Bro,

I am using XQbox as well, but instead I buy this remote controller from this dude and it works well with XBMC and Windows Media Center.

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=896317&hl=

Let me know if you want XQBox, I am selling my XQBOX.

me too

building is easy, the configuration is not. a htpc is just a normal desktop, any pc shop can build it for you. i reckon lowyat shops could build it

decent spec is not a problem. problem is getting a nice, classy AV style looking case at reasonable price.

yup...the config sucks...till now still cant get things right 100%...

luckily mine is working purrrrfectly.

what is your config, bro? or any config u recommend for budget under rm2k?
thks.

IMHO, HTPC's are for ppl with technical knowledge of hardware/software and is willing to get his hands dirty. Research guys... research..

IMHO, I enjoy the process of building the HTPC and the way of config it. if you're feeling headache and mafan on this DIY.
pay more get branded HTPC: dell, hp, etc.... but personally I don like that... why? hardware limitation. software side both way able to do same thing, but good for branded pc is pre-installed software/config ready, plus if you're in trouble, call phone support or remote assistant that you also paid in package warranty.

+1

I also agree.... Just finished my HTPC build.... Enjoyed the process to build this sucker....

fuuhhhh..juz finish all of this 31 pages..kind of poisoned with this HTPC building process..

Tempted to start on my own soon .. ~haiH~

this week pc fair...maybe time to get htpc

If you have time, there are another 126 pages on HTPC V1 on the first posting... happy reading..

Remember, HTPC is different from a normal PC or gaming rig... need a balance between aesthetics, CPU power, size , cooling and noise...


Aesthetics - have a "nice" chassis as it is in the middle of the living room, looks more like hifi that PC chassis with LED displays

CPU power - need medium power in case you need to do a lot of video encoding or video conversion to other formats

Size - usually smaller chassis but more I/O slots at the front panel ( memory card readers , video / audio input , USB ports )

Cooling & noise - should stay cool ( if inside a tv cabinet ) and low fan speed to prevent annoying noise while watching tv / playing music

hi guys.just finish installing my htpc 2 days back.right now i'm still
blur trying to set it up.wanna ask u guys,do u guy use extend mode or duplicate
mode?why when the display show at my plasma,it's not full.there still a black
border on each side of the tv.another thing is,why it take so long for my
htib to detect the g.c?i need to wait around 5 min before there's a pic on my
tv.pls help guys.thanks in advance.

This post has been edited by sean_gtech: Aug 4 2010, 09:38 PM

Resolution Settings?

Hi,

This is very good feedback, but there is a question always being asked by people:

Why do I need a HTPC if I can opt for media player, like WD media player etc which can also deliver the same purpose?

juz been there for a few pages..which were quite a lot of thing to be dug inside..

Thanks for your guide here..really appreciated

Will start saving money from now on..go go HTPC!

Using a PC in the living room is not everyone cup of tea.. hehe and using a windoze OS is also not an optimize solution...

BUT it is upgradable and flexible for ppl that also want to surf, play games the web and play media files... you can also easily install a Blueray Disc drive to turn yr HTPC into a Blueray Disc player... ( no need to buy individual BD player )...

Yes, it is sometimes much better to use those WD or AC Ryan as a dedicated media player... for those not into DIY HTPC stuff..

It is decision between flexibility & expansion vs single purpose dedicated appliance...

I was thinking along this line earlier as well. Here's what I think..

1. If you are one of those that prefer a full set Midi system that does everything out of the box... then media player is for you. No tweaking required, just occasional firmware update ....

2. If you are one of those that like to buy hi fi separates, with cable buying separately, potential for component upgrades in the future (eg. change the basic CD player to something that cost RM50K ) Tweaking the Clock, change cable... etc.. Then HTPC is for you. The advantage is HTPC is to be able to update software and play any types of files you can imagined. Furthermore, if 3D and HDMI 1.4 become standard, the most you need to change is the graphic card.. If you got the money, you can also upgrade from motherboard sound chip to audiophile grade soundcard too.. the sky's the limit !

But if you share your TV with your grandparents, perhaps a media player is more userfriendly. So it really depends on your usage at home.

because WD media player or any other media player in that matter doesn't support more than a few HDD daisy chained together.
for someone that have more than 6 HDD, HTPC is the only viable choice.

and not to mention, media player will have a hard time if your media collection are spanned across a few hdd