For anyone interested, I thought I would keep a list of software I have installed on my main Media Center PC. I’ll also create another post listing the hardware.
- Windows 7 RC 64bit - The free version available here.
Windows Vista 32bit – plus any service packs or anything else from Windows Update- PowerDVD V8 – plus any updates available here
PowerDVD V7 (7.3.3319a) – an old version for HD-DVD playback which now is virtually never!- Slysoft AnyDVDHD – always update frequently. Also used to rip Blu-ray images.
- Slysoft Virtual CloneDrive – to mount the Blu-ray images.
- Quicktime Pro – for .mov playback and general internet integration.
- DVDFab – for ripping only the movie part of a DVD, free version here.
That covers the basics for my Media Center, however I also have this software:
- Slysoft Gamejackal – for game disc emulation so I don’t have to load the discs everytime.
DVBViewer – for FTA HD channels e.g. BBC HD, ITV HD etc. channel frequencies.AC3Filter – needed by DVBviewer for AC3 audio decryption.- AMP WinOFF – I use this to schedule a shutdown everynight at about midnight so that any scheduled recordings are completed after going to bed and that the PC isn’t left on overnight. Obviously if there’s a scheduled recording after midnight then I alter the time accordingly.
And that’s about it. Once Vista is first installed I also modify it for DVD Library use and disable the Sidebar and anything else that looks like it will clutter the desktop.
If I think of anything I’ve missed then I’ll edit this post again.