Have just built a Media Center machine to act as a HTPC.  Its running Windows Media Center 2005 and have just got the remote control to use with it.  All works a dream!

Anyone else got a HTPC/Media Center.  What software you running?  Any plugins you can recommend?  What sort of hardware do you use?

My PC isnt an HTPC per say but it has MCE 2005 on it and a TV card. I use it for watching TV and DVDs on and doing general PC style stuff. It has two monitors which is useful. The TV card is an ATI Theatre 550 card which is the best analogue TV card Ive seen bar none.

I think MCE is an excellent piece of software

couldnt be bothered buying full version of media center,
especially as ive lost me remote somwhere  

running team media portal for the time being,
runs on my only pc and doesnt get used much unless im going out and want to record the moto gp  

My main computer has a Compro DVB-T card in it but I use WinXP plus the supplied software. The card can switch on the compy to record and then switch it off again later which saves some power.

TBH it is a bit noisy but I use it for games, internet and everything else ATM. Personally I dont like MediocreCentre...

OK perhaps Im a bit biased too

I have media center, i love it, without the remote it is a nightmare to use, but with the remote it is a joy

I also dont run it as a main htpc, it is just my main pc with added media functionality.

Handy when you cba to get up to put something on.