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Jaxson

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#62044 28-May-2010 12:30
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Hi all,

Does anyone know if one of those tiny type box type computer bases would be any good for freeview here in NZ?
http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/entertainment/four-htpcs-which-would-you-choose-101792

I'm considering something to replace a bunch of things in my AV cabinet.  I like the idea of a unit where the hardware definitely all works together and overall it is quiet.

I'm after freeview HD recording primarily, twin tuners using windows 7. 
Satellite recording would be cool too, but I don't know of any usb based sat tuners and it would have to be this if the box didn't include tv tuners built in.

(I've given up on bluray audio output from a htpc, especially one that can internally decode the hd audio formats and output the raw lpcm info to the receiver.)
If all this doesn't work I guess I'll just opt for the magic tv box or similar, but I just like the idea of running the computer through the TV as well.  I have a ps3 but find the bits in there generally not as good as a dedicated PC would be.

Ideas appreciated.  Cheers.

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freitasm
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  #335757 28-May-2010 12:33
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I use a Dell Zino HD for my HTPC in the lounge. Working great with Freeview|HD...




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Regs
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Snowflake

  #335773 28-May-2010 13:15
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my next HTPC buy/build will be a mini ITX form factor and I intend to bolt it to the back of the 26" lcd screen using the vesa mounts.... idea is for it to be completely hidden from view and not require a cabinet.




Kraven
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  #335782 28-May-2010 13:47
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Viewsonic also do one:

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/vot132.htm

Looks like quite a nice unit and not badly priced... but no remote control option.



Jaxson

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  #335812 28-May-2010 15:18
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Thanks for the replies.

That Atom seems popular, I'm picking that's a gruntish but low power/low heat type CPU?

I guess you could opt for a homerun type DVB-T tuner so it doesn't necessarily have to be located near the unit.  A usb tuner would probably be preferable for me personally.

DVB-T seems fine for this, but it seems very limited on the satellite side of things.

There is this I guess:
http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/products/data_novasusb2.html

Hmm, lots of thinking if one of these types could be ok for my application.  Cheers all.



browned
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  #335820 28-May-2010 15:47
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Atom + Nvidia ION is HD capable and will work with DVB-T and Freeview HD

Atom without Nvidia ION will struggle with HD, but may with with DVB-S.




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Asmodeus
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  #335848 28-May-2010 16:42
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That article says $229 for a Zino. I assume that's $US. How much do they cost here? I'm assuming more than the equivalent of $300-$350...?

 
 
 
 

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  #335875 28-May-2010 17:45
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i love these widdle boxes. i'm tempted to build my own. need to find the perfect length cables so when i attach the box to the 100mm screen mounts there's no slack.

kiwipawl
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  #335879 28-May-2010 17:55
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Hi Mauricio

What tuner do you use for this?

cheers Paul

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Snowflake

  #336845 31-May-2010 23:33
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i reckon the hdhomerun would be a good tuner to use if you're looking at one of these.  it can be shared amongst multiple machines on network.  it wont use any slots and it wont cause cooling problems :}

http://www.hdhomerun.co.nz/




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