I'm building my parent's a media center PC for Christmas, but I don't know of any software that would help with the experience. Maybe a custom UI for windows to better navigate? Let me know what you think and I'll answer any questions if needed.
kodi its a htpc front end with alot of add ons I use genesis as an add on and its great
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Plex?
For client or server?
I would agree with @Streetguru, that plex is a good choice, but I would recommend a bit of research to find the one best for you :)
Plex is nice for a media server, kodi is better for frontend stuff. I repurposed an old mac mini with a newer 1TB HDD and Kodibuntu for my parents' HTPC. If they have wifi and a smartphone you can use Kore, a pretty nifty remote app.
Usually I add a few addons, like Aeon MQ6 skin (bigger fonts), auto subtitles and watchdog service. Also enabling the webserver and zeroconf/DLNA/UPnP is a good idea since you can stream to any other device on your network. If you want to add an extra bit of work you can install samba server, that way you can send stuff to the htpc (i.e. add selections of photos taken on a trip since kodi can slideshow). The only missing ace on kodi's hand is Netflix. There are some addons that try to work around it but tends to be finnicky and a pain in the neck to set up.
The program:
http://kodi.tv/
Add-ons (optional repo with more stuff):
https://superrepo.org/
The remote app:
or
Server. and plex looks to be a good choice, I need to install a few and see what I like/see what would work for my parents.
Going with kodi on a windows 7 box, I tried kodibuntu but it doesn't work all that well, and I know windows 7 better than Linux
6gb ddr3 1066 mhz ram
AMD Phenom II x4 650T quad core cpu, using a beafier AMD stock cooler than the one provided
GT 620 1gb was super cheap and way better than on board graphics better for high resoluton play back and direct x12 compatible also half height.
Some hp motherboard micro ATX, ft. Msata which I populated with a WiFi adapter
1TB WD Green HDD
350w TFX PSU
Also bought a USB 3.0 adapter for the multiple card reader
And it's all in my parents old Dell inspiron 537s's case
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I am using the TVMC version of KODI. It is a plug-in that does 90% of the setup for you.
KODI is awesome, but there are so many confusing options. I thought I knew what I was doing and messed it up.
I had to un-install KODI+TVMC and re-install TVMC to fix it.
I do recommend the Eminence skin as it is cleaner than the colorful stock UI.
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I'm going to look into that, looks really nice.
It is but a few issues I have are:
I haven't been able to figure out how to setup live TV.
Watching streaming video is wonky, hit or miss. There are like 100 channels to find the show you want. Once you find it it takes a while to list the avaiable sources. Then it's trial and error to find the one that actually works. Just forget about doing during peak hours. The bandwidth can't keep up, it's worse than Netflix on Friday night.
BTW: Thanks for starting the depression thread. It's important. I am trying to re-educate the mis-information over there. Most people are trying to help but some are dangerously ignorant of the facts. And being the internet, assholes are trolling the weak.
Alright sweet, I'll look out for that.
Also, of course and thanks for helping. I was actually surprised that a thread wasn't already up for that kind of topic. I'm just trying to help out those who are afraid to help themselves.
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Well... so after a little while my parents were still not familiar and would need me to set it up every time so I just made it simple and installed android on it because they know how to use that lol... god damn it they will never know my pain
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