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HTPC advice needed

post #1 of 12
1/5/10 at 9:42am
Thread Starter 
I'll try to provide as much info as possible the first time so I can get the best answer up front, and not waste anyone's time.

I have a home built server running WHS, plugged into a Gigabit LAN that is wired throughout my home. I'm looking to build (or buy) a box that I can place in my living room (only location needed) to do the following:

-Stream DivX and 1080P mkv's from my WHS box
-Stream shows from the web (Networks: Bravo, ABC Family, MTV, Food Network, ABC, NBC, CBS are essentials)
-Stream Netflix and Hulu
-Play blu-ray (not essential, but would be nice)
-Would connect via ethernet to my Gigabit LAN

I will connect the living room box to my Samsung 1080P LCD TV, as well as my AV receiver. The AV receiver can accept audio and video over HDMI, and pass through the signal to the TV. Size should be relatively small. Not looking to build a tower, I want it to fit in my entertainment center with my other components. Mini ITX or Micro ATX a plus.

I am looking for advice on hardware. Would a Zotac ION board cut it? If not, what CPU/GPU combo would work best? New Dell Zino? Mac Mini? What about OTA for my local CBS, ABC, and NBC channels? I don't have an antenna, but am not opposed to setting one up if it makes sense.

Also, looking for advice on software. XBMC? Boxee? Am not opposed to running in Linux for hardware acceleration of HD content via VDPAU.

Budget around $500 or so, but somewhat flexible. Looking to ditch satellite and save money, so I figure I'll make up that $500 within 6 months.

Thank you for any advice you can give!
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post #2 of 12
1/5/10 at 2:50pm
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bump
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post #3 of 12
1/5/10 at 3:24pm
You seem up to speed with a lot of the key words so far.

Buy: Acer Revo would be one idea. Although you'd have to have an external player for Blu-Ray playback, or rip your Blu-Rays with another PC and stream to the Revo.

Build: I like my build I just pulled the trigger on http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1211812 :shrug:

Antenna: $5 DIY FTW! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1200448

Software: That is my next hurdle to leap once all my hardware arrives in the mail.
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post #4 of 12
1/5/10 at 3:36pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks, I appreciate the info. On the antenna...nice idea and cost efficient, but my wife will throw a hissy fit if I set that thing up in my living room. Not to mention my kids will probably impale themselves or pierce something that shouldn't be pierced

Is getting OTA HD channels something that can be achieved by an antenna inside the house, or will I need to mount it on my roof? Is it even necessary, or can I stream from network websites? Don't necessarily need to have live broadcasts...I can handle waiting a day or two if it's free.
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post #5 of 12
1/5/10 at 5:20pm
Stuff the antenna behind your entertainment center, run a coax line to your attic? I ran a coax to my attic and it works great

OTA HD can definitely be pulled indoor, depending of course on multiple variables. Input your address here to get an idea of what you may need and where to aim: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

And to get a list of channels in an easier to ready format, I use http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun...014#sidebyside (of course mess w/ the url for your zip code)

You might be able to get Clear QAM (unencrypted) HD channels from your cable provider already.

However, I like OTA as there is less chance for compression artifacts. I haven't messed around much with streaming from websites just yet so I can't comment on that. I'm assuming it'll be compressed way to much though
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post #6 of 12
1/5/10 at 6:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike 01hawk View Post

Stuff the antenna behind your entertainment center, run a coax line to your attic? I ran a coax to my attic and it works great

OTA HD can definitely be pulled indoor, depending of course on multiple variables. Input your address here to get an idea of what you may need and where to aim: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

And to get a list of channels in an easier to ready format, I use http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun...014#sidebyside (of course mess w/ the url for your zip code)

You might be able to get Clear QAM (unencrypted) HD channels from your cable provider already.

However, I like OTA as there is less chance for compression artifacts. I haven't messed around much with streaming from websites just yet so I can't comment on that. I'm assuming it'll be compressed way to much though

HD streaming from the websites is hit or miss as they all use different players. i personally like abc's the best. as it downgrades quality on the fly to decrease stuttering is the bandwidth drops as opposed to the pausing and re buffering that cbs does.
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post #7 of 12
1/6/10 at 8:13am
Thread Starter 
What about using an interface like XBMC to stream video? Are plugins available for most network websites? I'm trying to ditch satellite/cable, so I'm trying to see if this is viable or not.
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post #8 of 12
1/6/10 at 9:48am
I ditched cable a year ago. I only watch the local network shows, thats all i ever watched, which is why i got rid of it, since i can get the local free in HD, why should i pay Comcast $100 a month to get a bunch of unwanted channels and dvr service.

I can get all that free now with 7CE.

there is pretty cool add-on for firefox called webtaps that will allow you to browse the net with a remote (i haven't got the remote to work yet though) it also has preset links to the major network sites an does a nice job of it. I still find it easier to just grab the keyboard and mouse and go right to the site and watch a show i want, however.

there also used to be a MCE addon called second run tv that was working pretty well until the developer quit the program.

the hulu desktop works really well,

you can buys shows from itunes and amazon or rent them from netflix.

and you also have .... hush, hush... the ability to download tv shows from torent sites...

in short, you have tons of options if you want to get rid of cable. Its not perfect yet, but its getting better by the day.
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post #9 of 12
1/6/10 at 12:05pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you! What is 7CE?

I know my locals I can probably get without much fuss, but it's all the other channels that my wife loves to watch that I'm most worried about. Anyone else who can chime in on experiences in getting other channels? We only watch about 10 channels max, so the other 200 we're getting are pretty worthless.
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post #10 of 12
1/6/10 at 12:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sidenine View Post

Thank you! What is 7CE?

I know my locals I can probably get without much fuss, but it's all the other channels that my wife loves to watch that I'm most worried about. Anyone else who can chime in on experiences in getting other channels? We only watch about 10 channels max, so the other 200 we're getting are pretty worthless.

sorry, 7mc (windows 7 media center)

what channels do you watch?
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post #11 of 12
1/6/10 at 1:19pm
Thread Starter 
All up in the first post but...Bravo, ABC Family, MTV, Food Network, and the local networks (ABC, etc)
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post #12 of 12
1/7/10 at 6:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sidenine View Post

All up in the first post but...Bravo, ABC Family, MTV, Food Network, and the local networks (ABC, etc)

check out fancast...

http://www.fancast.com/full_episodes
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