Building my HTPC

The_Mowgs

The_Mowgs

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Hi guys,

I need a bit of help please. I want to start building htpc for the new house. Could someone point me in the right direction where to buy all of the hardware that I will need? Is there upgraded versions of the hardware which is required since you guys built yours?

The next question I need help with is connecting the htpc and the ps3. I have a tv in the lounge and in the room. I want to view both of the devices on both tv's. What will work best for this? A 1 in 2 out splitter per device or is there something else? If someone has a suggestion on the hardware I need, and if its not too much to ask, would you mind posting a link to said devices, it would be greatly appreciated.


Hope someone can help me and thanks.
 
The cheapest option would be to put the PS3 in the lounge and stream to that from the HTPC in the room (I use PS3 Media server).

Decent HDMI splitters cost quite a bit, and there's no guarantee that a cheap one without HDCP will work. I'd rather get a second PS3 if I really wanted games in the bedroom.
 
I already have a splitter that I bought from hdcabling that works perfectly with the ps3 so I just thought I might be able to do it with a splitter again.
 
If you're happy with the same content playing in both rooms then sure.
 
Yeah I don't mind it playing in the same room. Thanks for the help. Which splitter would you reccomend?
 
Instead of a new thread I think I can ask here? I have an htpc and ps3 in my lounge and I'm thinking of putting an htpc in the bedroom, but now I'm just thinking of using the ps3. Would it not be more beneficial to use an htpc though? I've never tried streaming to the ps3 so have no idea what it's like compared to xbmc
 
The_Mowgs said:
Yeah I don't mind it playing in the same room. Thanks for the help. Which splitter would you reccomend?
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No experience with splitters sorry, if you already have one that works another of the same seems the obvious choice.

glamourkillface said:
Instead of a new thread I think I can ask here? I have an htpc and ps3 in my lounge and I'm thinking of putting an htpc in the bedroom, but now I'm just thinking of using the ps3. Would it not be more beneficial to use an htpc though? I've never tried streaming to the ps3 so have no idea what it's like compared to xbmc
Click to expand...

Well the interface on the PS3 is pretty basic, it's just a file browser really. No played/unplayed status, recently added items etc. I hardly ever use it to watch things on. It works well enough for guests who stay over or for keeping kids entertained though.
 
So can anyone tell me where I could order the HP Microserver n40L from? I tried to create an account on HP Shop but it does not work. Any other online place with decent prices?
 
I got mine from the HP shop.

Remember you will need to add a graphics card to it.
 
bar1 said:
http://mybroadband.co.za/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=24067&title=zotac-mag-hd-nd01&cat=3

I want R2000 for it. if you interested....
Click to expand...

Not sure if this was for me, if so, thanks but I have a few extra pc's I'll convert into Htpc's.

The_Mowgs said:
So can anyone tell me where I could order the HP Microserver n40L from? I tried to create an account on HP Shop but it does not work. Any other online place with decent prices?
Click to expand...

Good choice. I set one up for my folks and it runs amazingly.
You can try from here for R1600
http://www.carbonite.co.za/f15/hp-proliant-microservers-n40l-32792/index2.html
 
dabean said:
Well the interface on the PS3 is pretty basic, it's just a file browser really. No played/unplayed status, recently added items etc. I hardly ever use it to watch things on. It works well enough for guests who stay over or for keeping kids entertained though.
Click to expand...

Thanks, ya looks like I'll stick to the htpc's. Just love xbmc
 
It was for anyone who interested, sure it's easy and cheap to set up a normal PC as a media center, but you can't beat the tiny form factor of the Zotac.

and you want something nice and quiet in your lounge, next to your TV.
 
bar1 said:
It was for anyone who interested, sure it's easy and cheap to set up a normal PC as a media center, but you can't beat the tiny form factor of the Zotac.

and you want something nice and quiet in your lounge, next to your TV.
Click to expand...

It really is the best option hey, unfortunately my budget won't allow for it. Whoever gets it will make a smart buy. Would look so good behind my new tv!
 
glamourkillface said:
It really is the best option hey, unfortunately my budget won't allow for it. Whoever gets it will make a smart buy. Would look so good behind my new tv!
Click to expand...

I actually thought about it, but it looks so nice, that i didn't want to "hide" it behind my TV
 
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