What to add to Windows Media Center?

[BBB3000]

I have my HTPC set up and I'm able to watch and record live tv. I have noticed there are many 'aftermarket' plugins available to enhance the WM7 experience. I am a little wary of installing random third party apps on my HTPC. Could someone recommend some must have additions to my windows media center?

[Tracer]

My Channel logos is a must for any Media Center user.
http://mychannellogos.com/default.aspx

MediaBrowser
http://www.mediabrowser.tv/

[BBB3000]

great - thx! I've come across some remote potato app. Any input on that?

[makryger]

Remote potato has a variety of uses- basically revolves around accessing your HTPC remotely. So, if you have a computer or smartphone on the road, you can look at your guide, schedule recordings, listen to music, watch recorded shows (if they don't have copy protection). Some smartphone apps can function as remote controls for your mediacenter... the list goes on. So if you have any desire to access your HTPC media or guide remotely, then that's the way to go. FYI, you'll have to have a respectable upload speed to be able to stream your recorded tv at a decent quality.

[newfiend]

+1 on my channel logos.. This is a must have IMO. It really makes the guide what it should be. Also +1 on Media Browser.. Another must have for archived tv and movies. I also like Media Center Master. If you use MB it works so well together its a no brainer. I also like MC Shoutcast for streaming radio, the Netflix plugin and of course Total Media Theater 5 for blu-ray playback.

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[BBB3000]

No mention of Hulu yet. Is there a way to get Hulu to work nicely with media center?

[newfiend]

Yup there is a plugin that will basically close down MC and open Hulu desktop full screen and on exit of Hulu reopen MC. I use this also. I'll look around later tonight and post links to what you need for that if you like.

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[BBB3000]

Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks a bunch.

[newfiend]

No Problem.. I'll post it after I get out of work tonight.. I have a company Xmas party but should have that up here for you by 8-9 EST.

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[newfiend]

http://huluwmc.teknowebworks.com/ install this and Hulu desktop software from hulu's site. That should get ya working.

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[BBB3000]

http://huluwmc.teknowebworks.com/ install this and Hulu desktop software from hulu's site. That should get ya working.

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

Definitely will tonight.

[WarrenH]

If you have movies or tv series, mediabrowser.tv is a must.

[EmirOfGroofunkistan]

http://boxeewmc.teknowebworks.com/

Boxee is nice too - at least for its pandora app

[BBB3000]

channel logo isn't free?

[newfiend]

channel logo isn't free?

It's a donation ware... The old version was free. Makryger puts in quite a bit of time developing the software and it works REALLY well! It's worth the asking price IMO, Plus he updates it on a regular basis including Logo updates as well as the UI itself.
You will find that Media Browser is much the same too, but well worth the added cost. It's a donation ware also. Well worth the money.
I pay for MCL, MB and Media Center Master. They really don't cost that much for the functionality you get out of them. I have been using all three for the last couple years and can honestly say money well spent!
newfiend~

[makryger]

In fact, rumor has it that the MCL developer is working on the new cinemax logos, history international (h2) and science channel... plus a whole lot of affiliates... as we speak. This content and software doesn't just write itself!

[BBB3000]

kinda bummed to see the note that Hulu does not work on the media extenders. Any word if there will be support on the xbox 360?

[lithium630]

kinda bummed to see the note that Hulu does not work on the media extenders. Any word if there will be support on the xbox 360?

I use PlayOn and VMCPlayIt to watch Hulu on the extenders. The quality okay, not great. I usually only use it if I missed a recording for some reason. PlayOn does have a lot of content though including Netflix, ESPN3 and a lot more. I also use it to watch Hulu on my phone.

[EmirOfGroofunkistan]

speaking of espn3 - I like the ESPN3WMC add-in:

http://madeformediacenter.com/m4mc/app. ... 4121b4fad9

[Tracer]

kinda bummed to see the note that Hulu does not work on the media extenders. Any word if there will be support on the xbox 360?

It does not in Media Center but, in the Xbox 360 interface if you are an Xbox Gold Live member and you pay for Hulu plus. To be honest I did the free month trial for Hulu plus and ended up droppping it. Basically they offered the same older TV programs that NetFlix offers and most of the newer TV shows were blocked from viewing except for Web viewing via a web browser only.

Personally I would drop Netflix too if Amazon ever offered access to Amazon Prime Instant Videos via an Media Center Addin or Xbox app.