Modded XBox The Ultimate Multimedia PC?

Anonymous writes "Can a modded Xbox running homebrew software really beat all existing designed-for-the-living-room multimedia devices hands down?! Tom's Hardware Guide seems to think so. They reviewed Xbox Media Center (XBMC) and say the free open source software turn an Xbox into The Ultimate Multimedia Center, the ideal home playback system for audio and video. (Apparently there is a PC software version available too: Media Portal)" The article also explains some of the more convoluted issues surrounding XBMC. But I definitely agree that this is a great system.

Comments

Re:no question...

[ikewillis]

That's not to mention the fact that a $20 box buys you HDTV component video output as well

Its great

[Monkelectric]

I've been using this more or less since the begining, and its the best thing to happen to television. My cable company resfuses to carry the Cartoon Network, but I can download most of the shows I'd like to watch and watch them whenever I want, or how ever many times I want on the xbox. Last week I missed all 3 broadcasts of "the shield" I was able to download and watch the show... I find myself watching ALOT less broadcast TV, it somehow seems inconveniant to have to watch tv on the networks schedule instead of mine, I imagine this is what the TIVO people were raving about. I usually end up buying the DVD's of the shows I do watch, but they seem to lag behind years of their broadcasts.

My only regret is the xbox can't read DVD+R discs (only DvD+RW) so I end up using more expensive and less permanant media for no good reason whicn I want to archive a show.

Re:no question...

[timmyf2371]

In the end, it really depends how you define an "Uber-Media-Machine", for lack of a better name.

Is the X-Box designed for playing DVDs? No, it's primarily a game console with a secondary function which allows you to play DVDs - perfect for the kids or those who don't want to/can't afford a separate DVD player in addition to a games console.

For $200 including the console + any mod chips required to make the media functions work - for the average person who wants a simple media machine for the cheap - it's bloody excellent for that price.