Am I a good candidate for XLobby?

[htpc_user]

Hi,
I'm in the process of assembling my first HTPC to use in my home theater (ie-on a 10-foot wide screen with a front projector).

I'm trying to figure out what software to use...MCE, BM, XL, etc, etc.

Here's what I'd like to do:

* Browse by DVD cover the DVD's I have on my hard drive and the ones stored offline (I don't have enough space to rip all my movies)
o Hide movies based on rating
o group movies by genre
* Play DVD's using VMR9 w/FFDshow processing
* Play HD files (either .avi, .mpg, or even .ts)
* Play MP3's and AAC's
* That's about it

I use a 2nd PC to rip my DVD's, CD's, and download content.
I won't be using my HTPC for TV yet.

I'd like the front end to play FLAC's, but that's not a requirement.

My initial thought is to use Windows MCE2005 with My Movies and TheaterTek. However, I'm not super keen on using WMP10 to manage my music collection. I'm wondering if maybe XLobby wouldn't be a better choice.

I also like viewing weather, managing netflix, etc...and will certainly take advantage of those features, but they aren't requirements.

Thanks!

[stevenhanna6]

Hide movies based on rating

you can filter by ratings...I think thats what you mean.

Play MP3's and AAC's

if you can play your music in winamp or foobar than your set.

Your better off trying each piece of software yourself to find out what best suits you though, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

[Naylia]

xlobby has weaknesses???

[stevenhanna6]

yah for sure, I'll give you some examples

1. it can't predict future events
2. it has so much AI it is unpredictable sometimes
3. it has refused to do the laundry on several occasions

[Naylia]

yeah mine won't do dishes lately, but i figured that was a bug you'd fix

[stevenhanna6]

I fixed that bug before, that has to be the AI again.....it was modelled after me It should at least be giving you a pop up along the lines of "buy a dishwasher" lol