XBMC

[DavidS]

I'm thinking of buying a used Xbox to install Xbox Media Center so I can stream from my ReplayTV units and computer to our HDTV.

I've found some resources online about this, but thought I'd ask here also.
Do I have to install a mod-chip inside the unit? I saw there was a software upgrade option as well, but haven't found details about that. How difficult was it to get set up?

Also, do I need the DVD-remote kit if I'm not going to playing DVDs off it? I have a Harmony remote and have heard that I can program this.

The other option is getting a Hauppage MediaMVP and upgrading the firmware. From what I've read, though, the XBMC is cheaper and offers more options including streaming directly from the ReplayTV units and not having to download them to the computer via DVArchive.

[Gilbert]

I have two Xbox units running XBMC and they work great with our 2 ReplayTVs and DVArchive instances.

I didn't use a modchip but did the hotswap using the method described at these two websites:

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=496263

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/332766

I recommend reading through both thoroughly. One note, is that for the hotswap method, you do need a Windows PC to do it. If you don't have one, then there are other softmods that you can do but I don't have any experience with those.

As for the DVD-Remote kit, I, too, have a Harmony remote, so while you don't need the DVD remote itself, you do need the IR receiver that comes with it (it plugs into one of the controller ports). You can find used DVD remote kits for cheap at EB Games or GameStop. For that matter, that is where I picked up my second Xbox - refurbished for $100.

As a sidenote, there is a great skin that makes XBMC look like the AppleTV interface.

http://savvygeek.com/2007/03/27/how-to-t...n-appletv/

Overall, I am really pleased with XBMC. I have all our kids' DVD movies backed up to our NAS and stream them to either of the Xbox units. No more scratched or lost DVDs. And the ability to use them as a ReplayTV client makes it even better.

Good luck.