The goal of this HTPC is:
1. Play the following local media formats:
a. Blu-ray .iso .mkv and file structures including 3D frame packed
b. DVD .iso .mkv and file structures
c. MPEG 2, MPEG 4, h.264 and AVCHD camcorder
d. .pcm, .wav, .dts, .ac3, .dsf, .dff, .flac, dvd-audio .iso, sacd .iso, cd .iso
e. .jpg, .png, .raw, .tif, .pdf, .cr2
2. Stream remote formats:
a. rtsp using h.264, mpeg2, mpeg4
b. rtp
c. flv
d. http
3. Use remote streaming services
a. Netflix
b. Hulu
c. Youtube
4. Support SMB, NFS, iSCSI and webdav protocol attachments to LAN and remote storage
5. Bitstream all audio in native formats over hdmi (i.e., dsd out without conversion to pcm first)
6. Simultaneous HDMI and analog output for multiple zone use
7. Support of 7.1 audio at up to 192khz/24 bit without decimation
8. Ability to do all of the above using a single, 10 foot, launching interface that is customizable
9. Local blu-ray drive to play rented media
After much research I have found that Windows 8 is capable of all facets of my requirements except item 8. Is JRiver, XBMC, Mediabrowser or something else able to handle number 8?
Hardware:
Case: Lian Li PC-C37U
CPU: Intel 3570x
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77Mx-D3H
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Blu-ray Drive: LG
All media and metadata is stored on a large, custom built NAS that has SMB/NFS/ISCSI support, so the only thing stored on the HTPC is the operating system, malware prevention and user interface/media playback applications
The HTPC will be connected to a gigabit lan and an Integra DHC-80.3 processor
A separate pc is used for ripping, conversion, media and metadata collection, and administration of the system. If this goes well, I will create 3 more for other rooms.
Please validate and help me understand:
1. What media applications I need
2. Should I use WASAPI, ASIO or some other driver method
3. Is there a thinner case that I could use and still allow for a blu-ray drive
Thanks in advance
1. Play the following local media formats:
a. Blu-ray .iso .mkv and file structures including 3D frame packed
b. DVD .iso .mkv and file structures
c. MPEG 2, MPEG 4, h.264 and AVCHD camcorder
d. .pcm, .wav, .dts, .ac3, .dsf, .dff, .flac, dvd-audio .iso, sacd .iso, cd .iso
e. .jpg, .png, .raw, .tif, .pdf, .cr2
2. Stream remote formats:
a. rtsp using h.264, mpeg2, mpeg4
b. rtp
c. flv
d. http
3. Use remote streaming services
a. Netflix
b. Hulu
c. Youtube
4. Support SMB, NFS, iSCSI and webdav protocol attachments to LAN and remote storage
5. Bitstream all audio in native formats over hdmi (i.e., dsd out without conversion to pcm first)
6. Simultaneous HDMI and analog output for multiple zone use
7. Support of 7.1 audio at up to 192khz/24 bit without decimation
8. Ability to do all of the above using a single, 10 foot, launching interface that is customizable
9. Local blu-ray drive to play rented media
After much research I have found that Windows 8 is capable of all facets of my requirements except item 8. Is JRiver, XBMC, Mediabrowser or something else able to handle number 8?
Hardware:
Case: Lian Li PC-C37U
CPU: Intel 3570x
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77Mx-D3H
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Blu-ray Drive: LG
All media and metadata is stored on a large, custom built NAS that has SMB/NFS/ISCSI support, so the only thing stored on the HTPC is the operating system, malware prevention and user interface/media playback applications
The HTPC will be connected to a gigabit lan and an Integra DHC-80.3 processor
A separate pc is used for ripping, conversion, media and metadata collection, and administration of the system. If this goes well, I will create 3 more for other rooms.
Please validate and help me understand:
1. What media applications I need
2. Should I use WASAPI, ASIO or some other driver method
3. Is there a thinner case that I could use and still allow for a blu-ray drive
Thanks in advance