Windows 7 for Audio or Video, yes - No?

I say yes and no Jim. Windows 7 for A/V is unmatched IMO. Using the OS with your HTPC is a must have if you enjoy videos! Having tried all the others at one time or another. Windows 7 allows so much more expandability over Vista or XP.

As far as music goes it's the same as Vista or XP too me. Which is fine in my book. The Home theater entertainment area is where Windows 7 is king of the hill.

Having the ability to record and watch up to 4 HD channels; HD cable/OTA HD or satellite at once using a dropped in cable card with no DVRs or cable boxes necessary, all while streaming that content to 3 other TVs in the house will be the Bee's Knees when it is released next year!

Dell makes a Studio model Chazz that can be an HTPC for $519.00. This includes a Blu-ray drive and a true HDMI output.

Windows 7 OS for an HTPC has no peers IMO that includes OSX.
This won't make standalone DVD and Blu ray player manufactures very happy as it negates buying them.

I haven't used a standalone player(CD,DVD,Blu-ray) in nearly two years..I'm sure I can't be the only one that's doing this.

hey Chazz

If I do'd it at all I'd probably just go the upgrade route on my 32 bit Vista laptop... the HDMI thingy bugs me some too as I'd prefer it over the vga I have now.

As of this week my adaptive software designers say support is in place for Win 7 now.

I'll likely not change any other pc's OS. Ain't broke... don't fix it... sort of thing i guess.

Hi G

Having the ability to record and watch up to 4 HD channels; HD cable/OTA HD or satellite at once using a dropped in cable card with no DVRs or cable boxes necessary, all while streaming that content to 3 other TVs in the house will be the Bee's Knees when it is released next year!

Say what?

Dell makes a Studio model Chazz that can be an HTPC for $519.00. This includes a Blu-ray drive and a true HDMI output.

What's a studio pc & what's the name of this gizmo? Got a link to it?

Thanks much guys

Here you go Jim the link to the Cable card they are only designed for Windows 7.
Ceton Multi-Channel cable card

Ceton FAQ

Here's the Studio series Dell.

Here's a new kid on the block Zotac Mag. It's actually small enough to fasten to the back of a TV unseen.

The integrated graphics card in the Dell Studio and the Zotac already supports uncompressed audio/video playback over HDMI. So no extra sound or video card needed.

Thanks a ton G... U D Man.

Now there's some food for thought!