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Any HTPC users here?

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by Waverz, Jul 2, 2010.

  1. Jul 2, 2010 #1
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    Before I started getting HD televisions I used to use an X-Box along with XBMC to stream videos and music from my network.  Although it still works great for music and some movies it will not stream HD content such as .mkv files.  For now if I want to stream videos from my network I have to hook my laptop up to the TV and it's really sort of a PITA.
    I have been doing some research on HTPC's along with all of these new box's coming out that claim to play almost any format such as Popbox, Boxee, and WD Live. 
    I actually pre-ordered a Popbox several months ago but due to "issues" they keep pushing the release date back.  The WD Live's UI is sort of lame and Boxee isn't even going to be released until November.  I finally said enough is enough and decided to go the HTPC route.
    I just ordered an Acer Revo r1600 which is a VERY small PC with an Atom processor and HDMI output.  I plan in installing XBMC Live which looks very promising!  I also ordered a MCE Remote Control so I won't need a keyboard or mouse to operate it.  The best part is I can program all of that remotes comands into my Harmony 880 remote and have one remote control my entire home theater along with all my network media.
    Anyway, just curious if anyone else was into this sort of madness?
     
  2. Jul 2, 2010 #2
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    I've been using Windows Media Center on our primary TV since the original Windows XP edition. Now I'm running it on Windows 7. It's very good. We also use a Media Center Extender (in addition to using the XBox 360 as an extender) and network streaming is very responsive even over a wireless connection. Mine runs great on old hardware. An old P4 2.4 Ghz CPU, 1 GB RAM, 500 GB HD, dual tuner, etc. It integrates with Windows Home Server if you use that too so that you can offload some of your shows to your Home Server to save space on your Media Center. All in all, I've been very happy with it.

    --AJ
     
  3. Jul 2, 2010 #3
    Jay Marion

    Jay Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Have you looked into Myth at all? It wont work with WinBlowz, but it is very nice, easy to use and free.
     
  4. Jul 2, 2010 #4
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    I've never used it but have read about it.  I have DirecTV with a PVR so there isn't much I could do with it. 
     
  5. Jul 2, 2010 #5
    Actuary Adel, IA

    Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    My other expensive hobby happens to be building computers!  I built a HTPC a couple years ago that I have hooked up to my 1080p Panny projector.  I absolutely love it.  It's networked to my other computers, plays blu-rays, streams my Netflix in high quality, and can be used for DirecTV2PC.  As was previously mentioned, Windows 7 is pretty decent for this sort of application.  The only concern I would have with the box you ordered is possibly the video card.  If you're looking to use it for high def applications it could possibly be a bottle neck for you.
     
  6. Jul 2, 2010 #6
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    Naaaw. The Revos come with NVidia Ion LE's  Should be totally fine for HD video.
    http://www.nvidia.com/object/picoat...tions.html
    Not only that XBMC uses VDPAU which offloads some of the processing.
    Should be a slick little unit IMO. 
     
  7. Jul 6, 2010 #7
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    I hate waiting for UPS!!!
     
  8. Jul 6, 2010 #8
    FlyingMoray Minburn, IA

    FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I have setup a server with 10TB of raid 5 drives for blu ray movies and shows. I use Twonky to stream the files to anything I want (mostly I use my PS3). It works great, you just have to have a gigabit network to stream the blu rays to my ps3. They won't stream over wireless because there is not enough bandwith. The quality of the blu ray streaming is exactly the quality of the original disc.
     

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