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Old 07-26-2013, 11:30 AM   #1
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Home theatre setups

Currently I'm using my PS3 as my media center, primarily use Netflix/Hulu/MLB.tv for my content. Looking at switching to Plex media server/client instead. Wondering if it's wise to use my gaming desktop as my HTPC (it's certainly powerful enough to). Have a few terrabytes of external storage that I'd have hooked up to the desktop, and would just connect via HDMI to my TV and use my TV as my monitor as well.

What setups do you guys use? Looking more for ideas on how to accomplish MY GOALS


\_0__/ \__0_/




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Old 07-27-2013, 08:10 AM   #2
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If you aren't really using your desktop much, that will be your best server choice. A dedicated NAS gets expensive real soon.

But if this is your gaming desktop as well, I personally would not do it. Get something like the Plug (on Kickstarter right now, I backed for one myself) and the new Google ChromeCast- 2 really tiny devices that can do pretty much everything for you provided you have a supported device (any basic laptop, android or iOS device).
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Old 07-27-2013, 01:27 PM   #3
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Yeah using my desktop was just my first choice since it's the most readily-available option to me (i.e. no need to purchase any additional hardware).

Do you have a link for the Plug?

I've never heard of the Chromecast, but looking it up and it sounds pretty marvelous. It looks like it's more catered to streaming online content as opposed to local media though. Am I reading this correctly? It says it can stream content from a Chrome browser, so theoretically I should be able to open my Plex server in my browser then "stream" it to the Chromecast, if I'm understanding properly. Will have to read more into it... for $35 sounds pretty friggin' awesome.
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Old 07-27-2013, 04:38 PM   #4
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The chromecast was announced by Google on Wednesday and came with 3 free months of Netflix till initial stocks lasted. Unfortunately the thing is proving to be a massive hit and so pretty much everywhere it got sold out. So no more Netflix promo but still for $35 it is a no-brainer.

The Plug is a kickstarter item right now: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...f-your-devices

It got funded on day 1 and I was lucky to be one of the early birds. Even so, at $79 for a private NAS with storage space only limited by how many USB drives you can provide it is a good buy as well. The only issue is that anyone not an early bird backer would get it almost a year later
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Old 07-27-2013, 06:16 PM   #5
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Hmm.. that basically shaves off $24 from the cost, but even without the $35 price tag is so gravy.

That Plug thing looks really cool. I don't fully understand how it works but I'm sure I'll read more about it in the coming months.
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Old 07-28-2013, 08:12 PM   #6
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I have a HTPC with a wireless keyboard I use, it's pretty handy.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126315
One of those.


I keep all my media on my NAS, so it just accesses from there.
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Old 07-28-2013, 10:09 PM   #7
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What do you use for your HTPC?
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Old 08-06-2013, 03:38 PM   #8
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I just use an old PC of mine with a video card that does HDMI out, and a wireless card. Nothing Fancy.
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Old 08-08-2013, 08:51 AM   #9
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I think that's what I'm going to end up doing. Don't have an extra PC handy ATM but eventually can pick one up cheap for the sole purpose of using as an HTPC. My friend uses a Mac Mini but that seems a bit expensive for this simple task (though it is conveniently tiny and inconspicuous).


Guru Dave: per your rep comment, I agree. I don't even really watch a lot of Netflix or Hulu anymore, and generally download DVD/Blu Ray rips of shows/movies as my main source of content. TBH I'm not really one of those sophisticated folk who actually notices a huge difference in quality with the jump to Blu Ray though
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Old 08-08-2013, 04:13 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Guru Dave View Post
Pineapple Express on three different formats


iTunes
SPOILER: show





Blu-Ray

SPOILER: show



4K Mastered Blu-Ray
SPOILER: show

Quote:
Originally Posted by road doggy dogg View Post
I kinda touched upon this in my Home Theatre thread, but I honestly can't tell the difference between any of those 3.
Quote:
Originally Posted by road doggy dogg View Post
Guru Dave: per your rep comment, I agree. I don't even really watch a lot of Netflix or Hulu anymore, and generally download DVD/Blu Ray rips of shows/movies as my main source of content. TBH I'm not really one of those sophisticated folk who actually notices a huge difference in quality with the jump to Blu Ray though


Rips downloaded from the internet do a decent job but are not close to their originals. I watch Blu-rays on my 1080p 15.6 inch screen which covers the entire sRGB colour spectrum and I can tell the difference quite easily. People are either inclined towards quality or convenience.

The iTunes version is drastically compressed and some of the facial details are lost. Not to mention that the audio quality is nowhere near to that of the Blu-Rays. I don't mind watching movies on iTunes or other vendors, but if I really like the movie, I will watch it in the highest quality possible.
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Old 08-08-2013, 04:16 PM   #11
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Check out Seth Rogen's suit and facial hair.
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Old 08-18-2013, 12:56 AM   #12
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Made a note to comment on this earlier but for whatever reason didn't. Anyway.

I see the difference yeah. Again, I'm not terribly nitpicky so I'm not super fussed about that. Would have to be pretty glaring for me to notice enough for it to detract from my experience tbh



Secondary question; what kind of speakers/audio do you have hooked up to your TV? I ended up going with my PC hooked up to my TV... see the attached picture I took. PC is on the left at the desk there, and then attached via HDMI to the TV on the right. The PC speaker I've put on top of the entertainment center to get slightly better audio for the TV but ya still crappy.


I've never ever once looked at buying any home audio stuff before. Got any good links that provide a good starting point? I don't even have a price range really, just looking at getting the fundamental information and then assessing how much I want to spend from that point...
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