Turning a broken ultrabook into a HTPC

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DeepBlueSky

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Topic # 193811 24-Mar-2016 23:17

My daughters ultrabooks screen died, she now has a new machine so I have a half an ultrabook that I would like to re purpose.

Specs
Win10
Intel i5 4gb ram
128gb SSD
HDMI Output

Thoughts on the best software and setup to output to 55inch tv, I currently run a Mezzmo DLNA Server, Netflix and Hulu that we use the PS4 to watch through.

Should I stay with Windows or run a Linux distribution.
Get a Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard.

ubergeeknz

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Reply # 1519396 25-Mar-2016 00:01

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I'd install Plex server on it. Whether windows or linux probably doesn't matter but windows is fine so you can save the bother. There are plex clients for pretty much anything you'd care to playback video on, they do cost but it's not a lot for how well it works IMO. An i5 should be able to transcode most anything if needed.

xpd

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Reply # 1519505 25-Mar-2016 09:41

i5 will handle Plex brilliantly, Im running it on an old AMD Tri-core system, struggles a bit with 1080 but otherwise runs smoothly :)

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DeepBlueSky

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Reply # 1519752 25-Mar-2016 17:35

Thanks guys, I'll install plex and let you how it goes.

DeepBlueSky

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Reply # 1519914 26-Mar-2016 06:51

Just an update I installed Plex, but then it asked for a code to ne entered, after runing aound with the kids yesterday and getting some sun burn i decided I'll have another look today.

I did install Kodi as well and that went well easy setup lined to my windows shares and it installed fine. I like how it catalogue and show the titles it's a nice piece of software.

DeepBlueSky

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Reply # 1522150 29-Mar-2016 11:34

Update: I have installed the Plex Windows 10 client and its looks great. To complete the setup I surgically removed the top lid from the Ultrabook so its now super thin, and added a Logitech K400 Plus keyboard http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/wireless-touch-keyboard-k400-plus to complete the setup.

It looks and works great, I can even turn the PC off from the keyboard with one button, not sure if there is a way to turn it back on again remotely I'll look into this.

Guys have any of you worked with setting up CEC remote TV / AMP start up from the laptop, how to you do this is there an app I can install or is it a batch file ?.

loceff13

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Reply # 1522176 29-Mar-2016 12:34

If the ultrabook has decent resale value I would consider buying a replacement screen via ebay and then use that cash to buy a low profile unit that's built for htpc use.

DeepBlueSky

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Reply # 1522181 29-Mar-2016 12:46

Thanks loceff13, I would need the entire lid assemble to make it a good fix as the plastic lid hinge mounts have broken etc. I did spot a lid assemble out of China but it was for a higher end model with touch screen plus higher resolution, my worry is that they (HP) would change the connector and it wouldn't fit. I haven't lost hope on it may just have to do a bit more digging to find out if I can replace it without it costing a fortune.

On the positive side I'm a HTPC convert I like the output to the big screen its nice and crisp, plus I can do so much more than the PS4 with it

Fred99

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Reply # 1528263 8-Apr-2016 11:09

DeepBlueSky:

Update: I have installed the Plex Windows 10 client and its looks great. To complete the setup I surgically removed the top lid from the Ultrabook so its now super thin, and added a Logitech K400 Plus keyboard http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/wireless-touch-keyboard-k400-plus to complete the setup.

It looks and works great, I can even turn the PC off from the keyboard with one button, not sure if there is a way to turn it back on again remotely I'll look into this.

Guys have any of you worked with setting up CEC remote TV / AMP start up from the laptop, how to you do this is there an app I can install or is it a batch file ?.

You should be able to reconfigure the power button on the K400 using the logitech setpoint software from shutdown to sleep/resume. I don't see a point in shutting down completely, even if very fast boot times with SSDs make it more painless than it was in the past.

I'm not sure about "hybrid" sleep though - that was very slow to resume on the notebook I'm using as HTPC, so I disabled it.

I have a K400 here, but found the touchpad was very annoying to use - so used it with a compatible logitech mouse. I then spotted a new K800 on TM and managed to get it for $30. Apart from the fact that it's a full-size standard keyboard of pretty acceptable general quality, it also has automatic backlit keys - very useful for HTPC unless you're a good enough touch-typist to type in the dark. At full retail price though - I'd probably pass on the K800 - unless you want to do a lot of typing.

I'm very happy with using the notebook as HTPC. Was a cheap "end of line" $1,000 Vaio 4 core i7 ivybridge with 8GB and HD7600M, bulky form factor, low resolution screen and ugly. However bulky is probably good in terms of cooling, fan noise was something I was concerned may be annoying - but when used for HD media playback etc, the CPUs are idling and the fan is operating at very low speed (inaudible) if at all - there is no fan noise issue. I put an inexpensive 500GB SSD in it. Fortunately no "issues" with upgrade to W10.