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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 378

post #11311 of 15486
2/28/12 at 8:35am
Shellshocker deal today as well on a SAPPHIRE 100322L Radeon HD 6450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - listed at $34.99 with MIR already - not sure what the price will be but it is for 10am (PST).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102933
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post #11312 of 15486
2/28/12 at 8:56am
These may be a little naive, but, the way I back up now is inefficient (a cross between the way it was done 20 years ago and the seamless backups that happen at work... something goes wrong it is easily corrected, frequently by other people).

Best times to back up
1. I didn't back up my drive after the clean install. I've since added a little software, nothing major. But, I didn't install LAV as an admin (per se, the user is an admin). Should I have backed up after the clean install (why not revert to disk?) How frequently do make images/overwrite the previous?

I haven't installed the new Crucial firmware, but after reading the disclosure I almost want to wait as it sounds like there will be a better one coming out soon... this current one has some quirks.
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post #11313 of 15486
2/28/12 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cburbs View Post


It would be nice - with my Tivo there was a program that I could setup that did all the following for me. Pull the show off my tivo/encode it to mpg/cut out the commercials/convert it if I wanted to/move it to my networked folder. If I could do this with MCEBuddy that would be great.

MCEBuddy does all of that. It is still a work in progress, though. I am having a few issues with audio not syncing up after commercials get cut out.
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post #11314 of 15486
2/28/12 at 10:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattiedread View Post

These may be a little naive, but, the way I back up now is inefficient (a cross between the way it was done 20 years ago and the seamless backups that happen at work... something goes wrong it is easily corrected, frequently by other people).

Best times to back up
1. I didn't back up my drive after the clean install. I've since added a little software, nothing major. But, I didn't install LAV as an admin (per se, the user is an admin). Should I have backed up after the clean install (why not revert to disk?) How frequently do make images/overwrite the previous?

I haven't installed the new Crucial firmware, but after reading the disclosure I almost want to wait as it sounds like there will be a better one coming out soon... this current one has some quirks.

If you had to choose just a single time to backup the best time would be when you have everything setup exactly how you want it and everything is working the way you want it.

I would update your Crucial now. You can always re-update it when the newer firmware is out. I haven't noticed any issues with the current firmware.
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post #11315 of 15486
2/28/12 at 10:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

If you had to choose just a single time to backup the best time would be when you have everything setup exactly how you want it and everything is working the way you want it.

I would update your Crucial now. You can always re-update it when the newer firmware is out. I haven't noticed any issues with the current firmware.

Well, I won't be backing up only once. I'm curious as to how frequently, or, more importantly what events trigger a back up? My system is currently pretty clean, Guides 1 - 4 executed, forgot 'as administrator' on LAV and perhaps MB. So, not a bad time to image the ssd. If that isn't a great restore point, then the original OS disk should be. Next week after I'm through guides say 6-9, 11, 42 and 61 I might decide that's time to take a second image... two weeks later... overwrite image 1 with image 3.... so I always have the last two, perhaps a third if a major install is coming.

I couldn't back up the Crucial with that .iso file (or, at least I don't know how) without a disk drive... the file attempts to write an image out to a disk.
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post #11316 of 15486
2/28/12 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kmind View Post

Looks very nice. What theme is that?

its NEO. Has a few quirks but overall its a impressive theme.
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post #11317 of 15486
2/28/12 at 10:50am
What benefits will I see from using this video card over using the i3-2100 integrated hd graphics?
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post #11318 of 15486
2/28/12 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

If you had to choose just a single time to backup the best time would be when you have everything setup exactly how you want it and everything is working the way you want it.

Having just gone through the very unpleasant experience of several useless Windows backups, I'd like to know what others are using and how successful they've been.
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post #11319 of 15486
2/28/12 at 11:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastButNotLeast View Post

Having just gone through the very unpleasant experience of several useless Windows backups, I'd like to know what others are using and how successful they've been.

Yeah, that is kinda what I'm getting at. Sure I can make a disk image, or, a restore point, but is there a preferred method? For instance, recently there was a number of posts about removing Shark007 and replacing with LAV resulting in a beat up registry... so much so that the solution might well be wipe the c: drive (ssd OS) and reload OS from OEM disk. OK, but, a pita considering once again I'd find myself on page 1 .

I chose to use the back up in the control panel to burn a disk image onto a usb drive in anticipation of flashing the ssd. If all hell breaks lose, I could always restore from image.

I too am curious how, and what events trigger (or people think should trigger in the case of HTPC perpetual tweaking).
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post #11320 of 15486
2/28/12 at 11:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cburbs View Post

Shellshocker deal today as well on a SAPPHIRE 100322L Radeon HD 6450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - listed at $34.99 with MIR already - not sure what the price will be but it is for 10am (PST).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102933

Does that card do MadVR and CUVID?
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post #11321 of 15486
2/28/12 at 11:41am
Assassin:

Paid Guide #46 lists a way to get Handbrake to pass through HD audio tracks.

I tried the link to the nightly build - but it asks for a password and user name?

Is there another link?
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post #11322 of 15486
2/28/12 at 12:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DHF View Post

Assassin:

Paid Guide #46 lists a way to get Handbrake to pass through HD audio tracks.

I tried the link to the nightly build - but it asks for a password and user name?

Is there another link?

Looks like they are down until further notice...

https://forum.handbrake.fr/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15901

Edit: Luckily I still have the version I downloaded. I will post it on my server with a link until the nightlies are back online.
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post #11323 of 15486
2/28/12 at 12:42pm
Here's the build I'm considering:

CASE: Silverstone ML03B $69.99
PSU: Silverstone Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W Modular $79.99
CPU: Intel i3-2105 $134.99
MB: ASRock Z68 Pro3-M $109.99
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 $46.99
BD: Lite-On Blu-Ray Burner iHBS112-04 $79.99

Stuff I already have:
OS: Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
HD: WD 1TB WD10EADS

Is there a better BD drive to consider? It has to be right around 170mm to fit with the 140mm PSU.

If I'm interested in gaming, is there a good graphics card to add to the mix?

Recommendations of a good wireless keyboard/mouse combo?

And I have a URC MX-600 remote control. What's the best way to integrate a remote sensor into the system?

Okay and here's the last question, I promise. I'm new to SSDs, never used them before, and understand the speed increase is pretty great. What's the minimum size I need to get the OS up and running and for that size what's the best budget one out there?

PS: I've subscribed to the guides, so once I get all the right parts, I'm ready to dive into those.

Thanks!
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post #11324 of 15486
2/28/12 at 12:48pm
Do you need a burner? A lot of people (including me) don't have an OD in their HTPC at all.

I like my Rii 7 keyboard/pad.

It really depends on which SSD you get. Mine doesn't really improve boot time so much but makes everything much more snappy in WMC.
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post #11325 of 15486
2/28/12 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlwizard View Post

Here's the build I'm considering:

CASE: Silverstone ML03B $69.99
PSU: Silverstone Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W Modular $79.99
CPU: Intel i3-2105 $134.99
MB: ASRock Z68 Pro3-M $109.99
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 $46.99
BD: Lite-On Blu-Ray Burner iHBS112-04 $79.99

Stuff I already have:
OS: Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
HD: WD 1TB WD10EADS

Is there a better BD drive to consider? It has to be right around 170mm to fit with the 140mm PSU.

If I'm interested in gaming, is there a good graphics card to add to the mix?

Recommendations of a good wireless keyboard/mouse combo?

And I have a URC MX-600 remote control. What's the best way to integrate a remote sensor into the system?

Okay and here's the last question, I promise. I'm new to SSDs, never used them before, and understand the speed increase is pretty great. What's the minimum size I need to get the OS up and running and for that size what's the best budget one out there?

PS: I've subscribed to the guides, so once I get all the right parts, I'm ready to dive into those.

Thanks!

Same build as I just did. Others might want to check in, but I don't think the Blu-Ray drive will fit with the modular power supply. At least it won't in mine. I found these very helpful with my build.
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Locki.../dp/B00552PGUM
I bought a dozen and glad I did.
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post #11326 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2 View Post

Do you need a burner? A lot of people (including me) don't have an OD in their HTPC at all.

I like my Rii 7 keyboard/pad.

It really depends on which SSD you get. Mine doesn't really improve boot time so much but makes everything much more snappy in WMC.

I guess I theoretically don't need an OD, but I'm trying to move my collection of 1500 DVDs onto my remote server and having a drive will make it a lot easier for me.

Do you just use the Rii for WMC stuff? Or does it also work well for internet browsing and the whatnot?
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post #11327 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducati 1098 View Post

Same build as I just did. Others might want to check in, but I don't think the Blu-Ray drive will fit with the modular power supply. At least it won't in mine. I found these very helpful with my build.
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Locki.../dp/B00552PGUM
I bought a dozen and glad I did.

You tried to install that drive and it wouldn't fit? Which power supply were you using?
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post #11328 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:07pm
Thread Starter 
New Guide #55 (83rd guide in total) added today with help of cburbs:

Guide 55: MC-TVConverter for Recordings

Helps convert your files to another file type, remove commercials automatically and even updates your itunes directory.
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post #11329 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlwizard View Post

I guess I theoretically don't need an OD, but I'm trying to move my collection of 1500 DVDs onto my remote server and having a drive will make it a lot easier for me.

Do you just use the Rii for WMC stuff? Or does it also work well for internet browsing and the whatnot?

I have a Blu-ray reader in my PC, not my HTPC because it is just easier in the office than in the living room.

The Rii works for both just as well. It is a bit like the slide-out keyboard on my phone so it is intuitive. The N7, I believe it is, has F1 to F12 keys and a directional controller as well as the explore button. It is quite good; I usually remote in using RDP but some settings can only be made on the HTPC in place in the HT, like Audio and Video settings and it gets the job done.
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post #11330 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:16pm
Thread Starter 
I was curious so I just looked this up.

The average novel is 40,000 words according to wikipedia (link)

Classification Word count
Novel over 40,000 words
Novella 17,500 to 40,000 words
Novelette 7,500 to 17,500 words
Short story under 7,500 words

My blog guides are now at over 50,000 words.

I have literally written a HTPC Novel.
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post #11331 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

I was curious so I just looked this up.

The average novel is 40,000 words according to wikipedia (link)

Classification Word count
Novel over 40,000 words
Novella 17,500 to 40,000 words
Novelette 7,500 to 17,500 words
Short story under 7,500 words

My blog guides are now at over 50,000 words.

I have literally written a HTPC Novel.

Good one!!! And it is illustrated so it is much easier to understand!!
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post #11332 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cburbs View Post

Shellshocker deal today as well on a SAPPHIRE 100322L Radeon HD 6450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - listed at $34.99 with MIR already - not sure what the price will be but it is for 10am (PST).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102933

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2 View Post

Does that card do MadVR and CUVID?

Does anybody know?

In case anybody cares, both of these (HTPC kit for $290 AR and video card for $25 AR) are still live but that could change at any time.
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post #11333 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:35pm
I just started ripping my dvds and blu rays to mkv with makemkv. My son has multiple dvds that have menus to choose different episodes (i.e. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Thomas and Friends...). If I rip only the episodes then they just role from one into the other. Do I just find the right track in Makemkv to utilize the menu? Does that even work to select episodes? Does anyone out there have a similar set up?
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post #11334 of 15486
2/28/12 at 1:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pjohns View Post

I just started ripping my dvds and blu rays to mkv with makemkv. My son has multiple dvds that have menus to choose different episodes (i.e. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Thomas and Friends...). If I rip only the episodes then they just role from one into the other. Do I just find the right track in Makemkv to utilize the menu? Does that even work to select episodes? Does anyone out there have a similar set up?

Mkv won't save our use the menu. For 99% of my movies this is preferred.
Treadle a look at iso for those movies as it will save the menus and all chapters.
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post #11335 of 15486
2/28/12 at 2:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2 View Post

Does anybody know?

In case anybody cares, both of these (HTPC kit for $290 AR and video card for $25 AR) are still live but that could change at any time.

I think its a little underpowered but ask in the mpchc sticky as they all use madvr much more frequently than I do.
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post #11336 of 15486
2/28/12 at 2:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Mkv won't save our use the menu. For 99% of my movies this is preferred.
Treadle a look at iso for those movies as it will save the menus and all chapters.

Using autocorrect from a phone or something??
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post #11337 of 15486
2/28/12 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducati 1098 View Post

Same build as I just did. Others might want to check in, but I don't think the Blu-Ray drive will fit with the modular power supply. At least it won't in mine. I found these very helpful with my build.
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Locki.../dp/B00552PGUM
I bought a dozen and glad I did.

Reading some reviews on Newegg, there was a guy on there who installed the blu-ray drive with the Silverstone ST50F-ES PSU which has the same physical dimensions (according to Newegg) as the modular one I was looking at. I don't know if you saw my above question or not, but did you physically try and install both the Lite-on drive and the modular PSU?
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post #11338 of 15486
2/28/12 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2 View Post

Good one!!! And it is illustrated so it is much easier to understand!!

And hyper linked to the download sites, which is worth 9.95 right there!

It is a love story, so I'm thinking Harlequin.

Might need a new pseudonym...
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post #11339 of 15486
2/28/12 at 2:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

I think its a little underpowered but ask in the mpchc sticky as they all use madvr much more frequently than I do.

I'm not going to get it because I'm happy with the intel GPU but the shell shocker computer kit today has a a MoBo that doesn't have HDMI so I'm just bringing it up for anybody that might want to get it combined with this card. Otherwise a GT-430 would be favored.
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post #11340 of 15486
2/28/12 at 2:05pm
For those of you without an OD, how do you get/use disk images? What software (preferably free) is out there? My OD just arrived, and I want to flash my Crucial SSD with the firmware fix, so, I was going to burn to disk... however, it being the new millennium and all I thought there has to be a better way.
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