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+--- Thread: First HTPC build, could use some advice. (/showthread.php?tid=62493)
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First HTPC build, could use some advice. - User 57721 - 2009-11-25
I have been wanted to build a HTPC for quite some time and I’ve decided now is the time! I have a windows home server that I will be streaming all my media off and I think XBMC will complement it nicely. So I need a HTPC capable streaming 1080p video and shows off of sites like Hulu or BBC iPlayer. Here is the build I have planned at the moment:
I’m planning to use XBMC Live but would the remote I have selected work properly? Also do you think the CPU I selected is powerful enough? Any help or comments on the build would be much appreciated
Re: First HTPC build, could use some advice. - bjoh - 2009-11-25
The components should work fine - the integrated GPU on the Zotac board can do 1080p using VDPAU, and the CPU can decode streams from Hulu and iPlayer.
You could probably use a smaller HDD if you stream your media anyway.
Though I don't have personal experience with the Cyberlink remote, it seems it registers as a HID device and therefore is not MCE remote compatible.
So, while it is possible to use it with XBMC, buying a different, genuine MCE remote is the easier way. If you don't mind a little configuration work, though, go with the Cyberlink.
- prae5 - 2009-11-25
I would decide how important Hulu is to you. You can pick up a Revo from ebuyer for about £150 and it will play all of the same content (if you do some hunting around you can find the dual core version for not much more). iPlayer uses VDPAU, only thing that doesn't from your list of requirements is Hulu.
Is being able to watch Hulu worth the extra £230....
- User 57721 - 2009-11-25
This one? (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/172706#). You make a good point about Hulu and considering it’s not even out in the UK yet the Revo is probably the better choice. I’m still having a hard time finding a good IR remote that works with XBMC and a UK retailer has in stock. Anyone have any recommendations?
- prae5 - 2009-11-25
Reply this is the single core version - http://www.ebuyer.com/product/167153 and is £150 this will play pretty much anything. I've also got the dual core version too, and to be honest theres not a huge difference between them. However, if you can pick up the dual core version for £150 do it - dabs and a few others had them at that price.
Pretty much any MCE remote will work, or an old xbox one will too if you have one.
This seems to be a fairly popular one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/philips-media-center-remote-reciever-ovu4003-00_W0QQitemZ130342342897QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_InputDevices_RL?hash=item1e590250f1
- User 57721 - 2009-11-25
You sir have convinced me! I will be going for the single core Revo and that remote you linked. Just checking but that little box can definitely stream 1080p MKV files without any problems?
- prae5 - 2009-11-25
Yup, no problems at all assuming you are running linux on it and using vdpau.
I know of some people who have added another 1gb of ram to it, but i've been fine with 1gb. Still its never going to hurt if you feel the urge to.
I have a friend who runs XBMC Live on his, and i went for the XBMCbuntu approach.
http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=XBMCbuntu
- User 57721 - 2009-11-25
I'm planning to follow this guide http://lifehacker.com/5391308/build-a-silent-standalone-xbmc-media-center-on-the-cheap
- prae5 - 2009-11-25
The link to the installer on that guide is out of date - make sure you grab the latest official version.
- User 57721 - 2009-11-26
I'm planning to use the Camelot Beta1 version of XBMC Live. Would that work properly?
- crackerbear - 2009-11-26
You can get the dual core Revo for £160:
http://www.ballicom.co.uk/laptops/sub-notebook/acer-revo-3610-atom-330-dual-core-1gb-160gb-linux.p466112.html
Although you only get 1GB ram and 160GB hard drive.
It was a about £150 a month or so back, but it's still a good deal considering most other retailers are selling the dual core Revo for £250 odd.
There's a long thread on that deal here if you want to know any specifics:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/507849/acer-r3610-revo-atom-330-dual-core
Just a note, apparently that one sold at Ballicom doesn't come with a keyboard and mouse.
I'm actually deciding whether to get one of these myself, or an ASRock Ion 330HT or build something similar to what you specced up or build using an Ion motherboard. Too many choices.
- User 57721 - 2009-11-26
Wow that's a good price and I could always upgrade the RAM at a later date.
- User 57721 - 2009-11-26
Sorry if this is a stupid question but can I set up my HTPC to record freeview if I bought a tuner card? If so then I would definitely rather build a HTPC than get the Acer Revo.
- User 57721 - 2009-11-28
Ok so I got the dual core Revo and installed XBMC Live but I have two problems with it. I can’t see my MKV files on my home server but my other movies show up (avi e.c.t). The HD movies I have that are not MKV files play really slowly. Slow enough to be unwatchable. I set the rendering method to VDPAU but it’s not good enough.
If anyone could help on either of these problems I would really appreciate it.
- prae5 - 2009-11-28
open a new thread in the linux section, make sure you include a debug log.