[summerall]

Hi -


I'm new to htpc's...I've read the FAQ & studied up on some interesting threads but I still have a couple (probably simple/dumb) questions.


I first started looking into htpc's after finding that no one out of the box consumer product existed. If I build a htpc I would mainly use it for:


1. Audio server - 85%

2. Photo server - 15%


In that order and at that percentage. This leads me to my first question.


1. Can a htpc - audio server be setup to play music (mostly mp3's) in multiple rooms? Can the music be independent at each location? How expensive & easy is this to do? Is it commonly done?


2. What is the slickest front end or UI for a htpc? I don't want the UI to actually LOOK like I'm running a pc. I want it to look polished and simple (for the wife).


3. Assuming the answer to #1 is "yes" then can I setup multiple LCD's in each of my rooms so users can control the audio via these LCD's?


4. This is probably the dumbest question but are htpc's always paired with a reciever? Is a reciever (I like the Harmon Kardon line) required and neccessary for a htpc to work properly. Any recommendations?


5. Once a htpc is setup what channel to I turn to to control it? Does this require a video modulator?


Thanks

 

[Eiffel]

1. Yes, Low cost (can be free) and can be quite easy, Quite often


The most common solutions are based on multiple instances of WinAmp (free) or a single instance of J River's Media Center (JRMC) which has a very reasonable cost.


You will also need either a multichannel sound card or multiple soundcards (with some luck you already have such a card)


For an example of an advanced multizone setup, our local specialist goes by the Mastiff name... look for his posts and website for ideas


2. This is highly debated... if you go for JRMC, they have a menu driven mode (Theater Mode, formerly Hairstyle Mode) which is getting pretty good. For a dedicated solution, you should investigate myHTPC, xLooby. I personally am very happy with myHTPC, but this is subjective


3. Yes... but this will require some setup work (again check Mastiff's site for a relatively easy to setup solution)


4. Not a stupid question at all... but if you are demanding for sound quality, a receiver (or separates) is likely to sound better than computer speakers. If you demand good quality on a budget, you could look at used stereo integrated amplifiers with conventional speakers. These products are out of fashion now that multichannel audio is the rage, but they still sound as good or better with 2ch audio IMO.


Recommending a model is difficult, as it really depends on your budget and preferences/needs.


5. Not necessarily... the cheapest way is to control your music applications from the desktop using a keyboard and monitor. Alternatively a solution like Netremote gives you a bidrectional interface on PocketPCs. You could also use LCD/VFD displays and a remote solution (IR or RF).


While all the above focuses on a HTPC centric approach, there are some other things you might want to look at, such as 'Thin Clients' like the Audiotron, which should be easier to get going.


Hope this helps!

 

[Micah]

Eiffel, good info as always.


Summerall, if you're interested in using multiple instances of Winamp I've written a How-To over at Cocoontech.com.


The way I'm looking at it is to use X-10 keypads for control and have character LCDs in each room to get song info, zone status, and volume levels.


It sounds like you're more interested in using LCDs (possibly touch screen?) for your control with a front end to control them.


If that's the case then JRMC is probably the way to go. I've never used it but as Eiffel said, check out Mastiff's webpage for info on how to set it up.

 

[summerall]

Thanks for the responses.


Micah -


What X-10 keypads are you using? Do you have a link so I can see what they look like?


Also, what is a preferred touch screen lcd that most people use?

 

[Micah]

I'm looking to use an 8 Key KeypadLinc next to the light switch in the room, which is also where I'd like to put the character LCDs.


As far as touchscreen LCDs are concerned, I think the Elo's are pretty popular. But now that I think about it though, I wanna say that people controlling JRMC are using tablet PCs or Airpanels.


I'm not real sure as I'm not using JRMC myself. You might take a pop over to their forum and see if that's more along what you're thinking. There's plenty of discussion on it going on over there.

 

[Eiffel]

You might want to check http://www.netremote.org as this will give you some ideas of what is possible with JRMC (on pocket PCs, tablet PCs and plain networked PCs)

 

[rafaelaustin]

 Xenarc also makes some relativly inexpensive touch screen panels.