Windows MCE vs LinuxMCE

LinuxMCE is an alternative to Windows Media Center Edition ("Windows MCE"). Using the Linux OS instead of the Windows OS delivers features unique to Linux. LinuxMCE brings its own feature set that differs from that of Windows MCE.

Features

Feature	Windows MCE	LinuxMCE	Notes
OS	Windows (MCE)	Linux (custom kernel/distro)	Both are customized OS and customized bundled apps and customized configs.
Support	Microsoft	Community / 3rd Party	LinuxMCE is a community project related to the Pluto project.
Price	$237.99 (12:43, 11 December 2007 (MST)) <ref>http://google.com/products?q=%22windows+xp+media+center+edition%22&btnG=Search&show=dd</ref>	$Free	LinuxMCE is free and open source software.
User Interface	Desktop	Orbiter, Website	LinuxMCE Orbiter offers remote control by various network devices.
Media Redirection		Media Directors	LinuxMCE can direct all media around a network using Media Director client machines.
Media Types	Audio (file), Video (file)	Audio (file, streaming), Video (file, streaming)
Audio Formats	CDDA, WMA	CDDA, MP3, Vorbis
Video Formats	WMV	WMV, Theora
Telephony		Asterisk v1.x.x, Cisco 7970	LinuxMCE supports SIP, SCCP, and Orbiter on Cisco 7970 phones.
Device Types		Harddrive, CD, DVD, CD/DVD Jukebox, TV (SD, HD), SliMP3/Server, Z-Wave, Cameras, Generic Bluetooth, Generic Serial
DRM			LinuxMCE does not license any DRM technology, though its HW can include DRM licensed tech like HDMI.

(This table is modeled on one in the Wikipedia article "Comparison of Windows and Linux".)

OS

Both are customized OS and customized bundled apps and customized configs.

Support

LinuxMCE is a community project related to the Pluto project.

Price

LinuxMCE is free and open source software.

Purchase

Windows MCE usually comes bundled with a Media Center PC (and sometimes other media devices) that's tested compatible and supported by a vendor. LinuxMCE is free, though the (standard) HW on which it runs is a separate product. Some distributions of LinuxMCE are sold on media other than the free download, like DVDs, and might come bundled with HW, support, or anything else the independent vendor includes.

TCO

Both Windows and Linux MCEs can subscribe to data services, like cable/satellite TV, TV directories, movie rental services, which usually cost extra. LinuxMCE costs extra (in addition to the free download) in support and customization. LinuxMCE saves money over its lifetime with free upgrades.

User Interface

LinuxMCE Orbiter offers remote control by various network devices.

Media Redirection

LinuxMCE can direct all media around a network using Media Director client machines.

Telephony

LinuxMCE supports SIP, SCCP, and Orbiter on Cisco 7970 phones.

DRM

LinuxMCE does not license any DRM technology, though its HW can include DRM licensed tech like HDMI.

Use Cases

(Different ways in which Windows MCE and LinuxMCE are used.)