The Official HTPC Thread

[GoldenGlove]

So I rebuilt my HTPC into a mini-itx build since what I had was overkill, (i5-3570k & matx board, 400w PSU)

Opted to go with an i3-3225 (still overkill ) & Asrock H77M-ITX motherboard this time around with this case, Linkworld Electronics HTPC Case

Pictures,

Spoiler

Case is about the size of a Slim 360.

That case is pretty smooth. After building my first desktop that's been in the office, I've been thinking about making another HTPC down the road for the Mancave just to have FULL web access down there on my TV.

Trying to roll with League Pass on the 360 and Roku in there, but it's just always something off. THe 360 has piff picture quality, but it still randomly freezes/buffers at times, and the Roku never freezes, but the pic quality isn't messing with the 360.

 

[2gunsup]

That case is pretty smooth. After building my first desktop that's been in the office, I've been thinking about making another HTPC down the road for the Mancave just to have FULL web access down there on my TV.

Trying to roll with League Pass on the 360 and Roku in there, but it's just always something off. THe 360 has piff picture quality, but it still randomly freezes/buffers at times, and the Roku never freezes, but the pic quality isn't messing with the 360.

I was planning on getting rid of the HTPC all together and just rock out with a Roku but realized I am tied to windows due to my wireless surround sound headset which I use late night when chick dead sleeping. shyt be like I'm in a theater,

Case came out to be smaller than I thought it would be. shyt really the size of a 360,

 

[STAN JONES]

So I rebuilt my HTPC into a mini-itx build since what I had was overkill, (i5-3570k & matx board, 400w PSU)

Opted to go with an i3-3225 (still overkill ) & Asrock H77M-ITX motherboard this time around with this case, Linkworld Electronics HTPC Case

Pictures,

Spoiler

Case is about the size of a Slim 360.

could you link me to that case breh

 

[2gunsup]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Linkworld-Electronic-Home-Theater-Media/dp/B0077635W0]Amazon.com: Linkworld Electronic Home Theater Media PC Case - 920-01 C2121U (Black): Computers & Accessories[/ame]

 

[STAN JONES]

Amazon.com: Linkworld Electronic Home Theater Media PC Case - 920-01 C2121U (Black): Computers & Accessories

Props

How many hdds can you fit in that?

 

[2gunsup]

Props

How many hdds can you fit in that?

Tops is most likely 2 and that's with taking up the space the dvd drive would go into. I have an SSD in there since all of my media is on a server.

 

[STAN JONES]

Tops is most likely 2 and that's with taking up the space the dvd drive would go into. I have an SSD in there since all of my media is on a server.

So should I build a htpc and server or just the htpc with multiple hdds?

Im completely new to this, I hope you dont mind the questions

 

[daze23]

So should I build a htpc and server or just the htpc with multiple hdds?

Im completely new to this, I hope you dont mind the questions

you can always just use an external hdd

 

[newarkhiphop]

So should I build a htpc and server or just the htpc with multiple hdds?

Im completely new to this, I hope you dont mind the questions

Great question was actually about to ask him that same question

Am leaning strongly towards buying a synology nas adding about 4-6 tb worth of storage +usb tv tuner(dvr) them topping it all off with a roku or WD TV for Netflix/streaming that would all run me about $550

I have a good wifi connection for the roku but wonder if it would be enough to use wifi for the nas or have it hard wired with ethernet which is a option but something I want to avoid

 

[STAN JONES]

you can always just use an external hdd

Im tired of them shyts dying on me breh

 

[2gunsup]

I'd really advise you guys to build a low budget/low power* file server if you are going the NAS route. You can save a gang of money in the long run and it just a shyt load better.

@newarkhiphop ,

You are going to want a wired connection breh. Streaming 1080p over wifi via Plex can get ugly real quick. I've done it before and it doesn't compare to a good wired connection. I do run my cables in the walls and under the floor which I know isn't an option available to everyone.

It also depends on the rips you are streaming though, all of my movies are 8GB and up. I know some of you guys like downloading them smaller shyts which shouldn't be a problem over wifi.

 

[newarkhiphop]

@2gunsup

here is a basic question with just using a NAS, which is a term i cant understand yet when am reading up about NAS boxes and such they say they will stream to DNLA enabled/compatible tv's , is there anyway by looking at my tv that i can tell if its DNLA??? also besides xbox,rokus,WD TV etc are there any receivers/usb that i can hook up to my TV to allow it to connect to NAS

 

[2gunsup]

@2gunsup

here is a basic question with just using a NAS, which is a term i cant understand yet when am reading up about NAS boxes and such they say they will stream to DNLA enabled/compatible tv's , is there anyway by looking at my tv that i can tell if its DNLA??? also besides xbox,rokus,WD TV etc are there any receivers/usb that i can hook up to my TV to allow it to connect to NAS

DNLA devices are capable of viewing the files on your NAS, PC's and other devices that are DNLA compatible. It's just another way/protocol for devices to share files. If your TV is one of them "Smart TVs" then it's most likely DNLA compliant.

As far as devices to hook up to your TV if you mean something like a plug in receiver that would make your TV DNLA compatible then you've mentioned the more popular devices to do it with. Apple TV, Pivos Xios DS, RasberryPI, GBox Midnight are some others. Not sure if this is the answer you was looking for.

 

[Tha Snowman]

@2gunsup

here is a basic question with just using a NAS, which is a term i cant understand yet when am reading up about NAS boxes and such they say they will stream to DNLA enabled/compatible tv's , is there anyway by looking at my tv that i can tell if its DNLA??? also besides xbox,rokus,WD TV etc are there any receivers/usb that i can hook up to my TV to allow it to connect to NAS

Which tv do you have? While most smart TVs are DLNA compatible, don't plan on streaming any 4 GB bluray rips straight to them. At least those made as recently as mid last year. I haven't tried the newest models to see if they can handle it.

You'll likely need a dedicated box, or a computer to transcode those using something like plex or playon if you want to play them smoothly without a secondary box.

 

[newarkhiphop]

Which tv do you have? While most smart TVs are DLNA compatible, don't plan on streaming any 4 GB bluray rips straight to them. At least those made as recently as mid last year. I haven't tried the newest models to see if they can handle it.

You'll likely need a dedicated box, or a computer to transcode those using something like plex or playon if you want to play them smoothly without a secondary box.

I dont have a smart tv i have one of these

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-P50C2-50-Inch-720p-Plasma/dp/B003926CUS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357488488&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+tcp50c2]Amazon.com: Panasonic TC-P50C2 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV: Electronics[/ame]



Props , Yea i figured there no way around using a box of some sort to connect the TV to the NAS was wishful thinking more than anything lol

and na i dont plan on streaming any files that big , all my movies i DL i keep them to under a gig, biggest movies i have are like 850 MB, am happy with the quality when i play them off a usb stick through the xbox , have yet to try and stream though , but again more than likely will run a Ethernet cable to whatever box i use to stream from the nas