Media Center PC

[Tyrant]

I want a media centre that will be used for running Spotify through the TV and stereo. It seems sensible to have it capable of playng HD content and a blueray drive also.

I've no idea where to start. Whether I build it or buy something of the shelf I'll need pointing in the right direction if anyone can help?

Thanks!

[koenig999]

Dell Studio hybrid?

Koenig

[Plotloss]

If its just for spotify and you have an existing computer than you can re-stream the spotify stream over your own network and play it on a Squeezebox.

Then use a Popcorn Hour to do the video side.

Unless you're going to use the functionality in Media Centre that is linked to either a DVB or satellite Tuner such as pausing live television/general DVR functions Media Centre PCs are starting to look like Dinosaurs already.

[Tyrant]

At the moment I don't have a desktop PC, so if it is sensible price wise to buy one and stream from that I'll go with that option and put it in the office. As I don't yet have a blueray player I thought it might be worth having that built into whatever solution I go for.

I'll read up on your suggestions so far, thanks.

[russ_a]

There are loads of build threads on AVForums.com - They cost about £400 including a decent case and blu-ray HD DVD Combo.

Just stick on Windows 7 (when released) and buy a £35 PC Satelite card and you will get around 100 channels (99% crap) but will get BBC HD and ITV HD.

They take a bit of tinkering to get them working how you want them but thats half the fun.

[Mr E]

Plotloss said:

Unless you're going to use the functionality in Media Centre that is linked to either a DVB or satellite Tuner such as pausing live television/general DVR functions Media Centre PCs are starting to look like Dinosaurs already.

Disagree slightly. Mine sits under the plasma and does the following;

Twin-tuners for digital teev (play, pause, record, all the usual stuff).
Storage for all recorded video, photos and music
Playback of the above.
DVD player
Blu-Ray player
DVD writing of recorded content when required
Playback of any media stream off the net required (suspecting this is going to be more and more common).


Most importantly, it does that in a single box that passes the wife test. I went from 5 or 6 bits of kit with lots of wires to a Plasma, an amplifier and a single amp sized box that does the lot.

With content delivery going IP sooner or later (I'm waiting for lovefilm to stop sending me discs and just give me an application that downloads rentals and wipes them when I watch the next one on the list), I suspect I'll be running it for some time.

It works for us.

[AyBee]

Mr E said:

Plotloss said:

Unless you're going to use the functionality in Media Centre that is linked to either a DVB or satellite Tuner such as pausing live television/general DVR functions Media Centre PCs are starting to look like Dinosaurs already.

Disagree slightly. Mine sits under the plasma and does the following;

Twin-tuners for digital teev (play, pause, record, all the usual stuff).
Storage for all recorded video, photos and music
Playback of the above.
DVD player
Blu-Ray player
DVD writing of recorded content when required
Playback of any media stream off the net required (suspecting this is going to be more and more common).


Most importantly, it does that in a single box that passes the wife test. I went from 5 or 6 bits of kit with lots of wires to a Plasma, an amplifier and a single amp sized box that does the lot.

With content delivery going IP sooner or later (I'm waiting for lovefilm to stop sending me discs and just give me an application that downloads rentals and wipes them when I watch the next one on the list), I suspect I'll be running it for some time.

It works for us.

Pic?

[Mr E]

Box on the bottom left.

With the old screen



With the new screen




The case is an Antec Fusion;



It's not a huge spec in the box, as it simply doesn't need to be.

[theboyfold]

These guys seem to offer very good value for money, I've never used one so I can't comment any further though:

http://www.aleutia.com/products/ion-htpc

Otherwise I'd also suggest a Dell Hybrid machine, they are very nice.

[Tyrant]

Ok I'm set on a stackable unit, I'd build one myself if I knew how.
Could someone help me with a sensible spec and parts list needed for blueray with hdmi, 5.1 sound, spotify and web browsing? A few places to buy online would also be helpful as would an idiots guide.

[russ_a]

www.avforums.com

Look in the Media PC Section, there are loads of build specs.

[GT2 GIZZER]

Hello,

I looked into this for ages and finally decided on the LEWIS MC1200 with 1x multiroom multimedia centre, see below

http://www.tvandvideodirect.com/search.php?xSearch...

I have full Itunes compatability, and also the geeks I use to install all the gear are working on a Blue-Ray upgrade for the DVD Writer/player.

The system got slagged to hell on various AV forums, but it does do the business..the MC800 is now available at around £2,000 I have been told.

Cheers

Stevie F

[Mr E]

Which is lovely and no doubt built to a very high standard.

But, it does exacty what a bog standard pc based media box does, but for four times the cost?

[GT2 GIZZER]

Mr E said:

Which is lovely and no doubt built to a very high standard.

But, it does exacty what a bog standard pc based media box does, but for four times the cost?

Are you refering to my purchase of the lewis centre?

cheer

[Mr E]

GT2 GIZZER said:

Mr E said:

Which is lovely and no doubt built to a very high standard.

But, it does exacty what a bog standard pc based media box does, but for four times the cost?

Are you refering to my purchase of the lewis centre?

cheer

Indeed yes.

Lovely kit, but the tiniest natch overpriced if the numbers you mentioned above are accurate.

[Tyrant]

I'm struggling to find anything useful on AVforums simply because there's so much info.
I have to say I don't want to spend huge money on it - my laptop is capable of everything I want from the media centre all be it in the wrong package. So I'm thinking around £500.

[theboyfold]

Tyrant said:

I'm struggling to find anything useful on AVforums simply because there's so much info.
I have to say I don't want to spend huge money on it - my laptop is capable of everything I want from the media centre all be it in the wrong package. So I'm thinking around £500.

did you look at the link I posted above? Or have you looked into the Dell Hybrid?

[Tyrant]

theboyfold said:

Tyrant said:

I'm struggling to find anything useful on AVforums simply because there's so much info.
I have to say I don't want to spend huge money on it - my laptop is capable of everything I want from the media centre all be it in the wrong package. So I'm thinking around £500.

did you look at the link I posted above? Or have you looked into the Dell Hybrid?

Yeah, thanks. Price and spec wise it's what i'm after but I want something stackable and amp like in looks.

[Mr E]

Custom build then? 500 quid should get you a box in a decent case that will do everything you want.

[Tyrant]

If I bought this case;

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Antec-Micro-Fusion-Remote-35...

What else should I buy to make a machine capable of playing blue ray from disc and the hard drive with audio outputs suitable for HD audio and music from spotify / harddrive?