First Thoughts on Windows Media Center vs Apple TV
What's better? Windows Media Center or Apple TV?
For years, I've been a Media Center fan and avid user, starting back in 2004. Over time, I added things to the mix such as the 1st generation HP Media Center Extenders and later, the XBOX 360 that I purchased only as an extender, but later became hooked on and introduced to gaming (at least as an adult).
But since I became hooked on the IPod, I've been growing in admiration for what Apple does well and designing great hardware is one of the things Apple does best. So here's my list of what each platform has going for it and what areas can be improved upon...
Media Center
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Windows Media Center does an excellent job as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR). Originally I had TIVO, but dropped it as soon as I started using Media Center. I loved the idea of being able to "type" the name of the show to record and not rely on TIVO's remote control
Windows Media Center UI is elegant and seamless to learn how to use, even for the novice computer user
The addition of XBOX 360 as an "extender" to bring your computer's recorded TV shows, movies, music and photos to any TV in the house was an early victory for Microsoft, beating Apple by 3 years to the living room. As of today, Apple TV still does not have the "live TV" function. Of course, fewer people are watching live TV, but come on, there needs to be a way to record stuff. I don't mind paying for TV shows I like, but I don't want to pay for news and shows like The Tonight Show. In the LIVE TV or PVR department, Microsoft's Media Center still scores a knockout punch.
Apple TV
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The UI is elegant, clean and simple -- in true Apple tradition. But something about the UI still bugs me and it does feel like a 1st generation device. I don't know if I give Microsoft the clear win on the UI, but I think Media Center has a slight edge in looking more modern.
Ipod is the dominant music player. ITunes the dominant online music store. Apple TV works with these seamlessly. To me, this is Apple's potential knockout punch to winning the living room space. I want the songs I buy on ITunes everywhere... on my computer, on my IPod and in my living room. Media Center doesn't play songs purchased at ITunes. I'm sure Microsoft wants it to, who knows. To me, this is the biggest reason I see myself as a potential Apple TV convert. Today I'm using both, but eventually I'll settle on one or the other. The "ecosystem" of Ipods, ITunes and the TV must all work together. Today, Apple is far head in the department and that's with it's 1st generation Apple TV.
I'll be writing a lot about Windows Media Centers and Apple TV over the coming months as I continue to use both devices. Please comment!!