Vista - Re: BYE BYE VISTA MCE !!!! Going back to MCE 2005

I have the final version of Vista on one of my systems (I also have 2
MCE 2005 systems), and I have not had any recording/playback issues thus
far. I am currently only using it for "cable ready TV" recording though.

I think you mentioned that you like the new Vista Media Center user
interface. I hate it. It is very "flashy" looking, but I think the UI
is far less "usable" than the Media Center UI from MCE 2005. I think
it's much easier to view "Recorded TV" shows as a simple list, than
having the "rows of box covers" view. I also think that the new method
of selecting how a folder is viewed (the small text at the top) is
non-intuitive.

If they wanted to make the "slashy" interface for display at trade shows
or for people who like "gimmicky" UIs, that's fine but they should have
offered a why to turn it off (switch back to the old UI).

I looked unto porting the UI binaries from MCE 2005 to Vista (copying
the needed binaries from one system to another), but this doesn't seem
doable. Some of the libraries that the Media Center UI is based on have
apparently changed.

I DO like many other parts of Vista. I like the "desktop" UI ("Aero").
I like the new search features. Sometimes all the new security
pop-ups get annoying, but I will put up with a little annoyance for more
system security.

The thing is, the "Aero" UI and most of the other new features can be
"switched off" for those who don't care for them, and those users can
make Vista look and feel like an older version of Windows (XP, 200,
etc). Microsoft "dropped the ball" by not allowing users to do this
with the Media Center UI.

Due to this, I am now looking at "Beyond TV" and "Sage TV".

.... Just my 2 cents.




dot wrote:
> I have the final version of Vista on one of my systems (I also have 2
> MCE 2005 systems), and I have not had any recording/playback issues thus
> far. I am currently only using it for "cable ready TV" recording though.
>
> I think you mentioned that you like the new Vista Media Center user
> interface. I hate it. It is very "flashy" looking, but I think the UI
> is far less "usable" than the Media Center UI from MCE 2005. I think
> it's much easier to view "Recorded TV" shows as a simple list, than
> having the "rows of box covers" view. I also think that the new method
> of selecting how a folder is viewed (the small text at the top) is
> non-intuitive.
>
> If they wanted to make the "slashy" interface for display at trade shows
> or for people who like "gimmicky" UIs, that's fine but they should have
> offered a why to turn it off (switch back to the old UI).
>
> I looked unto porting the UI binaries from MCE 2005 to Vista (copying
> the needed binaries from one system to another), but this doesn't seem
> doable. Some of the libraries that the Media Center UI is based on have
> apparently changed.
>
> I DO like many other parts of Vista. I like the "desktop" UI ("Aero").
> I like the new search features. Sometimes all the new security pop-ups
> get annoying, but I will put up with a little annoyance for more system
> security.
>
> The thing is, the "Aero" UI and most of the other new features can be
> "switched off" for those who don't care for them, and those users can
> make Vista look and feel like an older version of Windows (XP, 200,
> etc). Microsoft "dropped the ball" by not allowing users to do this
> with the Media Center UI.
>
> Due to this, I am now looking at "Beyond TV" and "Sage TV".
>
> ... Just my 2 cents.
>
>
> Me wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have had it with Vista (5744), I have it on a dedicated machine only
>> connected to my HDTV (no OTA HD channels in my area, just extended
>> basic cable). The DRM or CGMS-A crap is done. After not being able to
>> watch shows never mind recording them, forget it. I have HAD IT. I
>> upgraded my machine to Vista about 2 months ago, before never any
>> problems watching or recording anything, Now I miss Law and Order, and
>> a bunch of other shows because of this. I can't even watch AMC
>> anymore(at any time) because of the "blue screen: content protected".
>> Nor can I even play a "RETAIL DVD"
>>
>> I have posted a few messages here about this issue, and no resolve at
>> all. After this message is done posting, I am going into my theater
>> room with my box of discs, backup my recorded shows, format the drive
>> and install MCE 2005. With NO Rollup 2, and NO MP 11 (as those both
>> add to the problems). I will install all current updates, then DISABLE
>> auto updates (behind a firewall, and internet is never used unless
>> driver updates, will check for security fixes time to time).
>>
>> If I start running into these issues again after this, I will start
>> looking towards MythTV or another 3rd party PC-PVR program.
>>
>> Over all, I do like the Vista MCE interface (actually, I love it) and
>> how the menus work, and the extra features, I do like almost
>> everything about it but, this issue.
>>
>> What is the point of a PVR if you can't record what you want to watch
>> ? Also, someone next door has a PVR from my cable company, and never
>> has a problem watching or recording some of the shows I like. Why them
>> and not us ???
>>
>> Microsoft ? Are you listening ??? Why even make a product that only
>> works 1/2 the time ? With no valid fixes for the issue ? This problem
>> happend before with MCE 2005 after rollup 2 as well. These issues need
>> to be adressed ASAP and the so-called fix you put out, never fixed the
>> problem.
>>
>> A very upset customer,
>>
>> -Dave
>>

"dot" <"mediawizrd (at) hotmail (dot) com"> wrote in message
news:OdHvKYXPHHA.4280@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> I think you mentioned that you like the new Vista Media Center user
> interface. I hate it. It is very "flashy" looking, but I think the UI is
> far less "usable" than the Media Center UI from MCE 2005. I think it's
> much easier to view "Recorded TV" shows as a simple list, than having the
> "rows of box covers" view.

You can change it to list view, in fact it prompts you once you reach a
certain threshold of items.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User.
http://www.windowsresource.net/
Get ready for Windows Vista: http://www.windowsvista.com/getready/

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