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03-30-2004, 01:16 PM
| | Administrator | | Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kent
Posts: 8,379
| |  Home Theatre PCs
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! |
03-30-2004, 07:14 PM
|  | Super Moderator | | Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK
Posts: 4,499
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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? |
03-30-2004, 07:26 PM
| | Administrator | | Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kent
Posts: 8,379
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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  |
04-10-2004, 11:14 PM
| | Junior Member Standard Definition | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 7
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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").
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04-10-2004, 11:21 PM
| | Administrator | | Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kent
Posts: 8,379
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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... |
04-10-2004, 11:34 PM
| | Junior Member Standard Definition | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 7
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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.
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Equipment freak who must learn that technique and opportunity are the key elements to success - not credit card balance!
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04-10-2004, 11:36 PM
| | Administrator | | Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kent
Posts: 8,379
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Between you and me, that was the theory :lol: |
04-13-2005, 05:51 AM
|  | Junior Member Standard Definition | | Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sitting infront of my beatuiful 30" screens...
Posts: 15
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Quote: |
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
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04-14-2005, 12:25 AM
| | Senior Member Video Editing Junkie | | Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Glasgow
Posts: 766
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the remote's minging compared to the MCE2005 remote. Pity MCE turned out to be pretty unstable...
Still, the remote works in other apps.
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09-05-2005, 02:48 PM
| | Member Video Editing Junkie | | Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: England
Posts: 88
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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... | | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes |  Linear Mode | 
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