New Laptop as MediaPortal Client

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Dingbatt

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#87528 31-Jul-2011 10:53

I am looking at getting a new laptop computer and want one of its functions to be as a MediaPortal client. I want HD playback of FreeviewHD from my HTPC via ethernet (I don't think wireless N is up to it) and hdmi out to a full HD TV.
Having had problems with ATI cards in the past I am steering towards NVidia processing.
Because MP puts higher loads on hardware than WMC7 does I am wondering how high a spec I need to go.
At the moment I am looking at either an i5 or i7 (2nd Gen) with Nvidia 525-550M for a lappy (it's not only for TV duties).
Does anybody have experience with this use of the above hardware?

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

mummybot

20 posts

Geek

#500205 1-Aug-2011 10:05

Not sure if it helps, but i use a macbook pro 13" to watch content recorded by mediaportal over wireless N, and its plays fine with VLC. I believe it is the intel 3000 graphics(?)

cheers

geoffw

21 posts

Geek

#500222 1-Aug-2011 10:24

MP is all about the GPU...it doesn't even have to be a grunter, it just need to be on the MP HCL for GPU.

Usually has Hardware offload compatible with your H264 Codec, i.e. PDVD 10.

Watch the network too. I've just upgraded to 'n' and still getting stuttering, and my lan says is runs at 144mbps. Still working on that one. I reckon should be OK if you have >20mbps.

Cheers.

Geoff

Dingbatt

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#500652 2-Aug-2011 08:22

Thanks for the above replies. I have found in the past that an Atom/Ion combo that quite happily plays FreeviewHD on WMC7 stutters on MP. It's something to do with the way MP overlays video I believe.
My main HTPC plays MP and so does my Desktop, but I would like the flexibilty of being able to use the laptop where required. Most retailers are not keen on loading MP on their computers because of the threat of introducing malware.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

Dingbatt

6756 posts

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#503402 8-Aug-2011 15:59

Well I went ahead and got a i7 laptop with an Nvidia 540M graphics accelerator. Has no problems with MP at 1080p and even wireless N copes with the streaming duties from the HTPC. So I am a happy fish. The laptop has an IR sensor so I can use my spare WMC remote to run it from across the room.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996