HTPC Event - Wellington

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › HTPC Event - Wellington

euanandrews

1528 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#21748 6-May-2008 00:09

Just wondering what interest there is in holding an event for HTPC (Home Theatre PC) enthusiasts?

Not sure where or when, nor what would be covered, but discussion here could determine that, if the interest is there...

I personally am this week planning on buying all the gear required for my own HTPC, but thought I could put off buidling it for the event...so to showcase PC building skills/techniques, components used etc...

Thought event could cover: (at least)
- how to build a pc/htpc
- htpc components, whats available, whats recommended
- cooling/sound minimizing techniques
- show and compare various htpc rigs (that attendees bring along for 'show and tell')
- discuss testing/benchmarking methods/run tests on rigs (for heat/noise/overclocking)
- build an actual htpc there and then (mine)
- Swap or sell (bring along your PC components to swap or sell to others possibly interested)
- anything else related?

The build project could include anyone with expereince wanting to assist, and would involve taking numerous photos, so to later be able to make and post an extremly detailed step by step HTPC builders guide...

If the interest is there, and get confirmed minimum people attending, could try to arrange suppliers to either be in attendance to discuss their products, and/or maybe have prizes, similar to Geekzone meet recently, but HTPC specific...

Maybe Geekzone and MF will offer some support themselves?

Thoughts?

Disrespective

1926 posts

Uber Geek

#128786 6-May-2008 13:05

This sounds like the sort of thing you need to advertise elsewhere as i would imagine that the majority of people here are quite capable computer builders/manipulators. I'm on speaking for myself of course but i'd be more interested in a swap meet type even where you could bring along your wares and show them off or sell them on.

Possibly incorporate the best htpc software setup and get tips from the builder e.t.c.

Either way i think there'd be a better turn out if you advertised the idea in other places as well as here.

gehenna

8502 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#128803 6-May-2008 14:05

I'd be keen on this, even just to talk to other htpc-heads and discuss what they think the +/- are of their particular rig. Disrespective has a point that most people here do know what they're doing, but lets not forget the posts and new users that arrive every day asking the same questions as those that came before them. There's clearly an increase in interest since Freeview came along, and I think this is a great way for people new to htpc to speak with those that are more experienced. But even for those experienced people to share ideas. I'm not sure how feasible it would be to have a show and tell though, i know i can't stand moving my htpc even just to do maintenance on it, haha.

TheBartender: let me know if you want any help on this, but count me in for now.

One more thing...if I were a potential sponsor or host of this kind of thing I'd want to see how the first one went before coming on board, so I doubt there'll be much official support for this until the community shows the worth in it - but fingers crossed i'm wrong :)

euanandrews

1528 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#128837 6-May-2008 15:47

Disrespective: This sounds like the sort of thing you need to advertise elsewhere as i would imagine that the majority of people here are quite capable computer builders/manipulators. I'm on speaking for myself of course but i'd be more interested in a swap meet type even where you could bring along your wares and show them off or sell them on.

Possibly incorporate the best htpc software setup and get tips from the builder e.t.c.

Either way i think there'd be a better turn out if you advertised the idea in other places as well as here.

While I may agree with that, the problem being, where?
There are not many sites that have large numbers of 'novice builders' of HTPC's...not in NZ anyway...
And Geekzone is the #1 tech site in NZ, and many come to the site for general help, not being expereinced builders themselves.

But thought this event could be of interest to expereinced builders as well, as a way of meeting people with the same interests to share tips, compare etc etc

And the 'swap meet' is another idea that could be incorperated I am sure...makes sence that HTPC enthusiats may bring along there gears to swap or sell.

gehenna

8502 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#128841 6-May-2008 15:53

TheBartender:
Disrespective: This sounds like the sort of thing you need to advertise elsewhere as i would imagine that the majority of people here are quite capable computer builders/manipulators. I'm on speaking for myself of course but i'd be more interested in a swap meet type even where you could bring along your wares and show them off or sell them on.

Possibly incorporate the best htpc software setup and get tips from the builder e.t.c.

Either way i think there'd be a better turn out if you advertised the idea in other places as well as here.

While I may agree with that, the problem being, where?
There are not many sites that have large numbers of 'novice builders' of HTPC's...not in NZ anyway...
And Geekzone is the #1 tech site in NZ, and many come to the site for general help, not being expereinced builders themselves.

But thought this event could be of interest to expereinced builders as well, as a way of meeting people with the same interests to share tips, compare etc etc

And the 'swap meet' is another idea that could be incorperated I am sure...makes sence that HTPC enthusiats may bring along there gears to swap or sell.

wellintonista might be able to help, although their readers are probably techies anyway.

euanandrews

1528 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#128844 6-May-2008 16:05

gehenna: I'd be keen on this, even just to talk to other htpc-heads and discuss what they think the +/- are of their particular rig...
TheBartender: let me know if you want any help on this, but count me in for now.

Ok...the interest in this thread will determine if to proceed to the event confirmation and planning stage.

gehenna: I'm not sure how feasible it would be to have a show and tell though, i know i can't stand moving my htpc even just to do maintenance on it, haha.

Yeah I figured most people will have that attitude to 'uprooting' their HTPC for show and tell purposes, but it was a thought...some might?

gehenna: if I were a potential sponsor or host of this kind of thing I'd want to see how the first one went before coming on board, so I doubt there'll be much official support for this until the community shows the worth in it - but fingers crossed i'm wrong :)

Yeah thats probably true, but no harm in trying...either way, just making the first event a success all that matters...
Was also thinking that if an event like this got reasonable support from the Geekzone community, maybe it could possibly get 'official' backing from Geekzone and MF, and in doing so, that would entice sponsors to jump on board...

But that not required, just making it a success all that matters...that those who attend learn, help, swap or sell something HTPC related I guess...

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79281 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#128850 6-May-2008 16:55

Interesting idea - wouldn't mind joining in...

euanandrews

1528 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#128960 6-May-2008 21:51

freitasm: Interesting idea - wouldn't mind joining in...

Yay!

I am happy to organize this in full, with help from others if they offer, but wait to see what interest there is...

I am thinking could be run either 2 ways:
- Run just like the pizza event, hold in a bar, so to have food and drinks as well.
or
- Hold at someones house/my place...meaning its cheaper, and no minimum spend requirements or limitations set by venue...still able to have drinks and food if required, but not at cbd prices.

Think it will be more popular if includes 'social' element, as opposed to 100% serious HTPC...