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Custom Multi Room HTPC Build

Tags:
  • Hardware
  • Video Settings
  • Build
  • User Accounts
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 14, 2014 3:32:44 AM

I'm currently planning out a build for a multi room htpc. I haven't decided on specific hardware yet, but I know I need a sli/crossfire system with a good amount of vram. My main question is: is it possible to use multiple user accounts in windows in order to utilize each cards seperate outputs individually. My gut logic says yes as long as you have supporting peripheral hardware designated for each room. But I'm just an amateur, was hoping to get any thoughts, suggestions, complications etc. from others who might already know more. Thank you.

More about : custom multi room htpc build

September 14, 2014 3:40:35 AM

What exactly are you trying to accomplish with the HTPC?

-Wolf sends
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September 14, 2014 3:55:55 AM

Simultaneously running seperate video and audio in up to 4 rooms. Not likely for it to happen but would like the ability to at least run each at 720p with only internet lag and wireless peripheral signals to be the biggest problems to overcome. I'm bulding a system for someone else and I'm waiting for a picture on exactly how his routing server is set up. But I'm thinking it will be up to 4 seperate outputs. Is it even plausible to run seperate windows accounts to seperate wich hardware is being utilized.
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September 14, 2014 4:01:33 AM

Wolfshadw said:
What exactly are you trying to accomplish with the HTPC?

-Wolf sends


Simultaneously running seperate video and audio in up to 4 rooms. Not likely for it to happen but would like the ability to at least run each at 720p with only internet lag and wireless peripheral signals to be the biggest problems to overcome. I'm bulding a system for someone else and I'm waiting for a picture on exactly how his routing server is set up. But I'm thinking it will be up to 4 seperate outputs. Is it even plausible to run seperate windows accounts to seperate wich hardware is being utilized. Sorry for the double post.
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September 14, 2014 4:02:02 AM

What you're looking for is a main HTPC and three media extenders. The extenders act like clients to the main HTPC allowing access to all media stored on the HTPC. However, streaming media over a wireless connection can be problematic. Ideally, you'd want a completely wired network.

-Wolf sends
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September 14, 2014 4:14:19 AM

Wolfshadw said:
What you're looking for is a main HTPC and three media extenders. The extenders act like clients to the main HTPC allowing access to all media stored on the HTPC. However, streaming media over a wireless connection can be problematic. Ideally, you'd want a completely wired network.

-Wolf sends


Aren't most all media extenders for Windows Media Player? I'm thinking VLC, Amazon Prime, and Youtube mostly via Chrome are most commonly used sources? One room their are playing solitaire, another youtube and research, and another just video streaming or games.

Editt: Single HTPC so wired not a problem just 4 seperate rooms with peripherals for each.
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September 14, 2014 4:20:16 AM

Yes, media extenders are primarily for Windows Media Player.

Quote:
One room their are playing solitaire, another youtube and research, and another just video streaming or games


This part wasn't in your original reply. For this, you're going to need a separate system in each room. There is no way to run four displays; each controlling the one system.

-Wolf sends
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September 14, 2014 4:40:18 AM

Wolfshadw said:
Yes, media extenders are primarily for Windows Media Player.

Quote:
One room their are playing solitaire, another youtube and research, and another just video streaming or games


This part wasn't in your original reply. For this, you're going to need a separate system in each room. There is no way to run four displays; each controlling the one system.

-Wolf sends


Ok, I can't run 2 clone displays from each card with seperate apps? I haven't tried yet and I personally won't be able to, just wanted to know if someone else has at least tried. I could see how multiple keyboard and mouse signals could be a problem as well in that situation.

Thank you, btw, sometimes it helps to have an extra viewpoint to work these things out. My dad has asked me to help him build an htpc for this, I'm not sure if this is exactly what he wants to do, but I'm hoping to go to him with maximum potential if possible.

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September 14, 2014 5:17:47 AM

Cloned displays are just that. Clones. What appears on one display appears on the other. You could run multiple apps on multiple extended displays, but they would all still be controlled by just the one computer (keyboard/mouse) and only one application would be "active" at any given time.

-Wolf sends
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September 14, 2014 5:51:21 AM

Wolfshadw said:
Cloned displays are just that. Clones. What appears on one display appears on the other. You could run multiple apps on multiple extended displays, but they would all still be controlled by just the one computer (keyboard/mouse) and only one application would be "active" at any given time.

-Wolf sends


Ok thats pretty much the consensus so far. Thank you for your help. I'll leave this open for a while in case anyone else wants to chime in.
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