2010-07-19, 10:31
Hi
Firstly im a huge fan and long time user of XBMC since it replaced XBMP on my Xbox. My both technophobe wife & 2 kids(3 & 4) love the interface, with almost no effort on my part
My problem is HD is way beyond my poor old Xbox.
I've been looking for a device that would replace my original Xbox/XBMC for sometime with limited success (Vista/Win7 Media player, Popcorn & WD TV Live all failed me).
Recently, I've seen many great reviews for 330HT as a HTPC & some specifically talking about how well it runs XBMC.
Before I leap in with another HW purchase, I'd like to clarify a couple of issues I've been reading about.
HDMI Audio
As my receiver only has 1 optical in, I'd prefer to have the Audio going over HDMI but there seem to be issue with this with 5.1 audio.
I'm wondering if this is still an issue, if its a HW problem that can't be fixed & if there are any work arounds?
If I send audio over SPDIF to my 5.1 receiver, I assume there is no problems?
Is there any difference between Linux & Win7?
Win7 HW Video Acceleration
I've read some posts that HW acceleration is not possible under Win7 (my preferred OS) and that Linux must be used to get smooth 1080P video.
Is this still true, some posters (usually more recent) have said this is no longer an issue.
I've read about using alternative forks of XBMC that don't seem to have this issue & that running an 'external' player also enables HW Acceleration (would this mean I'd have to select the player to use on file by file basis in the interface?)
I'd prefer to run under Win7 because im more familiar with it and it gives me more options with what else I can use the 330HT for but if I can get all I need running the XBMC Live install I will certainly go with that.
Any guidance greatly appreciated!
Firstly im a huge fan and long time user of XBMC since it replaced XBMP on my Xbox. My both technophobe wife & 2 kids(3 & 4) love the interface, with almost no effort on my part
My problem is HD is way beyond my poor old Xbox.
I've been looking for a device that would replace my original Xbox/XBMC for sometime with limited success (Vista/Win7 Media player, Popcorn & WD TV Live all failed me).
Recently, I've seen many great reviews for 330HT as a HTPC & some specifically talking about how well it runs XBMC.
Before I leap in with another HW purchase, I'd like to clarify a couple of issues I've been reading about.
HDMI Audio
As my receiver only has 1 optical in, I'd prefer to have the Audio going over HDMI but there seem to be issue with this with 5.1 audio.
I'm wondering if this is still an issue, if its a HW problem that can't be fixed & if there are any work arounds?
If I send audio over SPDIF to my 5.1 receiver, I assume there is no problems?
Is there any difference between Linux & Win7?
Win7 HW Video Acceleration
I've read some posts that HW acceleration is not possible under Win7 (my preferred OS) and that Linux must be used to get smooth 1080P video.
Is this still true, some posters (usually more recent) have said this is no longer an issue.
I've read about using alternative forks of XBMC that don't seem to have this issue & that running an 'external' player also enables HW Acceleration (would this mean I'd have to select the player to use on file by file basis in the interface?)
I'd prefer to run under Win7 because im more familiar with it and it gives me more options with what else I can use the 330HT for but if I can get all I need running the XBMC Live install I will certainly go with that.
Any guidance greatly appreciated!