kazoo
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Posts: 359
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Post by kazoo on Feb 11, 2014 12:03:41 GMT -5
I have been out of the computer game for a very long time and have no clue what is out there that is needed. Long story short I was a little upset trying to watch a show using the xbox. So I think its time for a HTPC. What would you guys recommend that is reasonable in price? I don't need a gaming PC, just enough power to watch HULU, netflix, and movies from portable HDs. Even maybe play music through. Reasonable in price, $500 or less, if possible. Thanks for any help.
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Post by mushroomking on Feb 11, 2014 12:09:31 GMT -5
Hi,
Do you plan on building it yourself? What are your priorities for the build (i.e. do you require it rip blu rays quickly, need heaps of storage, need a small form factor or match your component rack, etc.). Plenty of options out there!
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Post by novisnick on Feb 11, 2014 12:18:58 GMT -5
I have been out of the computer game for a very long time and have no clue what is out there that is needed. Long story short I was a little upset trying to watch a show using the xbox. So I think its time for a HTPC. What would you guys recommend that is reasonable in price? I don't need a gaming PC, just enough power to watch HULU, netflix, and movies from portable HDs. Even maybe play music through. Reasonable in price, $500 or less, if possible. Thanks for any help. If that is all you need, I'd go with an Oppo 103 or 103D and add the Ruku stick from Oppo that is offered. No reason for a PC. Nick |
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kazoo
Emo VIPs
Posts: 359
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Post by kazoo on Feb 11, 2014 13:22:34 GMT -5
Looking for something that is already built. I really don't have time to build one. Too many other projects. Don't need blu-ray, but a plus if it has it. Large storage would be nice, but I have external drives. Just something that is already built, reasonably priced, easy to use for the kids, hit the web with, watch movies, listen to music. It would be nice if it looked like the rest of the audio components. Don't really want to go the Oppo route. I have components that do all that now, I guess just want to have one box do everyting. I know its hard to recommend something with so many options out there. I searched and not sure what processor to go with, video card, sound card, wireless card. I guess I am lost on the hardware.
Thanks,
John
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Post by mushroomking on Feb 11, 2014 14:30:29 GMT -5
I'm almost inclined to recommend a Raspberry Pi with XBMC pre-installed (openELEC). You can get a package off EBay (around $100) with everything you need like remote etc. Very small package so you can stick it behind your TV for a clean installation. My only problem with this is that they can be slightly slow , and can also be temperamental at times (the one I use the bedroom is at least; others have had a better success). This will play pretty much anything you throw at it, very easy to use, and has lots of support via google.
Other than that, I have little to no experience with "prebuilt" pc's, so some one else might have to chime in with their recommendations.
Are you sure you haven't got time to build your own. It's honestly easier than lego, take no longer than half an hour (not including installing software) and will definitely give you the best bang for buck. I'll be happy to supply you with a shopping list for the build to meet your specifications and price point.
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Post by yves on Feb 11, 2014 19:03:49 GMT -5
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kazoo
Emo VIPs
Posts: 359
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Post by kazoo on Feb 12, 2014 12:59:32 GMT -5
Are you sure you haven't got time to build your own. It's honestly easier than lego, take no longer than half an hour (not including installing software) and will definitely give you the best bang for buck. I'll be happy to supply you with a shopping list for the build to meet your specifications and price point. I checked out the Raspberry and not what I am looking for. I do have the WD live box which I thik is about the same, but it sucks for music. Now I probably could find some time to build one. I think it would be fun and get me what I want and need. But still lost on the components side. So if you don't mind posting a shopping list I would appreceat it. Yves, Checked out the Asus, and exaclty what I was thinking of. Do you have one of these? Just wondering how good it works. Thanks guys. |
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Post by Hair Nick on Feb 12, 2014 13:53:36 GMT -5
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Post by dust770 on Feb 12, 2014 14:57:01 GMT -5
Hi, Do you plan on building it yourself? What are your priorities for the build (i.e. do you require it rip blu rays quickly, need heaps of storage, need a small form factor or match your component rack, etc.). Plenty of options out there! Very new at this as well, can I ask what program you are using to rip blu ray's? How much room they take up on your hard drive, and are they in 1080p and have full HD 7.1 audio when you rip them? |
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Post by ngmitter on Feb 12, 2014 15:11:07 GMT -5
I don't know if it's still a viable option, but I run a Dell Zino 410 HTPC in my setup. It was only $499 and does everything that custom built system does. Maybe search for a used one. You can see the specs here: reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-inspiron-zino-hd/4505-3118_7-34197286.htmlIt plays black 3D blu-ray just fine. It came with a wireless keyboard, mouse, and media center remote. It's dead silent. The only con I could perhaps think of is limited internal expandability. |
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Feb 13, 2014 8:30:38 GMT -5
I have been out of the computer game for a very long time and have no clue what is out there that is needed. Long story short I was a little upset trying to watch a show using the xbox. So I think its time for a HTPC. What would you guys recommend that is reasonable in price? I don't need a gaming PC, just enough power to watch HULU, netflix, and movies from portable HDs. Even maybe play music through. Reasonable in price, $500 or less, if possible. Thanks for any help. I am thinking in buy one of this for all my extreme needs... AS-602/4T www.asustor.com/product?p_id=1&lan=enor AS-202/4TE www.asustor.com/product?p_id=21&lan=en |
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kazoo
Emo VIPs
Posts: 359
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Post by kazoo on Feb 13, 2014 8:55:51 GMT -5
Wow they look impressive. Please let me know when/if you get one and how it works. I think this is now at the top of the list.
Thanks,
John
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Post by yves on Feb 13, 2014 18:41:19 GMT -5
Yves, Checked out the Asus, and exaclty what I was thinking of. Do you have one of these? Just wondering how good it works. I don't own it, but my laptop uses the exact same CPU (Intel i3 3110M @ 2.4 GHz with HD 4000 graphics) and also has 4 GB of RAM. Even though it (the i3 3110M) is the slowest CPU in the Ivy Bridge line, it has enough processing power for playback of anything up to and including 1080p video (AVC or x264 or H.264) because it has QuickSync and DXVA2, and, as a matter of true fact, even if you had paid $800 for a laptop 5 years ago (and had chosen it wisely), it too would have been powerful enough to do all those things that you mentioned. |
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Post by TempTag on Feb 13, 2014 20:34:26 GMT -5
I would recommend a Roku 3 (fastest model) running either Plex or Roku Media Player. Roku will be cheaper (~$100), easier to use, and just plain work better than an HTPC for the things you have listed. I have built and used a number of HTPCs but stopped using them once I bought a Roku. (I would up buying multiple Roku boxes instead.) I loved the idea of HTPCs but tired of the maintenance and kludgy usability. The only thing I miss on the Roku versus an HTPC is the ability to play ISOs. Roku 3: www.roku.com/products/roku-3Roku Plex Channel: www.roku.com/channels/#!details/13535/plex Plex main site: plex.tvRoku Media Player Channel: www.roku.com/channels/#!details/2213/roku-media-player |
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kazoo
Emo VIPs
Posts: 359
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Post by kazoo on Feb 14, 2014 9:26:50 GMT -5
I think I need to stay with the HTPC route to do what I want it to do. I checked out the Roku and that will not work for me. I looked at the files it will decode and for audio it only had two. I have all my audio files in WAV format and the Roku seems it will not decode those. Also the WD Live I have right now is about the same as the Roku.
Right now the Asus and the Asustor are at the top of the list. The Asus being slightly ahead because of the 6 USB inputs and the fact I have 3 external drives already. I would not have to spend more money to get new drives for the Asustor. I don't think the Asustor comes with drives. I want to thank everyone for you inputs.
John
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Post by Nodscene on Feb 14, 2014 10:38:59 GMT -5
I would seriously look into getting a media player. Cheaper, easier to use and maintain, and should do everything you are asking for (IE the Roku).
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Post by yves on Feb 14, 2014 10:53:10 GMT -5
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Post by lsdeep on Feb 14, 2014 19:48:59 GMT -5
first of all, i would recommend separation between actual htpc and storage (it depends a little on your storage needs obviously). the big plus for a central media storage is a) it is always available to all 'clients', b) it can be 'stowed away' in a storage room, basement etc (so even a hdd packed out case can have noisy fans, without disturbing you in the actual listening environment), c) if you go the diy route, it can be yours for very little money and extremely flexible for later expansion, d) when using sth like unraid, freenas etc it will give you a raid like failure tolerance without raid restrictions, e) any upgrades or additions to your actual 'head' device exclude f***king around with the actual media storage
i am a diy kind of person, when it comes to the (ht)pc end. just because i get what i need custom tailored to my wishes, without spending extra on the stuff i never use. but many good prebuilds are available. you just have to research to find the one fitting your needs most closely. once again, the choice of external (nas) storage weighs in here. if you have a head unit without the storage hhd's, it will run much cooler (no hdd's in big numbers in there). you might get away with just one (or two) ssd's. result is small footprint, less or (based on your gpu and cpu choice) no fans needed -> no fans and ssd = zero noise!
well, that's my thought about it,
cheers, L
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Feb 18, 2014 18:05:58 GMT -5
I think I need to stay with the HTPC route to do what I want it to do. I checked out the Roku and that will not work for me. I looked at the files it will decode and for audio it only had two. I have all my audio files in WAV format and the Roku seems it will not decode those. Also the WD Live I have right now is about the same as the Roku. Right now the Asus and the Asustor are at the top of the list. The Asus being slightly ahead because of the 6 USB inputs and the fact I have 3 external drives already. I would not have to spend more money to get new drives for the Asustor. I don't think the Asustor comes with drives. I want to thank everyone for you inputs. John With the ASUSTOR you can evolve from many ways, like NAS, SECURITY CAM WI-FI, and they read ISO files direct to the TV or AV/PROCESSOR... You can rip CD, DVD and BD and access nice and easy. ASUSTOR CHANNEL www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMJ6cVqEM9ptIOVWXAj7Zg |
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Post by garbulky on Feb 18, 2014 18:29:57 GMT -5
The neatest thing about HTPC is that with the right inputs, internet browsing is way more functional than any other alternative as well as the ability for work on a big screen. But the biggest cumbersome thing is finding the right darn input method!
Keyboard and mouse tend to be cumbersome due to size.
Wireless can sometimes drop out.
Small mini keyboard mouse remotes can be slow and clunky for a power user. Etc.
I still haven't found the right combo.
But my friend used windows media center with a windows remote and the whole thing worked very seamlessly. And they had a keyboard and mouse by the screen if they ever needed to use it for more powerful tools.
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