is there free alternatives to this thing is im 18 and still live at home and in highschool, don't got paypal or stuff like that seeing it wasnt free on the website upset me
Paypal is free, you can get a pre-paid debt Visa or Mastercard from Circle K or 7-11. Connect that to your Paypal account. I know, its what I do, though I'm no longer 18
That said, it totally depends on what you want to see. I use Windows Media Center for Live TV and DVR (DirecTV). I had used Media Browser for archived TV and DVD movie files (I don't play physical media if I can avoid it) but recently switched to XBMC since they released Eden, that has a wealth of options and like most Linux is free for non-commercial use.
XBMC
I have a add-on (Plug-In) for You Tube that is by FAR the best You Tube app I have used (includes MacroTube that was flawed) . You can log onto your account, watch subscribed channels, watch only the latest uploaded content, etc. Default to full screen and will default to best quality, all adjustable in the settings.
There is also a plug-in for Hulu and Netflix, but I just use Hulu Desktop with the integration tool that allows launching from inside Media Center (by remote) and I don't really use Netflix for streaming anyway.
95% of what I do is by remote with the original Microsoft Media Center Remote for Media Center XP 2005. I get
if I have to get up and use the mouse or keyboard. This is what drove me up the wall about Macro Tube.... That and you couldn't log onto your account, even if some others and the developer claimed you could.
I have the latest version of Second RunTV, updates are free (2.6) if you bought it before. Frankly again depending on what your trying to watch, you're better off installing XBMC and a few add-ons.
I am attempting to use Second Run to access Speed 2 Online Channel and thus far.... Not working out. I and others in the XBMC community have asked for somebody to develop a add-on, hope this happens.
The problem in the near future with Media Center is that the majority of the ehome team has been effectively re-assigned and the separation of Media Center from Windows 8 are concerns to the current user-base. Live TV/DVR development has been accelerated for XBMC and actually works in beta now with certain skins.
That said, I have the functionality out of my HTPC I want and there isn't much I can't watch from the comfort of my seat.
