I’d like some advice from you experts here about HTPC options/recommendations. I’ve read through quite a few posts on the subject, but I don’t have the expertise to know which ones to apply to my exact intended use/expectations … especially given how quick technology changes. My goal is to drop my cable service and switch to a combo of streamed and OTA content. Current thought is to establish a Windows-based box (Win 7 or 8, TBD) running WMC, or XMBC/Plex -- leaning towards WMC right now.
Content:
- Netflix/Amazon Prime
- Over-the-air via antenna for network TV (want to be able to record/watch at least 2 channels at a time), including DVR functionality
- Occasional web browsing (maybe Youtube videos, watching shows from network websites if not available OTA/Netflix/Amazon, etc.)
- Possibly some downloaded shows not available via the above methods
- Simple music playing / photo viewing
- No gaming really, maybe load some kids games on sometime (or maybe a Nintendo emulator or something), definitely not primary use
- Probably use media extender to view content on a second TV (low use)
Concerns/other considerations/questions:
- Hard drive/overall system being able to keep up with watching something HD (streamed or recorded), plus recording 2 HD streams simultaneous without suffering quality issues
- Do I need SSD primary drive + data drive or ok with just single traditional drive?
- Data drive 5400 or 7200 rpm (balance speed, power consumption, etc.)?
- Pass through 5.1 surround audio to home theater
- Quiet
- Low power
- Aesthetics of case not important, but pretty is better than ugly … if needed I can even hide any ugly case behind the TV. If the case looks ok it can sit with other home theater components.
- No need for wireless (router nearby to hardwire)
- Remote options and bluetooth for keyboard/mouse
- Already have a good Blu-ray player, so only marginal need for internal drive
Options considering:
- Build from scratch
- Dell 660s
- Barebones systems: Intel NUC, Asus Eeebox, Zotac, Foxconn
Any advice or system builds are appreciated! No specific budget ... as cheap as i can get an effective system. Maybe $500-600ish? Let me know if any additional information would be helpful.
Don't...
Bump posts
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/283384-33-read-first
Content:
- Netflix/Amazon Prime
- Over-the-air via antenna for network TV (want to be able to record/watch at least 2 channels at a time), including DVR functionality
- Occasional web browsing (maybe Youtube videos, watching shows from network websites if not available OTA/Netflix/Amazon, etc.)
- Possibly some downloaded shows not available via the above methods
- Simple music playing / photo viewing
- No gaming really, maybe load some kids games on sometime (or maybe a Nintendo emulator or something), definitely not primary use
- Probably use media extender to view content on a second TV (low use)
Concerns/other considerations/questions:
- Hard drive/overall system being able to keep up with watching something HD (streamed or recorded), plus recording 2 HD streams simultaneous without suffering quality issues
- Do I need SSD primary drive + data drive or ok with just single traditional drive?
- Data drive 5400 or 7200 rpm (balance speed, power consumption, etc.)?
- Pass through 5.1 surround audio to home theater
- Quiet
- Low power
- Aesthetics of case not important, but pretty is better than ugly … if needed I can even hide any ugly case behind the TV. If the case looks ok it can sit with other home theater components.
- No need for wireless (router nearby to hardwire)
- Remote options and bluetooth for keyboard/mouse
- Already have a good Blu-ray player, so only marginal need for internal drive
Options considering:
- Build from scratch
- Dell 660s
- Barebones systems: Intel NUC, Asus Eeebox, Zotac, Foxconn
Any advice or system builds are appreciated! No specific budget ... as cheap as i can get an effective system. Maybe $500-600ish? Let me know if any additional information would be helpful.
Don't...
Bump posts
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/283384-33-read-first
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