Considering a Media PC

[Mez]

I dont pay for Cable, Just Internet, Unblock-Us and been considering Hulu +.
However, Sometimes the GF wants to watch a show, while I run a game and the TV is hooked directly to my Gaming pc. Considering I use the Gaming PC only really to watch HULU on the TV i'm wondering if it might be better to get a
decent size, Massive HD Media PC which I would hide neatly behind the pc and connect to the interwebs So that All my TV needs are belong to it. ANy suggestions? Store bought or store built?

[TriniXaeno]

I use a laptop right now as my HTPC

Its absolutely energy efficient and has the added bonus of being mobile in a pinch


Still, I'm considering changing that back to a full fledged desktop PC to get some big screen gaming going on again in the living room.

A proper HTPC is surprisingly expensive (the ones with a fancy case that fits in with a living decor)

If you want one that has absolutely no gaming prowess, you can get an all in one htpc device like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AspireRevo-AR3700-U3002-Compact-Desktop/dp/B00433SP6G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1338916145&sr=8-4




http://www.amazon.com/Boxee-D-Link-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B0038JE07O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1338916145&sr=8-5

[LQDSNK]

I think i should convert my laptop to a "Media Server" as well. I think the laptop would be best as you can probably build something to hide it or make it less noticeable, get vast external storage and use it for other capabilities in a pinch.

Not sure how capable newer netbooks are but that also seems like a good start.

[TriniXaeno]

yeah a laptop or netbook would be fine.

A closed laptop doesn't look bad in a living room setting. It hasn't raised the ire of any of the women folk.

I used to get evil glances all the time when the mid tower atx case was doing htpc duty. lol

That said, I do miss being able to run some proper games on the big screen for the wow factor.

Also, if you're got an older laptop (like I do) you won't have hdmi or 5.1 sound output.

Another reason you may wish to consider sticking with a more traditional HTPC device.

A new laptop with hdmi and a gaming worthy gpu would be ideal but definitely too expensive for a mere HTPC (unless you're filthy rich)

[Mez]

well I have a 32" tv that has 4 HDMI ports and I Dont really need to game big screen(the setup doesnt allow it) but I hoping for something with a tiny form factor (the mac mini looking great actually) just wish a 3d mouse type remote would be good too so I could surf/stream with ease.

[LQDSNK]

They've been discussing many a remote/keyboard in the "what was the last item you purchased" thread recently. I wonder though, if your PC is powerful enough, can't it run the TV and monitor at the same time? It's a bit tedious if she wants to change the movie or surf in the middle of your game though.

[Arcmanov]

I had a media streamer, but it needed to use passwords to access Windows shares, so I ended up building a small htpc in a slim sff case.

It plays all media formats, and online streaming content...and that's all it does.

Pretty happy with that setup thus far.

I say, build a cheap htpc from easily replaceable components, and call that Mez.   



SwiftKeyed from my Samsung Galaxy S2 with Tapatalk 2

[QuickDraw]

http://liliputing.com/2012/01/raspberry-pi-could-almost-be-a-35-media-center-pc-video.html





good points

small
cheap
sippin power ( all 2 -5 watts under LOAD and ting)
1080p HD
pricetag around $35 US


problems

they in short supply
u cant get hulu to work