Home Theatre PCs

Marc Peters · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2004, 01:16 PM

I've jumped on the Home Theatre PC bandwagon, so I thought I'd open up a forum to cater for this emerging sector of the PC market - more to follow!

Alan Mills · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2004, 07:14 PM

I really don't mean this as faseciously (spelling?) as it might sound but...

What's a 'Home Theatre PC' then, Marc? As opposed to an ordinary PC I mean.

Does it mean you watch your DVDs on it?

Got any links?

Marc Peters · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2004, 07:26 PM

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell, you take a bog standard PC (normally a small form factor, ultra quiet one), include a hefty harddrive, a TV card and DVD ROM, leave it to simmer for a few hours before finally adding a lovely GUI. The aim is to replace a video, DVD player, hifi and provide a PC for the living room.

I've been using this GUI/frontend: http://myhtpc.net installed on this little cutey: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...barebones.html connected up to my widescreen TV.

That's the theory. I''ve spent the entire day not getting anywhere whatsoever, and screaming like a little girl when I get it do something simple like launch a N64 ROM.

As ever, I thought I'd share my first steps and maybe write a guide or two. My initial thoughts were: this is fantastic. I then promptly packed up my VCR, DVD player and set-top box. After 10 hours I'd got myself a PC hooked up to a TV. Not that exciting. Then I stumbled accross myHTPC and almost wet myself. Then I had a something approaching a complete entertainment system.

So, you see, now i don't know how anyone could possibly be without one

scummo · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 11:14 PM

Greetings,

sounds to me like the local tea-leafs will be much happier with only one box of bits to carry off. Still... must create more space on the coffee table with all those remotes gone, I take it you can operate this new combi-couch-potato thingy remotely from your new enthralled and presumably comfortable position?
Are we talking less cables and connections here or more?
Must admit I do have pc, tv, stereo, vcr etc all nestling together and sometimes I get annoyed that I can`t always have enough of them connected to each other at the same or right time. PC requires me to do things with it though, `stead of just sitting back watching or listening, am I doing something wrong? (I got it outputting to tv nicely thanks to your advice somewhere on "tvtool").

Marc Peters · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 11:21 PM

Unfortunately that old chestnut of "well, it works in theory", most definately holds in this case: the PCs remote only works with the MSI software (which is AWFUL), the front LCD also only works with the MSI software (did I say that was awful?) and the sound of the fans whiring around is a tad too loud for playing DVDs .

Its definately more compact, and you can sit back with your wireless keyboard and mouse

The myHTPC also works well as a front end...

All in all, it's more novelty than practicality at the mo. Once I've ironed out the bugs, I'll write a better guide...

scummo · #6 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 11:34 PM

By the by... a recently received ram upgrade had a flyer in the package with all "their" new pc`s (obvious sales pitch) and one section on HTPC machines, or at least I think they were (I`ve thrown it I think), very high spec units and definitely aimed at replacing all the standalone bits of kit in your lounge. This from a top-level home & business manufacturer in UK, reckon this market could take off very shortly, could be a useful forum you`ve opened up here.

Marc Peters · #7 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 11:36 PM

Between you and me, that was the theory :lol:

AVX Workshop · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by Marc Peters

Unfortunately that old chestnut of "well, it works in theory", most definately holds in this case: the PCs remote only works with the MSI software (which is AWFUL), the front LCD also only works with the MSI software (did I say that was awful?) and the sound of the fans whiring around is a tad too loud for playing DVDs .

Its definately more compact, and you can sit back with your wireless keyboard and mouse The myHTPC also works well as a front end...

All in all, it's more novelty than practicality at the mo. Once I've ironed out the bugs, I'll write a better guide...

Solution to all you're problems:

Mac Mini (quiet as a kitten, powerful as a bulldog)

Keyspan Express Remote

|_/]-------Signature-------[\_|

mrlipring · #9 (**permalink**) 04-14-2005, 12:25 AM

the remote's minging compared to the MCE2005 remote. Pity MCE turned out to be pretty unstable...

Still, the remote works in other apps.

CMS_Edit · #10 (**permalink**) 09-05-2005, 02:48 PM

Ive found xp media centre with the media centre remote works a treat... Instant access to music,dvd and TV, can stream divx from main pc upstairs, SKY+ type features for Freeview channels, its wicked!

Connected to a decent set of surround sound speakers and its a really nice entertainment system.

I do have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse as the remote is great for navigating the "media centre" menu, but not for internet browsing etc...