Gigabyte AVPC HTPC

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tonyhughes

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Topic # 9791 13-Oct-2006 12:11

Thinking about buying a Gigabyte AVPC HTPC from DSE for $1200. Is it worth while? I have a Panasonic HDD Recorder now, but would love EPG - is there a reliable EPG for MCE now that is easy to set up?

I also need a solution for a PC in the lounge for the occasional bit of browsing, IM, run skype for my dualphone 24/7, and other minor tasks.

Is this good value, for a nice(ish) looking machine, with a tuner, remote, keyboard, all configured, with warranty and local service?

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sbiddle

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Reply # 48553 13-Oct-2006 12:19

What model? The original model DSE has was $1499 and has now been replaced by a newer model.

To get the EPG going you need to use something like xmltvnz and import your data. Chiefie mentioned he had troubles with this but xmltvnz itself works fine and I use it with GB-PVR.

The Gigabyte units are very nice and IMHO are the first MCE machine to hit the market which looks nice sitting next to a TV rather than an ugly PC case!

mule

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Reply # 48558 13-Oct-2006 12:51

If you don't like setting up XMLTVNZ by your self, I download the weekly listings from managemyhome
( link at bottom of page under epgmce) It works awesome and you can automate the whole process.

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tonyhughes

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Reply # 48822 16-Oct-2006 21:08

ok, i now have here a DSE Soprano box, which is on runout, $1200. Before bootup, I installed more DDR400 to take it to 1GB, and a second 160GB HDD.

This is my first experience with MCE, and I am liking it. It was easy to setup, although i havent done the EPG yet, has someone got a link to the easiest way to set this up automatically?

The modem that comes with the box doesnt seem to support caller id, so although when the phone rings, it comes up on screen and says someone is calling, it doesnt pass the number. Can anyone point me to a modem that will provide this function?

Its not perfect, ive had the odd little hang here and there, but i have been pushing it, and being a bit ham fisted with the MCE remote now and again.

I decided against the Gigabyte unit, as it didnt seem particularly upgradeable for the future, and with extra storage, this PC will become my file server, as well as a personal ftp server, Skype box, and a few other bits and peices.