I've read through many of the threads, and they seem to assume I already know the answer to this question, but:

Can you replace Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?

I currently have WMC running under Windows 7 to my primary TV, and extending to a secondary TV via an Xbox 360 extender. I would love to replace my Media Center box with a Home Server box. Is this possible, or would I have to have separate boxes running each? From what I have read, I assume that this is the case; that WHS integrates with WMC, but that without a second box running WMC, no Media Center. I'd rather not incur the added expense or power-consumption of 2 boxes running 24x7.

 Please help with answers, or point me to the proper thread, faq, or web page that might help with my question.

 Thanks!

Lance

you need separate machines.  Alternatively, you can run a WHS box with a Virtual Machine running Windows 7.  This will allow your extenders to connect and such.  You'll need a higher spec machine for that obviously.

lancemanion

I've read through many of the threads, and they seem to assume I already know the answer to this question, but:

Can you replace Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?

I currently have WMC running under Windows 7 to my primary TV, and extending to a secondary TV via an Xbox 360 extender. I would love to replace my Media Center box with a Home Server box. Is this possible, or would I have to have separate boxes running each? From what I have read, I assume that this is the case; that WHS integrates with WMC, but that without a second box running WMC, no Media Center. I'd rather not incur the added expense or power-consumption of 2 boxes running 24x7.

 Please help with answers, or point me to the proper thread, faq, or web page that might help with my question.

 Thanks!

Lance

 WHS with powerpack 3 integrates with Media Center but does not run it.  Just has some added features for archiving tv and such.  If you want to get rid of one box than just run Windows 7.  Just keep the OS on a separate drive (like an ssd) and then a couple standard hard drives in a raid configuartion of your choice. 

Just curious - why would you run Media Center 24x7?  Let it sleep when not in use.

tlitchfo

Just curious - why would you run Media Center 24x7?  Let it sleep when not in use.

Cranky old TV with early HDMI losing handshake. WAF. Would love it to sleep but doesn't work right--was fine on component video on old tube TV.

Interesting - I see that occasionally with my set-up but generally if I put the machine back to Sleep and then wake it up again it recovers.