Windows vs. Mac as a Media Center
Woah! This posting should stir up a pot that I should probably let sit. But of course, I’m not going to.
Off the bat, this is not an overall “Windows vs. Mac” post, ok? I’m focusing specifically on media center software, and where the two systems stand. In the end, I always go with systems that I find stable and functional overall. Not just based on one of many features that a computer is used for. Keep that in mind as you read (you’ll need to).
In Mac World’s most recent publication, February of 2006, the writers addressed this same topic. Page 65 of the publication summed up an interesting thought when it comes to a prepackaged media center. The title of the sidebar in Mac World was, “What Apple Could Learn from Microsoft.” Ouch.
That’s not to say Macintosh won’t make a good media center. It will make a great media center. The gap between Windows and Mac is simple. Currently there are many ways to pool all of your media into one easy to manage spot with Windows, and Mac is working it’s way up to that stage. Windows has been playing with their “Media Center Edition” for a few years, Mac is just getting into it at the moment.
In particular, Mac World points out that Windows Media Center Edition has the ability to pool all of your media resources in one spot. Macintosh can handle all of your media as well, but there is no 1 single over arching program that can tie it all together. Recently Mac launched Front Row, which is a stab at developing a single media center software, but it’s not close to how Win Media Center works.
For both Mac & Windows, users can get componenets that allow you to watch and record TV, view DVD’s, play and record music, and load photography. Both systems can do that. Where Windows has an edge is the fact that with Media Center, and other 3rd party vendors like SageTV, you can pool all of your media under one umbrella program.
If you’re currently a media junkie who’s looking for a system that can manage all of your media in one spot, then right now Windows might be the system for you. If you don’t mind managing your files a bit more, Windows or Mac will work well.
Personally, I have both Windows & Mac machines. I prefer using my Macs more. I find them more secure on the Internet, and more stable. But, if you’ve read my book you’ll know, using SageTV on Windows really made me like Windows again, and it’s been a while. Sage’s software on a Windows XP system really does a lot. And I find XP more stable than Windows Media Center. So, if you are looking for Windows to be your Media Center, skip the Win Media Center Edition. Grab a machine with XP professional and get yourself SageTV instead.
For the Mac users out there, don’t worry. You can still manage all your media today. And with the improvements to EyeTV 2, you’ll find TV viewing and recording to be easier than ever. I have a sneaking suspicion that Elgato will lead the way to a true Media Center Software for Macintosh. They’re almost there now. Keep watching for Elgato’s updates this year.
Once again, in the end both platforms can handle all of your media needs. The big difference is you can setup a “One Stop Shopping” scenario on Windows, and on Mac you’ll be using several applications. Splitting hairs really, until you try out each system and see how slick a total media interface is. Still, this year we’ll see many updates for both Windows & Macintosh Media. The race is on now! Everyon is getting into audio & video. The upcoming innovations will pay off big for all Digital RV’ers, so keep watching!
