a server for an OS I am not sure why and or how they would use that or even if it is better to use I do have a server 2003 OS around hear some where.