Topic: Unofficial HTPC users thread: Tips, Tricks, and everything HTPC

[nerveblocker]

Going back to Linux, Im truly amazed that VLC + Media Portal combination performs very well because if I were to imagine such set-up under Windows, that would be like putting a fruit basket on top of a hog.   Thus, Linux must be a remarkably efficient OS in the first place.   Too bad I cant live without Windows based applications.

Sorry sir but I am using Mediaportal + VLC in WinXP.  There is no Linux version of Mediaportal.  I have been using VLC though in Linux Ubuntu playing 1080p files flawlessly.  I just wanted to use Mediaportal with VLC that's why I had to use Windows just for this purpose. 

Media Centers available in Ubuntu are XBMC and Moovida.  XBMC sucks playing mkvs in Linux.  Moovida is ok but it doesn't have any flexibility in playing videos.   You can't even change the aspect ratio of your movies to fit your screen very much like the WDTV.  The only good thing with Moovida are its plugins such as youtube and internet radio. 

In a short note, Windows still is the winner when it comes to making the PC as an entertainment hub.  Hope this clarify things.   

[Clondalkin]

In a short note, Windows still is the winner when it comes to making the PC as an entertainment hub.  Hope this clarify things.    

Thanks for the clarification Nerveblocker. You just made me happier with my windows based systems.  

[scaglietti]

hi guys, if you have to choose one, which system would you buy.
1. Acer Aspire Revo R3600 1L ultra small PC with nVidia ION Graphics, HDMI
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Acer_Aspire_R3600_Revo
2. Acer Aspire X1200 - Small Form Factor Desktop CPU
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/X1200
3. NMT (preferably a powerful one, maybe xtreamer, hdpro or tvix)

Do you think the specs of the acer is enough to play those gigantic, power hungry mkvs?  That's my main concern. Thanks!

[andlisten]

hi guys, if you have to choose one, which system would you buy.

I'll choose 2. Acer Aspire X1200 - Small Form Factor Desktop CPU
bec of higher CPU of 2.9 GHz dual core which you can use for gaming too.
but if it is intended to HT only, I will choose NMT (no hassle on remote, wife and kids friendly too)

[scaglietti]

yes its for HT use only.  My only concern is the playability of most, if not all mkv files.

[andlisten]

yes its for HT use only.  My only concern is the playability of most, if not all mkv files.

If you have enough budget then go for top of the line NMT like Popcorn Hour C200, it has bluray rom provision and loaded of features too. I read from other forum that it plays  MKV well with large file like The God Father Trilogy with 80 Gb size. but other NMTs can do it also, just read the reviews and you may test before you buy if you have the files.

[obelix]

hi guys, if you have to choose one, which system would you buy.
1. Acer Aspire Revo R3600 1L ultra small PC with nVidia ION Graphics, HDMI
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Acer_Aspire_R3600_Revo
2. Acer Aspire X1200 - Small Form Factor Desktop CPU
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/X1200
3. NMT (preferably a powerful one, maybe xtreamer, hdpro or tvix)

Do you think the specs of the acer is enough to play those gigantic, power hungry mkvs?  That's my main concern. Thanks!

there was a review of the revo in gizmodo a while back... you can read it here: http://gizmodo.com/5204432/acer-revo-and-nvidia-ion-hands-on-flawless-blu+ray-playback-changes-cheap-computers-forever

[Alfie]

yes its for HT use only.  My only concern is the playability of most, if not all mkv files.

I use the X3200 and it plays all my MKV files, and to think that the processor is only the 64X2 5000...so in principle, the X1200 can perform better.  

BTW....my C2D PCs plays all sans any hiccups, even with an entry level video card, so I'm now confirming(via my experience) that it's really the processor that matters.

So in essence, when deciding...go for the better processor.

[ninjababez®]

but best route is getting an ati 4650 or higher vga card.
safest route is getting a good processor + the right codec and player.

[Alfie]

but best route is getting an ati 4650 or higher vga card.
safest route is getting a good processor + the right codec and player.

I don't think this will work on the Aspire Revo, here's the link;
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Acer_Aspire_R3600_Revo

[scaglietti]

so mas ok yung acer x1200?  Judging the specs, do you think its enough to play those power hungry mkvs?  Should I add more RAM?

[Alfie]

No need for RAM, the processor is adequate enough,as long as you place the right mix of codecs, however it will be better if you'll upgrade to Phenom(but why will you do that since your X1200 will turn more expensive).

I'd rather build one much like what Nerveblocker did it only cost him 12K, with a cute Astone casing, and known MoBo

[Alfie]

Follow up, eto' iyun' kay Nerveblocker.
pag 17K, naka Phenom ka na...kahit Bluray ang ikabit mo....smooth pa din.

My new HTPC

Specs:
MoBo: EMAXX EMX-ANF82HD-PRO
RAM: Geil 1GB x 2 DDR2
HDD: Samsung 320GB HDD
Casing: Astone Flex casing w/ power supply
Processor: AMD X2 5000
Optical Drive: Lite-on DVDRW

Software:

Media Portal Media Center
VLC Media Player
Windows Media Player 11
Core AVC
Haali Media Splitter
Daemon Tools
Direct X10
AC3 Filter

 

[kolokoys]

Follow up, eto' iyun' kay Nerveblocker.
pag 17K, naka Phenom ka na...kahit Bluray ang ikabit mo....smooth pa din.

bro ask ko lng, no problem naman sa 720p/1080p mkv files ung onboard vcard nung emaxx mobo??

[scaglietti]

will that case fit a standard psu, lets say 500-550 watt?

[Alfie]

bro ask ko lng, no problem naman sa 720p/1080p mkv files ung onboard vcard nung emaxx mobo??

Basta HTPC ang importante ay ang processor, ang video graphic nang games nang nga-nga-ilangan nang >256mb video card.

will that case fit a standard psu, lets say 500-550 watt?

I don't know, you better PM Nerveblocker for that; however, the X1200 and X3200 only has a 220watts power supply,since the trend for HTPC is low power consumption. in fact I believe the Revo R3600 that comes with the nVidia ION Graphics even boast of a smaller wattage.

[carlhenry]

i think the revo is equipped with the 9400gt. grabe ang galing and mura. i saw sa youtube naglalaro sya ng COD 4. anyway, i dunno about watching movies kasi pag malakas sa gaming (revo) then okay sya sa other apps in my opinion. acer x3200 mejo alanganin sya sa COD 4, so basa basa lang ng reviews muna dude and hanap ka rin ng videos sa youtube about revo playback capabilities. GL!

[ninjababez®]

I don't think this will work on the Aspire Revo, here's the link;
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Acer_Aspire_R3600_Revo

my bad, i thought it was one of those desktop computers. 

[ninjababez®]

i think the revo is equipped with the 9400gt. grabe ang galing and mura. i saw sa youtube naglalaro sya ng COD 4. anyway, i dunno about watching movies kasi pag malakas sa gaming (revo) then okay sya sa other apps in my opinion. acer x3200 mejo alanganin sya sa COD 4, so basa basa lang ng reviews muna dude and hanap ka rin ng videos sa youtube about revo playback capabilities. GL!

sana may shops na pwedeng mag-demo, without restrictions.  like installing softwares that your planning to use etc.

[ninjababez®]

bro ask ko lng, no problem naman sa 720p/1080p mkv files ung onboard vcard nung emaxx mobo??

my previous setup was an x2 4600+ amd.  no issues after installing the "right codec".  

[Clondalkin]

I would have to guess that the Emaxx desktop mobo has a more powerful built-in graphics than my wife's C2D Toshiba laptop having the Intel GMA 450MHD integrated graphics.

I sucessfully watched the 81GB Godfather Eureka monster using that laptop during the weekend using KMP + CoreAVC for stress testing (the built-in decoder of KMP Ver 1435 couldn't handle that particular file - other 1080ps are OK though).   

The raw power of the CPU and the right codecs are the most critical indeed.  Kaya wag kayong magtipid sa CPU. 

[ninjababez®]

I would have to guess that the Emaxx desktop mobo has a more powerful built-in graphics than my wife's C2D Toshiba laptop having the Intel GMA 450MHD integrated graphics.

I sucessfully watched the 81GB Godfather Eureka monster using that laptop during the weekend using KMP + CoreAVC for stress testing (the built-in decoder of KMP Ver 1435 couldn't handle that particular file - other 1080ps are OK though).   

The raw power of the CPU and the right codecs are the most critical indeed.  Kaya wag kayong magtipid sa CPU. 

few months back, i installed "the recipe" on my gfs' laptop (core duo) with intel 4500 vga.  kayang kaya 
although it was running windows xp at that time with 2gb of ram.   

[nerveblocker]

bro ask ko lng, no problem naman sa 720p/1080p mkv files ung onboard vcard nung emaxx mobo??

So far no problems with the softwares installed on my 4.5GB 720p and 8.5GB 1080p files.  I haven't tried on bigger file sizes though coz I don't have any.

Do other background processes such as your antivirus affect playability of your HD files?

[ninjababez®]

Do other background processes such as your antivirus affect playability of your HD files?

theoretically YES doc, maliban nalang kung yung quad core ang gamitin mo .  but if youre using the "right stuff" it should be ok.

[nerveblocker]

theoretically YES doc, maliban nalang kung yung quad core ang gamitin mo .  but if youre using the "right stuff" it should be ok.

Thanks bro for the tip.  Siguro disable nalang antivirus para swabe.  Still using the AMD dual core.   

[Dowals]

I have an existing P4 2.66GHz, if i remember correctly, it's socket LGA775.   Can i upgrade my processor with this one?

Intel Dual Core E5300 2.6Ghz

will there be a significant improvement in performance? in relation to 1080p playback. 
using kmp (+ ext codec) 720p is playable in this setup, although sinisinok minsan.   

TIA

[ninjababez®]

I have an existing P4 2.66GHz, if i remember correctly, it's socket LGA775.   Can i upgrade my processor with this one?

Intel Dual Core E5300 2.6Ghz

will there be a significant improvement in performance? in relation to 1080p playback. 
using kmp (+ ext codec) 720p is playable in this setup, although sinisinok minsan.   

TIA

anong mobo bro?

[Dowals]

anong mobo bro?

it's a 4 year old foxconn 661FX mobo, as i remember right socket LGA775

can't find the box, but this is the model or close to it ~ Foxconn

[Clondalkin]

...I have an existing P4 2.66GHz, if i remember correctly, it's socket LGA775.   Can i upgrade my processor with this one?

If your mobo is like 4 years old, very low chance of success because when the C2D's were commercialized in 2006, Intel released new sets of corresponding chipsets as well, which are suitable for the much higher IPC (instructions per clock) of the C2D.

The surest upgrade path is via a new mobo.   

[Dowals]

thanks bro, that would mean a new pc.  The only parts i can use from this existing desktop is the tower case & dvdrom drive