XBMC Media Center 9.04 FREE

XBMC Media Center 9.04 Description

If you want an attractive, slick program to run your various media, XBMC Media Center could be for you.

XBMC Media Center is an open source app with which you can organize your video and audio archive neatly into moves and TV series, and install plug ins to allow you direct access to YouTube, BBC podcasts and even "The Onion TV News". The interface may be a little unusual for new users, as it was first designed to be used with a game pad, but it's not impossible to learn.

From the XBMC Media Center website you can download lots more skins to change its appearance, and scripts that can add functionality, and thanks to this being an open source community project, everything is completely free.

The interface undoubtedly looks excellent, and we found the video player and library especially good. For music it's okay, but not a reason to stop using iTunes or other dedicated music players. There is a weather feature, which gives you a live weather report for up to three locations of your choice, and the presentation is great.

Th problems with XBMC Media Center stem from it being open source. While it is really customizable, which is good, it is not obvious how to add plug-ins to watch internet video, and we though it was a shame the control system does not fit with other Windows (or OSX, for that matter) system. XBMC does not feel like part of your operating system. There is an extensive online manual and community if you have problems.

XBMC is probably the best looking free media center out there at the moment, and this being an open source app, there's sure to be many updates and improvements over the coming months.