Newby/Wannabe Question

[teamplus]

I am desiring to set up a home media and automation center throughout the home. Since Microsoft now sells Media Center 2005 as a standalone OS, what are the advantages to XLobby over MCE. The home is wired throughout and I would like to do all of the things described on the XLobby features page including use of handheld PDA-like devices controlling media/automation/security.

Thank you,

Gary

[Naylia]

I'm pretty sure you can't control Windows with a pocketpc. Also any home automation stuff will probably need an entirely separate front end from MCE to operate. Xlobby can interface to home automation software to send it commands, i think. Haven't done it yet. Since Xlobby is free, I would try that before buying MCE and see if it meets your needs.

[Arthur]

If you use XLobby, you can make it do anything you want. Some people have connected xlobby to their lights (using something called X10) so the lights go out when they start a movie. I don't think windows media center can be tuned this way.
You can always try xlobby for free.