2012-08-22, 21:03
Hi guys,
For some reason, I'm way behind on getting a HTPC set up (I'm still running films off CD, external HD, streaming via TVersity/XBOX) and I thought it's about time I got with the times.
I've looked a bit into it, and it appears as though an Acer Revo RL70 seems to be a good unit to use (all agreed?)
However, the unit I've seen is a Linux system. I am aware that XBMC has a Linux client, but how does it differ from the Windows system in terms of set-up/booting into XBMC? Bearing in mind I've never used a Linux/Ubuntu system before, is it easy to do? Or is it recommended to clear the device and stick W7 on it first?
I've seen XBMC requires you to select a source for your media. My question is; can I select more than one source, from multiple devices, and have XBMC collate them all together? I do not have a NAS, so I will probably have media on my PC hard drive, a small external hard drive (obviously connected to the RL70), my laptop and possibly the RL70 itself (seeing as it has a 640GB HDD), Is this possible? Or, do you have to select one source for all, and so really need a NAS or bigger external HD (I'll probably need at least a 2TB one)?
I saw on another forum someone suggest to strip the HD out of the RL70 and put it in a case to use as a secondary external storage, then put XBMC on a USB stick and have the unit boot from that. What are the upsides of this, as opposed to just leaving the HD internal? Will XBMC not recognise the storage space if it is installed on that space?
I think that's all my immediate questions . I really hope someone wouldn't mind answering these questions and helping me out, as the unit isn't cheap and I would hate to buy it and THEN find out it's not ideal for me without spending more money!
Thanks guys, really appreciate it.
For some reason, I'm way behind on getting a HTPC set up (I'm still running films off CD, external HD, streaming via TVersity/XBOX) and I thought it's about time I got with the times.
I've looked a bit into it, and it appears as though an Acer Revo RL70 seems to be a good unit to use (all agreed?)
However, the unit I've seen is a Linux system. I am aware that XBMC has a Linux client, but how does it differ from the Windows system in terms of set-up/booting into XBMC? Bearing in mind I've never used a Linux/Ubuntu system before, is it easy to do? Or is it recommended to clear the device and stick W7 on it first?
I've seen XBMC requires you to select a source for your media. My question is; can I select more than one source, from multiple devices, and have XBMC collate them all together? I do not have a NAS, so I will probably have media on my PC hard drive, a small external hard drive (obviously connected to the RL70), my laptop and possibly the RL70 itself (seeing as it has a 640GB HDD), Is this possible? Or, do you have to select one source for all, and so really need a NAS or bigger external HD (I'll probably need at least a 2TB one)?
I saw on another forum someone suggest to strip the HD out of the RL70 and put it in a case to use as a secondary external storage, then put XBMC on a USB stick and have the unit boot from that. What are the upsides of this, as opposed to just leaving the HD internal? Will XBMC not recognise the storage space if it is installed on that space?
I think that's all my immediate questions . I really hope someone wouldn't mind answering these questions and helping me out, as the unit isn't cheap and I would hate to buy it and THEN find out it's not ideal for me without spending more money!
Thanks guys, really appreciate it.