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The Home Theater PC (HTPC) Thread (2 Viewers)

MCguidance

MCguidance

Footballguy
Someone suggested we take some of the geek out of this thread http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=586089. That thread is very useful for folks simplifying their set up and cutting cable.

This thread is for those of us who have built a home theater pc.

Here is my basic setup and the price I paid in August 2013:

i5 gen intel 4670 3.4 ghz LGA 1150 and asrock z87 extreme4 mobo/proc, bundled - $275 for both at Microcenter

Silverstone SST-GD08B Case- $135 Amazon

Samsung 840 series 120 SSD - $60 craigslist

3 TB drive, $99 sale; 2 TB of additional storage (preexisting)

Asus DVD/BR burner/player- $79 after mail in rebate, Microcenter

8GB G-Skill DDR3 2400 Memory - $49

Hauppauge Colossus - $80 eBay

Hardwired Ethernet ~$60 all in for cord, cutter, keystone jacks, etc.

Logitech keyboard - $30

Windows 7 a should be able to get a student discount for ~$75

Thermaltake Power supply - $49 on sale at Microcenter

Full thread here: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1483592/build-my-htcp

I'm not the typical geek in the sense that I can rattle off answers to all questions HTPC related (I can answer some), but I can follow directions and watch videos and took the plunge. It's been great now that I've cut the cord.

This site is a must read: http://assassinhtpcblog.com/ and this if you want something as close to out of the box/plug-n-play as possible: http://www.assassinhtpc.com/

 
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What makes this a home theater PC vs just a computer?

I have a Macbook, do I need to go out and buy all this?

Why do you need all this to watch ABC/NBC/PBS?

-Thank You

 
What are the benefits to hooking something like this up as compared to just buying Roku, TiVO, and a good digital HD antenna for almost the same cost, if not less?

 
Ministry of Pain said:
What makes this a home theater PC vs just a computer?

I have a Macbook, do I need to go out and buy all this?

Why do you need all this to watch ABC/NBC/PBS?

-Thank You
Click to expand...
Honestly, it all depends on what you want to do. You do not need all of this to watch those shows. I have it set up in my living room. It runs a front end (the pleasing to the eye part) like Plex/Windows Media Center. It has all of my content such as music, tv shows, media, and tv in one application (Plex does not have live tv). I also have a fully functioning computer.

You could always just hook up a laptop to a screen, but this is smoother, faster, and looks nicer.

In a nutshell: HTPC is a hobby. If you do not enjoy spending time and money building a computer, learning software and keeping up with new technology another solution may be better for you. HTPCs trade complexity for integration of media and sources. It maybe possible to greatly improve picture quality with new free software. It is a good solution if you use an antenna for over the air TV and you want to record shows and store them to watch at your convenience. It cuts down on the overall cost but costs more up front.

You can get pretty techy - like creating media extenders out of your xbox360s (not hard to do) - so that your HTPC serves your entire home, kids' rooms, etc. You can also build a computer for the fraction of what it will cost you to buy one with similar specs.

 
VA703 said:
what site are you using to watch football games?
Click to expand...
There are various streaming sites if you go that way.

I will most likely buy MLB.tv, and then use a VPN to bypass the local blackout rules.

As for football, I haven't dabbled yet since I ended this after the regular season. I will likely buy an option for DirecTV next year (like Madden) and then access that on my computer/tv since it is all in one.

 
BlueDredSo said:
What are the benefits to hooking something like this up as compared to just buying Roku, TiVO, and a good digital HD antenna for almost the same cost, if not less?
Click to expand...
Probably not much. I use it as a computer sometimes, and I like the all-in-one aspect.

ETA: Wife Acceptability Factor or WAF is important to most guys. I like to give her one remote, one input, and one program. If I use WMC, she can literally switch from watching/recording live tv to watching movies/tv in a few clicks.

 
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It's also nice to flip through/surf for your film/movies/music through something like Plex, Media Browser, XBMC rather than hard copies. For those of you with young kids, I've heard they can ruin a lot of things, leave things out, etc. Many guys rip their collections to mkvs and stream.

 
I'm hippling my own thread, but lest we forget that some people live to play computer/video games in the comfort of their living room. Maybe even their mom and dad's living room.

 
I have an HTPC that I built all in for under $400 I think. Very inexpensive intel 1155 CPU that includes video capability, basic ASRock micro motherboard with 7.1 audio capability, 60 gb ssd drive for booting, 1.5 tb hard drive for files, extra copy of windows 7 home, antec htpc case (the most expensive part, about $100 on it's own), basic TV tuner card from happalauge (sp?), a blu-ray rom drive, and a logitech all in one remote.

As noted above, it's really just a hobby. I started making digital copies of my dvds/blu rays, but I haven't in quite some time. I use it to watch/record/play back "clear QAM" cable channels (the major networks and PBS), netflix streaming, audio/video playback from a NAS drive on network. I tried to get it to play blu rays in full uncompressed audio, but gave up trying as I have a PS3 sitting right next to it.

 
I built an htpc years ago but gave it up for the improved west end digital WDTVs. I've got one on each TV and a synology file server. It's perfect for us in every way. The PC was too cumbersome for us.

Cheap and easy alternatives to consider.

 
I have one that I use strictly for watching ISO rips of BluRay movies. HDMI to my receiver with PCM pass through to the receiver for the HD audio. It's very nice to have the ability to watch any of my movies without having to worry about digging through cases and such.

 
Been playing around with this for the past few weeks:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=146228

Here is a guide on AVS Forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/26-home-theater-computers/1357375-advanced-mpc-hc-setup-guide.html

My PC doesn't have the hardware to really take advantage of the renderer (thus I use EVR Custom as the default DS renderer), but this is one serious piece of software and renderer. I have one player using it in it's default settings (with LAV filters either in DXVA or CUDA), and when I try to upscale with my limited hardware it's choke city. Highly recommended for those who have a mondo graphics card though.

 
Some tools I use when playing video on my PC:

First, I use PotPlayer as my default instead of Media Player:

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/PotPlayer

It's now a Global version, meaning that it's now updatable whereas before it was only available from the Korean developer or from DVBSupport. It comes with all the FFMPEG codecs as well as a few of the "Open" codecs, has DXVA support, and if you have Nvidia CUDA, you can use the CUDA decoders as well. Has a neat Avisynth script built in that serves as a frame doubler/vector motion like SmoothVideoProject. It can also be configured to use outside filters such as LAV and ffdshow. Great player and very stable.

For codecs: I don't use codec packs. I just use LAV Filters as the default, and ffdshow's RAW filter for things such as deinterlacing if I so choose. You can download them here:

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/LAV-Filters

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/ffdshow

There is a LAV filter "Megamix" pack that has the filters, madvr renderer, ReClock, DirectVOBSub, and Media Player Classic all bundled together. You can find the link on this page:

https://imouto.my/watching-h264-videos-using-compute-unified-device-architecture-cuda/

Look in the checklist part of the page (I know it's a PITA because of the anime background).

For more info on LAV: here is the doom9 thread:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=156191

LAV's filters include the audio codecs and it's own splitter. Both are which very good and stable. The video codec has built in DXVA1 and DXVA "Copy Back" support, as was as CUVID for CUDA. Really awesome stuff.

Of course, I always have the trusty Haali splitter for .mkv and .mp4 x264 and H.264 files.

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Haali-Media-Splitter

Will post some more tools later. Have fun!

 
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Unless you're really into messing with settings and such, codecs are filters are not really all that necessary and scary for first-timers looking at HTPCs.

Just install XBMC and it will take care of all of that for you.

I'm running two HTPCs at home right now (three if you count my Raspberry Pi, which is running RaspBMC). The first is Intel-based (Sandy Bridge), and the second is AMD-based (Trinity). All three are networked to my home server which is on 24/7 and holds all my media. I use a central MySQL database to share library information across all three, which enables pause/resume between rooms and common watched flags. For streaming over the internet, I use Plex. Also have setup a Belkin @TV which allows me to stream my DirecTV over my home network as well as the internet.

For OTA, I have a HDHomeRun on the network, which allows me to stream TV to TVs that don't have a DirecTV box, or to be used when storms block the satellite signal.

My wife loves her DirecTV, so we haven't pulled the plug, but we still use the HTPCs to watch movies and shows she doesn't have on her DVR.

This all seems a bit overwhelming for the beginner, but it is quite modular. I would strongly suggest setting up a home-server (can simply be a Win7/8 box that is "always on", like mine) as that forms the central hub for all your storage and streaming. You can remote into it using TeamViewer, and thus in theory you can run it headless (no monitor). The server can then act as your own personal cloud device, so you don't have to worry about paying fees for some other service. I can stream music photos, etc from mine. It also runs FTP software for moving files.

Once you have the server, you can start adding-on elements on an as-needed and as-comfortable basis. It's really great stuff.

 
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Zasada said:
Unless you're really into messing with settings and such, codecs are filters are not really all that necessary and scary for first-timers looking at HTPCs.

Just install XBMC and it will take care of all of that for you.

I'm running two HTPCs at home right now (three if you count my Raspberry Pi, which is running RaspBMC). The first is Intel-based (Sandy Bridge), and the second is AMD-based (Trinity). All three are networked to my home server which is on 24/7 and holds all my media. I use a central MySQL database to share library information across all three, which enables pause/resume between rooms and common watched flags. For streaming over the internet, I use Plex. Also have setup a Belkin @TV which allows me to stream my DirecTV over my home network as well as the internet.

For OTA, I have a HDHomeRun on the network, which allows me to stream TV to TVs that don't have a DirecTV box, or to be used when storms block the satellite signal.

My wife loves her DirecTV, so we haven't pulled the plug, but we still use the HTPCs to watch movies and shows she doesn't have on her DVR.

This all seems a bit overwhelming for the beginner, but it is quite modular. I would strongly suggest setting up a home-server (can simply be a Win7/8 box that is "always on", like mine) as that forms the central hub for all your storage and streaming. You can remote into it using TeamViewer, and thus in theory you can run it headless (no monitor). The server can then act as your own personal cloud device, so you don't have to worry about paying fees for some other service. I can stream music photos, etc from mine. It also runs FTP software for moving files.

Once you have the server, you can start adding-on elements on an as-needed and as-comfortable basis. It's really great stuff.
Click to expand...
:goodposting:

All that codec stuff seems overly complicated and redundant. All you really need is a good NAS or server (if you want to get more fancy, as your setup certainly is), and devices hooked up to your TV's capable of running XBMC (with select add-ons) and a web browser. That should cover you for 95% of your needs, if you are indeed cutting the cable.

I'm currently running an Intel NUC D54250wykh on one TV and a base Mac Mini 2012 on my other one, with a couple of Synology Diskstation NAS'. Fits all my needs.

 
I have an i3 based HTPC that I built in 2011 running Windows Media Center and a Ceton InfiniTV cable card tuner. The main intent was not to cut the cable, but to expand my DVR. I also digitized all my disc based media (and moved DVR recordings) and am using the media browser plugin to access it. In addition to the SSD running the operating system, I have 2 internal and 3 external hard drives totaling 12 TB.

I have a Ceton Echo and an Xbox 360 as extenders and have just started experimenting with Plex to bring content to our smartphones and tablets (hopefully on the road).

I explored streaming when I first set it up, but currently only use Netflix a little and Amazon Prime very little. If the DVR hiccups, I will occasionally watch an episode of something through Hulu, but the picture quality and repetitive forced commercials make me sick.

 
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Assassin's HTPC's can be ordered with custom config's such as madvr:

http://www.assassinhtpc.com/performance.php

So posting such tools such as madvr and LAV Filters are relevant to this discussion. Maybe you don't have an HTPC, or just want to scale video better on your laptop. Maybe you are a gaming tweaker who doesn't settle for a gaming console and be done with it. Sure you can play your Braveheart 2 gig .mkv rip through XBMC. But these tools are, get this: FREE. So why not try and tinker with them?

ETA: even Assassin himself posts in the AVS Forum thread.

 
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Also, you don't have to re-config your current setup for any of this. This can be used seperately as it's own outside of XMBC and or JRiver/Media Portal/Media Browser, the latter three which can be configured with madvr. If you're into GPU video acceleration, it's worth checking out.

 
drummer said:
Also, you don't have to re-config your current setup for any of this. This can be used seperately as it's own outside of XMBC and or JRiver/Media Portal/Media Browser, the latter three which can be configured with madvr. If you're into GPU video acceleration, it's worth checking out.
Click to expand...
There's no question that MadVR and the like will up the ante on video quality. But I'm perfectly happy with the base XBMC install and frankly, tired of fussing with it.

I'm in the "if it works and I'm happy with the quality, don't mess with it" camp. The tinkerers will love playing with filters and MadVR (heck, I guess you have to be a bit of a tinkerer to build your own HTPC in the first place) but for the newbie, I strongly advise to get stock XBMC working and then branch-out if you feel the need.

 
hxperson said:
I'm currently running an Intel NUC D54250wykh on one TV and a base Mac Mini 2012 on my other one, with a couple of Synology Diskstation NAS'. Fits all my needs.
Click to expand...
Is that the Bay Trail NUC? I keep thinking about getting one. They look so cool. I just don't have enough TVs to support all the HTPCs I want to buy!

 
Zasada said:
drummer said:
Also, you don't have to re-config your current setup for any of this. This can be used seperately as it's own outside of XMBC and or JRiver/Media Portal/Media Browser, the latter three which can be configured with madvr. If you're into GPU video acceleration, it's worth checking out.
Click to expand...
There's no question that MadVR and the like will up the ante on video quality. But I'm perfectly happy with the base XBMC install and frankly, tired of fussing with it.

I'm in the "if it works and I'm happy with the quality, don't mess with it" camp. The tinkerers will love playing with filters and MadVR (heck, I guess you have to be a bit of a tinkerer to build your own HTPC in the first place) but for the newbie, I strongly advise to get stock XBMC working and then branch-out if you feel the need.
Click to expand...
I agree with that. But to me the end game in HTPC is performance and getting that via the GPU. It's really not that hard (if I can figure it out, anybody can), and it's a technology that's always updated and on the bleeding edge.

I'll post some other stuff that isn't just for the mad tinkerer, some good tools to have for checking DXVA and what filters you have already installed on the PC. Good for when you have even a basic setup, and something is not quite working due to a filter chain.

ETA: right now I'm working on getting a consistent 60 fps using ReClock and filters. That's what I love about this stuff. Fun hobby for a video nut like me.

 
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Zasada said:
hxperson said:
I'm currently running an Intel NUC D54250wykh on one TV and a base Mac Mini 2012 on my other one, with a couple of Synology Diskstation NAS'. Fits all my needs.
Click to expand...
Is that the Bay Trail NUC? I keep thinking about getting one. They look so cool. I just don't have enough TVs to support all the HTPCs I want to buy!
Click to expand...
It's one of the newer Haswell ones that supports both an msata and a 2.5" hd drive. Fantastic device - I have no complaints about it. Like you though, the :nerd: in me wishes I had more TV's so I'd have an excuse to fiddle around with some of these cheaper linux boxes that are out there.

 
I use this on my Android phone, but now it's an application for Windows:

http://vipersaudio.com/blog/?page_id=59

Checking it out right now, and it's pretty awesome. You have to install it as an admin, and run it as one, and there is a very noticeable difference in playback sound quality. Much better than most of the DSP's built in on most applications. Highly recommended.

 
drummer said:
Assassin's HTPC's can be ordered with custom config's such as madvr:

http://www.assassinhtpc.com/performance.php

So posting such tools such as madvr and LAV Filters are relevant to this discussion. Maybe you don't have an HTPC, or just want to scale video better on your laptop. Maybe you are a gaming tweaker who doesn't settle for a gaming console and be done with it. Sure you can play your Braveheart 2 gig .mkv rip through XBMC. But these tools are, get this: FREE. So why not try and tinker with them?

ETA: even Assassin himself posts in the AVS Forum thread.
Click to expand...
Great post for people who cannot build their own. Assassin himself was great. I know he had some legal trouble with a guy, IIRC.

I was close to purchasing, but decided against it after taking the chance and building my own. It's been over a year and my upfront cost(s) are well paid for. I have cut the cable for the last year and have not looked back one second. The AVS forums will get you everything you need. I have a build list if anyone is ever thinking of doing the same.

 
I've been running a USB 3.0 4 disc enclosure off my HTPC and am getting sick of fan noise. I started looking into a 4 bay NAS, but after researching I am now thinking about building an unRAID server. Anyone been down this route?

 
Dragons said:
I've been running a USB 3.0 4 disc enclosure off my HTPC and am getting sick of fan noise. I started looking into a 4 bay NAS, but after researching I am now thinking about building an unRAID server. Anyone been down this route?
Click to expand...
More specifics:

I'm running Windows Media Center with a cablecard tuner (Ceton Infinitv 4) to watch and record live TV from my cable provider. I've ripped dvd's/BR, converted and/or moved live tv recordings to my media drive(s), currently about 10 TB on a 4 disc USB 3.0 enclosure. I'm using the WMC Media Browser plugin to access. I'm also running Plex to serve media to tablets to take on the road.

Thinking about the following build:

Case: Fractal Design 804-BL http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352047

w/ PSU: Corsair 450W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139058

or

Case: Silverstone DS380B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163255&cm_re=silverstone_case-_-11-163-255-_-Product

w/ PSU: Seasonic SS-350SFE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151063&cm_re=seasonic_ss-350SFE-_-17-151-063-_-Product

M/B & CPU: ASRock C2550 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157419

RAM: Crucial 2x8GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148704

w/ PSU:

Flash Drive: Cruzer 16GB http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FYNSUA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005FYNSUA&linkCode=as2&tag=brisblo0b-20

Data & Cache Drives: Repurposed

Costs about as much as a discless 6 bay NAS, with a lot more room for expansion & much higher processing power.

Anyone have suggestions/recommendations on the OS or the build? Is it worth the extra cost for hot-swappable drives?

 
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