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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 323

post #9661 of 15486
1/16/12 at 2:41pm
Assassin, how bright is the light on the HP usb reciever? I orderd the "Vista" media center remote so I could use the reciever with my harmony remote. The light on the reciever when you send a command is pretty bright, but it works great otherwise. Thinking about ordering the HP reciever, got any good links?
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post #9662 of 15486
1/16/12 at 2:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

Although, if you have ever gone through the agony of trying to reinstall Sony Vaio laptop drivers, you'd at least try copying an existing partition that is working well. I was skeptical, but I found Acronis True Image worked perfectly in copying the hard drive partitions to a usb drive and then restoring them to the new SSD. So far, no problems. I can assure you I would have had problems reinstalling from scratch. (I really like Vaio laptops (have 3) but their "bundling" of drivers and unnecessary utilities is so cumbersome it's almost reason to buy something else. It's just a royal pain to do a fresh install.)

I used acronis. Didnt work for me.
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post #9663 of 15486
1/16/12 at 2:51pm
Hey I just wanted to say thanks Assassin for the guide and it's been hugely helpful for setting up my HTPC. I'm still struggling with the issues of weak audio, ESPN3 and subtitles for mediabrowser. I do plan to try out XBMC to see how well it works out.

I've also created a thread of my own to document my build and the issues I'll be facing.
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post #9664 of 15486
1/16/12 at 3:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StiCy View Post

Assassin, how bright is the light on the HP usb reciever? I orderd the "Vista" media center remote so I could use the reciever with my harmony remote. The light on the reciever when you send a command is pretty bright, but it works great otherwise. Thinking about ordering the HP reciever, got any good links?

Use a small piece of electrical tape or some fingernail polish right over the led.
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post #9665 of 15486
1/16/12 at 4:48pm
Thread Starter 
Updated the downloadable version of may hardware guide. Available in pdf from here.
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post #9666 of 15486
1/16/12 at 5:10pm
Assassin,
I noticed in one post in this thread you stop short of recommending the A4 when compared to the G620, Also that the "recommended builds" mentions the dual core but does not have the A4 listed, you still list the A6 and A8 for HTPC use.

Now that the AMD A4-3300 Llano 2.5GHz is only $65, I was wondering if this is just that you have not yet had a lot of experience with them or the Sandy Bridge builds just work so well so why mess with success?

Just curious...
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post #9667 of 15486
1/16/12 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by winterescape View Post

Assassin,
I noticed in one post in this thread you stop short of recommending the A4 when compared to the G620, Also that the "recommended builds" mentions the dual core but does not have the A4 listed, you still list the A6 and A8 for HTPC use.

Now that the AMD A4-3300 Llano 2.5GHz is only $65, I was wondering if this is just that you have not yet had a lot of experience with them or the Sandy Bridge builds just work so well so why mess with success?

Just curious...

I think the A4 is a good option for AMD budget users. I have been meaning to update the AMD section. I will do this tonight. I think Intel has the winning combination right now. As a fan of the underdog I hope AMD gets it right. I also am a little leery of them pulling out of the desktop market outright.
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post #9668 of 15486
1/17/12 at 6:53am
Assassin,
Read through most of the paid tutorials, which are great bye the way, but could not find anything on this subject. I have a WHS 2011 server that has all of my media stored on it. When I set up WMC, I first ensured I was connected to the server folders in File Explorer. Then I went into WMC and added those files to my library. The problem I am having is whenever the computer is shut down and restarted WMC cannot locate the files unless I go back through the process of reconnecting the folders in File Explorer (there is an option upon connection where you can tell File Explorer to "remember my credential" I select that option every time). There must be another way to do this. My wife does not like the fact that this is not "easy." Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.
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post #9669 of 15486
1/17/12 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

I think the A4 is a good option for AMD budget users. I have been meaning to update the AMD section. I will do this tonight. I think Intel has the winning combination right now. As a fan of the underdog I hope AMD gets it right. I also am a little leery of them pulling out of the desktop market outright.

I was just about to post a question regarding this CPU as well. I'm looking into everything for my first build and I am going to be on a tighter budget so I think AMD will be the way to go for me. So I'm correct in thinking that the dual core AMD is 3D capable just like the quad cores?

Thanks for this great thread. I'll be purchasing your paid guides as soon as the tax return comes back and I can actually start buying everything I need.
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post #9670 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck Smith View Post

I was just about to post a question regarding this CPU as well. I'm looking into everything for my first build and I am going to be on a tighter budget so I think AMD will be the way to go for me. So I'm correct in thinking that the dual core AMD is 3D capable just like the quad cores?

Thanks for this great thread. I'll be purchasing your paid guides as soon as the tax return comes back and I can actually start buying everything I need.

There may be reasons to buy an A4, but I'm not convinced you'll save money doing so. You'd better price out both options because the Intel just might be cheaper.

Edit - just as a starting point in comparing cpus - Passmark scores - 3400 is 2190, G530 is 2246. Price - Micro Center - 3400 is $65.99, G530 is $39.99.

Does the A4 do 3D Blu Ray? That might be a reason to buy the A4.
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post #9671 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

There may be reasons to buy an A4, but I'm not convinced you'll save money doing so. You'd better price out both options because the Intel just might be cheaper.

Edit - just as a starting point in comparing cpus - Passmark scores - 3400 is 2190, G530 is 2246. Price - Micro Center - 3400 is $65.99, G530 is $39.99.

Does the A4 do 3D Blu Ray? That might be a reason to buy the A4.


Yea, that is the main reason I'm looking at the A4. I want to go ahead and build something that is 3D capable. The quad core Llanos are 3D capable so that's why I was looking at the A4 but wanted to be sure it was as well.
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post #9672 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:42am
I know with BR players, they upscale DVD to a higher res. What about optical drives? Do you need a BR ripper/burner/player in order to have them upscaled? Is there a DVD drive that upscales?

Would it be best to go ahead and get a BR drive? Depending on the find, they don't seem to be much more than a regular drive now.


EDIT-- As long as I have a burner (assuming I will ever burn) all I need is software to rip?
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post #9673 of 15486
1/17/12 at 9:52am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

There may be reasons to buy an A4, but I'm not convinced you'll save money doing so. You'd better price out both options because the Intel just might be cheaper.

Edit - just as a starting point in comparing cpus - Passmark scores - 3400 is 2190, G530 is 2246. Price - Micro Center - 3400 is $65.99, G530 is $39.99.

Does the A4 do 3D Blu Ray? That might be a reason to buy the A4.

I think from a performance standpoint you might be better served with a low cost SND + graphics card like the NVidia 430 or ATI 6450.
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post #9674 of 15486
1/17/12 at 9:53am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhearn View Post

I know with BR players, they upscale DVD to a higher res. What about optical drives? Do you need a BR ripper/burner/player in order to have them upscaled? Is there a DVD drive that upscales?

Would it be best to go ahead and get a BR drive? Depending on the find, they don't seem to be much more than a regular drive now.


EDIT-- As long as I have a burner (assuming I will ever burn) all I need is software to rip?

Nope. They are just a drive that reads Ones and Zeros.

To rip all you need is a Bluray drive (or Bluray burner) and software.
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post #9675 of 15486
1/17/12 at 9:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhearn View Post

I know with BR players, they upscale DVD to a higher res.

Optical drives read digital data from discs.

A "player" consists of an optical drive plus, among other things, some
decoding hardware and firmware and, usually but not necessarily, some
image processing hardware.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhearn View Post

What about optical drives?

Optical drives don't process the data stream. Software such as MPC-HT and
VLC will perform image processing, etc., if you tell them to.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhearn View Post

EDIT-- As long as I have a burner (assuming I will ever burn)
all I need is software to rip?

Yes. In fact, all you need is a BR reader ... and software.
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post #9676 of 15486
1/17/12 at 10:24am
For those looking to buy a 60-64GB SSD, Samsung looks like the way to go.
Information here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...tate,3103.html
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post #9677 of 15486
1/17/12 at 11:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducati 1098 View Post

For those looking to buy a 60-64GB SSD, Samsung looks like the way to go.
Information here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...tate,3103.html

But in the "there's always something on sale" department, Newegg has on their 48 hour sale (today and tomorrow) the Corsair Nova Series 2 CSSD-V60GB2 2.5" 60GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive for $54.99 after $10 rebate.

For those claiming SSDs are still too expensive, maybe you should rethink that notion, especially considering current hard disk prices.

Note - I do not have and have not researched anything about this particular drive. Just passing it on for consideration. But $55 for a 60gb SSD is worthy of consideration.

By the way, I have used and been very happy with the Samsung drives.
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post #9678 of 15486
1/17/12 at 4:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

But in the "there's always something on sale" department, Newegg has on their 48 hour sale (today and tomorrow) the Corsair Nova Series 2 CSSD-V60GB2 2.5" 60GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive for $54.99 after $10 rebate.

For those claiming SSDs are still too expensive, maybe you should rethink that notion, especially considering current hard disk prices.

Note - I do not have and have not researched anything about this particular drive. Just passing it on for consideration. But $55 for a 60gb SSD is worthy of consideration.

By the way, I have used and been very happy with the Samsung drives.

A little research is always a good thing. I do a lot of reasearch before I buy any computer part. This SSD is not the one to buy, check out these reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233188
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post #9679 of 15486
1/17/12 at 5:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tizi View Post

Assassin,
Read through most of the paid tutorials, which are great bye the way, but could not find anything on this subject. I have a WHS 2011 server that has all of my media stored on it. When I set up WMC, I first ensured I was connected to the server folders in File Explorer. Then I went into WMC and added those files to my library. The problem I am having is whenever the computer is shut down and restarted WMC cannot locate the files unless I go back through the process of reconnecting the folders in File Explorer (there is an option upon connection where you can tell File Explorer to "remember my credential" I select that option every time). There must be another way to do this. My wife does not like the fact that this is not "easy." Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Make sure that you also do a share and tell Win7 to share with "Everyone" on the network.

I had that same issue on my bedroom HTPC and this completely fixed the issue. So share it with your homegroup and then do a second share where you share the folder/directory with "Everyone".
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post #9680 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:04pm
Thread Starter 
This thread (meaning YOU) are closing in on 10,000 replies (very soon) and 1,000,000 views (sooner than later).

Awesome.

I never would have thought this when I started it only 12.5 short months ago.

Congrats to those of you who took the leap into HTPC. Its the best gadget ever made and a fantastic hobby.

Hope this thread helped along the way.
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post #9681 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:20pm
assassin, I wanted to thank you for all your advice. I've had the htpc setup for a few days and along with the rii touch, my wife loves it. Couldn't have done it without you.
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post #9682 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:48pm
Assassin, I just posted in the HTPC forums. Could you take a look, and give me your opinion if possible.
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post #9683 of 15486
1/17/12 at 8:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Finished an absolute monster guide that I have been working on for the last 3 days. A very special thanks to jenielsen whose excellent research helped me complete this guide in a more timely fashion.

XBMC Guide #16: Jailbreak and Install XBMC on an Untethered Apple TV2

I think I am closing in on 70 total guides. An absolutely astounding number, imo.

Can you watch Live TV and Recorded TV on the jail-broke Apple TV2, like with an Xbox?
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post #9684 of 15486
1/18/12 at 3:44am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilky13 View Post

Can you watch Live TV and Recorded TV on the jail-broke Apple TV2, like with an Xbox?

No, you cannot.
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post #9685 of 15486
1/18/12 at 3:44am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by yoricksdeath View Post

assassin, I wanted to thank you for all your advice. I've had the htpc setup for a few days and along with the rii touch, my wife loves it. Couldn't have done it without you.

Great! You are most certainly welcome!
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post #9686 of 15486
1/18/12 at 8:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LastButNotLeast View Post

So far, my only problem is a bad keyboard from Geeks.com. I just got an RMA, but I think they're going to insist I pay return shipping which, from NJ to CA, will probably run half the cost of the keyboard. I'll speak to someone there over the next couple of days. In the meantime, I ordered the Lenovo (from Lenovo).

In all fairness to the folks at Geeks.com, as promised, I wish to "sing their praises to the moon." They will email me a FedEx shipping label for the return of the defective keyboard. Outstanding customer service.


The Lenovo, which has shipped but hasn't arrived yet, is, of course, on sale today.


Michael
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post #9687 of 15486
1/18/12 at 8:59am
Assassin,
I put my HTPC together the night before last, and i have a 64GB SSD, 750GB HD, and a 2TB ahrd drive in it now. I started going through the guides last night for software setup and configuration. The guides are great and make the process so easy.

I'm not connecting to an HDMI receiver at this point, but what reciever would you recommend to be a good partner with an HTPC? What features would consider essential vs. those that are extraneous?

I haven't ripped any of my movies yet, but the Lion King, 300, and Avatar are surely on the list of soon to be ripped. I was very dissappointed when we first put on the Blu-Ray of 300. Playing directly from the Blu-Ray to the Epson 8350. The picture actually looked grainy through the new Epson 8350 we have. Avatar and Lion King look perfect. Why would 300 look grainy?

Lastly, you didn't go into too much detail on mkv compression, only stating that once you rip it, how much you compress the file after that is a matter of personal taste. We will be watching our movies on a 92in screen. What level of compression should i use to avoid having any quality loss at that screen size?
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post #9688 of 15486
1/18/12 at 9:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpeisher View Post

Assassin,
I put my HTPC together the night before last, and i have a 64GB SSD, 750GB HD, and a 2TB ahrd drive in it now. I started going through the guides last night for software setup and configuration. The guides are great and make the process so easy.

I'm not connecting to an HDMI receiver at this point, but what reciever would you recommend to be a good partner with an HTPC? What features would consider essential vs. those that are extraneous?

I haven't ripped any of my movies yet, but the Lion King, 300, and Avatar are surely on the list of soon to be ripped. I was very dissappointed when we first put on the Blu-Ray of 300. Playing directly from the Blu-Ray to the Epson 8350. The picture actually looked grainy through the new Epson 8350 we have. Avatar and Lion King look perfect. Why would 300 look grainy?

Lastly, you didn't go into too much detail on mkv compression, only stating that once you rip it, how much you compress the file after that is a matter of personal taste. We will be watching our movies on a 92in screen. What level of compression should i use to avoid having any quality loss at that screen size?

It's probably supposed to be grainy like that. That's just how some movies were shot. I noticed Black Swan had a lot of grain.
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post #9689 of 15486
1/18/12 at 9:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Make sure that you also do a share and tell Win7 to share with "Everyone" on the network.

I had that same issue on my bedroom HTPC and this completely fixed the issue. So share it with your homegroup and then do a second share where you share the folder/directory with "Everyone".

Same for WHS setting? Will give it a try and report back.
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post #9690 of 15486
1/18/12 at 9:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpeisher View Post

Assassin,
I put my HTPC together the night before last, and i have a 64GB SSD, 750GB HD, and a 2TB ahrd drive in it now. I started going through the guides last night for software setup and configuration. The guides are great and make the process so easy.

I'm not connecting to an HDMI receiver at this point, but what reciever would you recommend to be a good partner with an HTPC? What features would consider essential vs. those that are extraneous?

I haven't ripped any of my movies yet, but the Lion King, 300, and Avatar are surely on the list of soon to be ripped. I was very dissappointed when we first put on the Blu-Ray of 300. Playing directly from the Blu-Ray to the Epson 8350. The picture actually looked grainy through the new Epson 8350 we have. Avatar and Lion King look perfect. Why would 300 look grainy?

Lastly, you didn't go into too much detail on mkv compression, only stating that once you rip it, how much you compress the file after that is a matter of personal taste. We will be watching our movies on a 92in screen. What level of compression should i use to avoid having any quality loss at that screen size?

depends on what you are after and how picky you are. I have looked at alot of guides out there and most for BR mention constant quality with a 18 value though some people that are really picky will go with 16. So for example i used Fast Five with 18....original size 22gb and after hb encode 12gb. My eyes are far from perfect but they both look great on my 55" LCD. You have have to test a few files to see what you like don't like. Also if you are worried about size and want to keep bitstream audio this can be done with ripbot.
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