Just a Thanks

[a_puty]

Hi,

This is just a huge thanks for your work. I am also a WMC7 convert. I was running WMC7 with Media Center Master and Media Browser and it was a killer setup. Extremely stable, excellent performance, Media Browser is just amazing and Media Center Master does a great job of downloading shows.

So why did I switch to Sage? I had used Sage many iterations ago and similar to many people I liked it but the UI was just totally uninspired. I used to live in a Condo and just recently moved to a house. This (of course) gave me the perfect opportunity to reassess my whole Media Center implementation. I work in I.T. so the concept of centralization of resources and administration is not lost on me and it seems that Sage has more going for it on this front than WMC. So I switched. I have an HD300 on the way, a server and a couple of clients going already and it isn't going too badly at all. But it is taking a lot of time.

I have to say though that the Sage UI is still awful. I mean really, what gives here? What is the big deal in just contracting someone who really understands aesthetics and UI and let them fix this thing? (sigh) Ok, it is functional. And it feels pretty snappy most of the time but I don't want some "good enough" utilitarian media center setup. I want something that makes my friends envious. Diamond has been a real help here. And SMM is killer (or at least it will be when its complete). So I thank you so much for your efforts. I really think that Sage should subsidize your work (and the work of some others) as without it I don't think I'd be able to stay very long.

Arthur Puty

[SWKerr]

I always hear that the SageUI is bad and how they should make it more like MCE.

I have used MCE in the past and still have it setup on my SageTV server today with a OTA tuner although I seldom use it. When I do use it it is with the Xbox360.

I have to say I hate the MCE UI. It is all eye candy but is difficult to navigate. I have always liked XBMC but it is also more difficult to get around then SageTV as well. Sage's default UI is fast and efficient. With the newer plugin it is also has a lot of eye candy.

The old default UI from v6 was indeed terrible. It was ugly and did not flow very well but Sage has moved past that. I think people that complain abut the UI today just don't like that it is not more like what they are used to.

[a_puty]

While I definitely don't want to get into a back and forth about taste I most definitely disagree. I find the MCE interface much more fluid. As well, I find the aesthetic of MCE much more pleasing on a day to day basis. That being said I guess it's kind of like an iOS vs Android thing. But I can definitely say that everyone (wife included) who has seen/used my media center before and after the switch to Sage definitely prefers MCE. Almost all of them immediately say "what happened?" When I start to explain the benefits of this hub and spoke model they quickly lose interest and say "I liked the other one better". Lol.

[PLUCKYHD]

While I definitely don't want to get into a back and forth about taste I most definitely disagree. I find the MCE interface much more fluid. As well, I find the aesthetic of MCE much more pleasing on a day to day basis. That being said I guess it's kind of like an iOS vs Android thing. But I can definitely say that everyone (wife included) who has seen/used my media center before and after the switch to Sage definitely prefers MCE. Almost all of them immediately say "what happened?" When I start to explain the benefits of this hub and spoke model they quickly lose interest and say "I liked the other one better". Lol.

I agree looks wise an I think it is due mostly to the nice and fluid animations wmc has it just looks more polished. Now function wise sagetv wins hands down hence I choice function over form ;)

[panteragstk]

"Oohh look at the Ferrari. Sure is pretty. It only has a lawnmower engine? So it is still pretty."

I can agree that the animations are nice, but I never liked the ui in MC and have used every version. The interface is terrible, and I can't stand the lack of customization. I like the music ui and that is about it.

As for the sage ui. You need to wait and see what's around the corner. I could never go back to the stock ui. ;)

[PLUCKYHD]

"Oohh look at the Ferrari. Sure is pretty. It only has a lawnmower engine? So it is still pretty."

I can agree that the animations are nice, but I never liked the ui in MC and have used every version. The interface is terrible, and I can't stand the lack of customization. I like the music ui and that is about it.

As for the sage ui. You need to wait and see what's around the corner. I could never go back to the stock ui. ;)

Did you use mods? Media browser is extremely nice and slick as is mymovies and some of the modded tv interfaces are amazing.

[SWKerr]

I have used both Media Browser and My Movies at different points and they do add to the experience. What they don't fix is the formats problem. MCE file and format support is very limited. To make things worse there are things that will play on the PC that will not play on the Xbox360.

I have never tried any modded TV interfaces. Perhaps I will try to see what you are talking about. I need to reinstall Media Browser now that I have dropped MyMovies. Definitely like Media Browser over MyMovies. The Sage MyMovies plugin was great and the MCE interface were OK but I had nothing but problem with the management software.

What MCE TV mod would be worth playing with?

[panteragstk]

Did you use mods? Media browser is extremely nice and slick as is mymovies and some of the modded tv interfaces are amazing.

Honestly I got turned off so quickly that I never even went that far. The last time I tried MC I don't think media browser even existed. I have used my movies for setting up a friends computer, but it pales in comparison to what you've done IMHO. I can't put my finger on it. I just don't like something about MC that for some reason I get with sage. I tend to focus on functionality over aesthetics though.

[jptheripper]

I was using wmc with media browser and mymovies and switched to sage because of the interface (hated wmc, love sage). Different strokes, i guess.

[gabrielcab]

I have to agree with the original poster, i dont see how it is possible that someone tha have used Win7 WMC with Media Browser recently wont like it, but it is a matter of taste. The reason I switch to Sage is for the extra function and flexibility with the live tv. And the reason that make finally decide to leave behind WMC to pull the trigger and buy Sage with 2 HD300 Extender was precisely Diamond UI and SageMyMovies addons. Without these 2 addons, i think i never had switched into Sage even with its new UI and its amazing live tv support.