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TSstan001
post Aug 14 2010, 12:53 AM

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QUOTE(azwandy @ Aug 14 2010, 12:21 AM)
Greetings earthlings.. hehehe.. hi everyone, since I can see a lot of HTPC enthusiasts here, could anyone help me with this problem.. actually I got two old junkyard PC that is still running.. I'm thinking about converting it to entry-level HTPC.. here are the specs :

Spec 2
CPU = Pentium 4 HT 3.2 GHz
MB = MSI VIA P4M890M-L/IL = http://asia.msi.com/index.php?func=proddes...o=∏_no=1082
RAM = DDR2 667MHz 2GB
VGA = Asus Nvidia Geforce 9400GT 1GB = http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=D2OP...AaHA&templete=2

I'm planning to put this to my parents' living room.. Buy a TV card.. plug in Astro to that TV card.. mean while for the TV set, currently we are only having old TV (SD, CRT type) which I plan to connect to the HTPC using S-Video connector

For the casing, I already have the XQBOX 800 = http://www.hifi4sale.net/audio-v ... panel-new-t7408.htm

My question to u guys are :

1. For both spec 1 and spec 2, which one is better for the HTPC setup? I do plan to play some AVI (DIVX,XVID) and some HD (H.264,MP4,MKV) content on it..
2. Is it worth it that I concentrate to setup HTPC on either one of these specs or better for me to buy new, state of the art configurations?

Your guys opinion is really much appreciated.. TQ
*
Spec 2 la since it hv more cpu & gpu power.. but if you wanna install latest os like win 7 ultimate edition ( for the media player s/w ) , it might be a bit under power la... perhaps install win xp with xbmc perhaps a better choice...

I think the 9400GT should support DXVA using media player classic for playing mkv files...

The specs 2, does the GPU have S-video output to tv ??

For yr tv-card, do you plan to use it to record astro programs or just pipe astro to PC then to tv ???



TSstan001
post Sep 6 2010, 07:45 PM

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I found this cool HTPC Nettop on Alibaba from iWill company..

ION Based Nettop with Atom 330 Dual Core + Nvidia 9400M

http://iwill.en.alibaba.com/product/335000...ION_nettop.html

It cost like US$180 per pieces ( board, power supply, chasis ) and they need minimal of 2 pcs of sample.. ( WITHOUT laptop RAM & 2.5" HDD )...

Anyone interested to do bulk order & share the shipping cost... the more ppl sharing, the lower the shipping cost...

This looks like a pretty small & powerful HTPC that looks like the mac mini...




TSstan001
post Sep 6 2010, 08:43 PM

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I found this review about Nvidia ION platform ( on the ASRock Ion 330 nettop with similar specs )

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?opti...=1&limitstart=1

NVIDIA ION Features

More than web browsing. More than emails. NVIDIA ION graphics processors turn up the visuals on small PCs with graphics performance up to 10X faster than similar systems. Watch the latest movie releases in full 1080p HD video with true-fidelity eight-channel audio. Leave the competition in the dust in today's most popular mainstream 3D games. And enjoy a full Windows 7 or Windows Vista Premium experience on a system that provides much more bang for the buck than similarly-priced PCs. Why settle for a basic PC when you can have a compact, low-power, full PC experience optimized with NVIDIA ION?

Intel's Atom CPU is characterized by its low power footprint and capable processing ability. Many users who purchase an affordable PC today expect it to perform like a full-size system. Although consumers are looking for a great value for their next PC, they still want hardware capable of handling multi-media content like video, photos, and games at some point during the use of their computer. Consider the parents who purchase a computer which is then co-opted by kids wanting to game. Many games simply won't run with typical integrated graphics. In a business environment, today's users need to be able to manage photos, graphics, and video, and they are often severely limited by the integrated solution in today's Atom-based systems.

Small Mini-ITX Form Factor

ION-based PCs are not only small, they cost less to buy and operate, use less power, take up less space, and are much quieter. Despite its surprisingly small size, the ASRock Nettop ION 330 platform is a fully capable motherboard with advanced graphics and impressive multimedia features.

High Definition Audio (HDA)

High definition audio brings consumer electronics quality sound to the PC, delivering high quality sound from multiple channels. Using HDA, systems can deliver 192 kHz/32-bit quality for eight channels.

Integrated HDMI technology with HDCP

An onboard HDMI connector designed to meet the output protection management (HDCP v1.3a) and security specifications of the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats allows the playback of encrypted movie content on PCs when connected to HDCP-compliant displays. The ASRock Nettop ION 330 includes HDMI for a true-to-life reproduction of Full HD video, and a VGA connector. Both connectors can be used simultaneously to drive separate displays.

7.1-Channel HD Audio via HDMI

Full support for premium 1080p HD video with true-fidelity 7.1-channel audio make designs built with the NVIDIA ION GPU more advanced than any other systems in its class.

NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet Technology

The industry's fastest Gigabit Ethernet performance eliminates network bottlenecks, improves overall system efficiency and performance, and guarantees an ultrafast network connection into the network of other home computers.


Media Player Classic Home Cinema

Media Player Classic (MPC) is a freeware player that uses the traditional Windows Media Player 6.4 interface, but is packed with modern features. Features include support for many video and audio formats, and full support for NVIDIA GPU hardware acceleration. One of the popular file formats supported by Media Player Classic is Matroska, the extensible open standard Audio/Video container. Matroska is usually found as .MKV files (matroska video) and .MKA files (matroska audio). With Media Player Classic properly configured, the ASRock Nettop ION 330 can play large .MKV files, up to 1080p resolution, using NVIDIA GPU hardware acceleration. The movie file is able to play both the video and audio smoothly without any skipping/stuttering while keeping even a single-core Atom CPU load at a minimum.

ION Media and Communications Processor

The NVIDIA ION Platform is powered by the NVIDIA® GeForce® 9400 GPU, that transforms low-cost Intel Atom-based PC designs into a premium experience. It is fully Windows Vista Premium compliant, and supports Premium DirectX 10 graphics with advanced digital display connectivity. Below are the features built into the NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GPU that powers the ION platform:

16 Dedicated GPU Cores - NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GPUs for Intel redefine the entry-level PC gaming experience. With a revolutionary unified architecture and 16 dedicated GPU cores, they deliver unprecedented performance and detailed environments.
NVIDIA® CUDATM technology - The 16 parallel processors built into ION are harnessed by CUDATM Software to accelerate a broad range of compute intensive applications, vastly improving your PC's ability to work with visual content such as video encoding.
Full Microsoft DirectX 10 Support - A DirectX 10 GPU with full Shader Model 4.0 support delivers unparalleled levels of graphics realism and film-quality effects. NVIDIA® ION graphics processors include 16 dedicated graphics cores to deliver the best visual experience.
Built for Microsoft Windows Vista - The fourth-generation NVIDIA GPU architecture built for Vista offers the best possible experience with Windows Aero 3D graphical user interface.
NVIDIA LumenexTM Engine - Delivers stunning image quality and floating point accuracy with ultra-fast frame rates and a blistering 3.6 billion/second texture fill rate.
16× Antialiasing Technology - High-quality antialiasing at up to 16× sample rates obliterates jagged edges.
128-bit Floating Point High Dynamic-Range (HDR) Lighting - Twice the precision of prior generations for incredibly realistic lighting effects-now with support for anti-aliasing.
OpenGL 2.0 Optimizations and Support - Ensures top-notch compatibility and performance for OpenGL applications.
300 MHz RAMDAC - Blazing-fast RAMDAC supports display with high, ergonomic refresh rates up to and including 2048 × 1536 at 75 Hz.
NVIDIA® nView® Multi-Display Technology - Advanced technology provides the ultimate in viewing flexibility and control for multiple digital and analog monitors.
NVIDIA® PowerMizer® System Extensions - The dedicated PowerMizer® microcontroller intelligently monitors application and device activity to seamlessly adapt performance to suit the task at hand. By matching the performance to the application, PowerMizer ensures the ION graphics processor provides the longest battery life possible.



This post has been edited by stan001: Sep 6 2010, 08:46 PM
TSstan001
post Sep 17 2010, 05:35 PM

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Sharing this about Character based LCD for HTPC front panel.

Is a bit off topic but for ppl that likes DIY and wanna have Character based LCD in the front panel of their HTPC chassis..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs4wolyjOfg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJEqa0N2j8c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkW8VzkgtlI&feature=related

It was driven by a window software called LCD Smartie to 2x16 or 4x20 LCD ...

It can output Winamp spectrum analyzer, track name, CPU info, RSS news, CPU/Mem usages and other cool stuff at the Character LCD...





TSstan001
post Oct 5 2010, 11:55 AM

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QUOTE(lightastral @ Oct 5 2010, 11:35 AM)
bumped into this while doing research on htpc.

HQV Benchmark 2.0 Analysis Comparison between Intel integrated vs ATI vs Nvidia GPUs.

great read, and really great work from the author - Zardon.

http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-...a-and-intel/43/
*
Good stuff, I will add this to the front page...

Thanks

TSstan001
post Oct 22 2010, 08:43 PM

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QUOTE(paskal @ Oct 21 2010, 11:44 PM)
1st and foremost, never (ever) skimp on power supply. especially when you're gonna be running the htpc for prolonged period of time.
if you don't have the budget for an uber expensive one, get a cheap trupower psu like the huntkey 450W selling for RM150 (or so) in garage sales. or issit RM120? can't remember.

i've used that cheap trupower psu for quite a while powering my 10 hdd without problem. won't consider trying such stunt with a cap ayam psu.
tho 10 hdd is the max that i would advice anyone (all 5400rpm) for that huntkey.

*
Totally agreed, power supply are important bcos :-

1. As mentioned above

2. Those 80plus marking on the power supply have 80% efficiencies... ( turn A/C to DC without much loss as heat, wastage ), so you save on electric bills, bcos of the 80% or more efficiency.. Think GREEN...

3. I find power supply will outlast all the other active components like cpu, mem, hdd, gpu due to technology advances..

4. P/S will give you the power you needed, e.g. faster CPU clockrate or GPU , so it can contribute to the stability of yr system...



TSstan001
post Oct 22 2010, 10:31 PM

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QUOTE(atih007 @ Oct 19 2010, 11:30 AM)
my htpc is now almost fully functional. just left xbmc not yet installed. very smooth downloading and playing bluray. my setup are ecs h55 + core i3 + 2gb ddr3 + 2tb hdd. i put it under the tv cabinet, so the idle temperature is about 50c. is this ok or do i need to find a way to cool it down?
*
Mine is also inside a TV cabinet , initially very hot... only cool air is from the front, so I cut a hole at the back of the cabinet, put a 120mm silent fan and run a molex power cable to power up the fan...

I change the chassis exhaust fan and use a better cpu cooler to lower the fan noise and lower the temp... I documented it in my blog...

Take some pics and post the photos of yr HTPC here... we used to do it quite often ...


TSstan001
post Oct 26 2010, 11:55 AM

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QUOTE(peter32 @ Oct 26 2010, 10:07 AM)
Maybe.  I either will need a media player or a simple HTPC (2nd one).  Still contemplating.
*
Wah.. need to built another HTPC... you must have too many TV at home.. smile.gif

How is yr house renovation going on ?? I wanna introduce you to home automation made easy... from Security to Universal Remote Controller... using Arduino.

I plan to built a Universal Remote control to control stuff like Tv, Astro, AVR, DVD, HTPC, aircon using this open source hardware called Arduino... simple to built, have an Arduino board to learn the IR signals and play them back either from physical buttons or via a webpage...

All the h/w (easy available in Malaysia) and software libraries from the open source community...

I saw this ASRock Ion 330Ht http://www.asrock.com/nettop/overview.asp?Model=ION%20330HT

The specs and bundle is so cool.. low noise, wifi N, Dual Atom, lots of stuff ...plus free MCE Remote controller..

Cute chicks explain in chinese with english subtitles...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm8X0F5RsIs

I think she is just reading from a scripts...

This post has been edited by stan001: Oct 26 2010, 12:01 PM
TSstan001
post Oct 27 2010, 05:52 PM

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QUOTE(peter32 @ Oct 26 2010, 06:43 PM)
Stan, whoa.. your idea of automation is definitely a major turn-on for me.  Will look into it.  And don't forget to share if you have started your project. 

The reason for 2nd HTPC is long term software compatibility.  Its easier to upgrade computer software than firmware for media player. 

Have you ever thought of diy solar power panel ?
*
Peter,

Let me know what you had in mind, perhaps the Arduino can eaisly achieve yr DIY project...

Just started to pickup a easy to learn/use microcontroller called Arduino with large community support (kinda like linux but it hardware)...

Ppl were using this from remote controller, robotics, sensors ( lots of sensors - temp, distance, light, infrared, accelerometer, many more.. ) to do DIY projects... e.g. have the Arduino to do many thing...over and over again without using a PC...

- I did one to read from a window s/w to power up a char LCD Module, can integrated to HTPC to output the title of the movies or songs to the display on the HTPC chassis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ9y3uAZlYo

- LED, LED Matrix... this one is pretty fun...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkaBrUbaqSY


I just came back from Jalan Pasar, got a bunch of IR Receiver and IR LED to do my Universal remote controller project for my tv,dvd,astro, a/c and fan... if I integrate to a web server, can use my touchscreen phone as a remote control..

IR Receiver to learn the IR codes from different remote control and play it back when certain buttons is pressed...


Was talking to a friend about solar panel... it seems need a lot solar panel , inverter and battery to power up electrical appliance at 220V..
He have purchased some of these before from China or something....

I stay in condo la, no roof to put such a large solar panel... hehehe


Let chat using PM as it is totally out of HTPC topic... except for the LCD Module on LCD Smartie..


This post has been edited by stan001: Oct 28 2010, 12:21 AM
TSstan001
post Oct 28 2010, 08:20 AM

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QUOTE(minimize @ Oct 27 2010, 06:09 PM)
I already put in startup folder, but when my HTPC start, windows taskbar is always in-front of XBMC screen. I have to manually click on XBMC screen and then I can use my remote control. What should I do to make XBMC start in fully full screen.  icon_question.gif
*
Run Linux version of XBMC perhaps... I heard it can be started as an appliance style... as most of appliance nowdays uses linux at the backend..


TSstan001
post Nov 8 2010, 09:57 AM

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QUOTE(ameeyn @ Nov 8 2010, 03:08 AM)
I want to build a new htpc but a bit confused with all the parts that I need to buy to build it so I'm thinking of buying the Dell Zino HD..
I really like the XBMC interface so will it be possible to install it on the Zino HD?
or is it a better choice to buils a htpc from the ground up?

my budget is RM1500 so can you guys give me the best specification for my htpc..
XBMC is a must for me in the HTPC

my main use will be:

-play all my movies (MK,AVI,ETC)
-music
-pictures

*
If you are unfamiliar with building a PC, just buy one, some of them have better design in terms of noise/cooling and much much smaller form-factor...

XBMC support most of the platforms...

Dell Zino HD @ RM999 looks pretty good deal... in my opinion... but these are desktop class, so it would consume higher power...

Another choice would be the ION platform specially made for HTPC, like the ASRock ION 330 running the Dual core Atom + nVidia ... runs very silently and very low powered CPU/GPU..

http://liliputing.com/2009/12/asrock-ion-3...top-review.html

Not sure the price of the ASRock, if you find out, pls post the prices here for everyone ....

So you have a choice of Zino (AMD + ATI) and Ion (Intel + nVidia) ...

For wireless/remote controller, I suggest you get an Xbox 360 wireless controller ( supported by XBMC ) to control the media player/select your media from far away in the sofa ( of coz can be used to play games too... )
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/p...ls.aspx?pid=090

Whichever one you get, pls post some pictures of your new HTPC here for sharing with everyone in a community spirit.




TSstan001
post Nov 13 2010, 12:09 AM

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QUOTE(eric84cool @ Nov 12 2010, 11:30 PM)
if like that, the sound system is actually utilize the AMP or soundcard from HTPC?
*
Utilize the AMP.

Connection is like below, all digital :-

HTPC --- hdmi ---- AVR ---- hdmi ---- TV/Monitor

AVR take the audio and bypass the video to the TV/Monitor

Soundcard (analog audiooutput ) is only used if you connect 'em to those PC based 5.1 speakers


TSstan001
post Nov 15 2010, 02:32 AM

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QUOTE(calvin_ng @ Nov 15 2010, 12:14 AM)

Yes it can handle but 1 thing, if you wanted to watch US movies/channel you need US IP address... and yeah it is posibble if you can get US ip address...
so... any advise on how to GET United States IP...
*
Get an IP VPN service to tunnel yr connections to a US based VPN services ...

Ppl uses this method to watch hulu or do heavy bittorrent downloading...

If you know linux stuff, you can get a VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting for as low as US$2 - 5 per month...



TSstan001
post Nov 15 2010, 05:18 PM

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For free, if you got friend that setup a VPS, ask them to give u a free IPVPN account la...

Nice video reviews... smile.gif

You should watch those BBC HD Documentary series like Planet Earth or Wild China... very sharp pictures on Blueray HD...

Their video camera must have like super zoom lense in HD...

Is yr LCD TV on full resolution like 1080p ??



TSstan001
post Dec 15 2010, 04:33 PM

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QUOTE(kopking10 @ Dec 15 2010, 03:55 PM)
Guys, I am noob at HTPC. Hence, pls give a slight recommendation for RM1500 budget on PC setup. I will pair with 40" LED Tv and 5.1 speakers

I play:
1) Movie - MKV 720/1080
2) Games - No a fanatic but home the setup are able to support

Pls recommend me the spec. TQ.
*
Do yr own research and come up with the spec and others will give you comments on yr suggested specs..

or just get those HTPC ready products like Dell or others..



TSstan001
post Dec 20 2010, 01:13 PM

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QUOTE(kaiwong1020 @ Dec 16 2010, 07:35 PM)
hi...below is my own rig found from internet....
any comment?
casing i tend to buy from china....
malaysia have so less htpc casing....
any suggestion on PSU? rclxms.gif
icon_rolleyes.gif
*
For PSU, pls get those high efficiency 80PLUS with Active PFC rating with bigger silent fan (140mm)

I'm a fan of Xigmatek powersupply for their "green/environmental friendly" for both the recycle paper packaging and high energy efficiency..

400W or 500W will depend on yr HTPC requirements as power supply unit will last the longest compared to cpu/memory/mobo/hdd/lcd..

smile.gif


Added on December 20, 2010, 1:19 pm
QUOTE(gtd @ Dec 16 2010, 02:39 PM)
planning to built this setup:

i3 540
asus p7h55m usb3 or gigabyte h55m-usb3
1gb x2 corsair pc1333 ddr3
wd 1tb green
samsung dvdrw
psu: seasonic 520w s12ii or silverstone 500w strider
atx casing

bajet 1.5k

sifu2 here pls comment.........
*
Some comments...

[errors corrected and comments deleted]
i3 is a DUAL CORE CPU!!!


If you plan for 2 x 1GB memory, might as well go for 1 x 2GB and later upgrade another 2Gb to make it 4GB.

What about a "decent" graphic processor like nVidia or ATI for HD video decoding ?

This post has been edited by stan001: Dec 21 2010, 12:23 AM
TSstan001
post Dec 21 2010, 12:21 AM

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QUOTE(Matrix @ Dec 20 2010, 02:07 PM)
What cock you tock? i3 IS dual core. Don't simply spread lies.

i5 on the other hand has 2 cores/4 threads model and 4 cores model. And hypertreading is not 'fake cores'. This term is usually used by jealous AMD fanboys. HT or not, the performance is on par or better than equivalent AMD cpu's.

And oh yeah, new AMD Bulldozer also taking same route with Hyperthreading aka 'fake cores' as you call it.  tongue.gif
*
Opps, my mistake.. sorry for the wrong info, i3 it is a dual core.. ( will edit my posting )...

BTW, I'm not an AMD fanboy.. I uses AMD/ATI on my desktops and Intel/nVidia on my macbook.. smile.gif




TSstan001
post Dec 30 2010, 10:33 AM

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QUOTE(Matrix @ Dec 28 2010, 10:38 AM)
User problem....all my PCs Win 7...some 64-bits and some 32-bits. Never crash before. One even run 24/7.
*
WOW... this fellow Win 7 "NEVER CRASH BEFORE" ....

I'm impressed.... rclxms.gif rclxms.gif rclxms.gif

Bill Gates & Microsoft would be very proud of you... the should send you a "user award" for your statement..





TSstan001
post Dec 31 2010, 02:03 AM

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QUOTE(chiew9390 @ Dec 30 2010, 02:51 PM)
any1 have an idea where i can get

Hauppauge 150 MCE TV Tuner card
*
Low Yat Plaza should hv it, just call up the local distributor, get the company name from Hauppauge website...



TSstan001
post Jan 8 2011, 01:54 AM

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QUOTE(dante_plum @ Jan 7 2011, 10:27 PM)
hye to all sifu2...
im just plan to make HTPC setup...
can u all teach me how o build it?
i think want to go da cheap one, base amd + for watching full HD movie...
any opinion?
*
Read my blog, I think I cover most of the stuff needed...



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