Windows 8 metro good for HTPC?

McBainUK · 2013-01-11, 09:21 AM

On the face of it, the simple usage a relatively large screen icons looks a good match for 10ft usage. Obviously you can't touch your TV screen but some kind of mouse pointer replacement, like the Wii remote for example, could work.

Has anyone tried it out or found any info or reviews of Windows 8 metro and apps from an HTPC perspective?

Lao Pan · 2013-01-11, 12:08 PM

Been using win8 since release date - upgrade from vista - I very soon found that the Modern interface (Metro is person non grate now) is totally useless for htpc use - who wants a mobile phone with a 50" screen :eek:
Installed start8 from stardock - used the trial for long enough to get a 20% discount off the $4.99 asking price Big Grin

and now Windows8 boots direct to the desktop followed shortly after by NPVR. Seems to be a rather good OS without the Metro (oops) interface Cool

pcostanza · 2013-01-11, 12:39 PM

I've got 8 installed on some of my boxes but I use Start8 as well and don't yet use it for my TV except for my desktop. I do use the XBOX as an extender for a bedroom TV and it works great so far.

pBS · 2013-01-11, 11:12 PM

there's also iobit startmenu8 for free...[i haven't tried it yet tho]

win8 is just more of M$ FORCING users to do what they want...and ignoring us and our needs..
some think it's faster, but then so is any 'clean' os after a fresh install..
i'll bet the new problems outnumber the new fixes.. Smile

put it this way, i haven't heard anything that's a real plus for htpc users, but tons of posts about things that are a problem...

stustunz · 2013-01-12, 12:24 AM

It boots fast to metro but in the back ground it's still loading proper windows
Windows7 with a ssd hard drive is almost as fast to load
The metro media player is good for touch screen but useless for

I use vi start to bring back the windows7 start button sorry cant live without it yet

McBainUK · 2013-01-12, 07:02 AM

pBS Wrote:put it this way, i haven't heard anything that's a real plus for htpc users, but tons of posts about things that are a problem...

Anything specific?

pBS · 2013-01-13, 07:28 PM

well i guess not a problem for htpc use, just general annoyances..
like start menu obviously, the extras you have to install [tvpack] the extra clicks needed to do everyday things,etc..
not a big problem if you don't use the windows interface much like a htpc, but annoying setting up and learning, and for what?

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