Show us yer HTPC....

flu!d · 19th March 2012, 6:19 PM

Quite some time ago now I started a thread called 'Show us yer HT setup'. Since then the thread has grown substantially in size until it has reached the point where I think it is one of the most popular threads in the OCAU Audio Visual forums.

Over the years I've noticed HTPC's becoming more popular and being a HTPC fanatic myself I thought it would be good to start a 'Show us yer HTPC' thread and give enthusiasts a place to show off their HTPC's!

So I present to you my new i3 based HTPC, as an upgrade from my Q6600/5770 based machine I am very impressed by the speed, not to mention the IQ and the low power consumption of the unit.

Specs are as follows:

-i3 2100 @ 3.1ghz with integrated HD2000 graphics.
-AsRock Z68M MiniITX mobo.
-4GB Geil Cas 7 DDR3.
-60GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD SATA 6 (Windows)
-500 GB Seagate SATA HDD (Music)
-150 GB Seagate SATA HDD (recorded TV)
-Windows 7 ultimate x64.
-MediaBrowser.
-Arcsoft TMT 5
-Shark 007 codec pack x64.
-Slysoft AnyDVDHD for region free playback of BD content.
-Antec NSK2480B case.
-LG CD/DVD/BD/HD-DVD combo drive.
-Hauppage HVR-2210 twin digital pci-e HD tuner card.
-Microsoft Genuine MCE remote and keyboard.

This is strictly a dedicated HTPC with a very lean Windows install and no gaming/emulation on the machine, all HD rips stored on 5TB of network storage.

All screenshots taken on my Hitachi 1080p Director Series plasma, I also have an Epson TW-3200 1080p projector and an 81" screen that produces an outstanding image.

MediaBrowser:

HDTV image:

BD image:

HD-DVD image:

All HD audio codecs bitstreamed to receiver:

Feel free to upload your own pics guys and lets see this thread grow!

NormM · 20th March 2012, 1:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flu!d

...So I present to you my new i3 based HTPC, as an upgrade from my Q6600/5770 based machine I am very impressed by the speed, not to mention the IQ and the low power consumption of the unit.

Your HDD for recorded TV isn't that big, I have to start deleteing recordings soon as the 2TB drive I use for recorded TV is almost full (300GB free) after only two months

You also need some more MyChannelLogos action going there

Pugsley_21 · 20th March 2012, 2:13 PM

HTPC is here: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/sh...highlight=htpc

flu!d · 20th March 2012, 5:41 PM

Quote:

Your HDD for recorded TV isn't that big, I have to start deleteing recordings soon as the 2TB drive I use for recorded TV is almost full (300GB free) after only two months

You also need some more MyChannelLogos action going there

NormM, I tend to delete my recorded TV shows after I've watched them, however I do tend to agree, more HDD space for recorded TV wouldn't go astray.

In regards to MyChannelLogos, what do you recommend? I'm always up for improvement.

Pugsley21, very nice dude, love it!

NormM · 22nd March 2012, 1:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flu!d

NormM, I tend to delete my recorded TV shows after I've watched them, however I do tend to agree, more HDD space for recorded TV wouldn't go astray.

In regards to MyChannelLogos, what do you recommend? I'm always up for improvement.

I'm still currently using the lite (free) version of My Channel Logos but am thinking of upgrading to the donate version as it allows more control over the column width of the logos column etc.

I used to always delete my recorded TV after watching but sometimes would have liked to have kept it so I just let Media Center handle deletions (or will when the drive fills in about another month

)

I'll have to get some photos of my two HTPCs but they aren't much to look at

mshagg · 22nd March 2012, 6:49 PM

Ive had this up and running for a couple of weeks now:

Click to view full size!

Click to view full size!

Core i3 2100
8GB DDR3-1333
Gigabyte Z68AP-D3
ATI HD3450 fanless
Xplosion 7.1 (needed as coax SPDIF input to reciever)
Leadtek 3200H tuner
2TB Green
1TB Green x 2 (full)
Thermaltake DH101 case. Quiet and cool, the name of the game.
Earthwatts PSU
Logitech Harmony One to run the show
Shark007 codecs, some of the online streaming uses LAV codecs I believe

Needs:

New TV
New receiver
A good dusting

I'm a huge fan of Mediaportal and run it exclusively. This is with the StreamedMP skin, which comes with the great movie/series plugins, fanart scraper etc. Always on the search for good plugins, just got OnlineVideos up and running - it's spectacular.

The PC itself is on 24/7 and does Sickbeard/SabNZBd+ duties, nice and easy to access remotely. Looks like the new South Park awaits

Home page:

Click to view full size!

StreamedMP Movies:

Click to view full size!

Series:

Click to view full size!

Music (I'd like a more sophisticated plugin for music TBH):

Click to view full size!

ABC iView via the OnlineVideos plugin:

Click to view full size!

TV guide/interface:

Click to view full size!

the_fuzz · 22nd March 2012, 7:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshagg

I'm a huge fan of Mediaportal and run it exclusively. This is with the StreamedMP skin, which comes with the great movie/series plugins, fanart scraper etc. Always on the search for good plugins, just got OnlineVideos up and running - it's spectacular.

Music (I'd like a more sophisticated plugin for music TBH):

I'm exactly the same - love MP - yet to try MP 2.0 but the music really does need a much "slicker" plugin - then it would be the ultimate

flu!d · 22nd March 2012, 8:26 PM

I've gotta say mshagg, you've got Mediaportal looking pretty damn good there dude, good job.

NormM....Pics...Pics...Pics!

I actually have the full version of MyChannelLogos, I need to sit down and go through all the options - Getting time to tweak my toys is difficult with a 2yo running around....

brat81 · 22nd March 2012, 11:16 PM

May i ask why knowone is using XBMC ?

Pugsley_21 · 22nd March 2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brat81

May i ask why knowone is using XBMC ?

Because we're all using Media Browser

Doso · 22nd March 2012, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brat81

May i ask why knowone is using XBMC ?

Most people here do use xbmc, but the main reason the people who don't use xbmc is the complete lack of native live TV support without the need of complex mythtv backend

brat81 · 22nd March 2012, 11:29 PM

This is my (old) set-up i shall update with newer specs when i can be bothered.

This little beast i've built is perfect for a htpc in total it cost me around $200 to build.

I run XBMC and set the rendering to direct x and it plays 1080 content perfectly.

Specs
Mobo: Asrock e350m1/usb3
Ram: AR4GB1333D3
HDD: 500gb Western Digital (not sure on model)
DVD: Sammy Dvd Burner (not sure of model)
Case: Aywun A1-9189
Screen: Samsung Series 6 50" Plasma
Remote: Android Phones

Some Pictures

Hardware

RoSWeLL · 22nd March 2012, 11:36 PM

I run a Microserver with GT520 running XBMC currently on win7 with a MCE remote.. works wonders, streams 1080p from my other microserver running through a pair of Netgear 500mbit EoP, quick no hassle but I do plan to change it to OpenElec and chuck it on an ssd for faster boot.

I'll post photos one night.

I'm a XBMC user that is for sure.

RyoSaeba · 23rd March 2012, 12:49 AM

I run XBMC on my HTPC.

HTPC is the black box the top right. Specs were updated recently.

Case: Lian Li Q07
Cpu : Intel i3 2130
HSF : Thermalright AXP140 (without fan)
Mobo: ASROCK H61M-ITX
RAM : TEAM DDR3 4GB Kit (2x2)
PSU : Coolermaster Silent Pro 600 Modular
HDD : 60GB Patriot SSD

HTPC connects to Yamaha Receiver with HDMI. TV is Samsung 64" D550.

iPad running XBMC Constellation pro.

Movies menu:

Movie details:

From the detail page you can launch the movie off the iPad directly or play check out the imdb page.

The control page on iPad:

Liking the iPad app. Very friendly, responsive and a lot of functions.

flu!d · 23rd March 2012, 7:16 AM

Quote:

Most people here do use xbmc, but the main reason the people who don't use xbmc is the complete lack of native live TV support without the need of complex mythtv backend

There is also a lack of support for BD playback.

19th March 2012, 6:19 PM	#1
flu!d is a dad at last :D Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Mt Martha,Victoria,Oz Posts: 8,543	Show us yer HTPC.... Quite some time ago now I started a thread called 'Show us yer HT setup'. Since then the thread has grown substantially in size until it has reached the point where I think it is one of the most popular threads in the OCAU Audio Visual forums. Over the years I've noticed HTPC's becoming more popular and being a HTPC fanatic myself I thought it would be good to start a 'Show us yer HTPC' thread and give enthusiasts a place to show off their HTPC's! So I present to you my new i3 based HTPC, as an upgrade from my Q6600/5770 based machine I am very impressed by the speed, not to mention the IQ and the low power consumption of the unit. Specs are as follows: -i3 2100 @ 3.1ghz with integrated HD2000 graphics. -AsRock Z68M MiniITX mobo. -4GB Geil Cas 7 DDR3. -60GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD SATA 6 (Windows) -500 GB Seagate SATA HDD (Music) -150 GB Seagate SATA HDD (recorded TV) -Windows 7 ultimate x64. -MediaBrowser. -Arcsoft TMT 5 -Shark 007 codec pack x64. -Slysoft AnyDVDHD for region free playback of BD content. -Antec NSK2480B case. -LG CD/DVD/BD/HD-DVD combo drive. -Hauppage HVR-2210 twin digital pci-e HD tuner card. -Microsoft Genuine MCE remote and keyboard. This is strictly a dedicated HTPC with a very lean Windows install and no gaming/emulation on the machine, all HD rips stored on 5TB of network storage. All screenshots taken on my Hitachi 1080p Director Series plasma, I also have an Epson TW-3200 1080p projector and an 81" screen that produces an outstanding image. MediaBrowser: HDTV image: BD image: HD-DVD image: All HD audio codecs bitstreamed to receiver: Feel free to upload your own pics guys and lets see this thread grow! __________________ Show us yer HTPC! 2700k @ 4.8 1.36v, 8GB Corsair Vengeance C8, ASUS Maximus IV Extreme Z, 2 x EVGA 670FTW @ 1231/3420, Sandisk 128GB Extreme SSD, OCZ 60GB Vertex 2, 5TB WD green storage, 3 x Acer V243HQ in Surround, 1 x Acer AL718 4th accessory display, Windows 7 Ultimate, Corsair H100, Heavily modded Zalman GS1000. Last edited by flu!d; 7th April 2012 at 9:53 PM.

20th March 2012, 2:13 PM	#3
Pugsley_21 Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,392	HTPC is here: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/sh...highlight=htpc __________________ Signature virus: please copy me to your signature.

22nd March 2012, 8:26 PM	#8
flu!d is a dad at last :D Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Mt Martha,Victoria,Oz Posts: 8,543	I've gotta say mshagg, you've got Mediaportal looking pretty damn good there dude, good job. NormM....Pics...Pics...Pics! I actually have the full version of MyChannelLogos, I need to sit down and go through all the options - Getting time to tweak my toys is difficult with a 2yo running around.... __________________ Show us yer HTPC! 2700k @ 4.8 1.36v, 8GB Corsair Vengeance C8, ASUS Maximus IV Extreme Z, 2 x EVGA 670FTW @ 1231/3420, Sandisk 128GB Extreme SSD, OCZ 60GB Vertex 2, 5TB WD green storage, 3 x Acer V243HQ in Surround, 1 x Acer AL718 4th accessory display, Windows 7 Ultimate, Corsair H100, Heavily modded Zalman GS1000. Last edited by flu!d; 22nd March 2012 at 8:35 PM.

22nd March 2012, 11:16 PM	#9
brat81 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seaford, Melb, Vic Posts: 62	May i ask why knowone is using XBMC ? __________________ WANTED TO BUY: LOOKING FOR A SOCKET 1155 CPU IVY OR SANDY & 2tb + HARD DRIVES

22nd March 2012, 11:29 PM	#12
brat81 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seaford, Melb, Vic Posts: 62	This is my (old) set-up i shall update with newer specs when i can be bothered. This little beast i've built is perfect for a htpc in total it cost me around $200 to build. I run XBMC and set the rendering to direct x and it plays 1080 content perfectly. Specs Mobo: Asrock e350m1/usb3 Ram: AR4GB1333D3 HDD: 500gb Western Digital (not sure on model) DVD: Sammy Dvd Burner (not sure of model) Case: Aywun A1-9189 Screen: Samsung Series 6 50" Plasma Remote: Android Phones Some Pictures Hardware __________________ WANTED TO BUY: LOOKING FOR A SOCKET 1155 CPU IVY OR SANDY & 2tb + HARD DRIVES

22nd March 2012, 11:36 PM	#13
RoSWeLL Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hobart Posts: 1,624	I run a Microserver with GT520 running XBMC currently on win7 with a MCE remote.. works wonders, streams 1080p from my other microserver running through a pair of Netgear 500mbit EoP, quick no hassle but I do plan to change it to OpenElec and chuck it on an ssd for faster boot. I'll post photos one night. I'm a XBMC user that is for sure. __________________ OCAU MetaL Club Member #009 Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, "If I live I will kill you, if I die you are forgiven". Such is the Rule of Honor.

23rd March 2012, 12:49 AM	#14
RyoSaeba Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Perth Posts: 6,870	I run XBMC on my HTPC. HTPC is the black box the top right. Specs were updated recently. Case: Lian Li Q07 Cpu : Intel i3 2130 HSF : Thermalright AXP140 (without fan) Mobo: ASROCK H61M-ITX RAM : TEAM DDR3 4GB Kit (2x2) PSU : Coolermaster Silent Pro 600 Modular HDD : 60GB Patriot SSD HTPC connects to Yamaha Receiver with HDMI. TV is Samsung 64" D550. iPad running XBMC Constellation pro. Movies menu: Movie details: From the detail page you can launch the movie off the iPad directly or play check out the imdb page. The control page on iPad: Liking the iPad app. Very friendly, responsive and a lot of functions.