htpc

godinman · 31 Mar 2009 at 20:33

Hi there,

I'm considering getting an asus eee box (the 206 version) for use as a media PC.

My question is, will it play 1080i video smoothly? I'm fairly sure my tv supports it (32" samsung).

And also, would I notice much difference if i settled for 720i?

I've had a look at a few other media devices, but i'd really like a windows based thing, so I can do things like use it as a download box, use bbc iplayer and just play around on the internet. (and maybe even some VERY lights gaming).

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Zarf · 31 Mar 2009 at 22:16

I think you can only output video as progressive from a PC, so you're likely limited to 720p.
What is the actual resolution in your TV specs?
On a 32" screen your eyes physically can't even notice the difference between 720 and 1080 unless you are sitting closer than 5 ft anyway.

I built myself a cheap box for under 150 quid using my old Core2Duo E6600 and it flies. Near silent operation and no problem with 1080p. I got a radeon 3450 for 20 quid and use that to output over hdmi.

sparkey196 · 1 Apr 2009 at 09:25

The B206 has a Radion HD3450 which has hardware acceleration for H264 up to 1080p and possibly beyond.

godinman · 1 Apr 2009 at 10:39

Thanks for the replies

. I had heard that it should play 1080, but then I saw some reviews saying it didn't? Confusing, as I won't notice any difference between 1080 and 720 I suppose I'll just get one and see! Will post back when I I've tried it. Thanks again.
Thanks for the replies

godinman · 4 Apr 2009 at 10:06

Will be ordering this next month...

Have heard that theres gonna be a b208 eee box. With a dualcore and better gpu, anyone heard about this at all? If its out soon then i dont mind waiting really.

chad · 4 Apr 2009 at 14:11

asus eee box b206 looks very nice bit of kit whats the price/release date?

godinman · 4 Apr 2009 at 17:00

The B206 is out now, for around £300 or something like that. The B208 (dualcore) isn't out yet...and I dunno when it will be out

jingleman · 23 May 2009 at 19:44

Asus New Eee Boxes due for UK release in 2009

According to Asus (UK), the Eee Box B208 will not be launched in the UK.

However they are to release the EB1006: Atom N270, 2GB, 160GB, Vista Home Premium - End of June/EarlyJuly. Info on this model is now appearing on Google.

EB1501 - Atom N330, 2GB, 250GB, Vista Home Premium - Aug/Sept. No further information held