If you want to build a Media Center PC to play your movies, music and photos on a high definition TV. Here is a simple way to build so.
Step 1
First get the tiny Zotac Media Center PC.
Step 2
Install Ubuntu, which is very easy just download from Ubuntu.com and follow the simple instructions. You can install via CD or bootable USB pen drive which is faster.
Step 3
After you install Ubuntu, install XBMC. XBMC (XBox Media Center)Â is the coolest media center on Ubuntu.
Following these steps:
Go to Accessories – Terminal.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc
It will ask for your password, once that is done, close the Window.
Then go to system-administration-synpatic
Search for “xbmc” (without quotes).
Check this package, select mark for installation and then click Apply. It will now install this package.
After that go to Applications-Sound and Video-XBMC.
If you want to try XBMC on a regular Ubuntu system follow step 3.
If you are a bit more adventurous, these are things you can try.
1. Buy a Zotac board and build your own box, here you can add blueray disk or a 3.5″ 2 TB hard drive. The Zotac PC supports only a 2.5″disk, so you are limited to lower capacities.
2. Add a remote control.
3. Made XBMC your default window manager.
Nice you tube video.
Zotac with Ubuntu
Pingback: Building a media center with Ubuntu + XBMC + Zotac | Ubuntu-News - Your one stop for news about Ubuntu
im downloading xbmc for my windows pc now .will let you know how that works.cheers
Wonderful suggestion! Any idea how much the media centre would cost?
Boxee Beta is sooo much better, sorry 🙂
Boxee failed for me, as I had to login to their server … wtf?
Btw, Xbmc + Zotac + Ubuntu works like a charm since a few months now.
If you’re looking for a XBMC Media Center PC, but don’t want to build one yourself, you should check out Modified Konstruct’s custom media center PC. It’s a an Acer Aspire Revo chassis with a XBMC install. And it’s only $300. Here’s the link: http://www.modifiedkonstructs.com/our-services/mk-x1
I do like this setup. I would give you full points but I can’t. The Zotac Media Center PC costs to much. You could make the same thing even cheaper using Intel atom boards and micro atx chassis.