[Kaitlyn2004]

I currently have my computer connected to TV via HDMI. I am moving and will be changing my setup to a NAS connected to my router, my computer will become my office computer and I will have a new HTPC/similar in my living room connected to my TV

My situation:
- Ethernet or wireless (N ideally) support
- Ability to use/connect to NAS... multiple sources for content
- HDMI output to TV capable of handling 1080p content
- Would be a bonus if I could also use it to surf the web, youtube, etc. etc...

Am I better off getting something like WD Live, Patriot Box Office or an actual HTPC? I'm leaning towards the later and installing XBMC Live on it... (Does XBMC live have other functionality like a web browser?)

What sort of HTPC would I be looking at. Been seeing some in the sub-$200 CDN range but they are barebones (just missing RAM+HD?) and I've come across mentions that they aren't powerful enough to do 1080p content...

Thanks! I can't wait to figure this out and get XBMC set up in my living room!!!

[eskro]

i'd forget the WD Live, Patriot Box Office or any other player....
those wont allow you to fully enjoy browsing the FULL WEB!!

so overall, for what u wanna do, i suggest WIndows7...

But if your comfortable with Linux, by reading Here
it'll tell you how to get firefox working with XBMC Live... i guess...
i dont use LInux...

Also, to stream 1080P from a NAS, WiFi is never recommended..
Even if its WiFi-N, a good wired connection means flawless playback!

NExt step for you would be to read my startup guide Here
there's very good build examples there for new comers in the HTPC market!

ok, hope this helps!

[wicky]

Basically a real XBMC system will give you the most flexibility. Running any of the alternatives means you have to live with limitations of those devices. Some wont support certain formats, or wont allow certain features like multiple audio tracks or sub titles, but generally they are pretty decent these days.

XBMC running on linux or windows would essentially give you the freedom of having a full on PC experience when you want it, and having an XBMC media center when all you want is a nice media experience.

You'll probably be best looking at the Zotac Atom+ION or Zacate based barebones, which yes would require you to drop in a hard drive (if needed), and ram. Using the live setup you could actually skip the hard drive and install it straight to a USB flash drive. Or you could pick up a cheap 16-30gb SSD for using windows/linux - since all your media is on your NAS you wont have any real storage requirements for the media center itself.

Atom+ION and Zacate are pretty basic processors but are generally well suited to this application, especially since the GPU handles the media decoding and not the CPU, so yea 1080p content is going to be a breeze. Your typical 1080p content you would "acquire" online will run fine, but a full on raw bluray rip would likely give it quite a work out, but I honestly can't speak for that since I have not tried it on these systems...but few people want a single movie eating up 25+ GB anyway.

Do you have a budget in mind, as thats going to be important in deciding between building your own custom box or using a barebones system.

[Kaitlyn2004]

so overall, for what u wanna do, i suggest WIndows7..

So you just have a standard Win7 install with the XBMC application installed, I guess?

[eskro]

yes correct, i use windows7 x64 and i simply installed XBMC on it,
from there, hey its windows! Sky's the limit

[Kaitlyn2004]

Using the live setup you could actually skip the hard drive and install it straight to a USB flash drive

I REALLY like this... I have spare 1gb drives lying around (is that enough?). This would also be faster AND quieter than a sata drive, wouldn't it?

Do you have a budget in mind, as thats going to be important in deciding between building your own custom box or using a barebones system.

Flexible...

I saw these, for example:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6856173011
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6856173006

No idea if they are too weak or too powerful for me.

[eskro]

those are really weak....
thats what i recommand in the nettop department --> http://ow.ly/1tS7wJ

[Kaitlyn2004]

those are really weak....
thats what i recommand in the nettop department --> http://ow.ly/1tS7wJ

Aren't those nettops? What are they then? :S

Also I guess with the added desire for non-XMBC use... a better processor/more ram comes [more] into play?

[eskro]

yes they are Nettops....

and yes, i agree, with that u wanna do, which is basically what im doing too,
i strongly suggest this Dual-Core CELERON powered nettop --> http://ow.ly/1tS7wJ

but thats if your not into building it yourself

[Kaitlyn2004]

yes they are Nettops....

and yes, i agree, with that u wanna do, which is basically what im doing too,
i strongly suggest this Dual-Core CELERON powered nettop --> http://ow.ly/1tS7wJ

but thats if your not into building it yourself

I always thought Celeron was quite low-end?


I found that first one on Newegg Canada... $270:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6856173012

Edit: Lots of people seem to think it's noisy...

[eskro]

it has only one fan in it,,, no big deal

[Kaitlyn2004]

it has only one fan in it,,, no big deal

Any other similar builds you would suggest same/slightly higher?

Never heard of Zotac before but lots of mention on these forums. Guess they are well regarded? See very little mention of asus eee box...

[eskro]

listen,,,

you need to focus on whether you want to build it yourself from scartch
a.k.a building your own Cumston Build

or you prefer going the pre-built way and buy a Nettop
which often are barebone meaning, you still need to buy and install
the RAM and a Hard Drive yourself...

so, which way u wanna go?

[Kaitlyn2004]

I'm perfectly comfortable to BUILD (using my custom-built desktop right now...) but im just a tad lazy.

If the price difference is "worth it", I will certainly build...

[eskro]

your Canadian like me, so see this

[case] http://ow.ly/1tS8dS
[fan] http://ow.ly/1tS8KE
[mobo+igpu] http://ow.ly/1tS8dY
[cpu] http://ow.ly/1tS8dN
[ram] http://ow.ly/1tS8ei x 2
[ssd] http://ow.ly/1rZlTi

Grand Total: $386 shipped to my Canadian Door - $10 Mail-in Rebate = $376

how does it look?