On Friday 30 June 2006 10:38, Dieter wrote:
> > As another consumer, why does the PC have to stay out of the pizza
> > box?=20
>
> To keep the cost down.

Ok.

> To keep the heat down. (especially in summer  :-)  )

The XBox 360 had some problems in the beginning, but it seems like it 
can be done.

> To keep the noise down.

Again, current game computers and media centres seem to do well enough.

> To reduce setup and maintainence headaches.

I don't see how it's easier to install a PC, connect the extra hardware, 
install all the software, and try to get it to work (remember that that 
PC can contain just about any possible combination of hardware and 
software), compared to unpacking your media centre, plugging it in, and 
turning it on.

> > What is the advantage of this arrangement over a pizza box that is
> > a=20 complete PC running Windows Media Center edition?
>
> A - it doesn't run virus server

But the PC might. Or might not, in any case, you'll still need to keep 
it patched. And generally viruses aren't much of a problem for the 
person who is infected.

> B - costs less to buy

But you need a PC with it, plus any additional software and services 
that would be included with the media centre.

> C - no fragile disk drives for the 2 year old to knock off the shelf

So put it on a higher shelf...

> D - cool & quiet

But not very much more so.

> E - documented (yeah, I know, most consumers don't care)

You said it...

> Tivo wants a monthly fee.  Tivo spys on you.  Are you SURE that Tivo
> will let you record any show you want, and archive it?  And will
> continue to do so?  They are making another attempt to get the
> broadcast flag into law.

If that happens, you still won't be able to record anything, and 
moreover, this would also affect any device we want to make. Laws apply 
to everyone. Well at least theoretically. And TiVo isn't the only way 
to get a media centre. I was using it as an example.

> > PCs are also=20
> > cheap enough to just buy everyone their own do-everything box, and
> > save=20 a lot of hassle.
>
> PCs are a lot of hassle to set up and maintain.  This would be *less*
> hassle. A *lot* less.  If you want to decode HD in software you need
> a LOT of CPU and CPU is expensive.  And uses a lot of power.  If the
> source is HD you have to decode HD even if the display is just SD.

Well, yes. So why use a PC with a pizza box attached to it if you can 
just get a media centre that just works?

Lourens

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