Home entertainment setup advice

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undesign

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Hi peeps, need some advice on changing my setup. Current setup -

1) All media stored on HP Microserver in study.
2) LAN cable runs from Microserver to Apple TV 2
3) Apple TV 2 jailbroken, running XBMC
4) Connected to AV receiver that is connected to 720p plasma (all via HDMI)

So far all good, works well and I really like the XBMC interface. Airplay works a treat.

I now bought a 1080p plasma. The ATV2 only outputs to maximum of 720p. The ATV3 can't be jailbroken yet. So that leaves me with the challenge of how to get 1080p material to my TV from my server with a decent interface (preferably XBMC)?

Advice appreciated. :)
 
You could set up a second microserver with a low profile hdmi graphics card and perhaps double up the ram. Install openelec or just windows with xbmc on top. Problem solved, at a price.
 
Why not on the first microserver?
Or don't want a PC in the lounge?
 
Not very keen on putting a PC in the lounge. The ATV was a very elegant solution, which I would like to replicate if possible.
 
undesign said:
Not very keen on putting a PC in the lounge. The ATV was a very elegant solution, which I would like to replicate if possible.
Click to expand...
You then need to splash out on a pretty htpc case. Something from antec or lin li? But that alone will set you back the same as a microserver
 
ElecEng said:
You then need to splash out on a pretty htpc case. Something from antec or lin li? But that alone will set you back the same as a microserver
Click to expand...

Yes, that is one solution, although buying another HTPC seems like a waste. Looks like I'm going to battle though to find a similar sized interface like the ATV (99 mm x 99 mm x 23 mm :love:) so an Antec or similar may have to be the answer.

If someone could just get cracking on a jailbreak for the ATV3... :(
 
Dolby said:
Wonder if this can do it ?

http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php/mygica-xbmc-linux-media-player-p-1480
Click to expand...

Looks interesting. Can't find it on the manufacturer website though, only this (same model number) -

http://www.mygica.com/product.asp?id=150

No mention of Linux or XBMC?


This looks fantastic - I've been looking for a quick and dirty solution for the odd movie or music video I want to watch on my non-smart tv in my braai room:

http://www.mygica.com/product.asp?id=154
 
undesign said:
Looks interesting. Can't find it on the manufacturer website though, only this (same model number) -

http://www.mygica.com/product.asp?id=150

No mention of Linux or XBMC?


This looks fantastic - I've been looking for a quick and dirty solution for the odd movie or music video I want to watch on my non-smart tv in my braai room:

http://www.mygica.com/product.asp?id=154
Click to expand...

I also checked - but the XBMC logo is on one of the pages at the top of page.

I'd also be curious to know how it performs
 
I bought a WD TV Live... Streams 1080p off MB3 and Plex no problem...
I haven't installed XBMC, but I'm sure it'll work.
 
I would highly recommend a Roku 3 with Plex on your microserver. This setup gets even better with Netflix and Hulu added to the pot of course.
 
SL1v3R said:
I would highly recommend a Roku 3 with Plex on your microserver. This setup gets even better with Netflix and Hulu added to the pot of course.
Click to expand...

How would that work? I understand Roku doesn't have great file format support. Would that be handled by Plex i.e. like XBMC plays about everything?

Do you know how Plex compares to XBMC wrt movie information/covers/fan art etc? I currently use Ember Media Manager to do all that and have spent some time on cleaning up and organising my collection.
 
I've only had limited experience with XBMC but Plex definitely delivers on the areas you mentioned (cover art, movie info, etc) it's available on most devices, Android, iOS, Roku etc.

The Roku has limited native file format support because it's a streamer rather than a media player. The Plex client is installed on a pc (which contains or is attached to your media storage) and converts on the fly formats not supported by various devices.
 
Why not just use the SmartHub thing on the TV for all your 1080p content?

Sure, it's not XBMC, but not everything you have on the HP is 1080p is it? you'll only have to use that once every now and again for that 1080p MKV.
 
Keeper said:
Why not just use the SmartHub thing on the TV for all your 1080p content?

Sure, it's not XBMC, but not everything you have on the HP is 1080p is it? you'll only have to use that once every now and again for that 1080p MKV.
Click to expand...

An option, but not practical to switch lan cables. Might have to move server to the lounge...

Alternatively you can apparently load Plex on ATV3 without jailbreak. Not sure how effective it is.
 
undesign said:
An option, but not practical to switch lan cables. Might have to move server to the lounge...
Click to expand...

No need to switch lan cables.

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