Recommend a HTPC vs Popcorn hour

C

Conficker

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I want to build a HTPC that consumes low power, and should look very neat under my plasma tv. I will use XMBC.

That said I also read about Popcorn TV that looks promising but only time will tell if they start implementing DRM like like the Cinavia virus that infected my PS3.

So please give me some tips and tricks to build a HTPC ! Like which motherboards, chassis etc will work best.

Much appreciated.
 
I second the HP Proliant N40L MicroServer. Awesome little machine. I don't use it as HTPC but it sure as hell has more processing power than most 'media players' that say they support full HD.

I got one and threw 3 HDDs inside with Windows Home Server 2011. Streams to my PC, Blu-Ray, laptop, phones, etc no problems. It even does auto backups of my dev machine on a scheduled basis.
 
I 3rd the HP N40L MicroServer route. Best bang and you are not limited by network speeds being one of the issues on some popular streaming devices.

Eg the PlayonHD! 2 i have although has a gigabit port but can only max out at 9MB/s about.

With the HP, you get a cool 60-130 MB/s , just checkout Youtube videos or read one of Gnome's awesome posts on the forum :D.

Enjoy
 
Sigma chip in Popcornhour (new 300 series) has excellent picture and sound quality. Better than my Yamaha Blu Ray player.
 
Does this card you all recommend send both video and audio over HDMI like standard?

Oh - don't forget the remote, so the HP is closer to 2k
 
Yes. you can get that cheapy remote with receiver for R72.
 
Dolby said:
Does this card you all recommend send both video and audio over HDMI like standard?

Oh - don't forget the remote, so the HP is closer to 2k
Click to expand...
I have mine working with windows home server and it sends the video to the samsung 550 over the network with video and sound HD but there are many ways to do it with many different configurations .
The HP N40L is R1309,86 at Esquire at the moment and i got the MSI GT520 at PCzone for R399 havent fitted the remote because i just select what i want to watch on the TV screen with the samsung remote,working well so far .
 
Can you tell me why one would choose the GTS 450 over the 520 in terms of features etc. They both 1GB and LP but i see the 520 mentioned more. Convince me wise Tinuva :D

Edit: just read a quick comparison on gpureview here between the 2 cards and what abig difference. The GTS is one to look out for me thinks :)

Tinuva said:
Anyone know where to get the Palit GTS 450 low profile version in SA?
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Yuu said:
Can you tell me why one would choose the GTS 450 over the 520 in terms of features etc. They both 1GB and LP but i see the 520 mentioned more. Convince me wise Tinuva :D

Edit: just read a quick comparison on gpureview here between the 2 cards and what abig difference. The GTS is one to look out for me thinks :)
Click to expand...
I dont think that card will fit and it takes up 2 bays , i think it is to long , if it fits i would like to know thanks
 
I dont think the Palit GTS 450 is for every HTPC, however it is by far the fastest low-profile GFX card on the market, and that is what I am after for my own HTPC personally, which is not a HP proliant.
 
Just remember that you don't need a spectacularly fast card. I use a Radeon 4350 and it handles 1080 with no problems.
 
Crowley said:
Just remember that you don't need a spectacularly fast card. I use a Radeon 4350 and it handles 1080 with no problems.
Click to expand...

yep, even the gt210 plays 1080p

it's just decoding video - it doesn't need 20 terraflops or 2GB voxel shader engines
 
And if you want to play the odd game like Sonic Remix ? Then its quite nice to have a card that can deal with a basic game at 1080p.
 
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