[dmeinder]

Hello, figured I'd post a new thread to ask for help with my needs. I'm confused about the various platforms, versions, etc when what I really want is XBMC that can:
- 1080p
- bitstream HD audio for my receiver to decode.

Ok, so there is linux, android, windows....plus custom like XBMCbuntu, OpenELEC, etc.

Then:

to run these are Set top boxes, nettops, etc.

Then:

There are different XBMC versions for different platforms etc.

It's all quite overwhelming even for the tech savvy, I mean I've always built my own computers, I'm an industrial programmer by trade (automation, instrumentation), and I'm still finding a decision confusing.

OK so, my budget is SMALL!! (haha), and my wants and needs are as above, because if it can do that, it can do anything below that. I'm really tossing around the idea of G-box or 808, or one of the cheaper UK android machines because I like the idea of running android.....but AFAIK, android is way too infant as of yet, but I could run OpenELEC temporarily from USB until android XBMC is ready for prime time??

Then the whole HTPC argument, I don't think there is a need for one, even if nettop, if the previously mentioned boxes would suit my needs....BUT, the ability to upgrade, and/or add and add storage is a nice option.

I don't know...please help??
I'm in Canada and I'd like to stay under $150

Thanks everyone in advance

[osx-addict]

I think you're going to have a hard time finding a system for that price range.. Get closer to $300US and you're in the right ball-park for a decent (not under-powered) machine.. You can get machines based on the AMD E350/E450 but they might have issues depending on what all you want out of it -- I'm not sure what bitstream HD audio requires.etc.. YMMV

[dmeinder]

I think the cost is easily attainable.....but I may have to go to $200, anyway I still need help, thanks for the input though.

[truthlesshero]

I agree with osx-addict...

you may not want to hear it, but for under $150, i'm not sure how great of a system you can get that will bitstream and run 1080p without a hitch unless you buy used and keep only very few parts for upgrading

there is the raspberry pi option...which is a little more complicated and dare i say, way more geeky as i don't feel comfortable using it and i am very comfortable in android and pretty comfortable with openelec/xbmcbuntu

another option is to jump to android, but as you mentioned and as you probably saw in research...it is still in its' infancy and there are notable problems for some people; for others, things were great...

i would bite the bullet (like i did) and build something that will be safe and reliable then install whatever system you feel is best for you
you can easily built a decent system for $250...a pretty good system for about $300...and a great system for $350...

you can even save on components if you buy a cheap used case, have some extra ram or PSU, etc... I built my first HTPC with xbmcbuntu/openelec for about $250...then i upgraded because i felt it warranted the extra boost to $300...but even i am nowhere near what most people spend on their builds...

good luck

[dmeinder]

Thanks...so what about these:

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php...location=0

or these:

http://www.newegg.ca/Store/SubCategory.a...rder=PRICE

or this:

http://androidtvbox.us/products/g-box-midnight/

or this:

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MK808-Dua...07415.html

or Xios DS



Confused, Thanks for the help

[osx-addict]

I think I read today that the Xios DS may have issues with streaming Netflix if that's an issue.. same goes for the g-box midnight too I think.. If that doesn't matter then...

[dmeinder]

Thanks, no I don't care about Netflix with xbmc add on, there is more than I could ever want.

[osx-addict]

Just keep in mind that the Android stuff seems to be in an early alpha state from what I can tell -- if you're looking for something rock-solid that may not be the place today..

[Dougie Fresh]

With any of those CDN$150 barebones systems you still need memory and disk so add CDN$100.

[dmeinder]

Memory = $15
and can I boot from USB with OpenELEC?

Thanks!

[dmeinder]

So I'm leaning towards this with 2gb ram and a 1tb external drive I plan to pull apart and use internally.... Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.... Thanks

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6856119059

[bluray]

So I'm leaning towards this with 2gb ram and a 1tb external drive I plan to pull apart and use internally.... Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.... Thanks

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6856119059

I'm suggesting to get at least the E450- Foxconn nt-A3700-0H0WBANA AMD Hudson D1 1 x 204Pin AMD Radeon HD 6320 Black Mini / Booksize Barebone System.....

[dmeinder]

Curious as to why?

Thanks for suggestion

[wsume99]

I previously had an E350 in my HTPC and it worked fine. I was running XBMC on top of win7. The E350 can do everything you are asking although I'm not sure if it will while running openelec. I'm guessing it does I just don't have any experience there. The E450 is a little more powerful but I'm not sure it's worth the extra cost. I would definitely stay away from anything with Intel GMA graphics because they are terrible and I don't believe they'll bitstream anyways. The only solution I see in your price range is going to be based on the E350/E450.

[dmeinder]

Great...thanks for the reply....so do you think my pick is ok?

And what OS do you recommend?

and why?

(Note that system is sitting in Neweeg shopping cart...haha)