Asrock Ion 330 and XBMC

welshdragon · 26 Apr 2011 at 13:56

Right, in my quest for a media streamer/htpc I have now come across the Asrock Ion 330.

Anyone got the Asrock Ion 330 and what are your thoughts on it?

Secondly I am unsure if I do get it whether to use XBMC Live or use windows/linux and and the XBMC client on top. Any thoughts on both?

In addition to movies I wnat to play music and view photo's. I understand that xmbc does music but does it also do photo's?

If I were to use the live option does it have a web browser?

Any help appreciated as very new to all this.

Also, considering a logitech dinovo mini as the main input controller, any thoughts on this?

Also posted in the home theatre section as not sure where best to post.

welshdragon · 26 Apr 2011 at 16:12

I think this will be the much better way for me compared to a wd tv live.

Thats definately something to think about. I like the idea of booting straight to XBMC. SHame it doesn't feature a proper browser. Can you get apps for the XBMC?

Been having a look at their website but I don't find it terribly informative.

Also noticed ont heir enws section they've done a deal with Sony, hope it doesn't mean the end of a free system!

welshdragon · 27 Apr 2011 at 22:45

shadow_boxer said:
lol awesome contribution there!

How is 1080p video?

Do Blu Rays stutter with frame sync? How does 24p blu ray playback perform?

How loud is the stock fan on the heatsink? Can you run the motherboard passive?

How does XBMC & W7 MC feels, is it sharp and snappy or does it lag?

What remote do you use with XBMC/W7MC?

How much RAM?

Does it bitsteam high definition audion (DTS-MA and True HD)?

I too would like to know these things! Anyone know where I can pick up an ION 330 reasonable/cheap?

welshdragon · 28 Apr 2011 at 14:34

Right, I have now decided to build a htpc having found a set of components I like:

ASRock E350 Fusion Board
4gb DDR3
Antec ISK-100 case incl 90w psu
250gb WD 2.5" HD

All for a princely sum of £200. Albeit sacrificing a dvd drive.

Once ordered will get a build log going. Just been looking at teh acse with an ION build and its tight! ooh er!