AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 510

post #15271 of 15479
2/8/13 at 1:19pm
It's been awhile since I've needed assistance, but this is a HTPC killer and I've been dealing with it for sometime.

When I power on both my Panny Plasma and Denon Receiver for WMC LiveTV, it always displays in a small format which requires me to close out of WMC and re-launch to correct for proper screen format. This is a huge deal for me and the GF. I've tried settings in Intel Graphics, powering on the tv and receiver in opposite steps...etc.

Also, I always have the HTPC powered on 24/7 and leave LiveTV running when I turn off the TV and Receiver.

Can anyone please shed some much needed help with this, it's a thorn in my side every time I power up to watch TV knowing I have to restart WMC to correct the screen ratio.
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #15272 of 15479
2/8/13 at 1:42pm
You'll need to lock format and resolution. What resolution do you run your TV and you HTPC at ?

What about the Denon ?
Reply
Reply
post #15273 of 15479
2/8/13 at 2:16pm
^
Currently..the Denon's input resolution for the HTPC is set as AUTO.

TV is set to FULL for the aspect setting.

HTPC Intel graphics are set to 1920 x 1080, scaling is set to "Maintain Display Scaling" as well.
Reply
Reply
post #15274 of 15479
2/8/13 at 3:07pm
It's an EDID problem. Had the same. You can mess with the overrides (see the thread) or get a Gefen HDMI Detective. I got one and no issues since.
Reply
Reply
post #15275 of 15479
2/8/13 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberguy34 View Post

It's been awhile since I've needed assistance, but this is a HTPC killer and I've been dealing with it for sometime.

When I power on both my Panny Plasma and Denon Receiver for WMC LiveTV, it always displays in a small format which requires me to close out of WMC and re-launch to correct for proper screen format. This is a huge deal for me and the GF. I've tried settings in Intel Graphics, powering on the tv and receiver in opposite steps...etc.

Also, I always have the HTPC powered on 24/7 and leave LiveTV running when I turn off the TV and Receiver.

Can anyone please shed some much needed help with this, it's a thorn in my side every time I power up to watch TV knowing I have to restart WMC to correct the screen ratio.

How do you power up?

I use flirc with a learning remote, and I leave WMC pinned to the taksbar. I mapped the Taksbar shortcut to the power key (Win+4 in my setup)

That way everytime I pressed power the pinned instance of WMC was started or brought to the front

Never left it on with live tv running. Seems like a lot of unecessary HDD writes
Reply
Reply
post #15276 of 15479
2/8/13 at 8:35pm
Thread Starter 
Having issues with the Assassin Server site.

I have contacted the host. I hope to get it resolved soon.

Bear with me...
Reply
Reply
post #15277 of 15479
2/9/13 at 8:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Having issues with the Assassin Server site.

I have contacted the host. I hope to get it resolved soon.

Bear with me...

Server site should be back up in the next 1-2 days. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Reply
Reply
post #15278 of 15479
2/9/13 at 2:02pm
Been off this forum for a while,... Looking to build a new HTPC for my downstairs den. How well have the hardware guides updated on Assassins HTPC blog? When I used it for my first HTPC build (purchased a lifetime subscription) it was pretty up to date and was wondering if it was worth looking at still. My first HTPC build, which I completed in Jan. 2012 has been used mainly as a DVR essentially and I want to use more with it / expand it / expand to downstairs.

My build upstairs in my room is:
Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor
Z68 Pro3-M Socket 1155 Z68 mATX Intel Motherboard
Crucial 64 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT064M4SSD2 (OS Boot Drive)
SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 ST2000DL004 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (Storage Drive)
SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX HTPC Computer Case GD05B (Black)
SILVERSTONE Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W ATX 12V v2.3 & EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-
SAMSUNG Black Blu-ray Combo SATA Model SH-B123L/RSBP LightScribe Support

On My Router (LINKSYS E3000 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz / 5GHz simultaneous Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router up to 300Mbps with USB )
I'm running: SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME - Three Digital Tuners, Anywhere on Your Network HDHR3-CC Ethernet Interface - I have a Verizon FIOS setup with the Prime HD setting (its only like 40+ HD Channels) but I also use Netflix / Hulu.

I'm at the point of interested in building either
A. New HTPC and a New Server
B. New HTPC/Server in one
C. Taking the HTPC I have now upgrading it and rearranging things a bit.

I have 1500.00 or so to spend (but don't necessarily need or want to spend it all). I'd like to have a set up running an automatic download through Usenet (have an unlimited monthly subscription).

I want to add an HTPC to my den (Currently i have a 55' Panasonic Plasma TC-P55ST30, Apple TV (3rd Gen/Non Jailbroken), PS3/Wii U/Xbox, Pioneer Receiver and a Def Tech 5.1 Home Theater System / Logitech - Harmony One) / upstairs in my bedroom I have a 55' Panasonic TC-P55ST30 + the HTPC I have described above.

I guess I'm looking for ideas for my next tech project - Ideally I'd like to set up an HTPC / Server that would automate downloading of episodes of TV / Movies and automatically organizing / downloading info and having access to it. I know this is a fairly intense post but any help and suggestions would be super appreciated. Perhaps also setting up a station to be able to play some emulated games / perhaps newer games as well.

As for parts (outside of what I have already in my HTPC upstairs) I have picked up a SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 ST2000DL004 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive and Corsair Neutron Series GTX CSSD-N240GBGTXB-BK 2.5" 240GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - that will be used in some aspect towards my new project.

I'm a frequenter of Slickdeals and found this new deal which I was thinking I could use towards my new project: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?SID=H-0YWHMDEeKqdFrxvYyJRwCUk5_uYAR3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&ItemList=Combo.1219175&cm_sp= but I need some sort of guidance as to what I should think about doing / ideas.
Reply
Reply
post #15279 of 15479
2/9/13 at 2:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark_Slayer View Post

How do you power up?

TV > Receiver. and also tried Receiver > TV. Of course just powered on Receiver > TV and it came on full screen (1080). It may be an timing issue with HDMI handshakes......who knows.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark_Slayer View Post

Never left it on with live tv running. Seems like a lot of unecessary HDD writes

Not sure why you mention HDD writes while left running LiveTV with TV/Receiver off. Its also a SSD so not mechanical degradation of any kind going on. Unless I have something in clear, I'll have to continue experiment with power sequences/timings of power. Seems to work full screen when it wants to, more likely not right now.
Reply
Reply
post #15280 of 15479
2/9/13 at 2:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by awakeningosiris View Post

Been off this forum for a while,... Looking to build a new HTPC for my downstairs den. How well have the hardware guides updated on Assassins HTPC blog? When I used it for my first HTPC build (purchased a lifetime subscription) it was pretty up to date and was wondering if it was worth looking at still. My first HTPC build, which I completed in Jan. 2012 has been used mainly as a DVR essentially and I want to use more with it / expand it / expand to downstairs.

My build upstairs in my room is:
Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor
Z68 Pro3-M Socket 1155 Z68 mATX Intel Motherboard
Crucial 64 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT064M4SSD2 (OS Boot Drive)
SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 ST2000DL004 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (Storage Drive)
SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX HTPC Computer Case GD05B (Black)
SILVERSTONE Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W ATX 12V v2.3 & EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-
SAMSUNG Black Blu-ray Combo SATA Model SH-B123L/RSBP LightScribe Support

On My Router (LINKSYS E3000 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz / 5GHz simultaneous Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router up to 300Mbps with USB )
I'm running: SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME - Three Digital Tuners, Anywhere on Your Network HDHR3-CC Ethernet Interface - I have a Verizon FIOS setup with the Prime HD setting (its only like 40+ HD Channels) but I also use Netflix / Hulu.

I'm at the point of interested in building either
A. New HTPC and a New Server
B. New HTPC/Server in one
C. Taking the HTPC I have now upgrading it and rearranging things a bit.

I have 1500.00 or so to spend (but don't necessarily need or want to spend it all). I'd like to have a set up running an automatic download through Usenet (have an unlimited monthly subscription).

I want to add an HTPC to my den (Currently i have a 55' Panasonic Plasma TC-P55ST30, Apple TV (3rd Gen/Non Jailbroken), PS3/Wii U/Xbox, Pioneer Receiver and a Def Tech 5.1 Home Theater System / Logitech - Harmony One) / upstairs in my bedroom I have a 55' Panasonic TC-P55ST30 + the HTPC I have described above.

I guess I'm looking for ideas for my next tech project - Ideally I'd like to set up an HTPC / Server that would automate downloading of episodes of TV / Movies and automatically organizing / downloading info and having access to it. I know this is a fairly intense post but any help and suggestions would be super appreciated. Perhaps also setting up a station to be able to play some emulated games / perhaps newer games as well.

As for parts (outside of what I have already in my HTPC upstairs) I have picked up a SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 ST2000DL004 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive and Corsair Neutron Series GTX CSSD-N240GBGTXB-BK 2.5" 240GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - that will be used in some aspect towards my new project.

I'm a frequenter of Slickdeals and found this new deal which I was thinking I could use towards my new project: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?SID=H-0YWHMDEeKqdFrxvYyJRwCUk5_uYAR3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&ItemList=Combo.1219175&cm_sp= but I need some sort of guidance as to what I should think about doing / ideas.

Of course the guides are up to date. As mentioned in the first post they are located over at my blog now.
Reply
Reply
post #15281 of 15479
2/9/13 at 7:36pm
Awesome just looking over some of the links are to items that are 'out of stock' or discontinued so trying to figure out where to go from here- as per my situation - do you see anything that I would benefit greatly from doing? I just decided on a whim of sorts to start a new project but kind of unsure what would be best for me. I understand the issues of having an HTPC/Server noise wise etc,.. My router is located away from my den - but I could also move it downstairs if it would benefit being wired. I just can't decide if I want to be geared towards an extender/HTPC and a server or what.
Reply
Reply
post #15282 of 15479
2/9/13 at 8:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by awakeningosiris View Post

Awesome just looking over some of the links are to items that are 'out of stock' or discontinued so trying to figure out where to go from here- as per my situation - do you see anything that I would benefit greatly from doing? I just decided on a whim of sorts to start a new project but kind of unsure what would be best for me. I understand the issues of having an HTPC/Server noise wise etc,.. My router is located away from my den - but I could also move it downstairs if it would benefit being wired. I just can't decide if I want to be geared towards an extender/HTPC and a server or what.

If the items are "out of stock" or "discontinued" then that's what they are. Especially if they are last generation's technology. Doesn't mean they aren't available elsewhere though. Newegg is just one store on the internet.

As to your other questions there are pros and cons and you will have to decide what works best for your setup now and in the future.
Reply
Reply
post #15283 of 15479
2/9/13 at 8:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberguy34 View Post

It's been awhile since I've needed assistance, but this is a HTPC killer and I've been dealing with it for sometime.

When I power on both my Panny Plasma and Denon Receiver for WMC LiveTV, it always displays in a small format which requires me to close out of WMC and re-launch to correct for proper screen format. This is a huge deal for me and the GF. I've tried settings in Intel Graphics, powering on the tv and receiver in opposite steps...etc.

Also, I always have the HTPC powered on 24/7 and leave LiveTV running when I turn off the TV and Receiver.

Can anyone please shed some much needed help with this, it's a thorn in my side every time I power up to watch TV knowing I have to restart WMC to correct the screen ratio.

Lemme guess, 1024x768? What I've done to fix this is when this happens is go into WMC setup while it's in the wrong resolution and set the resolution to the correct resolution. Then after that, it doesn't happen any longer. I just setup a new HTPC on new TV and this was happening and I'd forgotten all about this simple fix.
Reply
Reply
post #15284 of 15479
2/10/13 at 3:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Server site should be back up in the next 1-2 days. Sorry for the inconvenience.

server is live
Reply
Reply
post #15285 of 15479
2/10/13 at 4:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbcain View Post

server is live

jbcain helps makes the blogs possible for everyone. Thanks for getting it resolved!
Reply
Reply
post #15286 of 15479
2/10/13 at 7:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post

Lemme guess, 1024x768? What I've done to fix this is when this happens is go into WMC setup while it's in the wrong resolution and set the resolution to the correct resolution. Then after that, it doesn't happen any longer. I just setup a new HTPC on new TV and this was happening and I'd forgotten all about this simple fix.

StarDog - I think your solution is the answer!! Exactly, the resolution was 1024x768 while in this state when first powered on under the WMC settings for display. I made the correct changes in there and will see how things go over the next few days on powering up. There's quite a few options in there for resolution, I picked 1080p 59.XXHz I hope this is the right one.Thanks!biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #15287 of 15479
2/10/13 at 8:10pm
Thread Starter 
Another new guide (#137) added tonight.

Official XBMC Remote App

Enjoy!
Reply
Reply
post #15288 of 15479
2/10/13 at 8:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Yatse guide is done.

Enjoy.

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

If using a tablet, definitely try

Settings -> Library Settings -> Use Gridview -> Always

Definitely preference, but the poster "grid" looks better IMO
Reply
Reply
post #15289 of 15479
2/11/13 at 7:51am
Anyon else having issues with the blog's rss feed? Last rss I got was for the XMBC Frodo update on 1/31/13. I'm using Google Reader if that matters.
Reply
Reply
post #15290 of 15479
2/11/13 at 9:17am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ncarty97 View Post

Anyon else having issues with the blog's rss feed? Last rss I got was for the XMBC Frodo update on 1/31/13. I'm using Google Reader if that matters.

I don't use or update the rss feed. Its just a part of that particular theme.
Reply
Reply
post #15291 of 15479
2/11/13 at 12:44pm
Assassin have you built your Intel NUC system yet? What's your thoughts on it???
Reply
Reply
post #15292 of 15479
2/11/13 at 12:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by curtis104 View Post

Assassin have you built your Intel NUC system yet? What's your thoughts on it???

No, not yet. I am waiting until the non-i3 version comes out and may build one of each.
Reply
Reply
post #15293 of 15479
2/11/13 at 9:50pm
hey assassin, any idea when the Windows 8-specific guides you mentioned elsewhere might be coming online? I've been online since 1981...but work and crap gets in the way of me keeping up with PC knowledge and I could certainly use some guides. I built a HTPC using some parts rec'd by you (i3-3225, GB H75m-d3h mobo etc) and have some of the software I need (TMT5, AnyDVD HD, WMC etc), but there is a looong ways to go on useability and optimization. eek.gif
Reply
Reply
post #15294 of 15479
2/12/13 at 3:45am
Thread Starter 
Still testing windows 8.
Reply
Reply
post #15295 of 15479
2/12/13 at 5:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Still testing windows 8.

You and Microsoft, both.

Reply
Reply
post #15296 of 15479
2/12/13 at 8:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post

Lemme guess, 1024x768? What I've done to fix this is when this happens is go into WMC setup while it's in the wrong resolution and set the resolution to the correct resolution. Then after that, it doesn't happen any longer. I just setup a new HTPC on new TV and this was happening and I'd forgotten all about this simple fix.

Still having the issue.... Update: Set up the correct resolution in WMC settings for the TV. Changed 1024x768 to 1080p and saved it a day ago. Just got home, powered on the TV and bam, WMC changed the resolution back to 1024x768!!!! How does this happen?? I've searched for answers on Microsoft's side of the house, no luck. Any ideals why this would keep reverting itself in WMC settings?mad.gif


OK. I just made a change on the receiver. I disabled the video convert (set to OFF) to see if this will do it. I read on another forum this may cause the resolution reverts.
Edited by cyberguy34 - 2/12/13 at 9:06pm
Reply
Reply
post #15297 of 15479
2/13/13 at 6:20am
Assassin,

Great write up on your paid site. This has helped me a lot. and got my system up in no time.


I Have a question for regarding WMC. and intel i3 graphic card. (win7 64bit ultimate)

Pre HTPC the cable box did a pass thru. Meaning if channel 123 was broadcasting at 720p it will send the TV that signal. (Confirmed by looking at the info screen on my Pany 55gt50)

now on my HTPC box. when I go to channel 123 and check what the station is broadcasting at, it says 1080p (all channels for that matter) Is this normal behavior. Is there a way to make it so my tv rather than the htpc make the conversion.
Reply
Reply
post #15298 of 15479
2/14/13 at 6:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by victor M View Post

Assassin,

Great write up on your paid site. This has helped me a lot. and got my system up in no time.


I Have a question for regarding WMC. and intel i3 graphic card. (win7 64bit ultimate)

Pre HTPC the cable box did a pass thru. Meaning if channel 123 was broadcasting at 720p it will send the TV that signal. (Confirmed by looking at the info screen on my Pany 55gt50)

now on my HTPC box. when I go to channel 123 and check what the station is broadcasting at, it says 1080p (all channels for that matter) Is this normal behavior. Is there a way to make it so my tv rather than the htpc make the conversion.

Too many variables here for me to really comment.
Reply
Reply
post #15299 of 15479
2/14/13 at 6:31pm
Thread Starter 
Reply
Reply
post #15300 of 15479
2/15/13 at 9:07am
Thoughts on it ?
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Home Theater Computers

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide