Hey guys - just curious... has anyone tried building the perfect HTPC as per their link?
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/02/build-the-perfect-media-centre-for-600/
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geekiegeek: HTPC still has a place for Freeview recording and DTS-HD which I don't believe any streaming device supports.
geekiegeek: not to mention 24p support and 3D :-)
reven: HTPCs are dyign out, they're expensive ($500 is price, google tv is about $100), lots of tweaking to get right and still need a keyboard/mouse every once in a while.
reven:geekiegeek: not to mention 24p support and 3D :-)
netflix and vudu both to 3D :P
reven:geekiegeek: HTPC still has a place for Freeview recording and DTS-HD which I don't believe any streaming device supports.
no but a client/server setup doesnt require a full htpc. my setup is NextPVR running on microsoft server 2012 in my cabinet in the garage and using samsung tvs as the clients using an app. streaming quality is pretty excellent. i watch most movies on vudu in HDX, sure its not as good as BR, but i cant noticed the difference on my 55" led/7.2 setup. if i do want to watch blurays i use my PS4 or a samsung BRP.
geekiegeek:reven:geekiegeek: not to mention 24p support and 3D :-)
netflix and vudu both to 3D :P
But is there a streaming device that supports it?
timbosan: Actually I don't agree with this article - using XBMC limits you to just playback of media, which most (any?) hardware streamer can do. If you want to call it a HTPC then you need live TV, recording capabilities, on-line services (Hulu+ and Netflix at a minimum) and the ability to tweak/upgrade.
I would say Windows Media Centre is still a top choice. Or in Windows 8.1 add in the Netflix and Hulu tiles, either Plex or Media Browser for local playback, then use Metro with a Media Centre remote.
Or if you want the best quality, then go down the JRiver option, which gives you advanced codec and hardware support, but still allows for TV (live and recorded), Hulu and Netflix.
I also think HTPC's still have their place, and feel other options focus too much on the convenience factor over quality (of hardware, software and content) and choice (regional limitations, supporting only some codes, some streaming services, etc).
lohsing: My current setup is an Apple TV3. I have all my movies on my main PC and use "ServeToMe" to stream to my iphone / ipad which I then mirror on the Apple TV.
When I want to watch Hulu or Netflix, I use a subscription to HideMyAss, load a California based VPN into my profile settings, turn on and stream from my phone to the Apple TV as well.
Any point doing anything differently? I've found DNS services hopeless and flakey... using a 100mbps fibre connection which always helps.
reven:geekiegeek: HTPC still has a place for Freeview recording and DTS-HD which I don't believe any streaming device supports.
no but a client/server setup doesnt require a full htpc. my setup is NextPVR running on microsoft server 2012 in my cabinet in the garage and using samsung tvs as the clients using an app. streaming quality is pretty excellent. i watch most movies on vudu in HDX, sure its not as good as BR, but i cant noticed the difference on my 55" led/7.2 setup. if i do want to watch blurays i use my PS4 or a samsung BRP.
Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.
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