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.
Contents
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.
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.)
