Guide to Building a HD HTPC [Text View] - Page 46

renethx

12-04-09, 08:42 AM

By the way, shouldn't I be able to just use the onboard eSATA port on this GIGABYTE UD2 board to get maximum transfer rates with a DAS rather than buy a PCI Express to SATA II controller card? I notice that MoBo has an eSATA port. Or am I missing something on a performance level relative to buying a separate card for the second PCI Express x16 slot and using that eSATA port?
The onboard eSATA port from P55 (ASRock) does not support Port Multiplier

The onboard eSATA from JMB363 (GIGABYTE) support PM with command-based switching.

You'd better buy a SATA controller card supporting PM with FIS-based switching for better performance. Every 5-bay/8-bay enclosure in the DAS section (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#DAS%20%28Direct%20Attached%20Storage%29) is bundled with such a card anyway.

Malin

12-04-09, 09:15 AM

Hey ... I am missing anything here? ... why would one pay 20,000 YEN for a Asus Xonar? The only thing it does is to lit the DTS-HD/TrueHD labe on your receiver? If you have a card that supports 8 channel PCM then you have everthing you can possible get in audio. I have tested FLAC based audio streams and I can even get 6 channel 96KHz PCM (via HDMI) sent to my receiver using Sappire Radeon HD 4670 as well as Sapphire Radeon HD 4550.

renethx

12-04-09, 09:38 AM

tartag99

12-04-09, 12:51 PM

Good info renethx. Thanks! That's what I needed.

Ivan

shaajahan

12-04-09, 03:30 PM

Renethx,

Will the XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V fit into Antec Fusion Black Remote case.
CPU: I7 860
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4

Heat Sink is on sale at newegg today!

Thanks.

MordredKLB

12-04-09, 05:12 PM

Just wanted to give anyone a heads up who might try to build one of renethx's mid-range builds using the Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983 with the Silverstone LaScala LC-17 case. This cooler will just barely not fit. 5mm's shorter and it would probably work (actually I didn't attach it to the CPU so it's possible it might fit, but from eyeballing it, it's way too close to use with confidence). I RMA'd the Xigmatek and ordered the Zalman CNPS9500A which is supposed to be 1cm shorter which should be enough to fit in the LC-17.

So far, I like the build quality of LC-17. Case looks great and seems solid enough and there's a good bit of room to work with (although I can tell my build is going to be pretty cramped). One note: with the way the case is laid out, the Powersupply fan will be sucking air from the left side air vent and then immediately venting it out of the back of the case. It seems like a much better idea to mount the PS "upside down" so that the fan sucks the warm air from inside the case out to help with cooling.

gsr

12-04-09, 05:20 PM

One note: with the way the case is laid out, the Powersupply fan will be sucking air from the left side air vent and then immediately venting it out of the back of the case. It seems like a much better idea to mount the PS "upside down" so that the fan sucks the warm air from inside the case out to help with cooling.
The idea is to suck cool air in to help cool down the power supply. Let the case fans handle the other heat.

MordredKLB

12-04-09, 05:26 PM

The idea is to suck cool air in to help cool down the power supply. Let the case fans handle the other heat.Well I wasn't the only one who had this idea. From newegg:

1. Case PS mounting is designed for "Standard" PS with 80mm fans mounted on the back by the AC input, not for "Quiet" PS with bottom mounted 120mm or 135mm fans. The stock screw holes and cutout mount puts the normal PS bottom up against the case left side panel. This makes the fan pull air in only thru a small rectangular vent and the restriction causes a "whoosh". Air comes in the case side vent, goes thru the PS and right back out again. This also means the PS fan can't pull air from the rest of the case or contribute anything to case airflow or cooling. Had to mount my CoolerMaster "Silent" PS upside-down and use only 3 mounting screws.
Every other PC I've built the PS helps to vent warm air out by drawing from inside the case. Not sure why this case should function differently, unless it's supposed to be more effective?

aromato

12-04-09, 06:01 PM

Every other PC I've built the PS helps to vent warm air out by drawing from inside the case. Not sure why this case should function differently, unless it's supposed to be more effective?

I can't claim a lot of experience building PCs, but my home server is inside an Antec P180B.
http://www.hardwareinreview.com/images/antec/p180/antec_p180b.jpg
As you can see, it's basically impossible for the PSU to affect the airflow in the main compartment. I haven't opened my HTPC case (also Antec, Fusion Remote), but I believe it is also separated into "zones". I would mount the PSU as normal; I wouldn't want it sucking in hot air. The PSU gets plenty warm too, and if it's sucking in hot air it's only going to get worse (and eventually heat up the air around the motherboard even more).

EDIT: and yes, it's my understanding that this is more effective, for both heat and noise management. However, it does generally require longer cables and can sometimes be a downright nightmare to build.

MordredKLB

12-04-09, 06:19 PM

As you can see, it's basically impossible for the PSU to affect the airflow in the main compartment. I haven't opened my HTPC case (also Antec, Fusion Remote), but I believe it is also separated into "zones". I would mount the PSU as normal; I wouldn't want it sucking in hot air. The PSU gets plenty warm too, and if it's sucking in hot air it's only going to get worse (and eventually heat up the air around the motherboard even more).

EDIT: and yes, it's my understanding that this is more effective, for both heat and noise management. However, it does generally require longer cables and can sometimes be a downright nightmare to build.Well this is my first build in 4 years, and I don't think your setup was a very common back then. My PSU's have always sat at the top of the case and helped to pull the rising warm air out. It's certainly possible that this is a bad idea for the PSU as well though.

With the mid-range setup I've got going I'm not expecting any real issues with heat at all though. I'll try it the normal way and leave it unless I notice the "whooshing" noise that the newegg poster referred to.

renethx

12-05-09, 06:02 AM

Renethx,

Will the XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V fit into Antec Fusion Black Remote case.
CPU: I7 860
No (too tall). The best heatsink for i7 860 inside Fusion Remote (microATX case) is Cooler Master Geminii S with RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set.

renethx

12-05-09, 06:42 AM

Just wanted to give anyone a heads up who might try to build one of renethx's mid-range builds using the Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983 with the Silverstone LaScala LC-17 case. This cooler will just barely not fit. 5mm's shorter and it would probably work (actually I didn't attach it to the CPU so it's possible it might fit, but from eyeballing it, it's way too close to use with confidence). I RMA'd the Xigmatek and ordered the Zalman CNPS9500A which is supposed to be 1cm shorter which should be enough to fit in the LC-17.
NEPARTAK fits (barely) LC17 (or a similar SilverStone case). NEPARTAK is 134mm tall and the case supports a cooler up to 134mm tall. The heatpipes barely contact the case lid.

Zalman CNPS9500A and ZEROtherm BTF90 are about 1cm shorter and perhaps a better choice for a SilverStone case. Cooler Master Geminii S is also good.

shaajahan

12-05-09, 08:37 AM

No (too tall). The best heatsink for i7 860 inside Fusion Remote (microATX case) is Cooler Master Geminii S with RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set.

Thanks Chief.

tsanga

12-05-09, 09:57 AM

Well this is my first build in 4 years, and I don't think your setup was a very common back then. My PSU's have always sat at the top of the case and helped to pull the rising warm air out. It's certainly possible that this is a bad idea for the PSU as well though.

With the mid-range setup I've got going I'm not expecting any real issues with heat at all though. I'll try it the normal way and leave it unless I notice the "whooshing" noise that the newegg poster referred to.

What you describe is the basic concept of ATX form factor cooling. It's perfectly acceptable and in fact the intended design for ATX.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/imageview.php?image=65

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/38

Malin

12-05-09, 10:25 AM

FLAC (via eac3to/TMT2) is a good way to get perfect HD audio. Another way is HD audio bitstreaming via ffdshow. You need a Radeon HD 5xxx (or Xonar HDAV1.3) card (the cheapest one is ~$140 now, a cheaper HD 56xx/54xx are coming in Q1 2010, replacing HD 46xx/45xx/43xx.)

I have tested two WinXP systems with a FLAC 6 channel 96Kgz/24bit recording of the “Eagles Hotel California” having the following s/w and h/w:

Software Player: VLC

PC1: MB: Asus P5Q Deluxe, GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 4670
PC2: MB: Gigabyte EG45M-UD2H, GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 4550

Receiver: Denon AVP-A1HD
Power AMP: Denon POA-A1HD
Speakers: FRONT: two B&W 803D, CENTER: B&W HTM2D, REAR: two B&W N803

Result: The receiver reports 6 channel 96KHz PCM and every speaker outputs distinct sound.

Thus, I am still confused about Xonar and why I would need one?

renethx

12-05-09, 10:30 AM

Thus, I am still confused about Xonar and why I would need one?
Who said you would need Xonar? If you stick to FLAC, any multichannel LPCM solution (except for GeForce 8200/8300) should be fine.

stoneburner

12-05-09, 11:08 AM

davedelite

12-05-09, 01:06 PM

Anybody know of a compact Blu Ray drive? I'm building an ITX system in the apex case that's part of the recommended build. However, my old px-716 extends pretty far and leaves less than an inch of clearance between the end of the psu and the end of the drive. This is gonna make wiring a pain. I also am considering tossing in a seasonic based sfx psu because the PSU that it comes with does not look too solid. The seasonic is a bit longer.

THanks in advance.

I have been unable to find anything shorter than 180mm. This caused me to get a new case (and get away from my original QPack). But I am happy and now excited to be building this pc with the Lian-Li PC-V351.

davedelite

12-05-09, 01:08 PM

aromato

12-05-09, 02:08 PM

Any opinions on Windows OS version to use..64 bit or 32 bit? I will be installing Windows 7 Ultimat and wondered if it is now time to move to 64 bit. All of my previous PC builds have been on 32 bit since I have been fearful of software compatibility for a number of applications (i.e. not supporting 32 bit). Last thing I want to do is get my build 80% set up and then find out that some critical software for HTPC purposes is not going to work on 64 bit. Suppose I better go check all my video cam editing software, and all that stuff to since my HTPC will also be a media workstation.

I'm definitely not an expert, but in doing my research I decided to go with Win7 32bit. I am fairly confident that one could run 64-bit and not have major issues, but from what I've read there are still some issues that crop up with certain codecs and stuff. So you might have to work at it. I was originally thinking of getting 8GB of RAM until I looked up the definition of "overkill". With only 4GB, doesn't seem to be a pressing need for 64bit OS quite yet.

MordredKLB

12-06-09, 02:20 AM

I'm definitely not an expert, but in doing my research I decided to go with Win7 32bit. I am fairly confident that one could run 64-bit and not have major issues, but from what I've read there are still some issues that crop up with certain codecs and stuff. So you might have to work at it. I was originally thinking of getting 8GB of RAM until I looked up the definition of "overkill". With only 4GB, doesn't seem to be a pressing need for 64bit OS quite yet.4GB will leave about .8 GBs of RAM unused if you stick with 32-bit. I wouldn't call that a big deal (and it's better than only getting 2GBs) but it's something to be aware of.

htwaits

12-06-09, 02:48 AM

4GB will leave about .8 GBs of RAM unused if you stick with 32-bit. I wouldn't call that a big deal (and it's better than only getting 2GBs) but it's something to be aware of.Does that .8GBs account for a 1GB graphics card? I'm assuming that all the extra memory address space needed in a 32 bit system (XP, Vista, or W7) would be subtracted from the maximum 4 GB main memory space. My actual knowledge of these issues has grown dimmer as I get further from actually working in the field. :rolleyes:

gorman42

12-06-09, 10:44 AM

When using Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8, can somebody point me to the right cable to use in connecting SATA hard drives? I understand a breakout cable of some sort is needed.

TombKeeper

12-06-09, 11:48 AM

Does that .8GBs account for a 1GB graphics card? I'm assuming that all the extra memory address space needed in a 32 bit system (XP, Vista, or W7) would be subtracted from the maximum 4 GB main memory space. My actual knowledge of these issues has grown dimmer as I get further from actually working in the field. :rolleyes:

That .8 GB would never be able to get used by a 32 bit OS....So with 4Gb you'd never be able to use more than 3.2Gb or so.

Graphics memory is graphics memory. The only time that your actual computer memory would get used by video is when you have integrated video that uses it. Which would then mean you have even less available memory.

Marc_G

12-06-09, 12:43 PM

bump...anyone??

@Davedelite-

I agonized over this when I went from W7RC to W7RTM. In the end I stuck with 32 bit for now. I've got 4 GB of RAM, so can only address 3.2GB of it, but everything works just fine. I also have a desktop with 6 GB RAM and have W7RTM x64 there. It's got crappy graphics card but I use it as a testbed... nothing I use actually breaks on it.

So, either way, you will probably be OK.

An HTPC simply doesn't need more than 3 GB RAM anyway... if that is your sole use for it, I would just go with x32 for now. There will probably be a not-too-expensive way to go 32-->64 bit when there is a compelling reason to do so.

Buy something, set it up, and enjoy!

Marc

mingus

12-06-09, 12:50 PM

My HTPC has 2gb Win7x86 and works flawless, never have a problem with it. Use it almost daily. I could go 4gb (3.2) but why?

htwaits

12-06-09, 02:09 PM

That .8 GB would never be able to get used by a 32 bit OS....So with 4Gb you'd never be able to use more than 3.2Gb or so.Are you saying that a 32 bit OS has a maximum of 3.2GBs of address space?

Graphics memory is graphics memory. The only time that your actual computer memory would get used by video is when you have integrated video that uses it. Which would then mean you have even less available memory.That's not what I was trying to say. My understanding is that the maximum address space that a 32 bit OS is capable of is about 4 GBs. What follows from that is that all the addressable memory in a system can't exceed about 4 GBs. A 32 bit OS allocates addressable memory space to all components, like a graphics card, and what's left over is available addressable space for main memory.

My understanding may be incorrect or confused or both, but it's based on comments like this:

"... the “4GB” maximum memory limit of 32-bit Windows is purely theoretical. In practice, the max memory is something significantly less, equal to 4GB minus your video card memory and the address space allocated to a couple other hardware resources. Typically, the realistic maximum memory is somewhere between 2.5GB and 3.5GB."

Any clarification is appreciated. :)

b_rubenstein

12-06-09, 07:51 PM

renethx

12-06-09, 07:54 PM

When using Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8, can somebody point me to the right cable to use in connecting SATA hard drives? I understand a breakout cable of some sort is needed.
Mentioned here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#Media%20Storage%20Server:%20System:%2020%20HDD%20Ra ck%20Mount%20System%20II).

htwaits

12-06-09, 08:22 PM

htwaits - you've got it right. The Windows 32 bit OS's can address 4 GB of addresses for memory. Devices, like video cards, reserve some of those address so the OS can access something less than 4 GB of physical memory. Not only do the devices effect the addressable amount of physical memory, but also the MB and its BIOS. (My son and I have the same video cards and physical memory, but Windows reports a difference of 0.2 GB of physical memory.)There seem to be a lot of Win 7 based HTPC builds that are based on the 32 Bit Win 7 version with 4 GBs of main memory and a 1 GB graphics card. I'm assuming that people make that choice (less than 3 GBs of addressable main memory) based on HT related software that doesn't run right on a 64 bit system. I don't know enough about current computer based HT software to know where the gotcha are located.

ScoHo

12-06-09, 09:26 PM

No (too tall). The best heatsink for i7 860 inside Fusion Remote (microATX case) is Cooler Master Geminii S with RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set.
Is that retention bracket essential? I have the Fusion Remote Micro case and just got the Gemini S but didn't realize I'd need an additional bracket.

aromato

12-06-09, 09:34 PM

Is that retention bracket essential? I have the Fusion Remote Micro case and just got the Gemini S but didn't realize I'd need an additional bracket.

I'm not positive for the Gemini, but I have a Fusion Remote case, and my CPU cooler is the Scythe Ninja Mini. The Ninja Mini does require a new bracket to fit LGA1156/1366 sockets, but Revision B of the cooler comes with this bracket standard. I also believe that the Rev A hardware can be used if you get the bracket separately, but I'm not positive about that assertion (and it doesn't really matter since I'm using a 775 mobo).

renethx

12-06-09, 09:50 PM

Is that retention bracket essential? I have the Fusion Remote Micro case and just got the Gemini S but didn't realize I'd need an additional bracket.
If you already have Geminii S and the mb, try it yourself. Then you will see if you need the LGA1156 retention bracket. This page at Global site (http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?category_id=7&product_id=3263) indicates Geminii S supports LGA1156, but this page at USA site (http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id=1623&product_id=2729) does not. Perhaps only newer packages available in certain areas of the world include the LGA1156 bracket.

Malin

12-06-09, 09:52 PM

Price: JPY 10,500 (about USD 105)
Warranty: 1 year
Spec: fan-less, 40nm, Core Clock: 550MHz, Scalar Processors: 96 , Mem: 1GB DDR3 @ 1560MHz with 128bit mem. interface.
Package: the package contains the card, installation CD, 3D glasses, and that’s IT.

Problems under WindowsXP Pro 32 bit. :(
1. Turning off the receiver, which is connected to a second monitor (a 60” TV), cases the display settings to change from dual monitor to single monitor mood. This is fine and may be desirable. However, turning the receiver back on again does not result in the settings to return back to dual monitor automatically. The settings have to be restored manually every time the receiver is turned off and on. Note. Radeon HD 4670/4550 cards with the latest driver do not have this problem.
2. I can only get it to output two channels PCM (test playing 6 channel PCM material with VLC, MPC, KMPlayer, FooBar, XBMC, WinAmp, PowerDVD9 Ultra). Note. Sapphire Radeon HD 4670/4550 outputs 6 channel PCM.
3. It does not pass through compressed lossless audio --- this was, however, as expected.
Problems under Ubuntu 9.10 (Driver: 190.42) :(
4. Ubuntu was not able to detect the Nvidia sound device.
Good things :)
1. I prefer the video quality of GeForce GT240 to Radeon HD 4670/4550
2. Excellent VC-1, MPEG and AVC (H.264) acceleration.
3. CUDA and VDPAU work as expected
4. Very cool .... cooler than Sapphire Ultimate Radeon HD4670

This card does not seem to be ready for my HTPC yet, Thus, Sapphire Ultimate HD 4670 will remain my HTPC card for the time being. Perhaps you have some good tweaks to get those things working, but currently I can't find any ways to resolve those issues.

MordredKLB

12-06-09, 10:55 PM

There seem to be a lot of Win 7 based HTPC builds that are based on the 32 Bit Win 7 version with 4 GBs of main memory and a 1 GB graphics card. I'm assuming that people make that choice (less than 3 GBs of addressable main memory) based on HT related software that doesn't run right on a 64 bit system. I don't know enough about current computer based HT software to know where the gotcha are located.IMO, my build is going to be using Win7 x64 because I want the extra RAM available and while there might be a few annoyances and headaches now, x64 is the future and everything important is going to be ported/fixed at some point. I'd rather not handicap myself for 5 years for an issue which even if I run into probably won't be a problem forever.

htwaits

12-06-09, 11:17 PM

IMO, my build is going to be using Win7 x64 because I want the extra RAM available and while there might be a few annoyances and headaches now, x64 is the future and everything important is going to be ported/fixed at some point. I'd rather not handicap myself for 5 years for an issue which even if I run into probably won't be a problem forever.Your take seems reasonable to me, but I would like to find out what the main glitches are before I leave Win XP. ;)

ScoHo

12-06-09, 11:59 PM

If you already have Geminii S and the mb, try it yourself. Then you will see if you need the LGA1156 retention bracket. This page at Global site (http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?category_id=7&product_id=3263) indicates Geminii S supports LGA1156, but this page at USA site (http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id=1623&product_id=2729) does not. Perhaps only newer packages available in certain areas of the world include the LGA1156 bracket.
I don't have easy access to the mobo at the moment, but I have the GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H, which is AM3 socket. My Gemini S comes with a retention bracket for AM2 which looks to be the same, but I can't say for sure. It looks like if I remove the blue bracket that comes attached to the mobo I will be able to use the AM2 bracket that came with the Gemini.

renethx

12-07-09, 12:14 AM

As far as physical dimensions are concerned, AM2 = AM2+ = AM3.

The distance between two push pin holes are larger in LGA1156 than LGA775, and LGA1366 larger than LGA775. The original Geminii S bracket for Intel is designed for only LGA 775. That's the reason why you may need the LGA1156 bracket.

ScoHo

12-07-09, 12:43 AM

The Geminii S comes with these:
http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/35-103-046-S06?$S640W$

That retention bracket looks like this:
http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/35-103-076-Z02?$S180W$

Which aside from those additional "greenish" arms in the corners seems identical to the bracket in the bottom right of the included brackets image of the Geminii S.

renethx

12-07-09, 12:59 AM

gorman42

12-07-09, 04:27 AM

Mentioned here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#Media%20Storage%20Server:%20System:%2020%20HDD%20Ra ck%20Mount%20System%20II).
Doh! I Have been reading that very guide. Thanks for pointing out what was under my nose :) .

Btw, Supermicro and Norco stuff seems pretty much missing across Europe.

shaajahan

12-07-09, 09:51 AM

@ScoHo

Better pictures here (http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2952). The single bracket supports all three sockets, 775, 1156, 1366 (as you see three consecutive holes instead of one hole, innermost for 775, middle for 1156, outermost for 1366). If your package does not comes with this, you have to buy it.

I bought (from Microcenter) both GeminiiS and a separate 1156 retention bracket after Renethx's recommendation. It looks like GeminiiS out-of-the-box retention bracket does not support LGA 1156. The support is not mentioned on the box as well.

My motherboard will arrive on Wednesday and will confirm this after the build.

MordredKLB

12-07-09, 11:50 AM

Your take seems reasonable to me, but I would like to find out what the main glitches are before I leave Win XP. ;)This is from an earlier post by renethx on the issue:
The only missing filters in x64 are madFlac and ReClock. If you are an audiophile and want to get the best audio from ripped BD movies without Xonar HDAV1.3, then x86 (FLAC+madFlac+ReClock+WASAPI exclusive mode) is the only OS I can recommend. Otherwise x64 is good.
I'll be using my machine to play BDs, but I doubt I'll be ripping very many of them myself, so this isn't really an issue for me.

ctraber

12-07-09, 12:40 PM

I don't have easy access to the mobo at the moment, but I have the GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H, which is AM3 socket. My Gemini S comes with a retention bracket for AM2 which looks to be the same, but I can't say for sure. It looks like if I remove the blue bracket that comes attached to the mobo I will be able to use the AM2 bracket that came with the Gemini.

I just put together my build this past weekend (actually still working on the software end) with that MB and cooler with a Phenom II x2 550 (my complete build is a few pages back). I used what the Gemini instructions called the K8 bracket and followed the instructions for those to the letter. You do have to remove the blue MB plastic bracket and its backing and use the back plate that came with the Gemimi (it is sturdier anyway). Its a bit of a pain to mount it though, you to basically turn it upside down and rest everything on top of the 120mm fan while you tighten the hex nuts and balance the MB at the same time.

Rig85

12-07-09, 01:05 PM

I'm using the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250. Everything works just fine, but when I play a file back that I have recorded, the sound is extremely low. The sound is also low if I'm browsing channels on the PC (using the card).

Is there a way to set this? I'm running via HDMI to my receiver. S-video from my cable box is going into the capture card.

It's very annoying to forget to turn the volume back down. If I leave it up, and switch back to watching cable (or playing a videogame), it gives the cat (and myself) quite a scare.

animoxiety

12-07-09, 01:46 PM

Does anyone know if the fanless 5750 by Powercolor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131300&cm_re=powercolor_5750-_-14-131-300-_-Product) will/can fit in those cases:
MS-Tech MC-380 (http://www.ms-tech.de/ger/upfiles/images/200910/1256723044MC-380_gross.jpg): 440mm (D) x 360mm (L) x 140mm (H)
Nox Live 2 (http://www.pccomponentes.com/fotos/torres/cajas_htpc_sobremesa/nox_live_2_htcp_imon.jpg): 470mm (D) x 370mm (L) x 140mm (H)

What's the recommended height for a case so the fanless PowerColor 5750 will fit in?

htwaits

12-07-09, 02:39 PM

I'll be using my machine to play BDs, but I doubt I'll be ripping very many of them myself, so this isn't really an issue for me.Thanks for the information. I will only use our HTPC for DVDs so it's not a problem.

The only other HT related use will be converting about 50 S-VHS and Super Beta tapes to digital DVD format. I need to find out what hardware will work. The only editing I'll do is some simple splicing. Yesterday I tried a Newsoft USB 2.0 digital converter which seemed to be working fine. It produced good video/audio, but the DVD files it created wouldn't play back, and were much smaller than they should have been. I'll be checking with them today to see if I can find out why.

mburg

12-07-09, 04:43 PM

Having now read the instructions at the beginning, I am happy to have made my contribution to be a part of this "under taking". I've also followed the recommendations for my upgrade build and have purchased the Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H MOBO with the recommended AMD processor )Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition HDZ955FBGIBOX) and 2-2GB RAM (A-DATA HY63I1B16K DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB). I am running XP Media Center but plan to upgrade to Win 7.

My question is whether I am better off using the resident video processing on the MOBO vs. a EVGA GeForce GTS250 (01G-P3-1155-TR) card. I will be playing DVD & Blu-Ray to my Pioneer KTH-500 panel (1080p).

Similarly, am I better with the resident audio processing on the MOBO vs an ESI Juli@ card. I want to output as a pure a digital signal as I can to my AV pre-amp, while also having analog out to "standard" stereo receivers in other parts of my house.

Thanks!

ScoHo

12-07-09, 05:20 PM

I just put together my build this past weekend (actually still working on the software end) with that MB and cooler with a Phenom II x2 550 (my complete build is a few pages back). I used what the Gemini instructions called the K8 bracket and followed the instructions for those to the letter. You do have to remove the blue MB plastic bracket and its backing and use the back plate that came with the Gemimi (it is sturdier anyway). Its a bit of a pain to mount it though, you to basically turn it upside down and rest everything on top of the 120mm fan while you tighten the hex nuts and balance the MB at the same time.
Thanks. The K8 one is indeed the bottom right one in the image I posted, so that makes sense.

renethx

12-07-09, 08:38 PM

The only missing filters in x64 are madFlac and ReClock. If you are an audiophile and want to get the best audio from ripped BD movies without Xonar HDAV1.3, then x86 (FLAC+madFlac+ReClock+WASAPI exclusive mode) is the only OS I can recommend. Otherwise x64 is good.
This statement is true for the 7MC internal player. 7MC in x64 is x64 and 7MC in x86 is x86. So there is no choice but x86 if you are going to use the 7MC internal player with madFlac and/or ReClock. Any 32-bit player (every media player is 32 bit except for 7MC/WMP12 x64 and MPC HomeCinema x64) should work fine with madFlac and ReClock on Windows x64.

renethx

12-07-09, 08:54 PM

mburg

12-07-09, 09:51 PM

There is no big difference between onboard video and GTS 250 as far as video playback is concerned. If you are going to use S/PDIF, and analog for "standard" receiver, onboard audio is enough. If your AV pre-amp supports Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD, then you may want to consider Radeon HD 5750 or the upcoming HD 56x0.

Thanks Rene!
I assume all will work with my LG Blu-Ray drive (GGC-H20L). Also, any issues with AnyDVD & Total Media Theater - or do you suggest something else for video playback?

Lastly, any suggestion re/cards for using the HTPC as a DVR?

renethx

12-07-09, 10:17 PM

Thanks Rene!
I assume all will work with my LG Blu-Ray drive (GGC-H20L). Also, any issues with AnyDVD & Total Media Theater - or do you suggest something else for video playback?

Lastly, any suggestion re/cards for using the HTPC as a DVR?
There are plenty of good choices for BD/DVD playback. TMT, PDVD (HD audio bitstreams with Radeon HD 5xxx; my preferred player), MPC HomeCinema, 7MC internal player etc. Check also here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17676763#post17676763).

DVR:

- Clear QAM/OTA: Check here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#TV%20Tuner/Capture%20Card).
- Capturing from STB: Hauppauge HD PVR model 1212.
- Digital Cable Tuner: The upcoming Ceton card.

Malin

12-07-09, 11:42 PM

renethx

12-07-09, 11:55 PM

I have decided to return the card for its lack of multi channel PCM sound support after getting to know other with the same issue. Don't buy GT220 or GT240 for your HTPC! :mad:
210 and GT 220 support multichannel LPCM fine as many users in this forum (including me) are already enjoying it. It looks like only GT 240 has this issue. I ordered mine and will test it myself.

ScoHo

12-08-09, 01:08 AM

There are plenty of good choices for BD/DVD playback. TMT, PDVD (HD audio bitstreams with Radeon HD 5xxx; my preferred player), MPC HomeCinema, 7MC internal player etc.
So can XBMC play an actual Blu-ray disc, or does that only play ripped files off of a local/networked drive?

cneb96

12-08-09, 01:18 AM

I noticed the suggested video card on the Micro-ATX High End Intel/Intel November Guide system changed today from a SAPPHIRE 100284L Radeon HD 5750 to HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB. I'm curious why? I just ordered parts for that system yesterday including the Sapphire card, and want to make sure there isn't a problem (mostly that the Sapphire card isn't too wide for the board or case).

Also FYI newegg used have the "A-DATA HY63I1B16K DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB Kit" kit used to be at newegg but they stopped selling it, and I didn't see it anywhere else selling it so finding some other ram changed the price some.

Thanks for the great guide. I'll send a donation.

mariomp

12-08-09, 08:48 AM

renethx

12-08-09, 09:17 AM

So can XBMC play an actual Blu-ray disc, or does that only play ripped files off of a local/networked drive?
XBMC internal player can play titles (M2TS files) in a BD movie. But unlike other customizable players/front ends (e.g. MP), you can't use your favorite filters and hence sometimes playback is crappy.

renethx

12-08-09, 09:22 AM

gorman42

12-08-09, 09:37 AM

renethx, I managed to buy the Supermicro PCI-E controller here: http://www.ahead-it.eu/en/home/
Maybe it would be interesting to mention it, I don't know. Finding Supermicro's stuff inside the UE, buyable online, has been quite tough.

renethx

12-08-09, 09:38 AM

I've read thru the recommendations listed http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#Media%20Storage%20Server:%20General%20Consideration .
However, both 20HDD systems using Norco 4020 cases are listed with AMD parts.
Since I work at Intel, and support Intel parts, its only fitting that I use Intel parts.
Can you guys recommend any current MBs and CPUs for 20HDD system using Intel parts?

Thanks,
Mario
The desirable features of a mb are:

- Onboard video (but this is not a must)
- Six onbord SATA ports (this is not a must; if a mb has four SATA ports, add a MonoPrice 2530)
- Gb LAN
- Two PCI slots

There are lots of good LGA775 (mATX or ATX) mbs with these features. For example, Intel DG43NB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121349). If you are willing to spend > $200, check server mb (Intel, Supermicro, Tyan) that has PCI-X slots in September edition. Processor: e.g. Pentium E5300.

milll36

12-08-09, 10:28 AM

i been reading your nov. recomendations , but of all the systems you mention, whats would be the better( cheaper but powerful for my needs) choice if i intend on ripping and watching my bluray collection. I prefer to have the better quality when i rip so hdd space as needed will add more, thanks

renethx

12-08-09, 10:38 AM

Rig85

12-08-09, 12:11 PM

pmaisn

12-08-09, 12:34 PM

I'm a little new to the HTPC build scene and have taken much (if not all advice) from this forum. I've acquired most of the parts for an AMD mATX Midrange build. All that's left to pick up is memory and dGPU (not sure if it will be HD5750 or HD56x0). My question is about memory. I plan on running Windows 7 (32-bit) and i'm a little confused about the amount of memory to be used. Let me know if i got this right:

Win 7 (32-bit)
Ok to use up to 4GB
Example:
G-Skill F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK (2x1GB) DDR3-1333 is my only choice? or G-Skill F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK (2x2GB) DDR3-1333 is also ok

Kingston KHX1333C7D3K4/8GK (4x2GB) DDR3-1333 is not ok

Thanks for your help

MordredKLB

12-08-09, 02:29 PM

Win 7 (32-bit)
Ok to use up to 4GB
Example:
G-Skill F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK (2x1GB) DDR3-1333 is my only choice? or G-Skill F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK (2x2GB) DDR3-1333 is also ok
Both are perfectly fine, as is any DDR3-1333 combination up to 4GB total. Based on information in this thread, be aware that Win32 can only use 4GB of memory total, so subtract 1GB (assuming a 1GB video card) and another 250-300 megs or so for other devices that have their own memory and that's the total amount of RAM Win32 can actual use (despite what is reported in the Control Panel). If you don't want to have any wasted memory, stick with 2GB.

Kingston KHX1333C7D3K4/8GK (4x2GB) DDR3-1333 is not ok

Thanks for your helpWould be a huge waste unless you're planning to move to x64 pretty soon.

pmaisn

12-08-09, 03:25 PM

Thanks for the clarification MordredKLB

kronic24601

12-08-09, 06:50 PM

I bought "most" of my components to build my HTPC, but got frustrated early this year (Jan) when there just wasn't really a good "complete" solution. I wanted True HD, and the audio adapters were not really working and $$. Currently there is always the ATI HD 5xxx route, but wouldn't it be better just to wait for the Clarkdale CPU's?

Is it just me? I'd assume even if you Didn't care at all about True HD, that the Core 2 Duo will get cheaper with the release of the I5 clarkdale? For me, I can't wait for it's release and the updated renethx 2010 review!

mariomp

12-09-09, 03:28 AM

The desirable features of a mb are:

- Onboard video (but this is not a must)
- Six onbord SATA ports (this is not a must; if a mb has four SATA ports, add a MonoPrice 2530)
- Gb LAN
- Two PCI slots

There are lots of good LGA775 (mATX or ATX) mbs with these features. For example, Intel DG43NB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121349). If you are willing to spend > $200, check server mb (Intel, Supermicro, Tyan) that has PCI-X slots in September edition. Processor: e.g. Pentium E5300.

You know, I always tell people I try to help; Give me all the damn details or I can't help you...
Sorry for a half-ass 1st post.
Here is what the original post should have included:
I have an Intel powered headless Norco 4020 case running WHS for my own storage server.
A friend of mine wants to have same setup as I, however, some of the parts I used, like the server MB, are no longer available.

I want to use Intel chip, don't care about MB brand.

Here is what I need:
1. Intel type MB with:
a. Video On Board
b. GB Network port
c. 6 SATA onboard ports
d. 2 PCIx slots for the Supermicro 8x SATA expansion cards
2. Intel CPU (power friendly)
3. CPU fan
4. PSU around 750W to run the monster
5. What do you recommend for memory? Type, size
6. What's a decent OS HDD? My server only gets 45-57MBps and I'm not sure if its the CPU or HDD limited.
7. Do you recommnand 4020 case with individual SATA wires (what I use on my own server, and it works fine), or the 4220 with the breakout cable? What's the part # for the cable(s).
8. What benifits do I get for using server MB vs. regular? Is it HotSwap, can WHS even support HotSwap? Other reasons? Is server MB worth the extra money?

As always, money is tight, so we'll only be getting HDDs that he initially needs, which is about 8Tb, so be gentle on part recommandations. On the other hand, I don't want to set him up with crap that I'll have to troubleshoot, as he knows next to nothing about computers.

Thanks for suggestions, inputs, help.
Mario

renethx

12-09-09, 08:56 AM

I want to use Intel chip, don't care about MB brand.

Here is what I need:
1. Intel type MB with:
a. Video On Board
b. GB Network port
c. 6 SATA onboard ports
d. 2 PCIx slots for the Supermicro 8x SATA expansion cards
2. Intel CPU (power friendly)
Have you checked September edition?

Malin

12-09-09, 09:39 AM

210 and GT 220 support multichannel LPCM fine as many users in this forum (including me) are already enjoying it. It looks like only GT 240 has this issue. I ordered mine and will test it myself.

I had to upgrade from WinXP(32bit) to Win7(64bit) to get the issue resolved. Now I am enjoying this card as the rest of you guys. Video looks nicer (more natural) on Nvidia GeForce GT240 than Radeon HD4670.

Thank you :)

mburg

12-09-09, 10:21 AM

There are plenty of good choices for BD/DVD playback. TMT, PDVD (HD audio bitstreams with Radeon HD 5xxx; my preferred player), MPC HomeCinema, 7MC internal player etc. Check also here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17676763#post17676763).

DVR:

- Clear QAM/OTA: Check here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#TV%20Tuner/Capture%20Card).
- Capturing from STB: Hauppauge HD PVR model 1212.
- Digital Cable Tuner: The upcoming Ceton card.

Thanks again

I started doing the "rebuild" last night and realized that with the Antec Overture II case, I would have very little clearance between the top of the case and the CPU cooler & fan (Cooler Master Geminii S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP) - less than 3/4". Is this enough, or should I stick w/the arrangement that came with the AMD CPU (Athlon II X4 630 ADX630WFGIBOX)?

Thanks!

cneb96

12-09-09, 10:37 AM

renethx

12-09-09, 10:53 AM

drhankz

12-09-09, 10:54 AM

Thanks again

I started doing the "rebuild" last night and realized that with the Antec Overture II case, I would have very little clearance between the top of the case and the CPU cooler & fan (Cooler Master Geminii S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP) - less than 3/4". Is this enough, or should I stick w/the arrangement that came with the AMD CPU (Athlon II X4 630 ADX630WFGIBOX)?

Thanks!

I usually assume these CHIP guys have the Heat Transfer
thing pretty much figured out. When I build a Computer, I
always use what comes with the CHIP.

HOWEVER, with that said - the most important thing to me
is getting AIR in and out of the BOX. I usually pick a BOX
based on the Manufacturer with the most FAN HOLES and
I use Every FAN hole they supply.

That is my TWO CENT opinion ;)

cneb96

12-09-09, 11:04 AM

In order to take advantage of the True HD support on the I5 Clarkdale will it require a new motherboard (which won't be released till about the same time as the processor itself) or is there a motherboard which is currently shipping where all you need to take advantage of the True HD support is a processor upgrade? What motherboards are those?

To add to my own question. Will motherboards which don't have integrated graphics be able to take advantage of the True HD Support through their discrete graphics cards?

For example, I have a ASRock P55M Pro LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset microATX, if I would have purchased a cheap "SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 DDR3 1GB" which doesn't support True HD, and in 6 months I upgraded the processor to Clarkdale, would I suddenly get True HD support through the graphics card HDMI interface? Or are only those who use the processor for integrated graphics get the benefit?

Thanks for clearing up my misconceptions.

renethx

12-09-09, 11:04 AM

kronic24601

12-09-09, 11:27 AM

You need a H55/H57 chipset mb, to be released in January 2010. Check (the first post of) my Core i7, i5, i3 Thread.

I noticed on your post you did not have any mATX boards on there. I saw this one here, not sure if you wanted to add it. http://news.softpedia.com/news/ASRock-H55-Motherboards-Detailed-128216.shtml

mburg

12-09-09, 12:01 PM

3/4" is enough (barely :)). There are a couple of thinner fans such as Yate Loon (20mm; search Jab-tech) and Scythe SLIP STREAM SLIM (12mm) if you like.

I'll check it out!

sketch2099

12-09-09, 12:42 PM

I’m looking to build a small mini-itx system only for use as a windows 7 media center dvr/mkv player. I don’t need blu ray or even dvd playback, just something small and quiet yet powerful enough to play hdtv recordings (already have an hd homerun) and mkv blu rips smoothly. Using the htpc building guide I was going to start with the intel-nvidia (iGPU) micro-itx system. If anyone could offer advice about where this would suit what I’m trying to do please let me know. Or if there’s parts I should upgrade or even parts I could downgrade to make the rig cheaper. Thanks.

mburg

12-09-09, 01:53 PM

3/4" is enough (barely :)). There are a couple of thinner fans such as Yate Loon (20mm; search Jab-tech) and Scythe SLIP STREAM SLIM (12mm) if you like.

The SLIP STREAM SLIM comes in several speeds - 800, 1200, 1600, 2000rpm. Do you recommend a specific speed?

htwaits

12-09-09, 03:19 PM

I have a one time task for either my current HTPC or a new build. There is no TV Tuner in my HTPC and probably wouldn't be one in a new build. All I use a HTPC for is playing SD movies on either the plasma or the computer monitor from hard disk. I use dedicated Blu-ray and HD-DVD players for most movies.

I have over 100 S-VHS and Super Beta football tapes that are very near the original broadcast quality. That quality won't stand up to display on a 60" plasma, but I'll be happy watching them on my 24" monitor.

I want to convert most of the tapes to DVD, and retain as much PQ as possible. I've tried an inexpensive USB dongle that did the conversion, but the quality is extrmely bad. That device is now resting in my waistpaper basket.

The only editing that I want to do would be cutting and splicing to make each tape fit on a single layer DVD. In some cases I would use double layer DVDs and not cut anything.

Searching here at AVS hasn't turned up the information that I'm looking for about hardware and software options. I'm hoping that in a thread dedicated to building HTPCs there are some people who have done what I'm trying to do, and can point me in the right direction.

Thanks for the help.

moronoron

12-09-09, 05:40 PM

I'm looking to do the same thing, but have come up empty too :(

Iteki

12-09-09, 05:49 PM

dbone1026

12-09-09, 06:14 PM

Hauppauge HD PVR can record in HD....

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html

From there you can use Handbrake to convert them to any format you like.

I have used the HD PVR successfully to pull recordings off my cable box

htwaits

12-09-09, 07:14 PM

Hauppauge HD PVR can record in HD....

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html

From there you can use Handbrake to convert them to any format you like.Thanks for the reply.

I have another question. :)

Why would I want to go from VHS tape to digital HD and then back to digital SD? Wouldn't an analog to digital conversion in SD be less likely to degrade picture quality? My question comes from a lack of experience with analog tape to digital conversions.

Iteki

12-09-09, 07:54 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I have another question. :)

Why would I want to go from VHS tape to digital HD and then back to digital SD? Wouldn't an analog to digital conversion in SD be less likely to degrade picture quality? My question comes from a lack of experience with analog tape to digital conversions.

The unit has analog inputs as well. So you can just go straight from VHS to digital SD. Take a look at the specs, it's a decent machine for what you want to do, plus it can record HD from other sources (bonus!)

htwaits

12-09-09, 08:12 PM

The unit has analog inputs as well. So you can just go straight from VHS to digital SD. Take a look at the specs, it's a decent machine for what you want to do, plus it can record HD from other sources (bonus!)Thanks again.

I no longer have an antenna, but I suppose that I might want to record more than two things at once from cable.

Last question! Would a good quality HDTV tuner card have the same capability?

htwaits

12-09-09, 08:35 PM

Last question! Would a good quality HDTV tuner card have the same capability?I just checked the November build suggestions, and while recording from stream sources was listed as a HTPC use, I couldn't find a configuration that included the hardware to do that. I must be missing something.

Again! :eek:

renethx

12-09-09, 08:53 PM

renethx

12-09-09, 08:54 PM

The SLIP STREAM SLIM comes in several speeds - 800, 1200, 1600, 2000rpm. Do you recommend a specific speed?
1600 rpm. Use SpeedFan (or the mb utility) to control the fan speed.

sketch2099

12-09-09, 09:15 PM

Any system in my list including the one you look at is enough for playing back HDTV recordings and mkv.

any idea how the system i'm looking at would fair against a Zino hd? (with the neo processor and integrated graphics card)

rsmclay

12-09-09, 10:05 PM

renethx

12-09-09, 11:39 PM

any idea how the system i'm looking at would fair against a Zino hd? (with the neo processor and integrated graphics card)
It is obvious from the specs that the GeForce 9300 Mini-ITX system is much better than Zino HD in both CPU and GPU.

renethx

12-09-09, 11:46 PM

Renetxh,

What front end are you using with your HTPC? I thought I read somewhere that someone thought you used Media Portal. What is the particular reason you chose your front-end, or what was requirements for your front-end? Do you happen to have the benefits/drawbacks of the big ones right now? WM7C, MediaPortal, XBMC?
Actually I don't use a fixed front end. W7MC excels in TV integration (in particular Digital Cable Tuner). MP is a nice highly customizable front end. XBMC is also impressive, but not up to HD video/audio IMO (mainly because it lacks user customization; no way to incorporate new software developments immediately).

aromato

12-10-09, 09:14 AM

Rene:

I noticed that your November '09 systems doesn't include the IOGEAR multimedia wireless keyboard. I've only had it for a couple days, but I am very impressed so far. The trackball needed to be toned down a little, sensitivity-wise, but other than that it worked right out of the box, with no drivers (even in BIOS before I had an OS installed).

Any reason this wasn't on your list? In my opinion this is an excellent choice, especially if you can get it for less than retail (I picked it up for $35 on Black Friday).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823176018

Bodhaguru

12-10-09, 09:16 AM

Hey Guys, I've built my htpc & would like hook up the dish satellite receiver vip222k to the tuner card on the pc, so i can watch tv programs thru the media center. Can anyone tell me how & what cable to hook up? TIA

aromato

12-10-09, 09:24 AM

New question - my OS drive is an OCZ Vertex 30GB. I seem to be OK with Win7 Home Premium x86, but I was too scared to install x64, space-wise. I don't plan on putting any software on there except what is required for HTPC tasks (7MC, plugins, PowerDVD and/or TMT, AnyDVD/DVDShrink, maybe ClownBD?). Anyone out there have a similar install and care to share their numbers? Would I be OK shoehorning Home Premium x64 onto that drive, or would it be too small?

As an aside, I don't have a receiver or decent speaker system (yet! please don't flog me). That is to say, I don't have a requirement currently to support FLAC, TrueHD, or anything like that. Yes, I will be watching Blurays with stock TV sound. Yes, I have brought shame upon my entire family. But so far as I can tell, Win7x64 should function OK for my needs.

Scott231

12-10-09, 10:49 AM

Prolly because the Addesso is regularly a dollar less and has three times the available distance-factor. - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823166079&cm_re=addesso_keyboard-_-23-166-079-_-Product

I noticed that your November '09 systems doesn't include the IOGEAR multimedia wireless keyboard. I've only had it for a couple days, but I am very impressed so far. The trackball needed to be toned down a little, sensitivity-wise, but other than that it worked right out of the box, with no drivers (even in BIOS before I had an OS installed).

Any reason this wasn't on your list? In my opinion this is an excellent choice, especially if you can get it for less than retail (I picked it up for $35 on Black Friday).

aromato

12-10-09, 11:13 AM

mariomp

12-10-09, 12:19 PM

Have you checked September edition?

I checked it after you suggested it, and unless I'm looking in the wrong location, I didn't see any complete solutions.
There is a listing for 4 MBs, 2 of them are discontinued, third one doesn't appear to have video on board.

Mario

avekevin

12-10-09, 01:56 PM

Just curious about your storage config - why go with 640 GB drives rather than 1 or 2 TB drives? Going with larger capacity should be cheaper, quieter, and use less power for the same total disk space.

Kevin

aromato

12-10-09, 02:35 PM

Just curious about your storage config - why go with 640 GB drives rather than 1 or 2 TB drived? Going with larger capacity should be cheaper, quieter, and use less power for the same total disk space.

Kevin

Kind of hard to tell to whom you are referring without the benefit of a quote. If you're talking about my storage question above, I have a 30GB SSD as my OS drive and a 2TB drive as my storage bin. I don't think you are talking to me, but I couldn't tell, and I was the only person I saw recently that asked about storage.

cableuser001

12-10-09, 02:48 PM

I have cable from Comcast and don't use PPV, HBO etc. Would a QAM tuner work on my Win7 PC? They are moving channels to Digital. Is that broadcast in QAM?

Thanks.

aromato

12-10-09, 02:54 PM

I have cable from Comcast and don't use PPV, HBO etc. Would a QAM tuner work on my Win7 PC? They are moving channels to Digital. Is that broadcast in QAM?

Thanks.

My understanding (albeit limited and possibly incorrect) is that if you can plug the coax cable directly into your tv and get some channels, those are QAM. If you can only get the channels by plugging the coax into a digital cable box (DVR or otherwise), then it is NOT QAM. (Provided, of course, that you have a recent-ish TV that includes a QAM tuner built in)

Edit: From the wikipedia:

QAM-based HD programming of local stations is sometimes available to analog cable subscribers, without paying the additional fees for a digital cable box. The availability of QAM HD programming is rarely described or publicized in cable company product literature. Cable providers must provide rebroadcasts of locally aired programming in analog (if their plant is an analog/digital mix), but they may also carry rebroadcasts of high-definition digital locally aired programming, in an unencrypted form, that does not require the customer to use leased equipment, per FCC Sec. 76.630 and CFR Title 47, §76.901(a). These usually include the local affiliates for CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, and Fox, and the cable providers comply by rebroadcasting them over QAM channels. The law does not require the cable provider to advertise their availability, and the cable customer service representatives are known to unequivocally (and incorrectly) insist to customers that a converter box is mandatory to view any HD channels.

txredneckbud

12-10-09, 03:46 PM

crap, what page is the newest HTPC on? it was 85

dbone1026

12-10-09, 03:48 PM

crap, what page is the newest HTPC on? it was 85

Here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17591247#post17591247

txredneckbud

12-10-09, 03:50 PM

THanks dbone. Im sure yall get tired of people asking!

Cheers.

aromato

12-10-09, 04:09 PM

THanks dbone. Im sure yall get tired of people asking!

Cheers.

Pro-tip: the latest recommendations are almost always listed in the first post http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972

http://atimetodance.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/moreyouknow.jpg

avekevin

12-10-09, 07:02 PM

Kind of hard to tell to whom you are referring without the benefit of a quote. If you're talking about my storage question above, I have a 30GB SSD as my OS drive and a 2TB drive as my storage bin. I don't think you are talking to me, but I couldn't tell, and I was the only person I saw recently that asked about storage.

Sorry, my question was targeted to Renethx in reference to the storage configuration posts:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17591295#post17591295

Kevin

renethx

12-10-09, 07:52 PM

renethx

12-10-09, 07:57 PM

I checked it after you suggested it, and unless I'm looking in the wrong location, I didn't see any complete solutions.
There is a listing for 4 MBs, 2 of them are discontinued, third one doesn't appear to have video on board.

Mario
Choose an available mb from:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=129313&d=1231659444

(all of them have ATI ES1000 server GPU onboard), put a decent processor (e.g. Pentium Dual-Core), the other components remaining the same, and you are done...

renethx

12-10-09, 08:08 PM

Sorry, my question was targeted to Renethx in reference to the storage configuration posts:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17591295#post17591295

Kevin
The HDD is intended for OS. The minimum size is 70GB for WHS. No HDD is required for unRAID. It's up to you...

davedelite

12-11-09, 12:23 AM

........Choose quiet case fans and run them at a constant speed (possibly with a GELID Y cable (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718001) or a similar item, and a potentiometer such as Zalman Fan Mate 2).

So I bought this GELID Y cable that you referenced and it could be that it only works with PWM fans? I had thought it might work for both voltage control and PWM control fans. Maybe something got lost in translation when I ultimately made final parts selection and the context for when you made this cable recommendation changed, GELID PWM Y Cable http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718001

Here is what now I have:

GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2

Going to replace (2) existings intake case fans with (2) Noctua NF-P12 120mm fans that I have purchased

Going to replace (1) existing 80mm exhaust fan with (1) Noctua NF-B9 92mm fan that I have purchased

While the 92mm fan will run off of Zalman fanmate or equivalent from the power supply, I had intended to run the (2) Noctua 120mm fans off of the GA-P55M-UD2 so that I could use the bios utility or SpeedFan for managing the speed of these (2) fans hooked together. I purchased the GELID Y cable from above, but in looking at it I am left with the perception that I purchased the wrong one because it is PWM based (I had thought the PWM capable cables might also work on the non PWM fans). [EDIT: Just took another look at this cable. Maybe it should work? I see that on the double ends of the Y, one of the connectors has 4 pins (i.e. pins 1,2,3,4) and the other connector has 3 pins (i.e. pins 1,2,4). Could it be that if I use it as a 3 pin Y connector that I use pins 1,2,3 on the former and pins 1,2 on the latter, and that the "sense" lead (pin 3) is picked up from just the fan connected to the former? If so, please just confirm.....and still verify that the voltage of the two fans connected via Y won't negatively impact the MoBo circuit (not sure what load it is designed for).]

Anyway, am I missing something and this GELID cable I have will work? Or, do I need a different Y-cable? I believe these Noctua fans are not PWM, and thus I will need to use voltage control to change the speed (which I believe is all my MoBo will do for the system fan anyway). I presumed that I could Y cable these to the MoBo and hopefully not burn or fry any circuit up for SYSFAN on the MoBo by Y-cabling these two 120mm system fans together. Please confirm what I am trying to do is fine and direct me to the type of Y-cable I need.

avekevin

12-11-09, 01:59 AM

The HDD is intended for OS. The minimum size is 70GB for WHS. No HDD is required for unRAID. It's up to you...

Ooops, I now see that the smaller drive was for the OS. My mistake.

renethx

12-11-09, 09:05 AM

So I bought this GELID Y cable that you referenced and it could be that it only works with PWM fans? I had thought it might work for both voltage control and PWM control fans. Maybe something got lost in translation when I ultimately made final parts selection and the context for when you made this cable recommendation changed, GELID PWM Y Cable http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718001

Here is what now I have:

GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2

Going to replace (2) existings intake case fans with (2) Noctua NF-P12 120mm fans that I have purchased

Going to replace (1) existing 80mm exhaust fan with (1) Noctua NF-B9 92mm fan that I have purchased

While the 92mm fan will run off of Zalman fanmate or equivalent from the power supply, I had intended to run the (2) Noctua 120mm fans off of the GA-P55M-UD2 so that I could use the bios utility or SpeedFan for managing the speed of these (2) fans hooked together. I purchased the GELID Y cable from above, but in looking at it I am left with the perception that I purchased the wrong one because it is PWM based (I had thought the PWM capable cables might also work on the non PWM fans). [EDIT: Just took another look at this cable. Maybe it should work? I see that on the double ends of the Y, one of the connectors has 4 pins (i.e. pins 1,2,3,4) and the other connector has 3 pins (i.e. pins 1,2,4). Could it be that if I use it as a 3 pin Y connector that I use pins 1,2,3 on the former and pins 1,2 on the latter, and that the "sense" lead (pin 3) is picked up from just the fan connected to the former? If so, please just confirm.....and still verify that the voltage of the two fans connected via Y won't negatively impact the MoBo circuit (not sure what load it is designed for).]

Anyway, am I missing something and this GELID cable I have will work? Or, do I need a different Y-cable? I believe these Noctua fans are not PWM, and thus I will need to use voltage control to change the speed (which I believe is all my MoBo will do for the system fan anyway). I presumed that I could Y cable these to the MoBo and hopefully not burn or fry any circuit up for SYSFAN on the MoBo by Y-cabling these two 120mm system fans together. Please confirm what I am trying to do is fine and direct me to the type of Y-cable I need.
Gelid Y-cable supports both voltage control (the 2nd [corrected; thanks, davedelite] wire [12V line, varying 0V-12V]) and PWM control (the 4th wire). The 1st wire is ground, The 3rd wire is rpm sensor (connected to only one fan [you can't monitor two fans at the same time with a single mb fan connector]; so the 3rd pin is missing in one fan connector of the Gelid cable).

BTW SYS_FAN on UD2 supports only voltage control even though there is a fourth pin.

In summary, Gelid Y-cable is fine. Use it in the voltage control mode.

davedelite

12-11-09, 09:19 AM

Gelid Y-cable supports both voltage control (the 1st wire [12V line, varying 0V-12V]) and PWM control (the 4th wire). The 2nd wire is ground, The 3rd wire is rpm sensor (connected to only one fan [you can't monitor two fans at the same time with a single mb fan connector]; so the 3rd pin is missing in one fan connector of the Gelid cable).

BTW SYS_FAN on UD2 supports only voltage control even though there is a fourth pin.

In summary, Gelid Y-cable is fine. Use it in the voltage control mode.

Thanks renethx. Comforting to have that verified. Though, if I am not mistaken you have the use of pin 1 and pin 2 reversed based on my research. Kind of like how you have the "T" and "P" reversed in your signature block or HTPC .... he he, he he :-)

mbj1974

12-11-09, 11:19 AM

renethx

12-11-09, 11:27 PM

Hi, I have trouble getting started on my HTPC. I`m looking at a Mid-range or High-end system (might need to re-encoding).

Problem is that I can`t make up my minde on what CPU to use, a friend has offered me a 705e for a good price.

We have pretty high prices on electricity here, so the power consumption is an important factor. Should I go with the 705e
or can I get the same performance with lower power comsumption with a Intel system around the same price range??
For re-encoding, I recommend Core i5/i7 LGA1156 processor. The total electricity cost is much lower than 705e or any other energy efficient type processor (as it finishes the job much quicker). For example, check this chart (at bottom) (http://techreport.com/articles.x/17545/13). This is Cinebench rendering, but it's not hard to imagine that the same is true for video re-encoding.

- Core i5 750: 10137 Joule
- Phenom II X4 955: 11564 Joule
- Phenom II X2 550: 18551 Joule (Phenom II X3 705e is perhaps close to this.)

Idle power consumption of i5 750 is equivalent to 705e.

Tha Bad Guy

12-12-09, 02:56 AM

ruda_saga

12-12-09, 09:57 AM

renethx

12-12-09, 10:07 AM

I followed you guide and I learned a lot. However there are some things that I am not clear with. I opted for High-End microATX intel system. I was trying to assemble all the parts using your gide, and I discovered that the graphic card that you suggested, "Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB," is not a low-profile. Neither is PSU: "Enermax PRO82+ 525W EPR525AWT." It will not fit into "Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX." Luckily I managed to close Antec case with “Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP with Cooler Master RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set,“ but I had to use a trick.

I would appreciate if you give me any comments.

Thank You
:mad:
Maybe you confused Antec Fusion Remote Black (http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=NzE4) (a full-height case; all black; no PSU included) with Antec MicroFusion Remote 350 (http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=NzEz) (a low-profile case, with a silver front bezel and a 350W PSU included)? I listed the former (a full-height case) in the MicroATX High-End Intel-Intel system so that HIS HD 5750, Enermax PRO82+ and Geminii S will fit fine.

ruda_saga

12-12-09, 10:33 AM

This is exactly what happened. I ordered “Antec MicroFusion Remote 350,”
I am sorry the fuss.

jim97219

12-12-09, 11:48 AM

aromato

12-12-09, 03:18 PM

So everything seems to be going OK for the most part with my new HTPC (specs below). However, I've transferred over some of my old files and I'm having trouble playing them. I have ripped files previously to .mkv containers, which played OK under Vista. However, now on my x64 Win7 Ultimate box I can only get video - no audio.

I have installed the latest Divx player+codecs, which allows me to play the video (looks great! :-\) but I can't get audio. Is this a problem due to Haali Media Splitter not being available in 64-bit? I can just go download avi copies of these files, but I'd prefer to get the MKV containers working as they are higher quality.

I did some googling but none of the solutions I came up with worked. I downloaded and installed an OGG codec pack from xiph.org, but no dice.

Asus P5N7A-VM
Intel E8400
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
4gb RAM
30GB SSD OS drive, 2TB WD20EADS media drive

Running 7MC with MediaBrowser and MetaBrowser
PowerDVD9 Ultra
Also have installed: AnyDVD HD, Hulu Desktop, DVDShrink

tlwizard

12-12-09, 06:31 PM

hey renethx

thanks for such a great thread.

two quick questions. i'm looking to build an htpc (the smaller the better) and want to include a tv tuner card, dedicated graphics card with hdmi, i5/i7 processor, one hard drive (i have a media server it will all be connected to) and a bd drive. can all of this fit into a microATX system?

and second, when i was thinking about building a larger system (before I had a media server) I really wanted to get the Cooler Master Cosmos for my case. Now that I'm looking smaller (and if everything above can fit in a smaller system) have you seen any cases similar to the Cosmos in style and functionality. (I'm basically not a fan of the receiver look that a lot of the cases have.)

Thanks!

renethx

12-12-09, 06:59 PM

@aromato

Haali x64 beta is available. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1159625)

renethx

12-12-09, 07:12 PM

tlwizard

12-12-09, 07:58 PM

Yes.

Besides cases here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#Media%20Storage%20Server:%20System:%2015%20HDD%20To wer%20System), Antec Nine Hundred (Two), P183 / Cooler Master CM 630, HAF 922/932, SCOUT.Thanks so much, especially for the extra recommendations! Do you think it'd be possible to fit all that stuff into a mini system?

renethx

12-12-09, 08:10 PM

Thanks so much, especially for the extra recommendations! Do you think it'd be possible to fit all that stuff into a mini system?
What's a mini system? Mini-ITX?

tlwizard

12-12-09, 08:15 PM

What's a mini system? Mini-ITX?Yes, sorry.

I saw in the suggested builds that a mini-ITX system could do the i5 and a dedicated graphics card, but wasn't sure if there was enough room in there for a tuner card.

renethx

12-12-09, 08:22 PM

Yes, sorry.

I saw in the suggested builds that a mini-ITX system could do the i5 and a dedicated graphics card, but wasn't sure if there was enough room in there for a tuner card.
No. There is only one expansion slot in a Mini-ITX system. You have to add a USB or network TV tuner in this case.

Iteki

12-12-09, 11:18 PM

aromato

12-13-09, 09:48 AM

@aromato

Haali x64 beta is available. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1159625)

Thanks, but I can't seem to get to the Haali website. Is it down temporarily, or just for me, or should I look somewhere else for the x64 drivers?

renethx

12-13-09, 10:04 AM

Thanks, but I can't seem to get to the Haali website. Is it down temporarily, or just for me, or should I look somewhere else for the x64 drivers?
Download from mirror (http://www.hack7mc.com/2009/05/finding-haalis-x64-splitter-beta.html).

aromato

12-13-09, 03:30 PM

Ok, next question (and I think the last for now): I'm using a Harmony 880, programmed as an MCE remote, to control my system through the built-in Soundgraph iMon receiver. It seems to control the system fine, but when I press the power button on the remote to quit the activity, it shuts the system down. I would prefer that it go to sleep (S3) instead. Anyone know of a trick, either in Windows or the Harmony remote software, to make sure that it just sleeps instead of powering off?

I can get around this by never pressing the power button, and switching manually to another activity or turning just the TV off, but that kind of defeats the convenience of having a remote like the Harmony. (And also it's too much for my Luddite wife to keep track of)

EDIT: OK, also, it seems like some applications or movies change my resolution, so that the little iMon knob/symbol icon is suddenly in the middle of my desktop. Is it possible to stop this from happening? It's not anything major, i can just drag things back where they go, but again if it's a relatively easy fix why not correct it.

SlikTVFool

12-14-09, 12:59 AM

Looking at building the midrange AMD-AMD microATX htpc.

Does anyone know if the Antec Remote Fusion Black enclosure would work ok in a "cubby" of an open front entertainment center?

It would have about 3 inches of space on right and left, and about 5 inches above.

I think there is enough open space around it that it could get decent circulation, but have no idea how hot this would run.

I assume this is one of the reasons AMD is recommended for this case (i.e. lower power requirements).

At any rate, advice on this and/or the best case for putting into a semi-enclosed entertainment center would be very welcome.

Thanks.

SlikTVFool

blockofwood

12-14-09, 12:58 PM

This may be the wrong place for this question but I go where the smart people are :)

I have a .mkv file that I want to burn to a DVD. What is the best way to do that?

Thanks

kronic24601

12-14-09, 01:12 PM

What do you guys suggest for storage of my media? I know i'll need a few TB because I have a lot movies on disc already and I will start to get Bluray discs as well.

What is the bust solution for a HTPC? Thanks.

For a smaller footprint, and depending on your needs, you may also want to consider the HP Media Center. Check this site (http://www.mediasmartserver.net/) out for more info. I'll probably be crucified for saying so, but I actually like my little setup. Very low power consumption, very low profile. I live in an apartment and cannot afford the space, and noise most of the tower rack server put out. There are a lot of other options, but with my ex495 and an extra external enclosure I have 16TB of data in a very small area.

The biggest downside for me is no Raid capabilities, they have a 1-to-1 "duplication feature that serves as a backup though.

I will say this though, do a lot of reaserch on whatever you buy, cause you will be putting some $$ into it in the end and you want to be happy. If I had more room, I 100% would have built my own.

kronic24601

12-14-09, 01:21 PM

This may be the wrong place for this question but I go where the smart people are :)

I have a .mkv file that I want to burn to a DVD. What is the best way to do that?

Thanks

Depending on what is within the MKV container, you should be able to do this with Clown BD (http://www.clownbd.com/). It will let you open the MKV, then de/remux into the needed TS container, and it should even create the ISO for you as well (pretty sure). However, I think depending on what was removed from the MKV it may have problems playing in a DVD player like a normal DVD.

Scott231

12-14-09, 02:17 PM

Looking at building the midrange AMD-AMD microATX htpc.

Does anyone know if the Antec Remote Fusion Black enclosure would work ok in a "cubby" of an open front entertainment center?

It would have about 3 inches of space on right and left, and about 5 inches above.

That should be plenty of space. The recommended systems should all run 'acceptably cool' with the builds that Renethex has provided to us. More important is the quesiton "Will the fans have to run at Warp 9, to keep the system cool?" I had much less space and my machine ran acceptably cool, but the system fans were running at 5,300 RPM (controlled by SpeedFan) and at that speed, the fan noise is noticeable. ;)

Therefore, I moved my HTPC to a more 'open' space on the entertainment center.

domino-s

12-14-09, 04:58 PM

I would like to have a remote HTPC locate about 75 feet in the basement. I found a HDMI 100 foot cable, 100 foot IR keyboard/mouse .

Can anyone tell me why this wouldn't work properly?

Rudmeister

12-14-09, 05:15 PM

Several months ago I built my HTPC with the specs below. (Thanks Rene), I currently have 2 issues.
1. If I reboot the pc and I do not have the Panny plasma on and the pc input selected as a video source when I go to view the HTPC I get a blank screen and must do a hard reset. It is annoying but I can live with it.
2. No matter what i do I cannot get any sound output other then stereo. I have installed the latest Catalyst software to no avail. This I cannot live with. I have started ripping blu-rays to my storage array and really need the right sound to go with the great video.

All audio and video is fed thru the hdmi output from the Radeon HD 4670

CPU: Phenom II x4 940

CPU Cooler: Xigmatek HDT-SD964

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+ AMD 790GX chipset ATX
.
Memory: ocztech 4gb ddr2-1066 gold

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100255DDR4 Radeon HD 4670 512MB

HDD: 1 150gb Velociraptor 10,000 rpm, 2 seagate 1.5tb 3.5" sata 7200rpm

PSU: Enermax PRO82+ 525W EPR525AWT

Case: Antec Fusion Remote Max ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote

LG Black 6X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L

Dinovo mini

Windows 7 64-bit

aromato

12-14-09, 05:19 PM

I would like to have a remote HTPC locate about 75 feet in the basement. I found a HDMI 100 foot cable, 100 foot IR keyboard/mouse .

Can anyone tell me why this wouldn't work properly?

By your description, I am assuming that you mean you will be upstairs, watching TV, while the computer will be in the basement? Or will your TV also be in the basement (75' seems like a long basement!)?

I would expect that the IR will not work through the floor. Why do you want to put the HTPC so far away from your TV? Kind of keeps you from playing DVDs or anything with it. It sounds like you are interested more in a media server. You might be better off putting the server in the basement and hooking an Extender (like an Xbox 360) to your television.

renethx

12-14-09, 05:53 PM

2. No matter what i do I cannot get any sound output other then stereo.
What's your audio equipments (model numbers)?

MordredKLB

12-14-09, 06:06 PM

2. No matter what i do I cannot get any sound output other then stereo. I have installed the latest Catalyst software to no avail. This I cannot live with. I have started ripping blu-rays to my storage array and really need the right sound to go with the great video.
Try installing the Realtek AC'97 driver which you can find here (http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=2&PNid=14&PFid=23&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false). Should fix your problem if you haven't done this already.

aromato

12-14-09, 09:59 PM

First - thanks for all the help so far!

Ok... so I downloaded the Haali Media Splitter x64 beta. It seems to work, in a manner. I can input .MKV files and output files that Windows Media Player will play successfully (with audio). Is that what it's supposed to do? I was looking for a codec, or something, so that I could just natively play .mkv files. Nothing available for x64 that performs that function?

Other open issues:
Harmony remote power button turns the PC off, when I want it to go to sleep instead. Is there something that can fix this?

Does anyone know if the system will go to sleep while Metabrowser is running? I have uTorrent running right now, which is keeping the system from going to sleep, but once the downloads finish and I close uTorrent, I would like it to sleep automatically. Hopefully metabrowser can be open in the background and still let the system go to sleep.

Rudmeister

12-14-09, 10:34 PM

I tried loading the realtek drivers but it wont get past the unverified software nag. Everytime i click install anyway it keeps coming back up. I even downloaded the drivers from 3 different locations includung cnet and all acted the same way.

As for my audio equipment it should not matter. The sound properties of the pc only list 2 channel as an option for both HDMI and spdif.

renethx

12-14-09, 11:11 PM

First - thanks for all the help so far!

Ok... so I downloaded the Haali Media Splitter x64 beta. It seems to work, in a manner. I can input .MKV files and output files that Windows Media Player will play successfully (with audio). Is that what it's supposed to do? I was looking for a codec, or something, so that I could just natively play .mkv files. Nothing available for x64 that performs that function?
Actually you are using the "native" codecs of WMP12/7MC, i.e., Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder and Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder. If you want to use something else, read

A Quick Guide to Playing M2TS in WMP12/7MC (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16951614#post16951614)

renethx

12-14-09, 11:19 PM

All audio and video is fed thru the hdmi output from the Radeon HD 4670
Then your audio equipment matters as the HDMI audio driver gets information on your audio equipment via EDID. If you connect it to TV, then you usually see only stereo speakers in Sound control panel. If you connect to a HDMI receiver, you will see 7.1 speakers.

aromato

12-14-09, 11:53 PM

Actually you are using the "native" codecs of WMP12/7MC, i.e., Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder and Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder. If you want to use something else, read

A Quick Guide to Playing M2TS in WMP12/7MC (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16951614#post16951614)

Again, thanks for the pointer, but I don't think I understand. I took a look at that "quick guide" you have linked and it's still a little greek to me. I don't really have any grasp of what ffdshow or direct show filters are. I have a basic understanding of codecs being used to compress/decompress or code/decode, but I get fuzzy when I try to figure out how all these filters and stuff figure into the equation.

In my mind, the Matroska (MKV) container holds video and audio information, encoded using certain codecs (say, H.264 and AC3 or OGG). If I have a media player that understands .mkv, with the necessary codecs installed, I should be able to play the file right? (Ideally this would not require me to edit the registry).

Instead I have to manually feed the .mkv into the Haali Media Splitter, which outputs a different .mkv file that my Windows Media Player can play correctly. Are you saying that WMP/7MC can't handle OGG, for example, and the splitter is transforming it into an audio format that the player does recognize?

Rudmeister

12-15-09, 12:03 AM

renethx

12-15-09, 12:16 AM

If thats the case how do i get the audio to my reciever? It is in my bedroom and i have a cheap reciever that does not pass video. It does accept hdmi though. However I did try thru spdif into the reciever and still only saw 2 channels.

Any ideas?
Until I know the precise model number of your receiver, I can't say for sure. SPDIF supports only stereo PCM (DD/DTS pass-through was added later; they [compressed formats] are different from multichannel LPCM).

btordini

12-15-09, 12:30 AM

I built my HTPC following the Intel Intel High End from October, but used the Intel DP55KG and Sapphire hd5770.
It started to work OK, but this week I am having a problem with the sound. For moments it is cristal clear, and some other times it sounds like a bad tunned FM station. It would come and go. If I want it to go at my will, I have to change the image on the screen, like switching between the destop and the running application (regularly video or music streaming, iTunes or DVD playing) repeatidely. This change in the screen erases the problem for about 5 minutes, and then will come again. I changed the input in my receiver, just to check and the problem persist.
Due to this behavior, I think that the problem is the video card, as all the sound to my receiver goes through HDMI
I have emailed Sapphire about the problem, but they are slow to answer, and so far they only advised to check the cable, which I also changed and there is no improvement.
I have currently installed the last driver for ATI, which is 9.11 and my OS is Vista ultimate. I am not sure if another driver will help. I am not even 100% sure if this is a video card problem.
Thank you very much in advance

renethx

12-15-09, 12:51 AM

Again, thanks for the pointer, but I don't think I understand. I took a look at that "quick guide" you have linked and it's still a little greek to me. I don't really have any grasp of what ffdshow or direct show filters are. I have a basic understanding of codecs being used to compress/decompress or code/decode, but I get fuzzy when I try to figure out how all these filters and stuff figure into the equation.

In my mind, the Matroska (MKV) container holds video and audio information, encoded using certain codecs (say, H.264 and AC3 or OGG). If I have a media player that understands .mkv, with the necessary codecs installed, I should be able to play the file right? (Ideally this would not require me to edit the registry).

Instead I have to manually feed the .mkv into the Haali Media Splitter, which outputs a different .mkv file that my Windows Media Player can play correctly. Are you saying that WMP/7MC can't handle OGG, for example, and the splitter is transforming it into an audio format that the player does recognize?
Media file format = container (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_format_%28digital%29) (e.g. MKV, OGG, M2TS, VOB, MP4, AVI). A container holds video, audio, subtitle tracks (and more). Video is stored in a specific format such as H.264, MPEG-2 etc. Similar for audio. Playing back a media file is processed in either Media Foundation (newer and still rare) or DirectShow pipeline (older; still the major playback pipeplie; each step of the pipeline is called a filter). A basic flow of the playback process by DirecShow (Media Foundation is similar) is

File -> split to video and audio by a source/splitter filter (e.g. Haali Media Splitter) -> video decoded by a video decoder, audio by a audio decoder -> video renderer, audio renderer (output filter) -> video/audio driver.

For example if you play a OGG video file (which usually contains a Theora video track and a Vorbis audio track) in 7MC, as 7MC does not support OGG natively, its playback entirely relies on external source/splitter filter and external video/audio decoder. (The default video/audio renderer of 7MC/WMP12 is EVR/Default Direct Sound Device; you can't change them unless you hack the registry.) Moreover you need to merge the following two registry keys (save each as a .reg file and double click it):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ogg]
"PerceivedType"="video"
"Content Type"="video/x-ogg"

(for 7MC/WMP12 to recognize the file extension .ogg in its libraries)

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Media Type\Extensions\.ogg]
"Source Filter"="{55DA30FC-F16B-49FC-BAA5-AE59FC65F82D}"

(Haali Media Splitter {55DA30FC-F16B-49FC-BAA5-AE59FC65F82D} first opens the OGG file, splits video and audio and sends them to video/audio decoder according to the merit values. BTW if you change ".ogg" to ".mkv", Haali Media Splitter will be the default source/splitter filter for MKV in your system.)

Rudmeister

12-15-09, 04:19 AM

renethx

12-15-09, 05:32 AM

The reciever is a Panasonic pt-760. The weird thing is I run my Comcast cable/dvr box to my tv with hdmi and it passes 5.1 sound thru the optical spdif to the reciever. I have 2 hdmi inputs to the tv[comcast, htpc] and 1 spdif out from the tv to the reciever.
So you are connecting HD 4670 to your TV, then TV to the receiver by optical S/PDIF, and you can't get Dolby Digital/DTS pass-through HD 4670 -> TV -> receiver, right? Your TV support DD/DTS pass-through because you know that your cable/dvr box -> TV -> receiver supports it, right?

Hmm, can you hear DD/DTS surround sounds if you connect onboard optical port to your receiver directly? Just to make sure that the player is actually sending DD/DTS bitstreams (not decoded/downmixed stereo PCM).

domino-s

12-15-09, 07:42 AM

By your description, I am assuming that you mean you will be upstairs, watching TV, while the computer will be in the basement? Or will your TV also be in the basement (75' seems like a long basement!)?

I would expect that the IR will not work through the floor. Why do you want to put the HTPC so far away from your TV? Kind of keeps you from playing DVDs or anything with it. It sounds like you are interested more in a media server. You might be better off putting the server in the basement and hooking an Extender (like an Xbox 360) to your television.

Yes, you're correct, I use 75' to include bends and give me a safety margin, also it's all the way on the opposite side of the house.

Basement is cooler, won't hear it run, don't have to make it fit in a small space, I can also combine the media server/game/file server/pvr/1 spot for satellite feed/etc functions from one machine. All my blue-ray/dvd/mpg/avi are in a digital format on the file server in the basement (with the xbox idea, I can run tangible media from it as well)

Thank you for the Xbox360 idea (which I have), I will have to look at extending a rj-45 over to the console.

I really like that idea above having 1 HTPC that feeds every TV and spend the money there, oppose to having multiple machines built for each (much more cost effective). And having a thin client (xbox360 perhaps, since it's like $149! now) to interface.

Trying to think on how to centralize functionality and reduce cost mainly.

corwiniii

12-15-09, 11:27 AM

Yes, you're correct, I use 75' to include bends and give me a safety margin, also it's all the way on the opposite side of the house.

Basement is cooler, won't hear it run, don't have to make it fit in a small space, I can also combine the media server/game/file server/pvr/1 spot for satellite feed/etc functions from one machine. All my blue-ray/dvd/mpg/avi are in a digital format on the file server in the basement (with the xbox idea, I can run tangible media from it as well)

Thank you for the Xbox360 idea (which I have), I will have to look at extending a rj-45 over to the console.

I really like that idea above having 1 HTPC that feeds every TV and spend the money there, oppose to having multiple machines built for each (much more cost effective). And having a thin client (xbox360 perhaps, since it's like $149! now) to interface.

Trying to think on how to centralize functionality and reduce cost mainly.

I use SageTV (http://sagetv.com/) and love it. There is cost associated with it, but it's probably a lot cheaper than multiple HTPCs running. I think there are pros and cons between this and an Xbox360. If you want to game on all the TVs, then obviously we know which direction you'll want to go.

corwiniii

12-15-09, 11:35 AM

What do you guys suggest for storage of my media? I know i'll need a few TB because I have a lot movies on disc already and I will start to get Bluray discs as well.

What is the bust solution for a HTPC? Thanks.

I use an AMS Venus T5 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817332017) external enclosure. It includes an eSata port multiplier card and has a RAID controller. I have 5x1TB drives inside w/ RAID 5 array - about 3.9TB total usable storage.

Rudmeister

12-15-09, 11:46 AM

So you are connecting HD 4670 to your TV, then TV to the receiver by optical S/PDIF, and you can't get Dolby Digital/DTS pass-through HD 4670 -> TV -> receiver, right? Your TV support DD/DTS pass-through because you know that your cable/dvr box -> TV -> receiver supports it, right?

Hmm, can you hear DD/DTS surround sounds if you connect onboard optical port to your receiver directly? Just to make sure that the player is actually sending DD/DTS bitstreams (not decoded/downmixed stereo PCM).

Not exactly sure what you want. I have already tried the optical S/PDIF directly from the HTPC to the reciever and still only get several 2 channel options in the device playback window for the optical S/PDIF output.

By the way the tv is a Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U if that matters.

cncook001

12-15-09, 01:53 PM

I tried loading the realtek drivers but it wont get past the unverified software nag. Everytime i click install anyway it keeps coming back up. I even downloaded the drivers from 3 different locations includung cnet and all acted the same way.

Is there a log file produced anywhere with errors? Does windows event viewer give any clues why the driver install fails?

Rudmeister

12-15-09, 07:31 PM

No log file I can find and nothing in event viewer.

carter698

12-15-09, 08:47 PM

Another noobie question: I ordered a "bare drive" from newegg (ST32000542AS) when it was on sale last weekend. Will I need to buy any additional hardware to install it in my NSK2480?

I answered my own question, and thought I'd post the results (it's pretty specific to my setup on p372, though.)

Got all the components put together on Saturday. It was amazingly easy--cases sure have improved in the last 20 years :)

The only thing I needed to run out and buy for this build was a SATA power cable. The power supply on the NSK2480 has 2 SATA power connectors, but they're both on the same cable, so it's impossible to power both the HDD and BD.

I'll report back when I install this cable and turn it on this weekend!

renethx

12-15-09, 09:52 PM

Not exactly sure what you want. I have already tried the optical S/PDIF directly from the HTPC to the reciever and still only get several 2 channel options in the device playback window for the optical S/PDIF output.

By the way the tv is a Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U if that matters.
S/PDIF supports only stereo PCM and DD/DTS bitstreams. So you will see only two speakers in Sound control panel of the onboard S/PDIF. That's normal. DD/DTS are lossy compressed formats and are able carry 5.1 surround sounds over this relatively narrow bandwidth interface. DD/DTS are not 5.1 LPCM (lossless uncompressed) and none of your audio equipments support 5.1/7.1 LPCM (except for HD 4670).

The speaker configurations you see in HD 4670 HDMI Sound control panel reflects EDID of your TV's HDMI in, which supports only stereo PCM (and perhaps DD/DTS too according to your experience with the STB/DVR), and hence you will see only stereo speakers. That's normal. To see 5.1/7.1 speakers in Sound control panel, you will need a real HDMI receiver.

You just need to confirm that your player is sending DD compressed formats correctly (over HD 4670 HDMI or onboard S/PDIF).

domino-s

12-16-09, 09:20 AM

I use SageTV (http://sagetv.com/) and love it. There is cost associated with it, but it's probably a lot cheaper than multiple HTPCs running. I think there are pros and cons between this and an Xbox360. If you want to game on all the TVs, then obviously we know which direction you'll want to go.

Thank you for the link!

Has there been any documentation on how to centralize a HTPC, ie. maximum cable run length reference for each cable, devices to help extend those lengths, keyboard/mouse solutions for long distance (where it works and where it doesn't work i.e through the floor), considerations, alternate solutions and scenarios?

That would make for a great sticky

Gyration, Wireless Computing, Adesso seem to make a good wireless product, for more read:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=843722

AirMouse, control your devices via iphone/itouch
http://www.mobileairmouse.com/

MordredKLB

12-16-09, 12:15 PM

I did the midrange AMD-AMD build with Nvidia XFX GT220 that renethx recommends and ran into some problems in my Windows 7 x64 build. The machine worked fine for about 2 days, and I was able to install xbmc and everything was going okay, but then the machine started locking up randomly requiring a hard reboot. Sometimes instantly after logging on, sometimes before the desktop even showed, but rather consistently when I tried to open xbmc or play video. There were no notices in the event log, and no way to tell exactly what was causing it, but I did some research and it seems to be a not completely uncommon problem in Win7 x64. Nobody seems to know why it's happening or anyway to solve it either.

I began to suspect it was the video card because memtest showed no problems, and occasionally when windows was loading the swirly logo that forms before the login screen appears would be in 8-bit or 16-bit color which was immediately obvious. So yesterday I went to Fry's, bought a Radeon 4650, swapped out the GT220 and instantly all my problems went away. Now, I'm not sure if the GT220 is defective, if there is a weird driver interaction or what, but unless other people are reporting no problems with the GT220 in Win7 x64, I'd stay away from it for now.

aromato

12-16-09, 04:18 PM

Hate to be a pain, but I'm still looking for a way to have my Logitech Harmony remote sleep the system instead of shutting it down. I can create a custom "sleep" button, but I don't know of any way to change the behavior of the Power button on the remote, so the only alternative I see is to alter how Windows interprets the command. I guess I could also remove the IR receiver from the power switch, but then I couldn't turn the system ON with the remote...

I'm getting the feeling that this is not possible.

mburg

12-16-09, 04:22 PM

dbone1026

12-16-09, 04:24 PM

aromato

12-16-09, 04:27 PM

What "box" are you using? Did it come w/a remote - or do you have a remote for WMC? If so, couldn't you program the Logitech so that a touch screen command correspond to the off button on either of those remotes?

I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate x64 in an Antec Fusion Remote case (has the integrated LCD/IR by iMon/Soundgraph). Using a Logitech 880 set up to emulate a MCE remote.

I can turn on the system using the remote, but when I press the Power button my Logitech 880 (to stop or change activities), it powers the HTPC down. What I would like it to do is just put it to sleep (so that shows can still be recorded on schedule, etc). Like I said, I could program a soft-button on the 880 to put the computer to sleep (even learning it from the bundled Antec remote if I had to). The catch is I haven't seen a way in the Logitech software to change the way the Power button works - it stops your activity, and "Stop" when you're using an MCE means shutdown.

As I said above, my options would appear to be
1) Hack windows somehow to interpret the "shutdown" command from the remote as Sleep instead
2) Remove the IR receiver from controlling the power altogether (which kills my ability to turn it on from the remote, but might be the only choice).

dbone1026

12-16-09, 04:32 PM

I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate x64 in an Antec Fusion Remote case (has the integrated LCD/IR by iMon/Soundgraph). Using a Logitech 880 set up to emulate a MCE remote.

I can turn on the system using the remote, but when I press the Power button my Logitech 880 (to stop or change activities), it powers the HTPC down. What I would like it to do is just put it to sleep (so that shows can still be recorded on schedule, etc). Like I said, I could program a soft-button on the 880 to put the computer to sleep (even learning it from the bundled Antec remote if I had to). The catch is I haven't seen a way in the Logitech software to change the way the Power button works - it stops your activity, and "Stop" when you're using an MCE means shutdown.

As I said above, my options would appear to be
1) Hack windows somehow to interpret the "shutdown" command from the remote as Sleep instead
2) Remove the IR receiver from controlling the power altogether (which kills my ability to turn it on from the remote, but might be the only choice).

I should mention and not sure if it makes a difference but I use an MCE IR Receiver with my HTPCs instead of the LCD/IR receiver in my Antec. I don't recall doing anything special when I set up the harmony to send the sleep signal, I just set up S3 in the BIOS, set the remote to MCE and it worked.

aromato

12-16-09, 04:42 PM

I should mention and not sure if it makes a difference but I use an MCE IR Receiver with my HTPCs instead of the LCD/IR receiver in my Antec. I don't recall doing anything special when I set up the harmony to send the sleep signal, I just set up S3 in the BIOS, set the remote to MCE and it worked.

That might be the difference. As I understand it, the MCE IR is not wired to your PWR SW header on the motherboard (the Antec IR is).

However, the more that I think about it, the less I think that's the case. When the computer is powered off, your IR receiver must be wired to the power switch in order to turn it on. But once your computer is up and running and receiving commands, I would think that any remote could turn it OFF, without needing to be hooked to the PWR SW. I too have my mobo set to S3 in BIOS, and it works fine if I go to Start > Sleep, but whenever I hit the Power button on the remote, it kills the whole system.

aromato

12-16-09, 04:45 PM

The other issue (really more of an annoyance) that is ongoing is it seems my system goes to 720p (or 1024x768) when it goes to sleep. When it wakes up, it is at 1080p resolution again, but windows are resized, and the little iMon icon/graphic that floats on the desktop is suddenly in the middle of the screen. Anyone else have this issue or know a workaround?

techrep

12-16-09, 05:28 PM

Can it be as simple as changing the power button from shutdown (default) to the sleep option?

KLund1

12-16-09, 05:41 PM

I"m looking to build my vary first HTPC. Item list
E8500, EVGA 680i A1 MB, 4GB RAM, 2 x 1TB HD's no RAID, 550W Antec PSU, Vista Ultimate x64, (these are leftovers from past builds)
Need:
case (SilverStone Grandia GD04?? (I like this style))
Audio card (5.1 is my current HT setup)
Video card
DVD drive (maybe blue-ray if cost is low enough)
wireless keyboard/mouse
Suggetions?

Now my big questions:
I'm planning on using Media Center in Vista (ease of use for all the family)
I want dvd playback to be upcoverted like my standalone DVD player does to my 1080i (not p) 50" Samsung DLP TV. How can this be done easily?
I will be copying my large purchased dvd collection to this computer. I want to be able to play the moves with all the menus intact and working. What are the correct set of step and programs need?
This thread is sssssooooo big it could take weeks to read and understand it all. It may be time to break it up?

Many thanks

renethx

12-16-09, 07:45 PM

@KLund1

GD04 supports only micorATX. Check the ATX section of my recommendations on page 370.

Audio card: What's exactly your audio equipment? A (HDMI or pre-HDMI) receiver+5.1 speakers or an amplifier+5.1 speakers or a powered speakers?

Video: HD 4670 (non-HD audio bitstreaming) or HD 5750 (HD audio bitstreaming). Upscaling is done by GPU.

Other components: check on page 370.

KLund1

12-16-09, 08:04 PM

Thanks for the heads-up about the case. I'll research further.
my Yamaha Receiver is pre-hdmi. I was thinking audio would go through SPIFF? (fiber optic cable?)
I'm a bit confused about the GPU doing the up-scaling? Will it take the native dvd resolution play-back, and do the pixel extrapolation to get a crisp 1080i picture like my stand-alone up-scaling dvd player? I've read here somewhere that this is sometimes done by codec's, and or plug-in's to MS Media Center. What am I missing?
Thanks again for your quick reply

renethx

12-16-09, 08:15 PM

my Yamaha Receiver is pre-hdmi. I was thinking audio would go through SPIFF? (fiber optic cable?)
I'm a bit confused about the GPU doing the up-scaling? Will it take the native dvd resolution play-back, and do the pixel extrapolation to get a crisp 1080i picture like my stand-alone up-scaling dvd player? I've read here somewhere that this is sometimes done by codec's, and or plug-in's to MS Media Center. What am I missing?
Thanks again for your quick reply
Then use onboard S/PDIF. A sound card is a waste of money.

Yup, you are right. GPU upscaling is done by a proper combination of hardware (GPU) and software video decoder supporting DirectX Video Acceleration (DXVA). MPEG-2 video decoders supporting DXVA that can be used with any DirectShow player freely are:

- Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder (built in Windows 7; Vista also have it [without H.264 part])
- CyberLink Video/SP Decoder (PDVD7, PDVD8, PDVD9).

Software (that relies on CPU power) upscaling is also possible. The sticky thread upscaling standard dvd movies to 1080p using ffdshow and your htpc (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172653) is this. Apparently the hardware solution is easier.

davedelite

12-16-09, 10:36 PM

AirMouse, control your devices via iphone/itouch
http://www.mobileairmouse.com/

Thanks for the link. This is a MOST impressive application!!

Raymond_B

12-17-09, 12:47 AM

Hi all, thanks so much for these forums! They are a huge help.

I am planning out my first HTPC and have gathered parts for what I think is a decent midrange HTPC using renethx's excellent guides. I plan on running Win 7 x64 with XBMC mostly just playing assorted content(1080p where I can .mkv's, .m2ts, etc) off my NAS device. This will be connected to a Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K via HDMI (and only HDMI I hope) to a 42" LCD TV. I *think* I understand the basic audio playback situation which is why I chose the HD 5750, but I am not sure if XBMC can handle it or if I need XBMC to hand off the playback to another program (I think I can set up XBMC to use an external player).

Anyway below is my parts list, but I was hoping to get a few opinions on a good modular power supply for the case I have chosen as well as your thoughts on the motherboard. I saw the 312B case thread, but I did not see a modular power supply listed (after reading so many threads though I imagine I could have missed it). Also has anyone fit an HD5750 in that case?

Scythe SCSK-1100 100mm Shuriken Rev. B 3 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler

Intel BOXDG43GT LGA 775 Intel G43 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100284VXL Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard

Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit

Moneual LAB Black Aluminum MonCaso 312B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

Thanks again!

renethx

12-17-09, 01:53 AM

@Raymond_B

Here is a serious compatibility issue: MonCaso is a low-profile case, while HD 5750 is full-height.

Raymond_B

12-17-09, 09:38 AM

@Raymond_B

Here is a serious compatibility issue: MonCaso is a low-profile case, while HD 5750 is full-height.
Drats, I was so focused on the length of the card I overlooked the height. If I want to stay with that series of card I will need to wait and see what comes out in early 2010 correct?

renethx

12-17-09, 09:45 AM

Drats, I was so focused on the length of the card I overlooked the height. If I want to stay with that series of card I will need to wait and see what comes out in early 2010 correct?
Yup. By then, Core i3 is available too (another HD audio bitstreaming solution).

Raymond_B

12-17-09, 10:12 AM

Hmmm, decisions decisions. If I wanted to build the PC now I could just use the motherboard HDMI port and optical out to get Multichannel LPCM over HDMI then purchase a smaller 5xxx series hopefully in a month or so. Do you see any large advantages in waiting for the new Intel processors? I am thinking a new release processor and motherboard might break my budget.

Actually I am going over the Core i7,i5, i3 thread now.

renethx

12-17-09, 10:38 AM

The cheapest processor (with GPU integrated) of January release is Core i3 530, 2.93GHz, $123. So it's not so different from E7500. A H55/H57 mb ~$100.

You could use IGP of G43 for now and wait for a low-profile HD 5xxx. But I don't know what low-profile cards are available...

blockofwood

12-17-09, 01:57 PM

Hello to all of you,
I wanted to post this so that if you choose the same HTPC case I did you will not have the same problem.

I choose the Zalman HD503 HTPC case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811235023).

The eject button on the case is VERY weak. It will not apply enough pressure to the eject button of the Optical disc drive (ODD) you choose. At lease In my situation, I tried three different drives with the same result.

The way it is designed even if you "MacGyver" something, the springs on the case will give before the disc drive will.

Solution:
this case comes with a Hot Swap HDD feature. If you remove the Hot Swap enclosure and move your ODD down, it will allow you to eject your discs. Of course you loose the Hot Swap feature.

Besides this, I am very happy with the case. It is a very solid build.

If quiet is an issue for you, you should consider replacing the two 80mm back fans it come with. They are the loudest things in the box.

aromato

12-17-09, 05:08 PM

KLund1

12-17-09, 05:41 PM

Yup, you are right. GPU upscaling is done by a proper combination of hardware (GPU) and software video decoder supporting DirectX Video Acceleration (DXVA). MPEG-2 video decoders supporting DXVA that can be used with any DirectShow player freely are:

- Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder (built in Windows 7; Vista also have it [without H.264 part])
- CyberLink Video/SP Decoder (PDVD7, PDVD8, PDVD9).

Thanks for the reply. I'm still confused about some of the terms you use. "Vista also have it [without H.264 part])" I do not understand.
Also, since I'm going to be using Vista Media Center, what video card and software combo will work seemlessly together where playback upscaling will be automatic?

Raymond_B

12-17-09, 08:22 PM

General question about home network setup for the group...

I have my HTPC built and connected to my TV. Enjoying it so far. However, I also have a server which I used to use as a faux-HTPC. The server runs Ubuntu (8.04 x64 server I think), and would run headless, operating a web-based torrent client (torrentflux) and streaming media to my Xbox360 via FUPPES. It also did printer-sharing and file sharing, but I mainly used it as a media center.

Now that I have the HTPC, I am trying to figure out the best way to use the server. It has around 3TB of storage (4x1TB in RAID5). I'm debating between keeping it as an Ubuntu server or putting Windows Home Server (WHS) on it. Here are my concerns/thoughts:

Currently, the server isn't hooked up (moved recently), so I am running uTorrent on my HTPC. I would like to offload the torrent client back to my server, as my HTPC never goes to sleep with uTorrent running. Is it easy to get WHS setup with uTorrent running as a web agent (since the server will be headless)? I haven't messed with IIS or anything on a windows server in forever, so I would need some pretty basic instructions.
Since I used the Antec Fusion Remote Black, I don't have any room to upgrade the storage onboard my HTPC (I have a 2TB drive but it's filling up as I archive my DVD collection). Would WHS be a better choice to seamlessly integrate more storage into my HTPC? I'm fairly certain my Samba share under Ubuntu would work, but I'm not sure if the performance would be acceptable for streaming playback*?
Can I set up RAID myself in WHS, or is the "storage pool" somehow resistant to drive failure? Having some experience with basic server administration, I didn't like how dumbed-down WHS felt when I played around with it a few years ago. Under Ubuntu, I have it setup to monitor and email me if one of the RAIDed drives fail.
I'm not familiar with hardening a windows server. I have my Ubuntu server setup with denyhosts, moblock, and apparmor to prevent any kind of malicious trickery. Is it relatively easy to lock down WHS while still maintaining usability?
*Note that everything will be hardwired with Cat6.

I think that I'm more comfortable sticking with Ubuntu as my server, but I'm tempted by the ease of integration getting WHS to work with my Win7 HTPC. Thoughts?

Hopefully I can answer a few of your questions since I too recently swapped to WHS.

Here is a link (http://mswhs.com/2007/07/02/how-to-install-utorrent-on-windows-home-server/) to configuring WHS and uTorrent. I have not done this yet, but I plan to.

My WHS box streams to my wireless PC's(laptop, kiddo's, wife's, etc) no problem. It streams to my XBOX running XBMC at 100Mb and it's fine as well. My main PC is at 1Gb and playing 8GB+ .mkv's off the WHS share has not shown any issues either.

To be honest one of the reasons I went to WHS was the ability to “duplicate” specific folders and not have to create a “real” RAID set. I left the RAID card in my box, but it's only there now for the ports. I think the easiest analogy to what WHS is doing is that it simply mirrors the folders you choose to “duplicate” between drives. So yes it is resistant to a single drive failure for the folders you choose to protect. Now you could always get a nice hardware RAID card and present a RAID(pick your fav #) set to WHS as one volume and not duplicate any folders if you do not trust the WHS software redundancy.

WHS is Windows Server 2003, it has Windows Firewall setup and you can configure that quite a bit. I would imagine there are lots of opinions on how safe it is. I personally have confidence in it sitting behind my home router and it's default firewall config. I have no use for the “Remote Access” media access it offers and that is off. Maybe someone else could comment.

The media sharing is nice for photos and music, but I find myself streaming from shares for HD movie content.

renethx

12-17-09, 08:28 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'm still confused about some of the terms you use. "Vista also have it [without H.264 part])" I do not understand.
Also, since I'm going to be using Vista Media Center, what video card and software combo will work seemlessly together where playback upscaling will be automatic?
Vista has a MPEG-2 video decoder called Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Decoder. Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder is the successor to it with H.264 video decoder added.

Any current decent GPU (I recommend HD 4670/GeForce GT 220 or higher), along with Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Decoder (this is the default MPEG-2 decoder of VMC) or CyberLink Video/SP Decoder (comes with PowerDVD 7.3, 8, 9).

Marc_G

12-17-09, 09:29 PM

Vista has a MPEG-2 video decoder called Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Decoder. Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder is the successor to it with H.264 video decoder added.

Any current decent GPU (I recommend HD 4670/GeForce GT 220 or higher), along with Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Decoder (this is the default MPEG-2 decoder of VMC) or CyberLink Video/SP Decoder (comes with PowerDVD 7.3, 8, 9).

Rene,

Do you have an opinion on which decoder (MS-DTV-DVD versus Cyberlink from PDVD 7.3) does a better job of upscaling DVD content to a 1080i plasma ? GPU = HD4550. CPU = Athlon X2 Kuma. HDMI to Tv.

I've been using the built in decoder but have been wondering if I can get the DVD content picture to be sharper. It's a bit fuzzy with all defaults. Might just be the fact that I watch more 1080i TV or 1080p BD content than DVD now, so I really notice the lack of data at DVD resolution. But maybe I can tweak things to be better...

Also, can you point me to a link on how to send you a donation? You've helped me a lot and I recently got a paypal account.

Thanks.

Marc

aromato

12-17-09, 09:39 PM

aromato

12-17-09, 10:44 PM

Issue update: got my remote to put the PC to sleep now, I think going into Advanced Power Management and setting the Power Button to put the computer to sleep may have done the trick. Thanks.

renethx

12-17-09, 11:09 PM

Rene,

Do you have an opinion on which decoder (MS-DTV-DVD versus Cyberlink from PDVD 7.3) does a better job of upscaling DVD content to a 1080i plasma ? GPU = HD4550. CPU = Athlon X2 Kuma. HDMI to Tv.

I've been using the built in decoder but have been wondering if I can get the DVD content picture to be sharper. It's a bit fuzzy with all defaults. Might just be the fact that I watch more 1080i TV or 1080p BD content than DVD now, so I really notice the lack of data at DVD resolution. But maybe I can tweak things to be better...

Also, can you point me to a link on how to send you a donation? You've helped me a lot and I recently got a paypal account.

Thanks.

Marc
In general I prefer CyberLink Video/SP Decoder. A drawback of GPU upscaling is that you can customize PQ only through the graphics driver (i.e. CCC Avivo Video).

ffdshow is another option (which relies on software/CPU exclusively). ffdshow's own postprocessing (e.g. msharpen+Spline) is not so excellent. I recommend Didée's Limitedsharpenfaster, Seesaw, Spresso with Spline (as explained in the ffdshow sticky). This is the best upscaling I have ever seen.

My emai address is here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17591247#post17591247). Thanks for your help. :)

renethx

12-17-09, 11:14 PM

OK, so I converted the MKV file I had, into an MKV file that I could play with WMP using the Haali Splitter/GDSMux application. I can play these files in WMP or WMC now, but the audio is very quiet when I play them through WMC. It's fine when I play it through WMP stand-alone, but when played through WMC the audio volume seems to be only half or less than the WMP playback. Thoughts?
Try ffdshow Audio Decoder instead of Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder. How (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16974976#post16974976). In general I recommend WASAPI exclusive mode via ReClock. This completely bypasses Windows Audio Engine (often the culprit of low audio quality/volume).

icsaki

12-17-09, 11:32 PM

renethx

12-18-09, 12:06 AM

I purchased the XFX GT240XZNFC GeForce GT 240 1GB DDR3 video card for my HTPC build and the fan noise seems to be rather high. At least it is the loudest part in my build.
Anybody tried this card? Any feedback on the noise? Is this the quietest of the GT 240 bunch? Any suggestion for a more silent alternative?
Actually there are a couple of better (in fan noise) GT 240 cards (Point of View, Leadtek, ELSA), but none of them are available in US.

To compare fan noise, somehow I have to acquire actual cards; this is simple in that it's just a matter of money and difficult in that I don't have enough money (with donations < $200 per month, no way)...

So your best bet is perhaps read Newegg customer reviews and between the lines...

Update

A user in this forum (buzzqw) reported that ASUS GT 240 is awesome (this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17705569#post17705569)).

KLund1

12-18-09, 12:51 AM

renethx

12-18-09, 12:58 AM

I understand a bit more now about GPU and software upscaling. But I want to use VMC for ease of use for the kids and family.
I read a couple up "I recommend Didée's Limitedsharpenfaster, Seesaw, Spresso with Spline (as explained in the ffdshow sticky). This is the best upscaling I have ever seen."
Is this something that can be a "plug-in" for VMC to do the up-scaling via software/cpu? I see that GPU up-scaling can be a bit sketchy done through the driver. I don't want to have to load progams, load codec's, set parameters, each time to boot the PC, or watch a dvd.
VMC internal player supports ffdshow fine. You just need to setup ffdshow correctly once (and save the settings as a profile). Each time you play DVD (and other SD contents), upscaling is done by ffdshow automatically.

But at the end of the day you may find GPU upscaling is the best overall solution (in terms of simplicity [you should expect several days to configure ffdshow satisfactorily unless you are already an expert in this area], picture quality, deinterlacing...). That's the conclusion of many people in this forum (including myself).

KLund1

12-18-09, 01:38 AM

renethx

12-18-09, 01:51 AM

I'm a total novice at HTPC, I can build a gaming PC or business network PC blindfolded in 30 minutes. There is little software setup other than optimizing windows. But HTPC is an altogether different beast to tame! I have yet to master all this video processing for dvd video. Any suggested reading? Not for first time pc builders, but not so technical that arguments about video compression ratios differences are debated to the n'th degree? This thread is miles long....
Perhaps some useful 'hoe-to' links?
Thanks again!!
AFAIK there is no good elementary guide to SD video playback. All good technical details are embedded in Doom9's Forum... Try to follow the instruction of the ffdshow sticky; if you are patient enough, you may succeed (at least practically).

RxC6

12-18-09, 02:48 AM

anyone knows if 4350 or 4550 works with DVI-Component?

and also if i use the S/video din to component, will the picture quality be as good as DVI or worst ?

renethx

12-18-09, 03:13 AM

anyone knows if 4350 or 4550 works with DVI-Component?

and also if i use the S/video din to component, will the picture quality be as good as DVI or worst ?
Perhaps it does not work. You'd better buy a card with a 7-pin mini-DIN connector (similar to S-video, but supports composite/S-/component video) along with a 7-pin HDTV cable. Here is a long thread on this subject:

HTPC video card with component YPbPr video output (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1177901)

In general DVI/HDMI (digital) is better.

jetfxr27

12-18-09, 09:25 AM

aromato

12-18-09, 02:53 PM

Swore off HD HTPC's until native BD and Premium Subscriber HD content.
Bd is a WHILE away and Ceton is vaporware at the moment. However I am looking for a stop gap, as well as two family members are cutting the plug and are asking what to get.

Budget $300- $400 (Have OS)
Stream Hulu, Netflix, fancast, etc.
W7 MCE
HDMI + Audio
OTA/USB Qam

Form factor not so much an issue. will be installed in a media closet.

I notice you don't have DVD playback listed as a requirement. In the absolute budget price range, the Boxee Box (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/boxee-box-coming-q2-2010-d-link-revealed-as-hardware-partner/) might be a good alternative.

Downsides: Runs XBMC/Boxee instead of Windows Media Center, probably has limited (if any) local storage, unsure of compatibility with any kind of tuners. Also, it looks like it is melting through the floor?

Upsides: Cheap (around $200), HDMI, SPDIF, 2xUSB (Boxee says you can add external hard drives; tuners would be even better), Wireless 802.11n & Wired Ethernet, RF Remote Control (means you don't have to look at the ugly thing at all), absolutely tiny (it makes ITX look large)
http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/boxee-box-coke-small.jpg

jalyst

12-19-09, 03:21 AM

So which mobo did you go with anywhereanytime?
I've been comparing both closely on official sites & through google searches & I'm liking the gigabyte overall more.
The only thing I wish it has that the Asus does is two PCIe.

We are using a HTPC CASE MONEUAL|MONCASO 312B RT + either the ASUS P5Q-EM or the Gigabyte GA-EG45M-UD2H ... leaning toward the ASUS unless you think the Gigabyte might be better. Basically, we are building a Windows 7 MCE with Blue-ray ROM + burner.

aromato

12-19-09, 10:11 AM

buzzqw

12-19-09, 10:32 AM

avisynth

try using stackvertical or stackhorizontal..

BHH

jetfxr27

12-19-09, 11:53 AM

I notice you don't have DVD playback listed as a requirement. In the absolute budget price range, the Boxee Box (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/boxee-box-coming-q2-2010-d-link-revealed-as-hardware-partner/) might be a good alternative.

Downsides: Runs XBMC/Boxee instead of Windows Media Center, probably has limited (if any) local storage, unsure of compatibility with any kind of tuners. Also, it looks like it is melting through the floor?

Upsides: Cheap (around $200), HDMI, SPDIF, 2xUSB (Boxee says you can add external hard drives; tuners would be even better), Wireless 802.11n & Wired Ethernet, RF Remote Control (means you don't have to look at the ugly thing at all), absolutely tiny (it makes ITX look large)
http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/boxee-box-coke-small.jpg

Definitely need tuners for ota. An optical rom as well.

tsanga

12-19-09, 02:51 PM

Has anyone ever used a utility, or know of one, that will compare two video sources side-by-side? I just ripped Casino Royale using AnyDVD and then made a second copy using DVDShrink. I'd like to play them side-by-side to see if there's any appreciable difference, since DVDShrink's version is about half the size.

If you rip properly, they should be identical. Sound like you might have applied compression to the DVDShrink rip? There's a setting to resize the video to fit it on a single layer DVD (DVD5). Turn it off for a full size rip (DVD9).

aromato

12-19-09, 05:45 PM

If you rip properly, they should be identical. Sound like you might have applied compression to the DVDShrink rip? There's a setting to resize the video to fit it on a single layer DVD (DVD5). Turn it off for a full size rip (DVD9).
That's kind of the point. AnyDVD rips a straight copy of the movie from the disc. DVDShrink applies compression to it so it will fit on a standard DVD. I want to play the two versions and see how good the compression is side-by-side. If its not all that noticeable, I'll just use DVDShrink w/compression so I can fit twice as much into the same storage space. Viewing one file and then the other separately is too hard for comparison purposes though.

chvybeatsford

12-19-09, 06:13 PM

OK guys its been a while since looking on here. If some one can help me out with a build.

What i want and what i do....

Watch 720p mkv files. Little web surf. No gaming.
I want hdmi and optical out. Easy install to Tv( Samsung DLp) and my Harman surround has 3 optical in.

Im not real picky on quality cause i know my tv is limited.

Might add a blue ray player and run windows 7 but always loved Xp.

Budget $300 give or take a lil.

Parts id like to keep from current set up
Bfg 550 power supply.(new less than month)
DVD burner (if no blue ray)

What i got from this site bount 6-7 mths ago

APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply - Retail
Model #:MI-008
Item #:N82E16811154091
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2H LGA 775 Intel G41 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-G41M-ES2H
Item #:N82E16813128396
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E5200 - Retail
Model #:BX80571E5200
Item #:N82E16819116072
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1A16K - Retail
Model #:ADQVE1A16K
Item #:N82E16820211066
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:WD6400AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136218
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

This ends up being $287. But no Optical out but coax.

So i found this board that has Optical out but uses DDr3 ram.

ASUS P5G43T-M Pro LGA 775 Intel G43 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
DX10 support with DVI/HDMI, up to DDR3 1333

So is it worth going to DDR3 and have optical out? Aslo is my power supply over kill ? If so ill just use the one with the case .

renethx

12-19-09, 07:53 PM

@chvybeatsford

The case is Mini-ITX, it won't accept a microATX mb. Either DDR2 or DDR3 is fine. DDR3 maybe reusable in future (DDR4 comes in 2012 or later).

tsanga

12-19-09, 09:36 PM

That's kind of the point. AnyDVD rips a straight copy of the movie from the disc. DVDShrink applies compression to it so it will fit on a standard DVD. I want to play the two versions and see how good the compression is side-by-side. If its not all that noticeable, I'll just use DVDShrink w/compression so I can fit twice as much into the same storage space. Viewing one file and then the other separately is too hard for comparison purposes though.

Ah, now I'm with ya. :)

In that case, have you tried Handbrake as well? It rips and re-encodes to h.264 for smaller file size but with better quality than you would get with mpeg2.

ragged

12-19-09, 10:26 PM

Just wanted to highly recommend these for a silent htpc. I'm not a super techie, but I know what works well.

Installed and have no issues. Can't hear the pc from 7 feet away. Graphics card never goes over 50 degrees and it has hdmi out, I just removed the tabs from the additional pcie slots and put a fan there to draw heat out. Even play Rfactor running at 1920x1080 and get over 100 fps solid.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131171
deactivated for now, but keep checking for it to come back.

This psu is great,tons of connections and silent!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817610002

Also, if you have an old ide drive, this works great. You need to buy a sata cable, it isn't included.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812206002&cm_re=ide_to_sata_adapter-_-12-206-002-_-Product

jalyst

12-19-09, 10:49 PM

anywhereanytime, you still subscribed to this thread?
I've tried PM'ing too, thanks.

So which mobo did you go with anywhereanytime?
I've been comparing both closely on official sites & through google searches & I'm liking the gigabyte overall more.
The only thing I wish it has that the Asus does is two PCIe.

We are using a HTPC CASE MONEUAL|MONCASO 312B RT + either the ASUS P5Q-EM or the Gigabyte GA-EG45M-UD2H ... leaning toward the ASUS unless you think the Gigabyte might be better. Basically, we are building a Windows 7 MCE with Blue-ray ROM + burner.

Big_D_STeve

12-19-09, 10:51 PM

I'm putting together a HTPC, not my first one, for someone else using some odds and ends. I have 3 possible AMD CPUs to use: X2 7750 X2 7850 or a X2 240. I'm thinking of going with the newer, and cooler running 240. The Kuma 7750 and Kuma 7850 are based on the older Phenom I with L3 cache, and the 240 has no L3 cache.. I don't think the L3 matters that much for a HTPC. The 240 will overclock better, but I don't care about that either.
Thanks

btordini

12-19-09, 11:35 PM

My HTPC (High end with Intel DP55KG) is working with a Sapphire HD 5770. If I would like to improve the video section, what would result in a better performance:

1-Adding another HD 5770 in CrossFireX configuration
2-Changing to a HD 5850

I am not sure if the CrossFireX makes sense if I do not use the system for games, or if there could be a potential performance advantage.

The Dolby TrueHD and DTS TrueHD will remain working in CrossFireX?

Thank you very much in advance

renethx

12-20-09, 04:49 AM

btordini

12-20-09, 05:46 AM

Precisely speaking, what do you want to improve? As for video playback, most part of HD 5750 are at idle.
Thank you Renethx

This means that as per blu-ray playing or HD video streaming, theoretically I would see no difference if my system runs a HD 5770 or a HD 5850?

renethx

12-20-09, 06:14 AM

Thank you Renethx

This means that as per blu-ray playing or HD video streaming, theoretically I would see no difference if my system runs a HD 5770 or a HD 5850?
No difference.

btordini

12-20-09, 11:45 AM

Thank you renethx.

misenlai

12-20-09, 01:07 PM

I'm new when it comes to sound... any advice

BUDGET RANGE: $1500-$1600 total, basically $1000 for the HTPC and 600$ for the sound system After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: riping/playing dvd and blueray, medium gaming, good quaility/clarity sounds

PARTS ALREADY HAVE: connecting to 46" LCD in the living room

This is the wish list i built so far:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=16934527

However, I'm not familiar with sound system. We also live in a small apartment and noise is a problem. Looking for good quality and clarity sound.

The suggestion I got so far is below:
newegg has a nice special going on right now on speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.309853
Energy Take 5 plus polk powered sub

For an AV receiver, the Onkyo 507 is on sale at newegg as well for about $270:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120131&cm_re=onkyo_receiver-_-82-120-131-_-Product

What do you think? Sounds system budget is around $600. If you see any parts in my wishlist that could be changed? Please also let me know. Thanks a bunch

jetfxr27

12-20-09, 03:01 PM

Spend the extra $80 and get the 607.

Front HDMI , higher wattage per channel, 7.2 total channels, more hdmis in the rear, upscale lo res sources.......
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001VEI2KO/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

The speaker setup is the best you can do for the price.

HTPC, dunno I'm also trying to build.

skeets

12-20-09, 05:50 PM

Hi guys I have a little problem i cant seem to figure out on my own. When i hooked up my HTPC to my projector through HDMI all I am getting is video of the post but nothing else. I can hear the OS loading etc but no video. I am using gigabyte 780g AMD. I have been looking for thread for solutions maybe Im missing something simple.

renethx

12-20-09, 09:33 PM

misenlai

12-20-09, 10:11 PM

Yea, I think I will go with the blueray reader u suggested instead. No need to burn blueray neways.

But on the PSU side, reason i choose the Enermax over the other one is that I heard Corsair is not as good as their competitors anymore. It used to be the king in 2007 and 2008, but today competitiors like Nexus 430 and that Enermax crush it in term of absolute silence/quiet. I also heard that their PSU choice of OEM source had largely shifted from Seasonic to CWT which is very very very bad with regards to acoustic performance. Performance and stability wise they are still good, but not as quiet as the others. According to silent pc review at least,
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1008-page6.html

I might do the 607 receiver instead; but seeing i'll be staying in this apartment for awhile; i'm not sure i will upgrade to the 7.1 speakers soon due to the noise level.

Also, I wish I could get a Samsung Spintpoint F3 1TB HD instead
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&cm_re=samsung_spintpoint_f3-_-22-152-185-_-Product
but they seem to be out of stock... those are faster, more quiet and even cheaper.

Anyways, if nothing else, I think i will place my order soon. Let me know if i'm missing anything or need to improve on something :).

Thanks

disb

12-20-09, 10:23 PM

renethx

12-20-09, 10:40 PM

blockofwood

12-21-09, 02:37 AM

I completely agree with you. The fans are noisy! And I spent 3 hours trying to get the eject button for my disc-drive to work. I never got it to work though and was not very happy. Nice to know that I am not the only person with this issue. I have to wait for Windows to load, and manually eject it in Windows explorer, or with the remote control. Other than that, nice solid case.

Good to know I'm not alone in my frustration. The BIOS in the motherboard I am using is not letting me adjust the case fan speeds. So before I replace the fans, (I am only using one of the fans) I just ordered two of these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118217). I hope they work.

nalooti

12-21-09, 09:04 AM

Hi renethx, all,

I finally built my HTPC:
Chenbro case, Intel DG45FC and E7500 core2duo CPU.

Althought they are not so noisy but the fans (CPU and the case) spins all the time. Didn't install speedfan yet to know how fast but I doubt it can detect the fan out of this MB (and don't know any intel utility to do it). I have to check the Bios.

But I have a question regarding the resolution that really is annoying.

I just don't understand how this board's resolutions are proposed and if whether they depends on the TV connected to it.

Is there any resolution negotiation between the TV and the MB ?

For now I'm connecting to my small LCD TV with its best resolution at 720p. Well, if I chose this resolution at 50 or 60 Hz, I can't see the borders of the windows desk. More, a message is telling me to increase the resolution to 1080p. Another message in the resolution setting menu tell me that anything under 768p may not show the entire screen (exactly my case).

The problem is that when setting the resolution to 1080p, although I can see the entire screen, the screen blinks too much and is kind of not stable. Actually, with 1080p I don't have the choice of 60Hz and the frequencies I can chose are 30 or 25 Hz.

I suppose that's the reason I have those blinks because the refresh rate is too low.

Why I don't have the choice of 50 or 60 Hz at 1080p ?

Is it because of the DG45FC or because of my TV with a max resolution of 720p ?

Is there any listing of all supported resolution with this DG45FC board ?

All I could find from Intel is that it support 1080p full HD.

I suppose my TV somehow downscale the 1080p output of the board to show it because it can only output 720p (?)

thanks for any suggestion
nalooti

renethx

12-21-09, 09:26 AM

@nalooti

The available resolutions depend on EDID of your display. Maybe this thread is helpful?: Custom Resolution Tool for Intel Graphics: Easier Overscan Correction (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=947830)

skeets

12-21-09, 10:45 AM

Anybody??? help please????

High Yield

12-21-09, 12:08 PM

aromato

12-21-09, 03:20 PM

This is an overwhelming thread. I need to go back to the beginning with a notepad and write everything down.

I am looking to build my first HTPC. The goal is pretty standard: stream HD Netflix, play BluRay DVDs, manage my digital media library, and output just 5.1 to an older Denon AVR. However, I eventually want to accomodate a Ceton 2 tuner card to act as a DVR. I like the mid-range ATX AMD-ATI but would prefer to spend less w/o limiting myself so a few questions.

• How important is he suggested PSU. This PC is intended to be a family room setup which is next to the kitchen and includes refrigerator and dish washer noises. The system will also sit behind a glass door audio rack underneath the TV and run 24/7. So I am concerned about cooling more than sound. I notice some HT cases come with the power supply built in. Is the Enermax a highly suggested upgrade because the stock PSUs are so loud it doesn't matter where I put it or can I consider the OEM 300W power supply as adequate?
• Will the Ceton Cards allow for the use of my cable providers PPV/VOD service? and will the Gigabyte 790xt support one of these highly anticipated Ceton cards if I have the ATI 4670 installed?
• I would like to add an RF capable remote for the through-wall benefits. How is an RF remote fitted into the build if most cases come IR ready only?
• I am keeping my old Denon AVR until it passes on. Down the road if I buy an HDMI capable AVR, and want to pass Dolby TrueHD should I opt for a TrueHD setup today or just wait until that day the Denon dies and upgrade then. It may never die.
• Lastly, excluding the Ceton card, are my demands so basic and standard that I should just look to one of those Dell Zino's

All the best to everyone who has contributd to this site. Amazing!:)

I can't help you with most of your questions, but I can definitively say that the Ceton tuner will NOT allow for On-Demand services. CableCARDs are currently a uni-directional technology. They can only decrypt the signal that is coming in. <tru2way> is (currently) the standard being explored as a possible solution for bidirectional communications. It is lagging behind the anticipated schedule though, so I can't say with any certainty when you might see <tru2way> devices, or any providers that adhere to the standard.

As for the size of the Ceton tuner itself, I'm not sure yet. The only things I have seen may be engineering boards (http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/11/ceton-is-set-to-take-over-the-cablecard-pc-tuner-market/). The ATI internal tuner 'fit' in a PCI slot, but didn't actually communicate over the PCI bus; it used an internal USB connection. As far as I know, the Ceton card uses a PCIe x1 slot. It looks like a relatively normal-sized card, so if you have enough room for an x1 with your GPU installed, you should be ok.

blockofwood

12-21-09, 04:18 PM

I picked up the Zalman HD503 and the LCD comes with iMON and iMEDIAN software. I believe this software runs the LCD and the IR for the remote.

This software is crashing more than I care to describe. I have also found that the LCD is really useless. It serves no real purpose.

So my question is;
I want to keep using my Harmony 880 remote. Can I just unplug the front LCD board, and delete the iMON crapware? Then buy one of these from newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121001&cm_re=ir_receiver_for_media_center-_-80-121-001-_-Product) and just use the IR receiver and not the remote it came with?

Will I be able to use the Harmony if I choose not to use WMC and use XBMC?

aromato

12-21-09, 04:55 PM

crazyfool1

12-21-09, 05:03 PM

Has anyone ever used a utility, or know of one, that will compare two video sources side-by-side? I just ripped Casino Royale using AnyDVD and then made a second copy using DVDShrink. I'd like to play them side-by-side to see if there's any appreciable difference, since DVDShrink's version is about half the size.
Been looking for one myself for a while. Just came across an avs script on the vlc forums, works perfect.

v1=DirectShowSource("C:\Videos\Video1.avi").Crop(0,0,-360,-0)
v2=DirectShowSource("C:\Videos\Video2.avi").Crop(360,0,-0,-0)
StackHorizontal(v1,v2)
Side by side comparison, I just opened the script in media player and it works fine.

windborn

12-21-09, 05:10 PM

Hello all,

I'm new to the group and home theater, and would like some advice. I'm working on a pretty tight budget, but I do want to end up with something that will work.

I have an HP CAD workstation that I'd like to use for a home theater system. It has XP Pro (SP3-32 bit), an E8500 core 2 duo 3.16 GHz processor, 4GB system ram, about 600GB of disc space, DVD/CD multi drive, DVD/CD RW drive, Nvidia Quadro FX 570 w/256Mb video card, and an Acer 24" 1080p HD monitor.

I wish to pull in OTA HD signals, perhaps non-encoded cable signals, and have the ability to either store HD videos on a drive or record them to DVD. I don't think I care about receiving analog signals (any good reason to?). Being able to pull in FM radio might be nice.

I'm leaning towards buying an OnAir USB HDTV GT tuner, and I plan to use the existing montor until I can find a good deal on a larger flat screen. I suspect that I may need to upgrade the video card. Probably need a sound card as well.

The workstation does not have Windows Media Center, and I'm not crazy about upgrading to VISTA, Windows 7, or trying to install WMC. I figure I'll use some alternative media recording / processing software, although I'm not sure which one.

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help, and have a great day!

Windborn

aromato

12-21-09, 05:21 PM

Been looking for one myself for a while. Just came across an avs script on the vlc forums, works perfect.

v1=DirectShowSource("C:\Videos\Video1.avi").Crop(0,0,-360,-0)
v2=DirectShowSource("C:\Videos\Video2.avi").Crop(360,0,-0,-0)
StackHorizontal(v1,v2)
Side by side comparison, I just opened the script in media player and it works fine.

Thanks! I'm assuming looking at the geometry here that it plays both files fully? That is, it doesn't play one image where half the picture is one file and half is the other? I imagine messing with the Crop values could make that happen.

renethx

12-21-09, 08:10 PM

This is an overwhelming thread. I need to go back to the beginning with a notepad and write everything down.

I am looking to build my first HTPC. The goal is pretty standard: stream HD Netflix, play BluRay DVDs, manage my digital media library, and output just 5.1 to an older Denon AVR. However, I eventually want to accomodate a Ceton 2 tuner card to act as a DVR. I like the mid-range ATX AMD-ATI but would prefer to spend less w/o limiting myself so a few questions.

• How important is he suggested PSU. This PC is intended to be a family room setup which is next to the kitchen and includes refrigerator and dish washer noises. The system will also sit behind a glass door audio rack underneath the TV and run 24/7. So I am concerned about cooling more than sound. I notice some HT cases come with the power supply built in. Is the Enermax a highly suggested upgrade because the stock PSUs are so loud it doesn't matter where I put it or can I consider the OEM 300W power supply as adequate?
• Will the Ceton Cards allow for the use of my cable providers PPV/VOD service? and will the Gigabyte 790xt support one of these highly anticipated Ceton cards if I have the ATI 4670 installed?
• I would like to add an RF capable remote for the through-wall benefits. How is an RF remote fitted into the build if most cases come IR ready only?
• I am keeping my old Denon AVR until it passes on. Down the road if I buy an HDMI capable AVR, and want to pass Dolby TrueHD should I opt for a TrueHD setup today or just wait until that day the Denon dies and upgrade then. It may never die.
• Lastly, excluding the Ceton card, are my demands so basic and standard that I should just look to one of those Dell Zino's
- Two important factors in choosing a PSU is noise (obviously) and efficiency (less power consumption, resulting in lower noise). But it looks like these are not important in your environment. Perhaps a cheaper OEM PSU is enough.
- Attach a RF receiver to HTPC and your are done.
- Buy a new AVR or not depends on your budget. By the time your old Denon AVR dies, perhaps HD audio bitstreaming will be more common and cheap.

MikeZ06

12-21-09, 10:11 PM

Renethx,

I was planning on using your AMD/AMD midrange build but I would like to use a 5000 series ati card to get the HD audio. Which 5000 would you recommend over the 4670? Thank you

CPU: Athlon II X4 630 ADX630WFGIBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $122.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $32.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $89.
Memory: A-DATA HY63I1B16K DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB Kit, $88.
Graphics Card (ATI): SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 DDR3 1GB, $70.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GT-220X-ZNF2 GeForce GT 220 DDR2 1GB, $70.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $60.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $65.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
Total Cost: $664 for ATI, $664 for NVIDIA

Or do you recommend I wait for the ATI 5670 to come out in Q1 2010??

renethx

12-22-09, 12:00 AM

@MikeZ06

It depends on your budget. HD 5670 is enough for HTPC, < $100, available in January 2010 (hopefully). Or you can buy HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750, $145 now.

Rocka2

12-22-09, 01:04 AM

Renethx,
Memory: A-DATA HY63I1B16K DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB Kit, $88.

Dear Mr. Renethx,
I know this memory is in your latest recommendations and it would be great for my motherbord. I have been studying it for quite some time and had decided on it. It is an excellent find on your part and would never have known of it if not for this helpful guide. There are many variables I do not fully understand about, but I know manufacturers have compatability lists. I am having difficulty deciding. I have been seriously looking at A-DATA HY63I1B16K DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB Kit from the recommendations for several weeks and have been unable to find it available anywhere for purchase. I have not contacted the manufacturer, but I would have to conclude it is not readily available. Therefore I do not know how anyone including myself is going to be able to use it. Am I wrong or has anyone else called this to your attention? My motherboard is Asus P7P55 WS SuperComputer chosen from your recomendation. This memory would be great for this motherboard. I plan on using more than 4gigs. The manual for this motherboard says[Due to Intel spec definition, X.M.P. DIMMs and DDR3-1600 are supported for one DIMM per channel only.] whatever that means. I guess it to mean that if you use DDR3-1600 it is single channel instead of dual channel and therefore I would want to use DDR3-1333 so I will not lose any advantages of dual channel, but I do not know. Please tell me. Since I do not know everything about memory and am still learning, do you know of any other DDR3-1333 that you have found that you would recommend? Thanks you for your advice.

crazyfool1

12-22-09, 05:27 AM

Thanks! I'm assuming looking at the geometry here that it plays both files fully? That is, it doesn't play one image where half the picture is one file and half is the other? I imagine messing with the Crop values could make that happen.
Actually it plays half and half, but I'm sure playing with the crop values should allow you to play both fully

renethx

12-22-09, 08:19 AM

Dear Mr. Renethx,
I know this memory is in your latest recommendations and it would be great for my motherbord. I have been studying it for quite some time and had decided on it. It is an excellent find on your part and would never have known of it if not for this helpful guide. There are many variables I do not fully understand about, but I know manufacturers have compatability lists. I am having difficulty deciding. I have been seriously looking at A-DATA HY63I1B16K DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB Kit from the recommendations for several weeks and have been unable to find it available anywhere for purchase. I have not contacted the manufacturer, but I would have to conclude it is not readily available. Therefore I do not know how anyone including myself is going to be able to use it. Am I wrong or has anyone else called this to your attention? My motherboard is Asus P7P55 WS SuperComputer chosen from your recomendation. This memory would be great for this motherboard. I plan on using more than 4gigs. The manual for this motherboard says[Due to Intel spec definition, X.M.P. DIMMs and DDR3-1600 are supported for one DIMM per channel only.] whatever that means. I guess it to mean that if you use DDR3-1600 it is single channel instead of dual channel and therefore I would want to use DDR3-1333 so I will not lose any advantages of dual channel, but I do not know. Please tell me. Since I do not know everything about memory and am still learning, do you know of any other DDR3-1333 that you have found that you would recommend? Thanks you for your advice.
Choose either G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ or G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ. The price difference at Newegg is only $3. DDR3-1600 works fine at DDR3-1333/1066. I will update my list shortly.