My HTPC (documented self-build)

Plec said:
What laptop style keyboards did you guys opt for - and how would you rate it?
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I used to have one of the keysonic wireless jobby's until it packed in, so I decided to splash out on one of the Logitech DiNovo mini.

If I'm honest the keysonic was probably better, easier to use and not quite as much as a fiddle as the Logitech. But I have to admit the Dinovo is so much better looking, fits in far better with my lounge than the keysonic.

It's just a shame I have hands like shovels and the logitech was obviously designed for teeny little Japanese fingers. :D
 
I hadn't considered that option - but like you my hands are fairly big so i'm not sure how i would get on.

I may consider it as a second keyboard for just general surfing and as a glorified controller as it's far less bulky - and then use a keysonic sized keyboad for when i need to do more involved stuff.

Thanks - that's given me something to look into.
 
I had a wireless BTC keyboard I bought a few years ago which I wasn't using so I used that. It's quite small and has a built in joystick for the mouse. The wireless on it isn't that great though (when sitting more than 3m away), I am always on the look out for a cheaper alternative.
 
Did you decide on which OS to go with?
I've been using KnoppMyth for a number of years successfully. The latest stable version is 5.5 based on debian (so you can apt-get like in ubuntu) however the developer is moving over to an Arch based system for version 6. There is a name change too - LinHES. One of the things I like about using a linux media centre is the wakeup to record function (called MythWelcome) turns the pc on and off to record just like a videorecorder of old. Brilliant.
If you are not dead set on your operating system you could try a multiple of options. I hear people saying a lot of good things about media portal too - this is a windows media centre. Windows media centre on Win7 looks nice too.
Regards
C
 
Xerai said:
Im not liking Mythbuntu that much so far, I might try some other media centre software. Ive still got my WinXP32 dual boot so I have plenty to choose from. Anyone want to recommend something? I would consider anything in Linux, Xp or Vista.
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How's it going, Xerai? Tophee's solution sounds ideal if you're still having problems. Especially the pending release of version 6 below:

tophee said:
There is a name change too - LinHES. One of the things I like about using a linux media centre is the wakeup to record function (called MythWelcome) turns the pc on and off to record just like a videorecorder of old. Brilliant.
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I was going to be using windows 7, as it's free for a year, - and then look at alternatives. Hopefully, this, 'LinHES' will have most of its bugs ironed out by the time i'm ready to need it.

Tophee, can you recommend a dedicated forum to that OS?
 
Hi Plec,
the web address is: www.mysettopbox.tv or www.knoppmyth.net I'm tophee on that too.
The only downside is (and R6 is trying to address this) is sometimes you have to get into the guts of stuff via the command line. It's a friendly community and the wiki is helpful - but they always say in the first instance use the 'search' facility.
HTH and good luck
C
 
Excellent, thanks for the links, Tophee and additional info.

tophee said:
but they always say in the first instance use the 'search' facility.
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I like to read around a subject before i start posting otherwise you can't effectively ask for the help you need - plus you're less likely to look like a numpty. ;) (The Toppy forums use the same ideal.)

Thanks again - hopefully this will prove some help to, Xerai too.
 
Sorry didnt get much done yesterday apart from order my new TV. Went for the Sony KDL32V5500 in the end, mainly because of the review at avforums

Im thinking I will try LinuxMCE next. Someone recommended it to me at work and theres a nice demo on google video that impressed me.

Plec: There are various modes in Windows for the case front display, but to be honest they all seem to suck :(
Backlight is like that all the time even if its displaying nothing. Maybe it can be changed, but havent investigated the software much yet.

Probably gonna put messing around with this on hold until I get it setup under the new TV (probably at the weekend). ATM I have to unplug my girlfriends PC to use the HTPC which after a few days starts to get a bit annoying :)
 
That is a nice looking tv - i'm looking at Toshiba or the Panasonic but that does look very sleek.

Thanks for the update on the display - i'll just have to unplug it if it's that bright. Slightly annoying though, as you would have thought they would have considered that some people don't want the pc equivalent of the 'blackpool illuminations' in their sitting room.

Good luck with the LinuxMCE i'll take a look at the demo later -thanks. Let us know how you get on when it's fully set up with you're new Sony.
 
I'm watching this with much interest, I am considering either a media server to stream to my PS3, or a HTPC in a HiFi style box as you have done. This thread is being very useful indeed :) I must say I do like the idea of a proper HTPC with a fair sized HD, then link to a future server, best of both worlds :)

I would be especially interested in Linux based media centre solutions, mainly due to price as I will have about £500 for the build (excluding TV)
 
Xerai said:
Im thinking I will try LinuxMCE next. Someone recommended it to me at work and theres a nice demo on google video that impressed me.
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I just got round to watching that demo...

That is a great link/demo - very professionally produced and really informative - thanks, Xerai that will really come in handy.

Phoen1x said:
I would be especially interested in Linux based media centre solutions, mainly due to price as I will have about £500 for the build (excluding TV)
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You should get a tidy system with that budget.
 
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I'd recommend MediaPortal as software for your htpc - I've used for about12 months now as the main source of tv watching/recording in myhouse and apart from a few niggles in getting it set up how you want it has been stable and good for me.
 
mediaportal will when you configure a plugin but you need powerdvd of anydvd to actually do the decoding as there are no free bray decoders afaik
 
As I understand it, you cant play Blu-ray direct from disc under any of the Linux variations. You need to rip the disc to HDD then play it from there.

Mini-Update below

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There were some problems installing Linux MCE:

Using VGA for my picture I couldn’t see or hear the visual install wizard and the system seemed to struggle with handling my keyboard presses. Using HDMI the previous problems we gone, but for some reason many of the admin screen fonts were swapped with ones so small I couldn’t read them (this is on a 32” LCD btw)

Also, the DVD install disc insists on repartitioning the entire HDD, so no chance to get a dual boot going here. Apparently there is a work around installing Kubuntu and MCE separately, but I didnt pursuing this.

linuxmce.jpg


After a struggle, I almost got Linux MCE working. Almost, because I came up against a brick wall that I eventually tracked down to an entry in the
LinuxMCE wiki:

The 'Diversity' variant of the T500 should be avoided as there are no drivers for this model.
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I have the TD version (D=Diversity) DOH!

NB: I think it’s a bit strange Linux MCE cant support my tuner card, but it worked OK in Mythbuntu (they both use MythTV)…

…Anyway, going to try Windows 7 now and see what that’s like.

PS: Apparently you can fix the over-bright display problems on the Fusion Remote case by covering the display in window tinting film (as used on cars)
 
Thanks for the update Xerai, a very informative post. Let me know how you get on with win7 - and good luck!

Xerai said:
PS: Apparently you can fix the over-bright display problems on the Fusion Remote case by covering the display in window tinting film (as used on cars)
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Thanks for that - i'll look into it - as i would really like to make use of the display.
 
Awesome build :)

I currently have a Shuttle running my Media Center, it is awesome but shame it is square. I really want a nice slick case as above. Some day!
 
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