How it all started.... DVR + Media Center

A HTPC was nothing new as it been around for quite some time and most of my requirements are met with other options like Astro MAX and XBOX, a dedicated media center with large hard disk storage.

Astro MAX

As most Malaysian have Astro digital satellite broadcast, I was the early adopters for Astro Digital Video Recorder with recording and playback functionality called Astro MAX.

I felt it was worth it for 2 reasons, first, there are 2 receiver inside the Astro MAX so that you can record 1 channel while watching another... much cheaper than paying for 2 Astro decoder that many homes have. This reason saves money, pay for 1 decoder, get 2 decoder simultaneously.

Secondly, this is the power of the Tivo concept, with our complex daily routines, we do not expect tv station to control our daily schedules by telling us when to watch what channel. With a scheduled recording functions, we just schedule the recording and watch it whenever we are free to watch, stop and continue another time and the best of all, we save time by fast forwarding all the long and mind washing advertisements. This reason saves time.

Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) was integrated but only have less than one week ahead schedule.

So most of the decision was based on the 2 basic needs, save time & money!!!

XBOX - XBox Media Center

Not to be mistaken with the Xbox 360, this is the original XBOX that I purchase many years ago for gaming with an upgraded 100Gb hard disk but currently it was used mainly as a storage for my daughter videos and photos. Just upload or convert all the video into mpeg or avi format and no more changing disc anymore.

I also purchase a remote controller and upgraded the Xbox HD kit with component cables and digital optical output (SPDIF) for a much better quality video and audio output.

With the popular XBMC ( XBox Media Center ) software loaded, this media center can play all types of video format ( no need to hunt for codec ), play music, play DVDs and a backup storage for all my digital photos since 2001.

There you have it, Astro MAX + XBMC = a Home Theater PC without a PC. With this combo solution, there are a few things still missing, firstly, 2 appliance means 2 remote controllers and no integration between both of them. The Astro MAX recorded video CANNOT be copied out, as it does not have a LAN port and all the recorded video does not have a timestamp on when it was recorded.

Just like all other electrical appliance at home, single functionality, stand alone and disconnected from each other.