Looking for very compact BR HTPC

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post #1 of 6

7/29/08 at 1:38pm

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24 Posts. Joined 7/2005
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Hello, I am currently have my own "creation" HTPC, which I build 2 years ago. It is a bit big profile case for my likeness and not very quite either, so I want to get the new HTPC. However, this time I don't want to go through all the problems of building my own HTPC I've had enough problems with different components not being compliant with each other. Hence, I was wondering if anyone knows a good small, quite, powerful enough and relatively inexpensive HTPC that can be purchased outright and have BlueRay in it?
One of the possibilities I am looking at is the HP Slimline. Any other well build systems on the market?

Thanks.

post #2 of 6

7/29/08 at 2:04pm

7 Posts. Joined 5/2007
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How about the Dell Studio Hybrid with a Blu-Ray add-on?

post #3 of 6

7/29/08 at 2:08pm

706 Posts. Joined 7/2000
Location: Milpitas, CA, US
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Quote:

Originally Posted by no-control

How about the Dell Studio Hybrid with a Blu-Ray add-on?

No Blu-Ray til this fall for the Hybrid.

The HP slimline, however, does offer a blu-ray drive option. However, it's quite a bit bigger than the Hybrid or Mac Mini. I have one, and I love it, but it can be a little smaller. The upside, however, was I was able to add in a discrete video card and a tuner.

post #4 of 6

7/29/08 at 2:18pm

113 Posts. Joined 11/2007
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funny
i was just at Dell's site looking at the Studio Hybrid.

The Slot load Blu Ray drive is a $250.00 option.

Right there on the web page.

in fact I'm thinking about ordering one just to test it out as a media pc.

post #5 of 6

7/29/08 at 2:35pm

706 Posts. Joined 7/2000
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Quote:

Originally Posted by R1Budha

My bad! I was apparently blind this morning and confirmed that blindness with some faulty reviews. Indeed there is a BR option!

One caveat though...the built in graphics may not support any hardware acceleration for H.264 encoded discs...so make sure you get a powerful enough processor.

post #6 of 6

7/29/08 at 2:54pm

113 Posts. Joined 11/2007
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yeah thats my issue too.

but im looking for family that wwhile they have a nice HDTV could really care less about Hi-def content, but moreso want an easy way to watch the 500 + DVD's they own without multiple changers or the like.

I've already go them setup on a server with storage to spare for movie rips, and they can manage the self mounting of ISO images via a wireless laptop hooked up to the tv via headphone and s-video.

something like this would make a nice small form, easy to use with a remote front end with something like MyMovies.

im about 80% on ordering one.

I wonder if i can get the company to buy it as a "test" device.