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In the early stages of building a dedicated HTPC. What is the best free multimedia player for playing ALL the various file formats (DVD's, streaming video, all types and all formats including youtube videos etc.). I'd also entertain recommendations for a commercial product, but it'd have to be both good AND cheap.
I'm looking for the best catchall product, regardless of my file format or content. I'd obviously like to find just ONE application for this purpose.
Do you want just an application or a whole HTPC platform? VLC is a good standalone app. XBMC or Plex would be good platform options.
http://lifehacker.com/5991757/should...ome-theater-pc
Midknyte I hadn't really considered the option. What are your thoughts on an app vs complete platform? This PC will NOT be used for general purposes... but I can't say I'd never want to surf or do a tangential job online...
That's your call. You could still have Windows as the host OS.
Did you check out the link I posted? That does a much better job of explaining what Plex and XBMC are. Are you getting an IR remote or not? If not, then you could just stick with Windows and VLC.
Midknyte, reading your link now...
Yes, I'm sure that I'll want an IR remote... I haven't come across any reference yet, how does that decision affect my choices?
There are a lot of guides for HTPCs out there. XBMC or Plex would be more IR remote friendly than standard Windows.
http://lifehacker.com/5936546/how-i-...-for-under-500
http://lifehacker.com/5935151/the-re...ome-theater-pc
that's really good info Midknyte, if you had to choose between XBMC or Plex, which would you prefer?
Plex is a fork of XBMC. I think Plex is easier, so you can try that first. If it doesn't do what you want, then check out XBMC.
Thanks MUCH guys!
I'm going to have to start checking on LifeHacker before I look elsewhere too... seems I've missed a good resource there...
:) You're welcome.