HTPC noob....what do i need?

Reality Bites · 20 Aug 2010 at 16:04

I want to be able to RIP my Blu-rays and DVDs to a HTPC (preferably a NAS) and watch them in HD on my TV with HD audio. I would output to my amp first though.

What setup would i need other than NAS, Blu-ray reader, and lots of storage? I would assume a HD sound card too? but can i just output the audio stream to my amp and let that do the decoding?

lots of questions I know, but It's time i got technical about my movie collection rather than just buy more DVD racks!

Reality Bites · 21 Aug 2010 at 12:35

Thanks for the responses.

So a reasonably powerfull machine with lots of storage to start.

I'll connect it up using wired.....don't like wireless.

How do you output the HD audio? Do i need a SC with HDMI output on?

I'll be connecting it to my Onkyo 875 which i want to do the decoding.

Reality Bites · 21 Aug 2010 at 22:10

Cool. I like the idea of the front and back end setup. Is there anything like the old media centre software now? Something like a cut down version of windows for htpc use?

Reality Bites · 23 Aug 2010 at 23:08

how do you guys activate and shut down the centres? And how do you control them? do remotes work or do i need to look at a small wireless keyboard and mouse setup?

Reality Bites · 24 Aug 2010 at 07:59

Cycrow said:
mine are all running mythtv, and i can use the remote to do anything i need to on them.

otherwise, i just connect remotely via VNC.

i can also send commands and control them from the backends web page if i need to.

any decent MCE remote would do the trick, althou im using a logitech harmony for mine

Thanks, il try with my logitech too

Reality Bites · 24 Aug 2010 at 08:02

panthro said:
Out of interest, why do you need to rip blurays? Im a n00b too but dont understand why people need a rip a DVD/BD they already have? Genuine question

Being lazy really. If its there and already to go its easier for me. Plus. I want to use it for music and pics too. I can then box up my collections and put the out the way

Reality Bites · 24 Aug 2010 at 22:16

OK, one more question. Is a GB connected NAS quick enough to stream HD content? I thought HS ran at around 25MB's?

Reality Bites · 25 Aug 2010 at 15:08

cool......just got to decide on the NAS enclosure now. I just want one which will keep a backup really. Been looking at the Netgear duo boxes for around £135. I've sourced an 80GB OCZ agility 2 for £80 too for the HTPC.