I know that this can be easily done by some people with more experience with HTPC building.
I have a media server that I am currently ripping my blu-ray collection to in uncompressed MKV files (full 1080p video and HD audio). It also will house a number of cd rips, but that is so minor. The server specs are here:
NickBuol's Media Server
I am cruising along on my rips, and want to start planning for the HTPC. Here is the scoop.
I again need full HD audio and video output. I will NOT be recording TV, watching home videos, or looking at photos. I really just will be outputting full HD Audio/Video.
I doubt that I will do any bit of gaming on it, but maybe an "upgrade option" list in case I do. I really doubt it though as I thought I would hook my xbox360 up, but never have.
I REALLY like the following case that came out at CEDIA:
SilverStone ML05B
I like the slot drive look for being able to just put in a movie rental if need be to completely eliminate the stand alone blu-ray player in the theater. I like slot load because it just looks cleaner than a drive that is black with white lettering stamped on it and such. The slot load just looks more professional to me and less "I built this myself" if you know what I mean. I am planning on a Panasonic UJ-265 slot load blu-ray drive.
I think that a single 120GB or 240GB SSD will be more than enough for my current or future needs, and will help with boot speed and size.
So that case has some limitations. Size, uses a mini-ITX motherboard, and SFX power supply.
I have a Harmony One remote that I would like to be able to program to use with this, so an IR sensor needs to be factored in as well. I will price up a wireless keyboard/touchpad combo separately.
Please help. I feel like I went a little crazy on power/performance for the server, and I don't want to go too far nuts on the HTPC.
Thanks!
I have a media server that I am currently ripping my blu-ray collection to in uncompressed MKV files (full 1080p video and HD audio). It also will house a number of cd rips, but that is so minor. The server specs are here:
NickBuol's Media Server
I am cruising along on my rips, and want to start planning for the HTPC. Here is the scoop.
I again need full HD audio and video output. I will NOT be recording TV, watching home videos, or looking at photos. I really just will be outputting full HD Audio/Video.
I doubt that I will do any bit of gaming on it, but maybe an "upgrade option" list in case I do. I really doubt it though as I thought I would hook my xbox360 up, but never have.
I REALLY like the following case that came out at CEDIA:
SilverStone ML05B
I like the slot drive look for being able to just put in a movie rental if need be to completely eliminate the stand alone blu-ray player in the theater. I like slot load because it just looks cleaner than a drive that is black with white lettering stamped on it and such. The slot load just looks more professional to me and less "I built this myself" if you know what I mean. I am planning on a Panasonic UJ-265 slot load blu-ray drive.
I think that a single 120GB or 240GB SSD will be more than enough for my current or future needs, and will help with boot speed and size.
So that case has some limitations. Size, uses a mini-ITX motherboard, and SFX power supply.
I have a Harmony One remote that I would like to be able to program to use with this, so an IR sensor needs to be factored in as well. I will price up a wireless keyboard/touchpad combo separately.
Please help. I feel like I went a little crazy on power/performance for the server, and I don't want to go too far nuts on the HTPC.
Thanks!