Total noob HTPC question.

DampDog

DampDog

DampDog

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OK hands up I've done no reading on the subject whatsoever, but thought I would ask a couple of basic questions before I start looking into it.

Without knowing anything about it, my main reason for considering it is I want to archive all my old DVD's?Blu-rays and have them accessible in one place. Then stick all the discs in the loft to de-clutter.

Second the TV I intend to use (upstairs) is only HD 1080p so I guess I would be able to get away with modest cheap setup?

Last but not least I'd like it to be small, so would an ITX build be the way to go? Or is there an easier cheaper route?

As I say, I've not really dipped my toe in yet, so know nowt, but they are my thoughts before I dive in.

Cheers
 
Personally I'd use a android box for playback and a Nas for storage.

Htpc is ok but bit fiddly to setup and noiser thn silent android box, more expensive. Htpc has bonus of more CPU and GPU power if gaming

I've had a htpc and now use Octocore android box. Works well. Nice and simple but pretty powerful has Kodi, can browse. Could use it for a low power but decent computer.
 
hornetstinger said:
Personally I'd use a android box for playback and a Nas for storage.
Click to expand...
This ^

You'll need a Blu-ray drive for your computer if you don't already have one. External USB BD drives are available for under £100. That'll take care of the ripping part of your plan. For playback: a £40-£60 Android box, plus a bit of time spent getting used to Kodi, and a NAS drive will do just fine. I found that a wireless keyboard with mousepad really helped too - Logitech K400 for £20-£30.
 
Thank you gentlemen, that sounds like a plan. I like the idea of the NAS drive as it would give me more flexibility, and I assume I could always use it as a back-up medium for my main PC. Anything I should look for in particular re a NAS drive? Can I just hang the NAS drive off my BT HUB? and go with Wifi to give me access to it? (My main PC is wired hooked up to the HUB anyway)

Also I like the idea of getting a cheap Android/Kidi box, It give me the flexibility to upgrade to a bespoke HTPC at some later date should I get the bug. I've heard Kodi mentioned, but never seen it in the flesh. Is it fairly easy to set up access my own media, and catch-up TV and free to air streams?
 
It's dead eaay . If you have a android phone install it.


As for Nas for storage only anything will do. Just get please of space.

On app store, install it, set audio output options and location of files let it scan. Done.

Same as android box but on big TV rather than your phone.
 
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