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How can I make my HTPC better

post #1 of 13
Thread Starter 
Hey guys, I wanted to know what software I can use to make my HTPC better. Is there software I should know about? I've cut the cord on cable over a year ago and I've been using Netflix and Hulu. But I want to get more out of my HTPC.

What can I do with XBMC?
Can I watch basic channels? (I have a digital tuner, but can't pick up channels via WMC)
Is there a netflix/hulu app. for XBMC?

I'd basically like to know what you guys are using and maybe I can incorporate it to my HTPC. Thanks guys!
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post #2 of 13

There are tons of apps and skins for XMBC.  It's one of the better interfaces in my opinion.

 

As for watching basic programs, you're limited by what your tuner can to.  If you only have a digital tuner but want to pick up basic analog cable channels, you're out of luck on that front sadly :(

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post #3 of 13
mediaportal for me, very similar to XBMC and loads of different skins,
once set up, it identifies all my series and movies that are stored and loads dvd covers, episode thumbnails, descriptions etc. its very easy to navigate and easy to set up codecs, just got mine set up for BD rips, 1080p and HD audio.
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post #4 of 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by BiG_LiG View Post

mediaportal for me, very similar to XBMC and loads of different skins,
once set up, it identifies all my series and movies that are stored and loads dvd covers, episode thumbnails, descriptions etc. its very easy to navigate and easy to set up codecs, just got mine set up for BD rips, 1080p and HD audio.

Do you rip to ISO?
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post #5 of 13
1:1 rips at the moment
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post #6 of 13
What xbmc add-on do you have?
post #7 of 13
Ya it's the addons that make XBMC indispensable to me - drop by the XBMC forums to see what intrests ya wink.gif
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post #8 of 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by trog View Post

Ya it's the addons that make XBMC indispensable to me - drop by the XBMC forums to see what intrests ya wink.gif

Yup same here!!!

This is for anyone who want to check out xbmc add-ons!

My favorite is Bluecop's Repo

Unofficial add-on repositories

All add-ons

and how to install them
post #9 of 13
Thread Starter 
Wow, lots of info. I was messing with XBMC this weekend and their are a lot of add on's. But Im looking into getting an add on for netflix and hulu? Are there any good ones out there if any?

@carlitos I'll check out what you've posted tonight! thumb.gif

@methos07 nope, I dont rip and ISO images. Should I?

@axipher I have to call my local cable company, cause we can't even pick up regular cable with a TV turner. A bummer cause i'd like to incorporate the basic HD channels into XBMC.
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RV02
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SliFolder
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Pink-S210
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CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-2700K  MSI Z68A GD80 (G3) EVGA 04G-P4-2686-KR G.SKILL Snipper 8GB @1866MHz 
Hard DriveHard DriveCoolingCooling
x2 Intel 80GB SSD RAID0 WD 1TB Black XSPC Raystorm CPU Block w/Metal Mount Bracket EK-FC680 GTX+ - Nickel CSQ 
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Magicool 540 Radiator XSPC Dual 5.25" Bay Reservoir Swiftech MCP655-B Scythe Kaze Master Pro  
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Ice Dragon Coolant w/Feser UV Blue Dye Win 7 Ultimate Asus 24" x3 @ 5760x1080  QFR SGK-4000-GKCR1-US w/50A-R 
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AMD 1090T Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 EVGA GTX 570  G.Skill Snipper Sniper (2x4GB) @ 1333 
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post #10 of 13
i would rather stick with MediaPortal, i find it better supported and better plugins and addon's
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