Windows 7 64bit simply isn't ready for a Media PC yet....
Discussion
This isn't a rant or a stab at one OS, etc....it's just a bit of advice for those thinking of upgrading to a 64bit version of Windows for their Media PC.
After using Windows XP Media Centre Edition, then Windows Vista, I was quick to jump on the bandwagon for Windows 7 for my Media PC. Especially since it supports Blu-Ray natively.
However as a bit of a change, I decided to take the 64bit route as my HTPC has 4GB of RAM installed. I also managed to find all the 64bit codecs through the K-Lite codec package.
I ran the 64bit system for 2 months and it was a miserable experience. I experienced frequent lock-ups. Movies wouldn't play, I had huge problems with my FLAC codecs and worse issues with FFShow and VobSub. MKV files were the worst with the Matroska filter crashing or locking up half-way through a movie.
It's clear that the 64bit codecs are simply not ready for day-to-day use and it's all very experimental. For office use however, it's fine.
Ultimately I ended up downgrading to Windows 7 32bit and everything works perfectly. Again I used the K-Lite codec package and that works without a hitch. The system doesn't lock up and the VobSub filter works perfectly.
Anyone else had bad experiences with 64bit Windows when used for an HTPC?
(Keep in mind I use Windows 7 Pro 64 on my laptop and it's perfect).
After using Windows XP Media Centre Edition, then Windows Vista, I was quick to jump on the bandwagon for Windows 7 for my Media PC. Especially since it supports Blu-Ray natively.
However as a bit of a change, I decided to take the 64bit route as my HTPC has 4GB of RAM installed. I also managed to find all the 64bit codecs through the K-Lite codec package.
I ran the 64bit system for 2 months and it was a miserable experience. I experienced frequent lock-ups. Movies wouldn't play, I had huge problems with my FLAC codecs and worse issues with FFShow and VobSub. MKV files were the worst with the Matroska filter crashing or locking up half-way through a movie.
It's clear that the 64bit codecs are simply not ready for day-to-day use and it's all very experimental. For office use however, it's fine.
Ultimately I ended up downgrading to Windows 7 32bit and everything works perfectly. Again I used the K-Lite codec package and that works without a hitch. The system doesn't lock up and the VobSub filter works perfectly.
Anyone else had bad experiences with 64bit Windows when used for an HTPC?
(Keep in mind I use Windows 7 Pro 64 on my laptop and it's perfect).
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
Installed it, found that the Hauppauge tuner stuff either only just worked or there were no drivers at all (depending on the card/stick), uninstalled and stuck with 32 bit.
I forgot to mention that too. I've got two Hauppauge HVR-1300 and they locked up whenever I tried to use them. Lucky I don't actually need them any more as all my content is streamed through the internet.Thanks for the heads up, always good to have first hand experience. Sorry it was so lousy!
Just out of interest, why did you go 64-bit? I know you said you had 4GB RAM and clearly a 64-bit capable motherboard and CPU, but I would have thought that a 32-bit OS would have sufficed as an HTPC. Seems you proved that beyond all doubt!
Just out of interest, why did you go 64-bit? I know you said you had 4GB RAM and clearly a 64-bit capable motherboard and CPU, but I would have thought that a 32-bit OS would have sufficed as an HTPC. Seems you proved that beyond all doubt!
GregE240 said:
Thanks for the heads up, always good to have first hand experience. Sorry it was so lousy!
Just out of interest, why did you go 64-bit? I know you said you had 4GB RAM and clearly a 64-bit capable motherboard and CPU, but I would have thought that a 32-bit OS would have sufficed as an HTPC. Seems you proved that beyond all doubt!
I've read on benchmarks that 64bit is slightly quicker than 32bit, plus since I'm always bumping up my RAM, it made sense so I wouldn't have to upgrade later.Just out of interest, why did you go 64-bit? I know you said you had 4GB RAM and clearly a 64-bit capable motherboard and CPU, but I would have thought that a 32-bit OS would have sufficed as an HTPC. Seems you proved that beyond all doubt!
I also believe 64bit is the way forward however I don't blame Microsoft. It's down to the codec developers for being so slow to evolve.
It's a shame really as I run 64bit Win7Pro on my lappy and it's lightning quick. Especially with Photoshop 64bit.
I love staying on the edge of technology and trying new stuff out. I even attempted to use XP 64bit but it just didn't have the driver support for it. (Again 3rd party manufacturer laziness). It was the same story for Vista.
I don't get why hardware and software coders are so reluctant to take the 64bit route when it's clearly the future!
Edited by beanbag on Wednesday 3rd February 14:37
I've been running 64-bit Win 7 MC for about 6 months now.. no issues with anything really. A strange problem where .avi files of US series have mismatched lip-sync when playing in Media Centre, but play just fine with the PowerDVD that came with the Bluray drive... odd, and just mildy irritating as the remote works fine with that as well.
Edited by Ian_T on Wednesday 3rd February 16:57
Good to hear the feedback but I fear it is just a little too late for a friend of mine. He just installed more RAM and upgraded his media PC to Windows 7 64-bit. Looks like he will be spending some time rolling back or hacking his way through the minimum setup he has.
Shame as from what I gather, Windows 7 64-bit is actually quite good in other areas.
Shame as from what I gather, Windows 7 64-bit is actually quite good in other areas.
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