WMC is abandoned by Microsoft and if you purchase a new pc you cannot install WMC. I have a dedicated wmc computer that I use for all my watching live tv and recorded tv.
You can install Windows 7 or 8.1 on a new PC. Save a few dollars and purchase the new PC without an operating system. Assumedly people would have a Windows 7 or 8.1 CD, DVD or USB image and license already.
- Windows 10 Pro costs $160 to $230.
- You can still buy Windows 8.1 Pro for $100 to $150 download, or $140 to $220 retail.
Windows 7 Pro 64bit OEM and Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit OEM are both available for $219 while Windows 10 Pro 64bit OEM is $229.
See page 3 here:
http://www.tecs.com.au/shop/software.html?p=3Windows 8.1 Professional RETAIL for DVD for $223 here:
http://www.cworld.com.au/product-details/software+and+licensing/187483Microsoft are still providing updates for Windows 8.1 so you wouldn't be buying an operating system that has reached it's end of life.
There are many alternatives but for a true replacement to WMC nothing comes close to Emby and it has already surpassed WMC in its capabilities. It has a downside to use their built in dvr you have to use hdhomerun tuners luckily I have them with them the channel change is almost instant.
Only supporting HD Homerun tuners is a massive downside for people who already have Netstream tuners or USB tuners or internal tuner cards.
If I had to list PVR software in order of getting the most queries for adding IceTV Series Recording support it would be:
1. Windows 10 with patched Media Center 8.1 installed.
2. Media Portal.
3. DVBLink.
4. Kodi.
5. TV Scheduler Pro.
6. Emby.