Using a MCE 2005 to run Snapstream?

[werb]

Has any one used at production MCE 2005 box to run BTV3 and BM instead of using the MS versions? Is there any issues that would not allow this to work? I'm staring at the HP z545 and wondering if it's worth it just for the WF (wife factor) nod. I can put whatever I want in our living room as long as it's well hidden. This thing is small and specs look not to bad.

So what would be the hurdles? Would I be better off loading XP Pro onto it? Would Firefly work? Are the drivers for the TV Tuner cards compatible or even the cards themselves?

If anyone has attempted this please let me know before I go out and try an expensive experiment.

[btvfreak]

If you go out and buy that thing, then you're probably better off using MCE 2005 since everything in that down to the drivers are geared toward running MCE 2005. Also, many people have reported that the WAF is higher using MCE than BTV or Sage.

If you get it, and do try MCE, but find you don't like it and want to revert to using BTV, then it is possible. You'll need to turn off some services (not sure which ones since I don't have MCE) in order for BTV (or any other PVR software) to run.

MCE is simply XP Pro with some integrated services specifically needed to run the MCE program.

Firefly should work (not necessarily with MCE). You'll need to update the drivers for your hardware (ie. capture card) since those drivers are most likely MCE drivers.

I would say if you're sure you do not want to use MCE, then do not get that box. You can build your own box, running BTV for cheaper than that. If the case looks is what is your main concern, then there are cases with high WAF like the Ahanix cases (ex. the D5), Accent HT-400, Silverstone cases, or if you have a lot of cash to burn, the Atech cases.