Current state of LinuxMCE...

[skeptic]

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/BluRayAndHDDVD

For 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).

[cirion]

LinuxMCE will probably do all that you want and more...

To have ease of install, you need get supported hardware. The most problems I have seen is with the GFX cards.
Nvidia is best supported, but in 0704 and earlier all 7x + needed a newer driver.
Aplha blending is nice on a monitor but unusable on a TV/LCD/PLASMA due to tearing.

Once setup it's user friendly for all and self uppgrading.

Since the core is running a full Kubuntu, you can add Postfix, Apache/Drupal or whatever you server software you want.

Myth is well integrated.

Home automation is well integrated, remember to check wiki for supported hardware, then it is plug and play.

Games.... All MD's with or without HD runs a full Kubuntu. So you can play games via wine.
Mame is comming to LinucMCE... http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=4083.0

1080p is supported in 0710 wich is currently still in beta.

Your server should be noisy... Lots of HD's and fans
Your MD's can be small diskless silent boxes.
I do recommend the Fiire Chief remote for easy use. Yes it's ugly!
It's definately the best way to control LinuxMCE.
http://fiire.com/fiire-chief.php
For Kubuntu and wine you do need a mouse and keyboard as well.

Great ads yes... But the Video is also a walk through of a LinuxMCE installation with supported hardware.
All hardware is listed in the Wiki, and all the steps in the video are also in the Wiki:
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Video

I have not tried the HDDVD or BlueRay integration myself, but I do know that you can not view them without ripping.
From the info I have read, LinuxMCE starts ripping once you insert a disk, and starts playing when the ripping is done.

I am using a self built pc as Core/MD in my office (Core is the serverpart of LinuxMCE and MD is the GUI part).
I have 3 diskless MD's one for the livingroom, one for the master bedroom and one for the guest bedroom.
They are working great and are definately easy to use.

I'm currently running 64bit 0710 Beta3 and all my MD's + Core have AMD x2 64bit CPU and Nvidia GFX.
My two newest MD's are using this motherboard and I can reccomend it for both Core and MD's:
http://www.uabit.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=48&page=1&model=383
They work great in 0710B3 I had no issues with them. (Dont try them with 0704 if you don't want to fight with drivers)

I have the Fiire Chief remote and 3 dongles, and a Dell Axim PDA working as a Orbiter (Remote with GUI).
The great thing with the PDA, is that it needs no TV to work, so you can select movies or music on the remote.
The Fiire Chief is a lot better remote on the TV than the PDA.
I also use these keyboard and they work well:
http://www.btc.com.tw/english/2-7-30keyboard.htm#9029URFIII

Had I bought them today I would have chosen the newer TrackBall model:
http://www.btc.com.tw/english/2-7-30keyboard.htm#9039URFIII

I do recommend either starting with the 0710Beta3 DVD or wait for the final 0710 DVD.
And do use the DVD since the CD's are a lot more hassle to setup.