HP ProLiant MicroServer

[Nimz]

I think you need the bios update to install 8 or 8.1.

Yes you do, learnt the hard way

Have one for sale with updated BIOS Link

 

[dualmeister]

Looking at add another 2 SATA ports to N40L.

Since the closest option (including LP bracket) I could find locally is over R300 I've resorted to trusty old Ebay.

PCI-E Express SATA3 SATA3.0 6Gb/s eSATA SATA III Card w/ Low Profile Bracket
R135 incl shipping

 

[APoc184]

For the people using the server as Kodi/XBMC/Plex entertainment centre.

What do you do with regards to sound.

Looking to install some basic surround sound but have no clue how I will link the server up with the sound system. Only running a HDMI cable to Plasma at the moment.

 

[rodga]

For the people using the server as Kodi/XBMC/Plex entertainment centre.

What do you do with regards to sound.

Looking to install some basic surround sound but have no clue how I will link the server up with the sound system. Only running a HDMI cable to Plasma at the moment.

cheap low profile hdmi card
im using gt210 at the moment

i think the hd5450 is the other option

edit: nvm didnt read your whole post
you will need an AVR

 

[Necropolis]

For the people using the server as Kodi/XBMC/Plex entertainment centre.

What do you do with regards to sound.

Looking to install some basic surround sound but have no clue how I will link the server up with the sound system. Only running a HDMI cable to Plasma at the moment.

I've just got some 2.1 Logitech desktop speakers connected to the tv.

It's nothing special but works well for me.

 

[Soul Assassin]

For the people using the server as Kodi/XBMC/Plex entertainment centre.

What do you do with regards to sound.

Looking to install some basic surround sound but have no clue how I will link the server up with the sound system. Only running a HDMI cable to Plasma at the moment.

Make sure if you install any sort of surround that the receiver has HDMI repeating not just passthrough or it won't work.

 

[APoc184]

cheap low profile hdmi card
im using gt210 at the moment

i think the hd5450 is the other option

I do have one of those installed.

So I basically run the HDMI to the TV and then link the TV output to the surround sound?

I've just got some 2.1 Logitech desktop speakers connected to the tv.

It's nothing special but works well for me.

I just basically want something with a bit more clarity on the dialogue parts. No problem with the music and action parts. Although if that can be better too, why not?

Make sure if you install any sort of surround that the receiver has HDMI repeating not just passthrough or it won't work.

That is Greek to me but I will read up on it.

Sorry guys. Total noob when it comes to these things. I just followed video tutorials, guides and MyBB advice when setting up my server initially. As time passed I understood most of it and helped three friends set up theirs.

 

[rodga]

Sorry I didnt read your whole post

Do you have a budget in mind?
An AVR will be the best solution imo

 

[APoc184]

Would prefer not to spend more than R3000. Would really just like something basic.

 

[morkhans]

For the people using the server as Kodi/XBMC/Plex entertainment centre.

What do you do with regards to sound.

Looking to install some basic surround sound but have no clue how I will link the server up with the sound system. Only running a HDMI cable to Plasma at the moment.

The best solution is AVR. you run the HDMI cable from the media server into the AVR and then run one of the HDMI outputs to the TV. AVR will push the sound out the speakers and pass the video on to the TV.

Cheaper option if your TV has optical out (or use a splitter) is a set of Logitech speakers that have optical in. You can then send the sound out that way while picture stays on TV.

I have not checked in/out-puts but maybe a soundbar will do the trick. Nice deal here for R3500 http://www.remedytec.co.za/Portals/0/Doc/DEMOSTOCK.pdf bought from them before and got it shipped to Cape Town without issues.

 

[APoc184]

Thank you for the info. Makes complete sense now what I'm suppose to do.

Had a quick look at AVR prices and yeah, my budget is not going to stretch that far. Not even close.

Will look at the Logitech speakers with a splitter option.

 

[morkhans]

Depending on inputs a soundbar may also do the job

 

[APoc184]

Thanks for all the input.

I will have a look around at all the options tomorrow when we go window shopping. I know what to look for now. There is a Samsung 5.2ch HT system that will do exactly what I want but price is more than double my budget.

Sure if I look around I can find something closer to my budget.

 

[APoc184]

So I've done a bit of reading up now. Learning so much that I might just be able to give advice to the next guy asking.

Help me out if I am wrong.

My TV has an optical out port and I've now spotted a few 2.1ch Soundbars (Samsung/LG) with optical input. It is also well within my budget. (Thought about it again and going 5.1 and laying all those wires is not what I really want).

So all I will have to buy extra (if not included with the soundbar) is an optical cable to connect from the TV to soundbar?

I also notice that my TV supports ARC (Audio Return Channel). Which means I can get a soundbar with HDMI input and just connect it to the TV like that? Not sure about this though because the server and soundbar will obviously be on two different HDMI ports.
Dion Wired has a Philips 2.1ch Soundbar with such connectivity.

 

[APoc184]

Okay. More reading up and the ARC will work perfectly. The TV acts as your switch/splitter.

So tomorrow it is shopping for the best system within my budget.

Might change my mind again over the 5.1 vs 2.1 options.

This looks nice - http://www.hirschs.co.za/samsung-dvd-home-theatre-system-model-ht-f453hk-xa

 

[Nivec]

I used to use and older version of one of these:
http://www.vantecusa.com/jp/product/view_detail/439

Basically a USB sound card with lots of connectivity options. Connected my TV via HDMI and then sound to the AVR via this (S/PDIF), but that's because my AVR had passthrough as mentioned above.

 

[morkhans]

Might change my mind again over the 5.1 vs 2.1 options.

This looks nice - http://www.hirschs.co.za/samsung-dvd-home-theatre-system-model-ht-f453hk-xa

If you can demo the systems with some reference material it may give you a better idea of 2.1 vs 5.1. I've heard that some of these sounds bars do quite well to simulate 5.1 and do the job in smaller spaces.

If your ultimate goal is an immersive movie experience then rather go small now and save up for a big system. Dion wired often have package deals with a decent AVR and smaller speakers which you can the upgrade over time. Couple of people on the forum have done just that.

Also good value to be found second hand when shopping for home theatre. Avforums.co.za have a very active classified section.

 

[Dolby]

Someone has asked about selling their N54L HP, GT210, extra 2GB (4GB total) and FLIRC IR receiver - no HDD.

What is fair?
R2,000?

 

[Dolby]

I used to use and older version of one of these:
http://www.vantecusa.com/jp/product/view_detail/439

Basically a USB sound card with lots of connectivity options. Connected my TV via HDMI and then sound to the AVR via this (S/PDIF), but that's because my AVR had passthrough as mentioned above.

I have a slight, continuous ticking through my USB :/ So, I'm going to rather go for a non-USB sound card

 

[Soul Assassin]

Anybody that maybe has a spare PCIe NIC that I can buy from them?