2. pc-audio
  3. 1256351517

Windows 7 for Audio or Video, yes - No?

I've not seen explicit info regarding Windows audio performance capabilities with regard to music being .improved by stepping up to Windows 7.

Is there any experience here which says Windows 7 is superior to either Vista or XP now in terms of the above context?

All I've seen are notes on Remote Desktop, and network sharing of resources being made easier. Not much on latency, speed, quality, etc... and much of that as it pertains to WMP software.

Thanks much.
blindjim

Showing 4 responses by gmood1

gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I say yes and no Jim. Windows 7 for A/V is unmatched IMO. Using the OS with your HTPC is a must have if you enjoy videos! Having tried all the others at one time or another. Windows 7 allows so much more expandability over Vista or XP.

As far as music goes it's the same as Vista or XP too me. Which is fine in my book. The Home theater entertainment area is where Windows 7 is king of the hill.

Having the ability to record and watch up to 4 HD channels; HD cable/OTA HD or satellite at once using a dropped in cable card with no DVRs or cable boxes necessary, all while streaming that content to 3 other TVs in the house will be the Bee's Knees when it is released next year!

Dell makes a Studio model Chazz that can be an HTPC for $519.00. This includes a Blu-ray drive and a true HDMI output.

Windows 7 OS for an HTPC has no peers IMO that includes OSX.
This won't make standalone DVD and Blu ray player manufactures very happy as it negates buying them.

I haven't used a standalone player(CD,DVD,Blu-ray) in nearly two years..I'm sure I can't be the only one that's doing this.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Here you go Jim the link to the Cable card they are only designed for Windows 7.
Ceton Multi-Channel cable card

Ceton FAQ

Here's the Studio series Dell.

Here's a new kid on the block Zotac Mag. It's actually small enough to fasten to the back of a TV unseen.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
The integrated graphics card in the Dell Studio and the Zotac already supports uncompressed audio/video playback over HDMI. So no extra sound or video card needed.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Yeah with Windows 7 I don't personally see the need for OSX. Windows 7 is great all by itself. Yeah from your description you probably only need to upgrade your OS.

I use one of my HTPCs with a front projector/119 inch screen, 52 inch LCD TV and a 19 inch LCD monitor. I also have a Plasma in th bedroom connected to a media extender (XBox360). I stream movies from the same HTPC to the display in the bedroom as well.Skies the limit on what you can do with this OS if you put your mind to it.

Here's another new kid approaching the states Dell Inspirion Zino HD. It's already been released in Ireland. I call it the Mac Mini killer.
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