2010-11-01, 03:08
After hours of reading threads and reviews, and a few days of testing various bits of software using a very under-powered PC, I've decided I want to go with a ZBOX setup - mainly for it's form factor and outputs. My requirements are:
IR Interface (No RF - needs to work with existing Pronto Universal IR remote)
Nearly silent
Perfect playback of any video source I can throw at it
Running Either XBMC or Boxbee - maybe both (somewhat undecided there yet)
Likely running Win 7 unless someone tells me otherwise (It's what I'm comfortable with, and I already own the licenses for it)
DVI output
Coax Digital output
Based on that, here's my planned hardware list (Newegg unless noted):
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model
$74.99 - Model #:996643 / Item #:N82E16820226019
OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$139.99 - Model #:OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G / Item #:N82E16820227550
Zotac ZBOX ZBOXHD-ND22-U Intel dual core CULV SU2300 NVIDIA ION graphics processor 2 x 204Pin Black / Silver Mini / Booksize ...
$269.99 - Model #:ZBOXHD-ND22-U / Item #:N82E16856173012
AVS Gear HA-IR01SV Infrared Certified MCE VISTA Remote Control
$21.23 - Model #:HA-IR01SV / Item #:N82E16880121001
Optical S/PIDF to Coax converter
$20 - http://www.svideo.com/toslinkcoax1.html
Total: $526.20
Money isn't a major factor for me, but usability is - hence the little extra in memory, storage, and processor. Just hoping to give me extra breathing room should I need it at some point, and going bare-minimum didn't shave *that* much off the price.
I'm a little unsure about the remote control aspect... is the above sufficient, or am I going to find myself needing some sort of remote keyboard/mouse? Do I need extra software to get the IR interface going?
I plan to initially have all content shared over Samba, but will likely move to an unraid setup sometime in the future. I assume Samba won't give me any real issues?
Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions?
IR Interface (No RF - needs to work with existing Pronto Universal IR remote)
Nearly silent
Perfect playback of any video source I can throw at it
Running Either XBMC or Boxbee - maybe both (somewhat undecided there yet)
Likely running Win 7 unless someone tells me otherwise (It's what I'm comfortable with, and I already own the licenses for it)
DVI output
Coax Digital output
Based on that, here's my planned hardware list (Newegg unless noted):
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model
$74.99 - Model #:996643 / Item #:N82E16820226019
OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$139.99 - Model #:OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G / Item #:N82E16820227550
Zotac ZBOX ZBOXHD-ND22-U Intel dual core CULV SU2300 NVIDIA ION graphics processor 2 x 204Pin Black / Silver Mini / Booksize ...
$269.99 - Model #:ZBOXHD-ND22-U / Item #:N82E16856173012
AVS Gear HA-IR01SV Infrared Certified MCE VISTA Remote Control
$21.23 - Model #:HA-IR01SV / Item #:N82E16880121001
Optical S/PIDF to Coax converter
$20 - http://www.svideo.com/toslinkcoax1.html
Total: $526.20
Money isn't a major factor for me, but usability is - hence the little extra in memory, storage, and processor. Just hoping to give me extra breathing room should I need it at some point, and going bare-minimum didn't shave *that* much off the price.
I'm a little unsure about the remote control aspect... is the above sufficient, or am I going to find myself needing some sort of remote keyboard/mouse? Do I need extra software to get the IR interface going?
I plan to initially have all content shared over Samba, but will likely move to an unraid setup sometime in the future. I assume Samba won't give me any real issues?
Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions?