Need to replace Xbox with HTPC

[Narsingh Dihu]

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For several years I have been enjoying my beloved Xbox with the wonderful XBMC. In my opinion, one of the best Media Center software ever created, free, and continually developing. Play games, view photos, movies, music, see time, YouTube, movie trailers, etc. ... Is a delight and a very easy task for any family member. Especially would highlight the fluidity, image quality and control video playback is achieved with the combination-XBMC and Xbox for me. Also please tell me what are the basic requirements for HTPC, since I am little new to it. I am sure that some of you members will make some help for me.!!

[Preetish]

In principle, the XBMC software was developed natively for Xbox, but such was its impact and its great possibilities, which the developers decided to port to other platforms. So now we can install XBMC on Linux, Windows ... and even Mac. There are also versions of XBMC Live allow us to use by starting the computer from a flash drive without using the hard disk at all. Some basic requirements for HTPC are as follows :

• Web browsing
• Music and video playback, capable of full HD video (1080p)
• Reader / DVD burner (for now rule out the use of BluRay)
• Freeview-HD and Satellite-HD

[joel84]

Minimum technical specifications for HTPC (according to me) would be :

• Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi (optional)
• Graphics capable of accelerating HD video
• HDMI-DVI-VGA
• Optical Audio Output
• Small wireless keyboard, ergonomic design and integrated mouse (trackball)
• Expandability (PCI-Express, USB, E-SATA, ...)
• Small size

After exploring the market, I would like to mention solutions such as Popcorn, but I think are very valid from the viewpoint media player, its capacity is not enough for other proposals such as web browsing, playback / recording DVD, DVB-Satellite, etc. I've also tried with the ION platform from nVidia, but I'm not convinced by the CPU performance level, as they are not able to play any video 1080, unless the video is encoded with the parameters needed to be accelerated via DirectX, CUDA , or some other library that makes use of integrated graphics chip (nVidia 9400) ...

[Shanbaag]

I've also tried with the ION platform from nVidia, but I'm not convinced by the CPU performance level, as they are not able to play any video 1080, unless the video is encoded with the parameters needed to be accelerated via DirectX, CUDA , or some other library that makes use of integrated graphics chip (nVidia 9400) ...

Briefly and without technical babble, say a PC built with the ION platform does not guarantee 100% playback of any video and / or format. Incidentally, Popcorn type devices also suffer from this same problem in compatibility. Your own assembling a HTPC has a number of advantages:

• Equipment can be adapted precisely to your needs
• You can save big money
• It is fun and interesting
• The HTPC is then usually easier to retrofit

Of course, the disadvantages should not be forgotten in this endeavor, but when you have fun tinkering and it is already technically interested, should not present, obstacles are :

• It takes time
• You need technical knowledge
• It is at your own risk

[Unnat]

If you have now decided therefore to build your own HTPC, you should first check, which provides connections and resolution of your TV and how your sound system must be connected. Then you have to look how you receive your TV signal (analog, cable, satellite or wireless). If your HTPC is also on the Internet, you should check whether you need to run a cable, or whether a wireless connection at the place where you want to the HTPC is possible. Then you have to think about what you want exactly to do with your HTPC. If you have the exact requirements of your HTPC, you can make a first set. In this tutorial, a HTPC is collected and assembled to meet the following requirements:

• Movies record, edit and
• HD capability
• Store photos
• Internet Compatible
• Compact size and simple design