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The Official HTPC Discussion Thread - Tips, Advice, Show Off Yours
- Thread starter Marty Chinn
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BMX Bandit
Member
Funny, I was gonna post the same question. My current wireless combo dies out at like 8ft which is just horrible(mostly missed keys when typing). Been thinking pretty hard about doing the whole HTPC thing and this is a pretty big concern.asdad123 said:
I looked into building/buying an HTPC about a year ago and ultimately shelved the idea.
But then today my wife says to me "We should get some new barebones networked computer and rip all our movies and music to it & hook it up to the TV" ha. I was like "I have just the thing!"
Now I wanna get it done before she changes her mind and un signs-off on the idea :lol
Can GAF help? Some Qs:
1) We're a mac home. I'm not a mac snob but I would prefer a mac HTPC, because that's the OS I know, and I can be 100% sure it will interface correctly with our other hardware. Is my best bet just to get a Mac Mini, a big external HD, and XBMC?
Probably not an Apple TV because I plan on ripping DVDs.
2) What's the situation with Hulu, Netflix, TED Talks, Youtube, and other streaming services? Is there HTPC software that has easy access to all locally stored content AND all the streaming services out there?
3) If a mac isn't an option I'm not comfortable BUILDING a PC. What can I get off-the-shelf?
4) ... what else do I need to know? :lol
Edit: In looking at other goodies I would need for a mac HTPC, some sort of TV tuner and DVR software seems a must. Any feedback?
Edit: Yeesh the cheapest mac mini is $700? What happened to $500? I see there are some off-the-shelf Windows options for $250 - $350. Can anyone vouch for any of them?
But then today my wife says to me "We should get some new barebones networked computer and rip all our movies and music to it & hook it up to the TV" ha. I was like "I have just the thing!"
Now I wanna get it done before she changes her mind and un signs-off on the idea :lol
Can GAF help? Some Qs:
1) We're a mac home. I'm not a mac snob but I would prefer a mac HTPC, because that's the OS I know, and I can be 100% sure it will interface correctly with our other hardware. Is my best bet just to get a Mac Mini, a big external HD, and XBMC?
Probably not an Apple TV because I plan on ripping DVDs.
2) What's the situation with Hulu, Netflix, TED Talks, Youtube, and other streaming services? Is there HTPC software that has easy access to all locally stored content AND all the streaming services out there?
3) If a mac isn't an option I'm not comfortable BUILDING a PC. What can I get off-the-shelf?
4) ... what else do I need to know? :lol
Edit: In looking at other goodies I would need for a mac HTPC, some sort of TV tuner and DVR software seems a must. Any feedback?
Edit: Yeesh the cheapest mac mini is $700? What happened to $500? I see there are some off-the-shelf Windows options for $250 - $350. Can anyone vouch for any of them?
BMX Bandit said:
Well instead of waiting, I picked up a Logitech MK710 from Office Depot for $45. Played three hours of crysis warhead on my downstairs TV with my computer upstairs in my room and no dropouts or anything.
Worked perfectly
Heres the amazon link.
Marty Chinn
Member
GDJustin said:
1) Well if you want to stay Mac, then ya a Mac Mini will be fine especially since they have HDMI output now. I'm assuming Apple allows 7.1 audio out of HDMI though which they might not. Some things limit to 2.0 so I'd check into that for sure. Otherwise, if you do XBMC on Windows, Linux or OSX, it's mostly all the same so it doesn't matter what platform you're on. I'm also assuming you're setting it to always be in HTPC mode. If not, then you may find OSX to be better if you want to do other things on it.
2) I believe Windows Media Center lets you access all those. Boxee will soon. XBMC has some add-ons but the integration does vary depending on which service you are trying to access. XBMC will allow for external video players to be used when launched so say Netflix for example will load up the browser version and when you finish or quit, i returns you to XBMC. It's pretty seamless as it's just like launching a video.
3) Windows will likely offer you more options, so if you find specific needs there is probably an easier chance to find a Windows app that will do it. If you do find the need to go that route, then there are prebuilt computers that are inexpensive. As low as $150 at one point, but probably averages $200 to $300. Look at ASRock and Zotac for example.
Heh it looks like you edited and discovered the drawback to using a Mac Mini. It'll cost you a lot more for really no gain if you plan to use it just as a HTPC.
Marty Chinn
Member
Cheeto said:
Doesn't an older Apple TV have a 720p limitation?
D
Deleted member 12837
Unconfirmed Member
I'm looking for a good remote that will work well with MediaPortal and isn't too expensive. Any recommendations?
I haven't really liked the look of the official MCE remotes. I also don't really need a keyboard on it, just the basic playback buttons and arrows and such, wake up the HTPC from sleep/stand by, shut it down if needed, etc.
I haven't really liked the look of the official MCE remotes. I also don't really need a keyboard on it, just the basic playback buttons and arrows and such, wake up the HTPC from sleep/stand by, shut it down if needed, etc.
Wow
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/xbmc-comes-to-the-new-apple-tv/
a $99.00 XBMC box!
If it wasn't because I got my Mac-mini as a gift recently, I would jump on this in a heart beat.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/xbmc-comes-to-the-new-apple-tv/
a $99.00 XBMC box!
If it wasn't because I got my Mac-mini as a gift recently, I would jump on this in a heart beat.
Marty Chinn
Member
SimleuqiR said:
That's tempting. Really tempting, especially since you can use the Apple TV part for Netflix. Does Apple TV also do Hulu? I wonder how well it handles 1080p.
Edit: OH SHIT, for iPhone and iPad too!!!
Trojita
Rapid Response Threadmaker
SimleuqiR said:
Wow I might end up getting one when the A5 version comes out as long as it plays all of my media types and the xbmc skin can be changed.
And damn you SimleuqiR, your avatar made me look up the Davalos twins. I have seen perfection, and it is beautiful.
Marty Chinn
Member
Just bought an Apple TV. Can't believe I'm going this.
Mecha_Infantry
Banned
Marty Chinn said:
:lol, why did you buy it? What happened to your old setup
I bought a Popcorn hour A-210 box...simples
Marty Chinn
Member
Mecha_Infantry said:
That's in the main room. The Apple TV would be for the bedroom. Heh if it was for the main room, the 720p limitation would be a problem =)
Apple TV2 can only output in 720p.
XBMC can "decode" the 1080p but still only actually output in 720p.
Not the biggest deal, but can be a dealbreaker for some.
Also, there's still a few kinks to be worked out so I wouldn't jump straight into XBMC on ATV2 just yet. (things like streaming standard 700mb divx files, for example, cause buffering issues, etc)
XBMC can "decode" the 1080p but still only actually output in 720p.
Not the biggest deal, but can be a dealbreaker for some.
Also, there's still a few kinks to be worked out so I wouldn't jump straight into XBMC on ATV2 just yet. (things like streaming standard 700mb divx files, for example, cause buffering issues, etc)
Mine:
i3 540
Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H Intel H55 Express 1156
Corsair Memory XMS3 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz CAS 9 XMP Dual Channel Desktop
1TB Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3, SATA 3Gb/s, 7200rpm, 32MB Cache, 8.9 ms, NCQ
Samsung Blu-Ray Drive
Silverstone GD05B Grandia Micro-ATX Case w/o PSU
330W Seasonic S12II-330 Bronze, 80 PLUS Bronze, 82% Eff', 120mm Fan
i3 540
Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H Intel H55 Express 1156
Corsair Memory XMS3 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz CAS 9 XMP Dual Channel Desktop
1TB Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3, SATA 3Gb/s, 7200rpm, 32MB Cache, 8.9 ms, NCQ
Samsung Blu-Ray Drive
Silverstone GD05B Grandia Micro-ATX Case w/o PSU
330W Seasonic S12II-330 Bronze, 80 PLUS Bronze, 82% Eff', 120mm Fan
Marty Chinn
Member
JB my Apple TV last night and installed XBMC. Not too hard and even though I needed a Mac to create the ipsw, I can tether boot with a pc.
Marty Chinn
Member
Anyone else jump on XBMC for the Apple TV? I'm pretty pleased with what I've tried out so far. Got a newer build which cleaned some stuff up and it really does work great. Easily worth the $99!
Mecha_Infantry
Banned
Marty Chinn said:
DO you have any large rips of bluray films, of about 20GB in size that you can test with? I might sell/return my Popcorn hour and get an ATV if I know it can handle my rips
Marty Chinn
Member
Unfortunately, I'm on a long business trip (ugh 3 weeks) and don't have any large blu ray rips with me. I do have the Apple TV with me and a mix of sd and 720p videos streaming from my laptop though and everything seems pretty solid. Even got a newer build installed. I hope they find an easy way to launch netflix within xbmc.Mecha_Infantry said:
Mecha_Infantry
Banned
Marty Chinn said:
Oh ok.
Wel I don't know what I should do really. My pop Corn Hour works ok, but the UI is ugly as shit, but the chip onboard handles 1080p shit just fine. But ugggh...If I can sell it I'll take the risk with the ATV
xemumanic
Member
Eiji said:Mine:
i3 540
Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H Intel H55 Express 1156
Corsair Memory XMS3 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz CAS 9 XMP Dual Channel Desktop
1TB Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3, SATA 3Gb/s, 7200rpm, 32MB Cache, 8.9 ms, NCQ
Samsung Blu-Ray Drive
Silverstone GD05B Grandia Micro-ATX Case w/o PSU
330W Seasonic S12II-330 Bronze, 80 PLUS Bronze, 82% Eff', 120mm Fan
Very nice. Just goes to show, the secret isn't so much in the hardware anymore, it's in the software. But good hardware still has to look the part.
Latest Apple TV for $80: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...72403&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_2618wt_1141
3 hours before the sale ends. Better snatch it before it sells out.
3 hours before the sale ends. Better snatch it before it sells out.
scissorfight
Banned
what's the cheapest nettop or mini that does 1080p and has a dvd drive?
i need (yet another) xbmc box.
i need (yet another) xbmc box.
Marty Chinn
Member
Mecha_Infantry said:Oh ok.
Wel I don't know what I should do really. My pop Corn Hour works ok, but the UI is ugly as shit, but the chip onboard handles 1080p shit just fine. But ugggh...If I can sell it I'll take the risk with the ATV
Ohhhh, I just found I did have one 1080p video to try out on the Apple TV. It's playing pretty smoothly and flawlessly so far. Pretty impressed.
MidgarBlowedUp
Member
(Figured I'd update since the bump)
Here are my new computer HTPC/Gaming Rig specs.
No point in posting a pic since there is no HTPC to see in the living room, just an HDMI cable.
1x Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
1x A785GXH/128M MotherBoard
1x Phenom II 965(BE)3.2Ghz OC'd to 3.5Ghz
4x 2GB DDR2 800 Crucial
1x WD Caviar 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
1x Zotac 1GB GTX460 Amp! 810/1000 OOB stock settings baby!
1x Antec 300 Black Illusion
1x LITEON DVDRW IHAS524-T98A
1x Antec TP-750: Blue
1x 7.1 Velodyne System
1x Pioneer VSX-91TXH
1x XS955 CRT @ 720p typically or 1080i when gaming.
1x Xbox360 Wireless Controller
1x Lenovo X100e Elite for my remote.
@ the desk
1x FW900 CRT @ 2048x1280 @ 85Hz
1x Saitek Eclipse Keyboard
1x MS Intellipoint Explorer 3
1x 2.1 Altec Lansing VS2621
1x Medium Bamboo Tablet
1x Pixma 500
The system itself is in my bedroom but, is routed via HDMI to my CRT in the living room so there is virtually no noise from it at all.
My solution for a keyboard and mouse is running an app over wifi called Synergy that I have on my ultra-portable.
An wireless xbox360 receiver works just fine through the wall for gaming/etc.
It's a really fun setup, playing retro console and arcade games on a CRT is nothing short of magical.
Here are my new computer HTPC/Gaming Rig specs.
No point in posting a pic since there is no HTPC to see in the living room, just an HDMI cable.
1x Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
1x A785GXH/128M MotherBoard
1x Phenom II 965(BE)3.2Ghz OC'd to 3.5Ghz
4x 2GB DDR2 800 Crucial
1x WD Caviar 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
1x Zotac 1GB GTX460 Amp! 810/1000 OOB stock settings baby!
1x Antec 300 Black Illusion
1x LITEON DVDRW IHAS524-T98A
1x Antec TP-750: Blue
1x 7.1 Velodyne System
1x Pioneer VSX-91TXH
1x XS955 CRT @ 720p typically or 1080i when gaming.
1x Xbox360 Wireless Controller
1x Lenovo X100e Elite for my remote.
@ the desk
1x FW900 CRT @ 2048x1280 @ 85Hz
1x Saitek Eclipse Keyboard
1x MS Intellipoint Explorer 3
1x 2.1 Altec Lansing VS2621
1x Medium Bamboo Tablet
1x Pixma 500
The system itself is in my bedroom but, is routed via HDMI to my CRT in the living room so there is virtually no noise from it at all.
My solution for a keyboard and mouse is running an app over wifi called Synergy that I have on my ultra-portable.
An wireless xbox360 receiver works just fine through the wall for gaming/etc.
It's a really fun setup, playing retro console and arcade games on a CRT is nothing short of magical.
onegoodlogan
Member
Anyone have any experience with the WD TV Live Hub?
I like that it's tiny and would be easy to transport. I like that it plays about anything. But the 1 TB of space for $200 is what's got my ears perked.
I haven't been able to find much on the interface other than it's different from the previous WD TV (thank god) and it offers some kind of library feature which looks vaguely similar to XBMC. I'm wondering exactly how clean it is. Does it hide file extensions? Organize episodes in order? Any summaries for video and the like? Curious if anyone knows as I'm having trouble finding the answers.
I like that it's tiny and would be easy to transport. I like that it plays about anything. But the 1 TB of space for $200 is what's got my ears perked.
I haven't been able to find much on the interface other than it's different from the previous WD TV (thank god) and it offers some kind of library feature which looks vaguely similar to XBMC. I'm wondering exactly how clean it is. Does it hide file extensions? Organize episodes in order? Any summaries for video and the like? Curious if anyone knows as I'm having trouble finding the answers.
Anyone use a sound card in their HTPC setup? I have kind of narrowed my choices down to the Asus Xonar HDAV1, HT Omega Claro Plus+, and the Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD. Any recommendations on any of these would be appreciated.
Also, I think I will be using my HTPC mostly for movies. I find myself not playing as many games as I used to these days, but I would still like to play some and have good sound when I do.
Also, I think I will be using my HTPC mostly for movies. I find myself not playing as many games as I used to these days, but I would still like to play some and have good sound when I do.
Marty Chinn
Member
Zyzyxxz said:
Cool, what front end do you plan on using?
scissorfight
Banned
any ideas? i'm leaning towards something barebone like this:scissorfight said:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042DT89U/?tag=neogaf0e-20
you'll probably want a 'frontend' to have everything accessible from one program that is controlled via remote.Zyzyxxz said:
XBMC is a popular one, and what i use. there's plugins for watching youtube and hulu vids.
it scrapes your media and adds art/info, and with a lot of the skins you can get it to look really good without much work. here's a demo vid.
Marty Chinn
Member
Just saw this get posted. Looks like it's pretty cheap for a HTPC small box.
http://www.newegg.com/product/produ...hBargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16859324008
http://www.newegg.com/product/produ...hBargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16859324008
Alright, so I'm looking to combine this mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-138-173 (BIOSTAR TH55 HD LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX) and this processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116348 (Intel Celeron E3400 Wolfdale 2.6GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor) with some old existing, compatible parts I have (case, psu, DVD-RW, HD, etc) which will ultimately be an HTPC/torrent box/whatever that'll connect to my 52" HDTV via HDMI.
Obviously I'm emphasizing the cheap here, since even after a decent chunk of memory I want this to be under $200 and am just looking for something that'll push 1080p content without stuttering. Gaming will likely be limited to some emulation and older titles. Think this will fit the bill?
Obviously I'm emphasizing the cheap here, since even after a decent chunk of memory I want this to be under $200 and am just looking for something that'll push 1080p content without stuttering. Gaming will likely be limited to some emulation and older titles. Think this will fit the bill?
VGChampion
Member
Kind of tempted to pick up an Apple TV sometime. I want something without a keyboard and mouse and the ATV looks to be the right system. I've been looking for something that suits all my needs and has the same ease of use as a DVR so others can use it.
What's a good cheap pre-built HTPC I can order in Canada? Something decently small, flat would be preferred. And something that doesn't need much air/cooling. I need something that I can store 1TB of movies & tv shows I'll be ripping off my dvds. It also must have an IR sensor, HDMI (for video/audio up to 1080p), ethernet and USB.
I'll be using XBMC w/ Aero on it, so need Windows pre-installed on it preferably.
I'll be using XBMC w/ Aero on it, so need Windows pre-installed on it preferably.
Marty Chinn
Member
Tabris said:
I'm not sure if something like that exists exactly as you ask for. You can easily build something like that. You can get something that has almost everything ready to go but you need to add your own HDD and OS. Or you could spend a lot to get it all put together. My first thought was an ASRock which has I think everything you ask for except the HDD and OS.
D
Deleted member 12837
Unconfirmed Member
Anyone else use MediaPortal for a front-end? What do you use for integrating Netflix and Hulu? YouTube, South Park Studios and TED would be nice plug-ins to have too...
Also, slightly unrelated, but I'm having a lot of issues with MP upon waking up and upon starting my HTPC for the first time. It often freezes and I'll need to restart/force-quit MP, sometimes the wi-fi goes out, etc. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?
Also, slightly unrelated, but I'm having a lot of issues with MP upon waking up and upon starting my HTPC for the first time. It often freezes and I'll need to restart/force-quit MP, sometimes the wi-fi goes out, etc. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?
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