Speccing a HTPC is a mare

[Relentless81]

I've built numerous gaming PCs which is simple compared to this, I am really stuck on some of the options and would really appreciate help from anyone in the know please.

Sound -

I am comparing a custom build vs an Intel NUC but on either build I want 5.1 surround which on a gaming PC is easy, on a HTPC I'm pretty sure I would just use on board sound but do I just buy PC speakers to plug into the motherboard like a normal PC?

If I went with a NUC, would I need a separate amp and carry the sound via HDMI?

What about optical connections, where do these come into it and do I need optical to support DTS or can I just use analogue as described above?

Operating System -

I cant find the answer to this anywhere and I'm sure its one of the most obvious questions for any build. With a free operating system like openelec or Plex, how do they cater for drivers like the sound card and gpu?

It might be easier just to stick Windows on it but its very tempting just to boot straight into a front end especially with the better performance and convenience

Media sharing -

My files for sharing are on my main desktop, how do I share these with a HTPC as currently I use a laptop that's in a Homegroup

That's it for now I think, again I would really appreciate some help with this I feel like I'm reading lots and not finding any answers!

 

[Steveocee]

I am comparing a custom build vs an Intel NUC but on either build I want 5.1 surround which on a gaming PC is easy, on a HTPC I'm pretty sure I would just use on board sound but do I just buy PC speakers to plug into the motherboard like a normal PC? Why is it any different from a gaming PC to a HTPC? Use HDMI.

If I went with a NUC, would I need a separate amp and carry the sound via HDMI? Nope, if your TV already has a 5.1 system attached, use the HDMI output.

What about optical connections, where do these come into it and do I need optical to support DTS or can I just use analogue as described above? HDMI

Operating System -

I cant find the answer to this anywhere and I'm sure its one of the most obvious questions for any build. With a free operating system like openelec or Plex, how do they cater for drivers like the sound card and gpu? I'd say go with a Linux build and add programs you need like XBMC

It might be easier just to stick Windows on it but its very tempting just to boot straight into a front end especially with the better performance and convenience
How dirty, you used Windows and performance in the same sentence. Windows would be "convenient" but is not optimal for this kind of build.

Media sharing -

My files for sharing are on my main desktop, how do I share these with a HTPC as currently I use a laptop that's in a Homegroup
XBMC has the ability to use network shares, would mean some tnkering with your current folders sharing them locally but outside of your workgroup (loads of tut's on tinterweb) and I've done it with great success

That's it for now I think, again I would really appreciate some help with this I feel like I'm reading lots and not finding any answers!

Hope the above reads OK. Your sound woes are only subjective depending on what you have connected to your TV so sorry to repeat answers multiple times.

 

[Relentless81]

Thanks for the responses I appreciate it but I'm still confused on the following

Its different to a gaming PC because the speakers plug into the sound outputs on a gaming PC, if you use HDMI I don't understand how it works if you want 5.1 speakers as you use HDMI from HTPC to TV which only has standard in built speakers. I don't currently have 5.1 but plan to get some along with the HTPC and I'm new to speaker setups in the front room so don't really understand how it all works with HDMI

With Linux, again I'm a massive noob, is that Ubuntu that Ill need and will it cater for all the drivers or will it be hit and miss as to what works and what doesn't, whats the advantage of using Linux and then then XBMC instead of just Openelec?

Thanks again and sorry for all the questions but there are so many options its hard to know what is best to go with

 

[kidloco]

Yeah I think you are over thinking things.

Get a NUC. run Openelec off it. Could use a ssd or even just run it off a usb thumb drive like I do.

Sound

If you haven't got an AV amp and only have you TV for sound. Just connect NUC to TV via HDMI. It will down-mix sound to stereo if needed until you get 5.1

When you get AV amp, connect NUC to AV amp via HDMI, then AV amp to TV for pass-through. Amp will handle all the various sound formats.

You could use a set of PC 5.1 speakers if you wanted. Although im not sure if any would have the pass-through option like a proper AV amp. You might have to connect to them using an optical cable. The NUC doesn't have an optical out but you could just get a 'Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro II' which would turn one of the USBs into an optical out. That would go to PC speakers, HDMI to TV for picture. You wouldn't get the latest HD sound codecs over optical as it doesn't have the bandwidth, but that's not a showstopper.

 

[StevieP]

Something wrong with your other thread??

For a lot of very useful advice surrounding the NUC's (if you decide to go that way), you should have a look at Ferretboy's posts on the matter - he was a great help when I was sorting mine!

 

[Relentless81]

Ah I see, I don't have an amp currently which is one of the reasons a build could be better than a NUC because a build is in effect doing everything an amp would do and I want to avoid the cost of an amp, I suppose I could forget 5.1 altogether and get a sound bar but I only have 2 HDMI sockets so not sure how that would work with a NUC, Sky and the sound bar

I want to ensure codecs are covered so optical I've now ruled out based on what you've said

Appreciate the help as you're right I over think everything but I want to get it right first time

Something wrong with your other thread??

For a lot of very useful advice surrounding the NUC's (if you decide to go that way), you should have a look at Ferretboy's posts on the matter - he was a great help when I was sorting mine!

Sorry I appreciate your help yesterday but this is a bit more specific in helping me decide between a NUC and a custom build, I'll check out Ferretboy's posts tonight

 

[kidloco]

A decent soundbar should have HDMI pass-through. So NUC and SKY into soundbar via HDMI, then HDMI out form soundbar to TV. (JBL Cinema SB400 for example, 3 HDMI in, 1 out, all pass-through)

 

[Baboonanza]

Ah I see, I don't have an amp currently which is one of the reasons a build could be better than a NUC because a build is in effect doing everything an amp would do and I want to avoid the cost of an amp, I suppose I could forget 5.1 altogether and get a sound bar but I only have 2 HDMI sockets so not sure how that would work with a NUC, Sky and the sound bar

My soundbar connects to the TV via an optical output on the TV. The soundbar is automatically turned on when the TV is and the audio routed according to the selected source.

 

[Relentless81]

I had no idea you could use a soundbar as a HDMI hub, that's really good to know

Cool, now all i need to do is decide if i want steam in the front room, if so its custom build with w7 and plex client if not its a nuc with openelec