View source for Windows MCE vs LinuxMCE

[[Category:Documentation]]

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=
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
! width="10%" | Feature
! width="35%" | Windows MCE
! width="35%" | LinuxMCE
! width="20%" | Notes
|- valign="top"
!OS
|Windows (MCE)
|Linux (custom kernel/distro)
|Both are customized OS and customized bundled apps and customized configs.
|- valign="top"
!Support
|Microsoft
|Community / 3rd Party
|LinuxMCE is a community project related to the [[History| Pluto project]].
|- valign="top"
!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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open_source_software free and open source software].
|- valign="top"
!User Interface
|Desktop
|[[Orbiter]], Website
|LinuxMCE Orbiter offers remote control by various network devices.
|- valign="top"
!Media Redirection
|
|Media Directors
|LinuxMCE can direct all media around a network using [[Media Director]] client machines.
|- valign="top"
!Media Types
|Audio (file), Video (file)
|Audio (file, streaming), Video (file, streaming)
|
|- valign="top"
!Audio Formats
|CDDA, WMA
|CDDA, MP3, Vorbis
|
|- valign="top"
!Video Formats
|WMV
|WMV, Theora
|
|- valign="top"
!Telephony
|
|[http://asterisk.org/ Asterisk] v1.x.x, [[Cisco 7970]]
|LinuxMCE supports SIP, SCCP, and Orbiter on Cisco 7970 phones.
|- valign="top"
!Device Types
|
|Harddrive, CD, DVD, CD/DVD Jukebox, TV (SD, HD), SliMP3/Server, Z-Wave, Cameras, Generic Bluetooth, Generic Serial
|
|- valign="top"
![http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux#Desktop "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.

=Media Types=

=Audio Formats=

=Video Formats=

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

=Device Types=

=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.)