Author Topic: Share your HTPC Setup (Read 345875 times)

arnel90 · « **Reply #210 on:** Feb 10, 2004 at 04:41 PM »

thanks guys, when budget permits i would consider having one.

jpadua, the case looks great, is that available locally already?

jpadua · « **Reply #211 on:** Feb 10, 2004 at 05:04 PM »

Quote from: be976 on Feb 10, 2004 at 04:41 PM

thanks guys, when budget permits i would consider having one.

jpadua, the case looks great, is that available locally already?

Not yet, this is the first of its kind to hit philippine shores. (I know cause this is the sample unit I ordered) We plan on distributing these cases here in the philippines. Will let everyone know in the forum when we plan to get the first shipment.

yukon · « **Reply #212 on:** Feb 10, 2004 at 06:40 PM »

hey jp, would you know kung anong magandang wireless keyboard and mouse combo that i can use?...

i'd like to get the one that uses RF signal so I can get away at having to point it to its transmitter para lang gumana... wadyatink?...

you see, my PC is inside our room and my TV is outside (at the sala). i was planning of hooking its video, to the TV in the sala and have my keyboard and mouse go wireless para mabitbit ko na rin dun.

i need to know the tested brand of wireless kb and mouse brand.

TIA man... mabuhay ka pre.

jpadua · « **Reply #213 on:** Feb 11, 2004 at 09:53 AM »

Quote from: yukon on Feb 10, 2004 at 06:40 PM

hey jp, would you know kung anong magandang wireless keyboard and mouse combo that i can use?...

i'd like to get the one that uses RF signal so I can get away at having to point it to its transmitter para lang gumana... wadyatink?...

you see, my PC is inside our room and my TV is outside (at the sala). i was planning of hooking its video, to the TV in the sala and have my keyboard and mouse go wireless para mabitbit ko na rin dun.

i need to know the tested brand of wireless kb and mouse brand.

TIA man... mabuhay ka pre.

Unfortunately the only RF keyboards available here are the ones from logitech and they only have a range of 6feet.. if your lucky to have good signal baka kaya mag 8feet.

What you might need is a long range RF or a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo. I know gyration makes long rang RF keyboards also HP, Microsoft also has a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Do not opt for the A4 Tech wireless keyboard.. tried that before.. it claims to have an 8meter range... it only worked when I was right infront of the reciever... pag upo ko sa couch ... la na... and the reciever was only about 4feet away from the couch.

Checkout this Gyration RF keyboard/mouse review
http://www.htpcnews.com/main.php?id=gyration_remote_1

schlamm · « **Reply #214 on:** Feb 11, 2004 at 11:40 AM »

nice wireless devices... i like the swipe thing

too bad the price is steep. $:-\$

Jayem Ares · « **Reply #215 on:** Feb 12, 2004 at 09:29 PM »

Sirs, nakakatemp talaga magsetup din ng htpc, mahilig din ako sa movies eh. PC monitor images are sharper than on tv not to mention also the sound.
Meron ako computer celeron 1g, socket 370 board, 200+ ram, dvdrom, onboard video, available agp, sb live5.1, altec 251, 14'' monitor.

Pwede pa ba i-upgrade dito?

junji98 · « **Reply #216 on:** Feb 12, 2004 at 10:37 PM »

this htpc is intriguing

have not really seen or heard an htpc setup

tanong ko lang po:

ang computer ko ay athlon 1800+ with 512 ram, geforce FX 5200 card. sb live na sound card (pero 2.1 lang speakers). ala lang akong dvd rom drive pa.

dvd drive na lang ba kulang tapos makakanuod na ako ng matinong dvd sa monitor ko, o kailangan pa din magupgrade ng mga pyesa. nasira kasi yung luma ko na cd rom. iniisip ko kung mag dvd rom na ako. papasa na bang htpc ito, o nagpapanggap lang. lol

junji

FaFa_RoLaNd · « **Reply #217 on:** Feb 13, 2004 at 05:01 PM »

of cors pwede na yang current rig mo! upgrade nalang ng sound card and dvd drive nalang.

JT · « **Reply #218 on:** Feb 17, 2004 at 06:05 PM »

How's this for an HTPC ... HTPC 400 series from ACCENT.

Price is S$480+ after shipping with Imon remote controller and USB VFD.

yukon · « **Reply #219 on:** Feb 17, 2004 at 06:11 PM »

Quote from: JT on Feb 17, 2004 at 06:05 PM

How's this for an HTPC ... HTPC 400 series from ACCENT.

Price is S$480+ after shipping with Imon remote controller and USB VFD.

WOW ! ! ! as in W O W

Jayem Ares · « **Reply #220 on:** Feb 17, 2004 at 07:37 PM »

Tanong ko lang po mga Sirs,

Kung palitan ko po ang sa akin ng malaking monitor, mga 21 ok parin kaya?
Onboard po ang videocard ko(pero may available pa na agp) at 14 monitor ko hindi branded. Ok naman po ang monitor, Ive been using it for almost 2 years and been using it to watch dvds for one year now pero round edges and screen at hindi siya flat.
Hindi ko yata ma afford ang bumili ng receiver at speakers(separates), so yung pc ko nalang.

schlamm · « **Reply #221 on:** Feb 17, 2004 at 09:19 PM »

Quote from: Jayem Ares on Feb 17, 2004 at 07:37 PM

Tanong ko lang po mga Sirs,

Kung palitan ko po ang sa akin ng malaking monitor, mga 21 ok parin kaya?
Onboard po ang videocard ko(pero may available pa na agp) at 14 monitor ko hindi branded. Ok naman po ang monitor, Ive been using it for almost 2 years and been using it to watch dvds for one year now pero round edges and screen at hindi siya flat.
Hindi ko yata ma afford ang bumili ng receiver tsaka mga speakers, so yung pc ko nalang.

yun nga ang idea behind an HTPC. PC siya tapos Home Theater rin siya in one. ginagamit rin namin PC's namin for watching movies, sound trip, web surfing, etc. kung meron kang mas malaking monitor mas maganda siyempre. para sa receiver and speakers, hanap ka ng soundcard na maganda na pupwedeng mag Dolby Digital and DTS na DVD audio and DVD movie. yung speakers, kahit pang PC na speaker okay na rin. kung meron kang mas malakas siyempre mas maganda basta kelangan mo lang mabuo ung 5.1 (5 speakers + 1 subwoofer) na configuration para maenjoy mo ung mga DVD media.

jpadua · « **Reply #222 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 01:25 AM »

Quote from: JT on Feb 17, 2004 at 06:05 PM

How's this for an HTPC ... HTPC 400 series from ACCENT.

Price is S$480+ after shipping with Imon remote controller and USB VFD.

Sayang nga nagsisisi ako I could have gotten that model! what was I thinking of! hehe anyway the one Accent sent me was the first unit, will be ordering HT-400 as well, makaka upgrade rin ako

The one I have is this one

Came with Vacuum Flourecent Display and the Accent IR Remote.

yukon · « **Reply #223 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 12:14 PM »

Quote from: jpadua on Feb 18, 2004 at 01:25 AM

Sayang nga nagsisisi ako I could have gotten that model! what was I thinking of! hehe anyway the one Accent sent me was the first unit, will be ordering HT-400 as well, makaka upgrade rin ako

The one I have is this one

Came with Vacuum Flourecent Display and the Accent IR Remote.

hey JP,
don't you think this one is better?... with all the features printed up front and an additional slot for a floppy drive or a CD/DVD RW?...

jpadua · « **Reply #224 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 02:07 PM »

Quote from: yukon on Feb 18, 2004 at 12:14 PM

hey JP,
don't you think this one is better?... with all the features printed up front and an additional slot for a floppy drive or a CD/DVD RW?...

Actually its perfect for what I needed it for, needed a case for MicroATX and Single DVDrom bay. The HT400 is good for Full ATX mobos. I also like the look of the drive bezel instead of a drive cover.

As you can see, my case (since they sent me a sample case) does not have the printed logos. But According to my contact at Kanam, they can print them on the case when we order in volume already.

Its a really good case!, I just wrote a review of it for htpcnews.com It will be up maybe by tomorrow or tonight.

Philander · « **Reply #225 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 02:50 PM »

jpadua,

Bat walang DTS and DD logos yung casing?

jpadua · « **Reply #226 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 02:58 PM »

Quote from: Philander on Feb 18, 2004 at 02:50 PM

jpadua,

Bat walang DTS and DD logos yung casing?

Yeah nga eh, I requested that, but they told me daw na the cases dont really have the logo's printed on them as a default. They do print them on it by request but it has to be a volume order. The logos are silkscreen printed on to the case.

Anyone knows anybody who makes decals? like the ones for RC's and Model kits? Baka pwede magpagawa ng DD and DTS decals

JT · « **Reply #227 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 03:08 PM »

Quote from: Philander on Feb 18, 2004 at 02:50 PM

jpadua,

Bat walang DTS and DD logos yung casing?

Extra cost kasi sa kanila yun. Kakailanganin nilang magbayad ng license sa kumpanya ng DTS at Dolby Digital kung may permanent print.

yukon · « **Reply #228 on:** Feb 18, 2004 at 05:47 PM »

pareng jp,
ordinary casings like the mini or the full towers are cheap items... how will these HTPC casings be priced?
i would love to get one but its price, as always, would be my driving factor...

jpadua · « **Reply #229 on:** Feb 19, 2004 at 08:31 AM »

Quote from: yukon on Feb 18, 2004 at 05:47 PM

pareng jp,
ordinary casings like the mini or the full towers are cheap items... how will these HTPC casings be priced?
i would love to get one but its price, as always, would be my driving factor...

Would probably be as expensive as a SFF barebone. First of all it should not be compared to regular PC casings, its truly a class on its own. It's a novelty. The object of HTPC casings is to hide that it is a PC. Casings like Antec Overture, Sonata, dont really cut it. Other casings in the same class would be DIGN, Silverstone, Coolemaster ATSCs. The lian-li HTPC case is actually smaller and is already mga 7.5k, Not available here though.

yukon · « **Reply #230 on:** Feb 19, 2004 at 12:21 PM »

Quote from: jpadua on Feb 19, 2004 at 08:31 AM

Would probably be as expensive as a SFF barebone. First of all it should not be compared to regular PC casings, its truly a class on its own. It's a novelty. The object of HTPC casings is to hide that it is a PC. Casings like Antec Overture, Sonata, dont really cut it. Other casings in the same class would be DIGN, Silverstone, Coolemaster ATSCs. The lian-li HTPC case is actually smaller and is already 12k, Not available here though.

jp, just starting to plunge (a little deeper) into this stuff (I wouldn't call it a hobby yet as my PC is still intact - i mean as a fully functional workstation/terminal only) and am a little, should i say, amazed, at what's out there...

heheh, ang gaganda din pala.

here are some of the exciting - and very nice htpc casings i've browsed through on the net.

The SilverStone Lascala SST-LC01
details at http://www.modthebox.com/review257_1.shtml

The SilverStone Lascala SST-LC02
details at http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-lc02.htm

The SilverStone Lascala SST-LC03
details at http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-lc03.htm

The Lian Li PC-9100

The Lian Li PC-9300

The Antec Overture

The Cooler Master ATC-620C-BX1

WOW!!! ang gaganda. Pero mas maganda pa rin yata ang casing mo jp.

aldrinpsx · « **Reply #231 on:** Feb 19, 2004 at 01:30 PM »

http://www.mini-itx.com/

PEACE!!!

jpadua · « **Reply #232 on:** Feb 19, 2004 at 01:51 PM »

Quote from: yukon on Feb 19, 2004 at 12:21 PM

jp, just starting to plunge (a little deeper) into this stuff (I wouldn't call it a hobby yet as my PC is still intact - i mean as a fully functional workstation/terminal only) and am a little, should i say, amazed, at what's out there...

heheh, ang gaganda din pala.

here are some of the exciting - and very nice htpc casings i've browsed through on the net.

The SilverStone Lascala SST-LC01
The SilverStone Lascala SST-LC02
The SilverStone Lascala SST-LC03
The Lian Li PC-9100
The Lian Li PC-9300
The Antec Overture
The Cooler Master ATC-620C-BX1

WOW!!! ang gaganda. Pero mas maganda pa rin yata ang casing mo jp.

Yukon, plunge deeper! heheheh, ok ah.. dami ko nang nadedemonyo mag HTPC since I started this thread heheh. No but seriously its a PC-AV enthusiast hobby talaga. It's a mix of both!

Yeah, those cases are popular in the dark and lonely HTPC world. Most especially the silvertstone cases. Silverstone is a new player in the HTPC market, I think they just started to come out late last year. Most of the Silverstone cases have drive cover's that stealth the PC peripherals in front.

The Lian-Lis are alright if you are considering a not-so-powerful htpc. The The Lian Li PC-9100 and The Lian Li PC-9300 are both microATX form factor with the 9100 leaning towards halfheight cards. They both use SFF psu's so you can only get max 250w so having a high power athlon paired with a high power Ati Video card might blow up your PSU

these cases are intended for light systems, and more focused on video playback. Not recommended for gaming. Jambam, another pinoy DVD has the Lian-li 9300, he was selling it before for 12k not sure kung nabenta na nya.

Antec Overture is very popular cause I think it's the most commercial HTPC case. It fits a full ATX mobo and PSU. But I've heard a lot about heat issues. Too bad it lacks the High-End aluminum look and looks more like a media PC case then A/V equipment.

The cooler master is also popular. Micro ATX and uses SFF powersupply just like the lian li 9100 and 9300. Has the whole cover to stealth the drives in front. Too bad it has no IR window.

The reason why I chose Accent HTPC by Kanam is because I wanted small form factor but also wanted to use a full size atx PSU. The Accent HT101 was my obvious choice. MicroATX, Full ATX PSU. Small space requirement but good for more powerful systems. Good for Gaming! its more than 50% aluminum so it has good heat disipation properties, and its pretty spaceous inside for good ventilation. The included VFD and Remote is golden! The Accent remote can power on your PC. The built in VFD window makes it look more A/V than the other cases.

Checkout the Dign Cases, to my opinion these guys are neck and neck in design and quality with Kanam.

http://www.iuneed.com

Lets all drool somemore!

jpadua · « **Reply #233 on:** Feb 19, 2004 at 02:45 PM »

Hey JT,

I was just contacted by Kanam Informing me about the Release of the HT400. The great news is that, the HT400 will come prebuilt with its own electronic PCB that hooks up to a USB header on your motherboard. Integrated on the PCBs are the USB ports, IMON Ir Reciever which will control both Power on and Reset all from the IMON Remote. They will start shipping the case next month packaged with the IMON Remote and the Vacuum Flourecent Display. I hope they will also sell the case without these options for lower cost.

The good people over at Kanam sent me snapshots of the case.

This is the IMON remote

http://imon.soundgraph.com/contents/e_aboutimon.html

Can't wait to get my hands on them!!!

JT · « **Reply #234 on:** Feb 19, 2004 at 06:23 PM »

Quote from: jpadua on Feb 19, 2004 at 02:45 PM

Hey JT,

I was just contacted by Kanam Informing me about the Release of the HT400. The great news is that, the HT400 will come prebuilt with its own electronic PCB that hooks up to a USB header on your motherboard. Integrated on the PCBs are the USB ports, IMON Ir Reciever which will control both Power on and Reset all from the IMON Remote. They will start shipping the case next month packaged with the IMON Remote and the Vacuum Flourecent Display. I hope they will also sell the case without these options for lower cost.

Can't wait to get my hands on them!!!

That's great. Check ko nga ito. Im really planning for HTPC for my room upgrade.

schlamm · « **Reply #235 on:** Feb 20, 2004 at 12:12 AM »

comment on the HT400:
as you can see, there is plenty of room to put another HD. why can't they do that? give room for hard drives to breath. if i'm going to use a desktop type case i would use heatsinks and fans to cool my hard drives. and how about a side mount floppy drive just in case you need to use the FD? i'm just upset to see these HTPC casings go to waste due to internal design flaws. there's also this case that uses only SLIM type cd/dvd-rom drives. wtf is that

. it's still a pc desktop not a laptop.

jpadua: if you have contacts with the makers of such HTPC casings could you be their R&D for the internal design of these casings because to tell you the truth, they suck. no offense meant. i hope you also know that

since you own one already.

bravoexo · « **Reply #236 on:** Feb 20, 2004 at 05:20 AM »

These are already available at XtremeModz...P6,999 lang

jpadua · « **Reply #237 on:** Feb 20, 2004 at 09:06 AM »

Quote from: schlamm on Feb 20, 2004 at 12:12 AM

there's also this case that uses only SLIM type cd/dvd-rom drives. wtf is that . it's still a pc desktop not a laptop.

Hmm heheh, yeah... I think that the reason they used slim Type cd/dvd-roms is so that the case can remain as low profile as possible and still have some space underneath the drive. It looks funky though, they should have just used slim type laptop dvd rom drives that are slot driven to maintain the aesthetics if thats what they were after. It just looks plain o'l ugly with the Laptop dvdrom drive!

Quote from: schlamm on Feb 20, 2004 at 12:12 AM

comment on the HT400:
as you can see, there is plenty of room to put another HD. why can't they do that? give room for hard drives to breath. if i'm going to use a desktop type case i would use heatsinks and fans to cool my hard drives. and how about a side mount floppy drive just in case you need to use the FD? i'm just upset to see these HTPC casings go to waste due to internal design flaws.

jpadua: if you have contacts with the makers of such HTPC casings could you be their R&D for the internal design of these casings because to tell you the truth, they suck. no offense meant. i hope you also know that since you own one already.

Yeah I agree with you, the design flaw would probably be the drive cages. As you can see the space on the left and right sides inside the case can clearly fit four 3.25 bays. And also underneath the DVD rom another HD can be fitted in.

I think that they have planned this setup none the less. Having all that space counts for the ventilation. Its also not meant to be a case with a lot of fans, obviously silence and heat was considered in the design ( I personally would want to have a silent HTPC compared to one with a lot of fans sounding like a vacuum cleaner). Having too many hard drives may account for excessive heat, especially being in a desktop type configuration. But I do agree with you, they should have at least added a third 3.25 bracket on the hard drive cage for an optoinal FDD and a 3.25 bracket underneath the DVD space for another HD. With normal configurations you can only have 4 peripherals (ex. 3HDs and a DVDrom drive) and 2 FDDs.

I will mention that to Kanam. Possibly do a case review once I get the HT400.

yukon · « **Reply #238 on:** Feb 20, 2004 at 09:22 AM »

Quote from: schlamm on Feb 20, 2004 at 12:12 AM

comment on the HT400:
as you can see, there is plenty of room to put another HD. why can't they do that? give room for hard drives to breath. if i'm going to use a desktop type case i would use heatsinks and fans to cool my hard drives. and how about a side mount floppy drive just in case you need to use the FD? i'm just upset to see these HTPC casings go to waste due to internal design flaws. there's also this case that uses only SLIM type cd/dvd-rom drives. wtf is that . it's still a pc desktop not a laptop.

jpadua: if you have contacts with the makers of such HTPC casings could you be their R&D for the internal design of these casings because to tell you the truth, they suck. no offense meant. i hope you also know that since you own one already.

I so very strongly agree with schlamm, jp...

jpadua · « **Reply #239 on:** Feb 20, 2004 at 10:02 AM »

Quote from: yukon on Feb 20, 2004 at 09:22 AM

I so very strongly agree with schlamm, jp...

Yep! in anycase thats a really good Idea. I already made some orders so I'll be stocking a few of these cases. We'll probably be stocking at least 5 units of different Accent HTPC cases most likely the HT400 and the the full atx version of the HT100 and the HT200.
The HT400 retails at $270 in the US as a complete package with the built in IMON remote and usb VFD. So It would more or less be the same or a bit lower.

For the additional hard drive and FDD suggestion, maybe I can just have a bracket fabricated. It's not too difficult. A bracket for a HD under the DVD and an optional bracket for FDD on the other side of the DVD cage.