New HTPC Build Help

Mak3R · 22 Oct 2013 at 17:11

Hi all. I am moving house shortly to my own place and would like to set up a media server of sorts.
Requirement 1) A media PC + storage that can live under the TV in the living room. I'd like this to be as quiet as possible. This PC will be used for downloading and streaming. Some sort of m-atx/mini itx build?

Requirement 2) The ability to access this media and stream it to the TV in my bedroom. Both for myself and my girlfriend to use as she likes watching stuff in bed. Raspberry Pi perhaps? I don't know.

Now, I have no idea how to go about this or what I need to buy. I would like to build the media pc myself if possible (as it's fun and generally cheaper right?) but can buy a ready made one if something suitable is out there.

I am turning to the fine people of this forum to point me in a suitable direction as it's not something I've ever looked into. Not really sure in budget but it is quite flexible. I'll say £400 as a starting point.

Thanks

Rilot · 22 Oct 2013 at 17:15

2 x RaspberryPi running XBMC with the one under TV attached to a USB HDD for storage? Should do what you want.

Mak3R · 22 Oct 2013 at 17:28

Rilot said:
2 x RaspberryPi running XBMC with the one under TV attached to a USB HDD for storage? Should do what you want.

That seems almost too easy...

. I plan on getting virgin media so would it be possible to connect the storage to the hub that comes with virgin? Then everything in the house can access it.

archerz · 22 Oct 2013 at 20:35

I was going to say similar. I've just setup a raspberry pi as my htpc and it works really well. Especially the CEC control allowing you to use your TV remove to navigate

Then spend the rest of the money on a dedicated NAS. this is my plan.

archerz · 22 Oct 2013 at 20:36

Mak3R said:
That seems almost too easy... . I plan on getting virgin media so would it be possible to connect the storage to the hub that comes with virgin? Then everything in the house can access it.

As long as it can be seen on the network then should be able to see it fine!!

Mak3R · 22 Oct 2013 at 21:56

Interesting thanks. I do a moderate amount of downloading via newgroups and other such things that I'm not sure are allowed to be mentioned. My concern is the Pi won't have the processing power to extract these and may die.
I like the idea of a mini pc of sorts running something simple like windows or something with a friendly UI for the sake of my girlfriend to use. Then a pi in the bedroom. Is this a feasible plan?