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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 509

post #15241 of 15486
2/2/13 at 7:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HunterX82 View Post

Well thanks--I don't see a "contact" on your website otherwise I would use that, sorry!

Do you know why I would blue screen when I change my SATA mode to AHCI? Unless I keep it as IDE, I bluescreen. All of the other optiosn in your bios guide work just fine.

My HDD is SATA, this motherboard doesn't even have IDE connections.

You need to install it while in AHCI mode. The guides are meant to be followed in order.

There are registry hacks to change this after installation but I take no responsibility if it causes an error to your system.

BTW my e-mail is on the front page of the blog site. Always has been.
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post #15242 of 15486
2/2/13 at 7:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WaterBoyz View Post

Do I need to install the LAV splitter stuff if I'm only using the TV's speakers? The best I have is a old 2:1 system that I've been plugging into the headphone jack in the back of the TV. But had a problem one day and unplugged them. So, anyway, I'm guessing NO to my question.

If you want to play MKV or other formats not played natively by WMC the answer is yes.
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post #15243 of 15486
2/3/13 at 12:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Spent some time this week and had a few hours tonight to update the XBMC Guides.

Happy to announce that I have completed and redone the XBMC installation and setup guides using Frodo.

Enjoy.

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=225#guide1

Cool, the three "alternate" bitstreaming hd audio options are still fairly prominent even with the note of 99% of users. You might be heavily assuming people READ smile.gif Most just look at pictures tongue.gif , maybe keeping things like that around for reference could be moved to a "reference" tab. I agree with your wording, just suggesting that the format is a little off, and the "Skip to Setup" link is not prominent enough to keep a first timer from entering those "reference" sections

Also, I see the remote app sections are Constellation, Commander, and the Official XBMC Remote for Android. For Android, you really should try out Yatse, it's closest comparison would be to Constellation. Compared to the official remote by TeamXBMC, it's quicker to sync banners/thumbnails for your collections. It also pauses playback and displays on screen notifications for calls, sms, email (at your preference of course)
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post #15244 of 15486
2/3/13 at 1:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark_Slayer View Post

Cool, the three "alternate" bitstreaming hd audio options are still fairly prominent even with the note of 99% of users. You might be heavily assuming people READ smile.gif Most just look at pictures tongue.gif , maybe keeping things like that around for reference could be moved to a "reference" tab. I agree with your wording, just suggesting that the format is a little off, and the "Skip to Setup" link is not prominent enough to keep a first timer from entering those "reference" sections

Also, I see the remote app sections are Constellation, Commander, and the Official XBMC Remote for Android. For Android, you really should try out Yatse, it's closest comparison would be to Constellation. Compared to the official remote by TeamXBMC, it's quicker to sync banners/thumbnails for your collections. It also pauses playback and displays on screen notifications for calls, sms, email (at your preference of course)

Agree with you 110%.

I have moved the other 3 options to the advanced section as I agree it was confusing. There was a time when they were needed but with Frodo they can be moved to the "advanced" or "For Tinkerers" section of my guides.

There are also a ton more new Frodo updates in my guides. I have been working on them most of this weekend.

I have a list of things I want to try and guides I want to write. The Yatse app has been at or near the top for a few weeks now when I have the time.
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post #15245 of 15486
2/3/13 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 
Yatse guide is done.

Enjoy.

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=257#guide31
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post #15246 of 15486
2/3/13 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

If you want to play MKV or other formats not played natively by WMC the answer is yes.
I guess I will be doing the LAV install.

Better safe than sorry.
Especially when Assassin is involved.
I don't want a "I.told.ya.so" from him.
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post #15247 of 15486
2/4/13 at 6:03am
Question on the DTS-HD and TrueHD tests.

Both videos show a model airplane buzzing about the back half of the speaker set up and of course the sound coming out of the speakers as it is over them.

It doesn't seem that the airplane goes over the front or middle speakers. Is that right? I certainly heard no sound out of them.

Just want to make sure I haven't set something up wrong.

Also, if I am using TMT5 (via MB) for blu-ray rips (intact, not ripped to MKVs), do the LAV filters do anything to those files? Or is there some other way I need to set up bit streaming to my AVR through TMT5?
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post #15248 of 15486
2/4/13 at 6:33am
Assassin:

I was reading your server guide (very informative, by the way) and I wanted to go for either a Fractal Design Define XL or a Fractal Design Define R3, due to the expansion capability they offer. But I can't find any of these cases here, in my country, so could you suggest some cases similar to them in storage space?


Best regards.
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post #15249 of 15486
2/4/13 at 8:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfury View Post

Assassin:

I was reading your server guide (very informative, by the way) and I wanted to go for either a Fractal Design Define XL or a Fractal Design Define R3, due to the expansion capability they offer. But I can't find any of these cases here, in my country, so could you suggest some cases similar to them in storage space?


Best regards.

This one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163190 worked well for me. Holds 9 HDDs and up to 15 HDDs using inserts into the 51/4 bays. It also has an additional rack for up to 6 SSD or Laptop drives, great for the boot drive.
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post #15250 of 15486
2/4/13 at 9:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bomberjim View Post

This one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163190 worked well for me. Holds 9 HDDs and up to 15 HDDs using inserts into the 51/4 bays. It also has an additional rack for up to 6 SSD or Laptop drives, great for the boot drive.

It seems to be a great case, but it's also not available here. Even tried "Where to Buy" on SilverStone's website.
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post #15251 of 15486
2/4/13 at 9:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfury View Post

But I can't find any of these cases here, in my country, so could you suggest some cases similar to them in storage space?
 

 

Might help to know where you are. wink.gif

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post #15252 of 15486
2/4/13 at 10:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Yatse guide is done.

Enjoy.

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=257#guide31

That is android only right ??

What is the best iphone application ? (there is like 4 of them)

Anyone have opinion
?
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post #15253 of 15486
2/4/13 at 10:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastButNotLeast View Post

Might help to know where you are. wink.gif

Hahaha yeah, I'm in Brazil.

I've been searching around and found these guys:

- Antec DF-85
- Antec Twelve Hundred V3

Both can fit up to 13 x 3.5'' drives (9 being internal and 4 external - using a 4-in-3 expansion bay).

I don't know if' I'll SSD this build, as I have a lot of space storage available and could create a partition for the system. But the DF-85 has an additional place for a 2.5, which the 1200 doesn't seem to have. So if I choose to (install system in the SSD), I wouldn't waste a drive bay to add one.

Despite my SSD thoughts, any feedback about these cases being used on a server build?


Regards.
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post #15254 of 15486
2/4/13 at 8:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfury View Post

Hahaha yeah, I'm in Brazil.

I've been searching around and found these guys:

- Antec DF-85
- Antec Twelve Hundred V3

Both can fit up to 13 x 3.5'' drives (9 being internal and 4 external - using a 4-in-3 expansion bay).

I don't know if' I'll SSD this build, as I have a lot of space storage available and could create a partition for the system. But the DF-85 has an additional place for a 2.5, which the 1200 doesn't seem to have. So if I choose to (install system in the SSD), I wouldn't waste a drive bay to add one.

Despite my SSD thoughts, any feedback about these cases being used on a server build?


Regards.

Don't waste any space on your SSD. Use velcro that has a sticky side to it.

Seriously.
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post #15255 of 15486
2/4/13 at 8:05pm
Thread Starter 
More Frodo XBMC guides done tonight.

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=225#guide7

Also, for those who have PM'd me I am currently way behind getting back to people. So please be patient as my inbox is full.
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post #15256 of 15486
2/5/13 at 6:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfury View Post

Hahaha yeah, I'm in Brazil.

I've been searching around and found these guys:

- Antec DF-85
- Antec Twelve Hundred V3

Both can fit up to 13 x 3.5'' drives (9 being internal and 4 external - using a 4-in-3 expansion bay).

I don't know if' I'll SSD this build, as I have a lot of space storage available and could create a partition for the system. But the DF-85 has an additional place for a 2.5, which the 1200 doesn't seem to have. So if I choose to (install system in the SSD), I wouldn't waste a drive bay to add one.

Despite my SSD thoughts, any feedback about these cases being used on a server build?


Regards.
I use an Antec Nine Hundred with three 5-in-3 SATA backplanes and it works great. I'm thinking about upgrading to a Twelve Hundred as I have a 4th backplane that's sitting external to the case. The thing is, with that many drives and the cost of the backplanes plus the case it's actually cheaper to go with a Norco 4220 or 4224 server case.
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post #15257 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Don't waste any space on your SSD. Use velcro that has a sticky side to it.

Seriously.

I was seriously thinking about not using a bay for the SSD, but didn't knew where to fix it. Your solution is simple, cheap and I would have never thought about... tongue.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by captain_video View Post

I use an Antec Nine Hundred with three 5-in-3 SATA backplanes and it works great. I'm thinking about upgrading to a Twelve Hundred as I have a 4th backplane that's sitting external to the case. The thing is, with that many drives and the cost of the backplanes plus the case it's actually cheaper to go with a Norco 4220 or 4224 server case.

I was leaning towards the Antec DF-85, but the stock is over, and the store isn't ordering more for now. I wish I could use a Norco 4220 or 4224, but it's also not available here (third world country problem mad.gif). The only that I'm left with is the Antec Twelve Hundred v3.

The backplanes seem to be a great solution, but the 5-in-3 I found here costs US$400..... By the way, which one are you using? Also, do I need anything else to use it? Because I'm planning to follow Assassin's instructions as I don't need RAID hardware, just the FlexRAID.
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post #15258 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Don't waste any space on your SSD. Use velcro that has a sticky side to it.

Seriously.

Obviously you do this a lot more than me, but I have to ask: really? It sounds like a great solution, but I've had plenty of velco strips around the house where the glue has come off do to heat. I'd have to think that might be a problem inside a computer case.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ncarty97 View Post

Question on the DTS-HD and TrueHD tests.

Both videos show a model airplane buzzing about the back half of the speaker set up and of course the sound coming out of the speakers as it is over them.

It doesn't seem that the airplane goes over the front or middle speakers. Is that right? I certainly heard no sound out of them.

Just want to make sure I haven't set something up wrong.

Also, if I am using TMT5 (via MB) for blu-ray rips (intact, not ripped to MKVs), do the LAV filters do anything to those files? Or is there some other way I need to set up bit streaming to my AVR through TMT5?

Assassin, can you comment on my HD audio question? Thanks.
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post #15259 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:13am
Assassin, unless I missed somewhere on website do you have a change log of some sort? Would be nice incase miss a page in this thread to be able to just jump to new part. Thanks great guide! Have my htpc all built and windows installed last night!
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post #15260 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ncarty97 View Post


Obviously you do this a lot more than me, but I have to ask: really? It sounds like a great solution, but I've had plenty of velco strips around the house where the glue has come off do to heat. I'd have to think that might be a problem inside a computer case.
Assassin, can you comment on my HD audio question? Thanks.

 

I use this:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Exterior-Mounting-60-Inch/dp/B00004Z4BV

Rock solid, and removable if necessary.

 

The sound follows the airplane.

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post #15261 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnthonyJS02 View Post

Assassin, unless I missed somewhere on website do you have a change log of some sort? Would be nice incase miss a page in this thread to be able to just jump to new part. Thanks great guide! Have my htpc all built and windows installed last night!

 

He doesn't have one. Do you have any idea how much ADDITIONAL work that would be?!

Going through a guide from the beginning isn't the worst thing you'll have to do (and you'll appreciate them more the longer you have your htpc).

Welcome aboard.

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post #15262 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastButNotLeast View Post

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Exterior-Mounting-60-Inch/dp/B00004Z4BV

Rock solid, and removable if necessary.

Nice, may give that a shot.
Quote:
The sound follows the airplane.

yes, but the airplane only seems to go around to the two speakers in the back and the two 'mid' from what I saw *maybe I have something not set up correct. It never goes over the front speakers.
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post #15263 of 15486
2/5/13 at 8:36am

That's right, it doesn't. And neither should the sound!

So it sounds (ouch!) like you're set up right.

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post #15264 of 15486
2/5/13 at 9:04am
Well that's good to hear! I'd still like to test it with a demo on all speakers though. I'm kind of paranoid like that!
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post #15265 of 15486
2/5/13 at 9:42am

There are plenty of those. See my sig, for example (demo-disc).

Or something from here:

http://www.demo-world.eu/trailers/high-definition-trailers.php

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post #15266 of 15486
2/5/13 at 9:46am
thanks, I'll check those out when I get home.
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post #15267 of 15486
2/5/13 at 10:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfury View Post

The backplanes seem to be a great solution, but the 5-in-3 I found here costs US$400..... By the way, which one are you using? Also, do I need anything else to use it? Because I'm planning to follow Assassin's instructions as I don't need RAID hardware, just the FlexRAID.

Here's the one I'm using:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121405&Tpk=cse-m35t

The backplane only requires two standard 4-pin Molex power connections from your PSU. The data connections are standard SATA connectors. If your motherboard has enough SATA ports you only need the SATA cables. Otherwise, you'll need to add more SATA ports using a SATA controller. They generally come in 2, 4, or 8-port versions. If you get one make sure it's a PCI-e controller and not the older PCI. The PCI bus will create a bottleneck in transfer rates if you have multiple drives connected to it. You need to use the PCI-e bus for maximum throughput.
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post #15268 of 15486
2/5/13 at 2:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by captain_video View Post

Here's the one I'm using:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121405&Tpk=cse-m35t

The backplane only requires two standard 4-pin Molex power connections from your PSU. The data connections are standard SATA connectors. If your motherboard has enough SATA ports you only need the SATA cables. Otherwise, you'll need to add more SATA ports using a SATA controller. They generally come in 2, 4, or 8-port versions. If you get one make sure it's a PCI-e controller and not the older PCI. The PCI bus will create a bottleneck in transfer rates if you have multiple drives connected to it. You need to use the PCI-e bus for maximum throughput.

Thank you, captain.

Is your backplane capable to hand 3TB hard drives? Some of the backplanes I've been searching on accept up to 2TB drives only. Don't know if I misunderstood the information, but it seems like I didn't. I'm not even buying one of these right now, as I don't need to, but it's interesting for a future upgrade.

Regards.
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post #15269 of 15486
2/6/13 at 8:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfury View Post

Thank you, captain.

Is your backplane capable to hand 3TB hard drives? Some of the backplanes I've been searching on accept up to 2TB drives only. Don't know if I misunderstood the information, but it seems like I didn't. I'm not even buying one of these right now, as I don't need to, but it's interesting for a future upgrade.

Regards.
I don't believe the backplanes have any issues with 3TB drives. Compatibility with larger drives is mostly dependent on the SATA controller and not so much the backplane. There's very little in the way of electronic components mounted on the backplane, but whatever is there is used primarily for monitoring purposes and power distribution.
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post #15270 of 15486
2/6/13 at 6:30pm
Thread Starter 
New Guide (#136)

TED for the HTPC

Enjoy.
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