Recommended OS for Home Theater PC?

[MadMax08]

hey all.

At home, we're looking to do some major upgrading in the tv department. my dad wants to get a nice big lcd/plasma tv, surround sound; the works. i recommended putting a small computer in the mix to store all of our home movies, music, etc. what OS would you recommend I use for this system. I'd like to avoid using Windows and keep this running as smoothly as possible.

any help is appreciated.

 

[Ambushed]

I think that Windows XP Media Center Edition would be the best for what you want http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx

 

[Camper]

Tack a look at MythTV. http://www.mythtv.org/
It will run on most Linux distros without to much trouble and there are even some distros that come with it pre-installed.
However Windows XP MCE or Vista Home Premium will be easer to configure.

 

[Motoxrdude]

You can download mythbuntu, lol. Comes with myth tv installed and runs ubuntu under the hood.

 

[BluePlum]

I think that Windows XP Media Center Edition would be the best for what you want http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx

X2

I dont no why your trying to avoid using windows xp, i would recomend XP for media use, i dont think linux, mac is as good.

 

[MadMax08]

I'd prefer to use linux because of the price....or lack there of. i'll check out mythtv. thanks.