A while back when I first heard about LinuxMCE and watched the original video of it in action (not sure if new vids have come out), I was VERY impressed. However, after a bit of googling around I came to the conclusion it was not ready for prime time. Very limited hardware support, lots of problems, etc. Due to a hardware failure, I moved all my server functions to my desktop (yuck) and I'm looking at server options. At the same time, I want to evaluate various server OS options as well. The things I am looking for are:
Ease of install, ease of upgrades, and good stability. I'm not new to Linux, but I'd rather spend my time on other things, not fighting with an install/setup.
Ease of use. If family, friends, my boys (8 and 4), and most important of all my Fiancee can't sit down, grab a remote, and use it with ease it's completely pointless.
Various server functions. Postfix, apache/drupal, DNS server, etc. This server will double as my internet server for the near future.
MythTV. Currently used only as a music and DVD library, but eventually I'd like to use all the functions including live TV (DirectTV, so it's a hassle and I haven't integrated it yet), PVR, web browsing, games, etc. I'm also currently setup with separate front end/back ends, but I'm leaning towards using this new server as a fe/be in a soon to be finished media room.
Home automation. Absolutely nothing done yet, but it's a long term goal.
Games. Unless I change my mind stay with separate back end server in a wiring closet, I will want to be able to play games via wine.
HDTV out only. The intent is to build a server attached to a 1080p HDTV. This is likely more of a hardware issue than software, but in case there are issues I thought I should throw it out.
Hardware. Pretty much wide open so I'm hoping it will not be an issue, but I'm aiming for HDTV output, quiet operation, a nice HTPC case, wireless remotes, etc.
Like most things in life, the ads for LinuxMCE are great, but I'm looking for real world experiences from actual users.
edit: One last thing I forgot to mention. How is the blu-ray support, both watching and ripping, in LinuxMCE? I haven't really been following the blu-ray/hd-dvd stuff very closely, but I did find this:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/BluRayAndHDDVDFor the record, I'm not interested in pirating anything. I buy all my movies and music and I'm only interested in FairUse stuff (putting my own movies on my own server to watch in my own house, and not giving the ripped movies to others).