HTPC PLEX server PVR build need help and education.

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modena1230

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Dec 14, 2011
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Hello all,

I'm trying to build an HTPC with a Plex server and PVR for OATV (trying to go cable less). I'm trying to do this in a budget of 600.00.A few questions first.

How well will this HTPC connect to my killer sound system? Do i need an additional sound card/GPU to push sound via HDMI?

Will my receiver be able to process my movies that i have ripped to my computer?

I know very little about PVR software, do i need hardware for this application? Please just point me in the right direction.

Purpose: Stream HD stuff Netflix Hulu+ Amazon On Demand watching movies Blue rays included

Ok with that I'm thinking an AMD build (FYI my first AMD build)


CPU: AMD A4-5300 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($46.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus F2A55-M/CSM Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($79.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Red 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG BH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($76.98 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.94 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $581.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-09 17:05 EDT-0400)

Advice on a controller/keyboard?
What software will I need to purchase for my needs?
Will the psu be sufficient if I add a gpu and second hdd?
With said gpu will it be able to xfire with apu?
Suggestions for a gpu if I want to go CRAZY and do light gaming?

Thank you in advanced this is a great comiunity!

RM
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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I'm a bit confused here with the cableless setup are you trying to go the route of the cable card? OR mainly something like media center with app's attached to it ie., hulu, netflix, pandora.

Also keep in mind you may not even need to make a machine for that samsung has smart tv based blu ray players with all those applications :) My folks needed a new blu ray player and I picked up this one essentially does everything you brought up.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Smart+3D+Wi-Fi+Built-In+Blu-ray+Player/7929052.p;jsessionid=72ABA260EFF305D23D36DE6D2F44A8BA.bbolsp-app03-133?id=1218928802435&skuId=7929052&st=samsung%20blu%20ray&cp=1&lp=3
 
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Rugnir_Viking

Rugnir_Viking

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i see. well in that case the only reason for a htpc over one of those smart tv boxes is ability to ruun server stuff too like shared documents over lan and whatnot. i know i'd draft it in for games or downloads overnight too.
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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I mean sure if you wanted to use it for games then by all means you would start to create a steam box per say but for what he's wanting by the sound of it pfft no reason to build a machine. If he were to do some light gaming and wanted the HTPC experience he could get a cable card and still use cable and then by the same token use steam. But He would want something more beefy then a AMD A4 maybe a a8-5800k is more like it for a A series chip.
 
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Rugnir_Viking

Rugnir_Viking

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yep i guess. i just like the idea of the multiple roles it can be used for but for the OP's specific needs i agree with you
 
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Rugnir_Viking

Rugnir_Viking

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also just wonder why op added apu and speaks of crossfire gpu ad speaks of light gaming

sound via hdmi works with my laptop to my tv, never tried anything else.

why op would you game on a server? cheaper to get 20 foot of cable extenders and a wireless keyboard if you wanna game on ur tv or just put the computer near it.
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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Yea, it's a bit confusing I think what he wants to do is use the free services he does online with hulu and netflix but also wants to game. But even so I would suggest a blu ray player since you don't need software plus it just works, and you get all those services and for gaming you can create a gaming box and play it on your tv and walla!
 
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Rugnir_Viking

Rugnir_Viking

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thats it. can't really get the best of both worlds here, OP
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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Well you can't because of the playback software but even so I would feel more comfortable with a blu ray player over a blu ray drive which are not as well made quite honestly just being honestly I love my blu ray burner but my samsung smart tv player for my tv really demolishes it.
 
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modena1230

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Really I want access to my movie library to several devices, possibly to even ouside my LAN as long as thats not a huge security breach (i'm thinking it is). And I know that gaming was a long shot, I already have my gaming rig so I'll let it be.

Bigshooter8 thanks for your sugestion, if all else fails I may go that route with the blue ray player you suggested.
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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Yea most certainly another option which I'm not sure how practical this is but if you are reasonably close to your tv you could find a kvm switch with hdmi or something and have it connected to your pc and switch it when you want to use your pc and that would work :)
 
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bigshootr8

bigshootr8

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In terms of the media library and that sort of thing I know its possible to do with the cable card solution because what you could do is use your xbox 360 as a media extender and it has the ability to playback user material from a network computer so I'm told. I only use the cable portion though.
 
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modena1230

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The other part of this HTPC build is to house a server as well. I want to be able to stream my video library through all of the house. I have come up with a way to set up a DMZ to keep server access split from the rest of my home network. In terms of software is Plex my only option?
 
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