2012-01-02, 20:53
I'm looking for advise how to approach an own home theater system using XBMC and other related software. This is what I plan to do in a step-by-step implementation (i.e. start with the first, then proceed step by step both for cost reasons as well as to prioritize):
1. HDTV + HTPC: Buy a good HDTV and setup a HTPC
2. NAS: Build an own NAS server using FreeNAS
3. Sound system: Add a great dolby surround sound system
4. Ambilight: Add a DIY ambilight
My requirements are:
- Best user experience in terms of video quality: Full HD/1080p/BluRay (what is uncompressed 1080p and do I need it?)
- Best user experience in terms of audio quality: I read about DTS-HD/TrueHD?
- Best user experience in terms of presentation:
---- not much noise
---- small cool looking box
---- UI running smoothly without hanging
---- HTPC can be started/turned off by remote
---- Underlying OS can't be seen
---- HTPC boots fast
- No 3D needed
- No or only little gaming needed (i.e. would be nice-to-have)
- PVR not needed now but probably added later
- Live TV not needed now but probably added later
- Not too much storage needed because own NAS/media server added later (i.e. still enough to survive the first weeks)
- BluRay drive that integrates with XBMC (only R, not RW/W needed)
- Possibility to add VPN + Netflix/Hulu/etc.
My main questions are:
- Which system/OS: Windows vs. Linux, XBMC vs. Live vs. OpenELEC: What's the right one?
- Custom-built vs. from-the-shelf?
- Which hardware?
- Which HDTV?
Would be great to get some advise.
1. HDTV + HTPC: Buy a good HDTV and setup a HTPC
2. NAS: Build an own NAS server using FreeNAS
3. Sound system: Add a great dolby surround sound system
4. Ambilight: Add a DIY ambilight
My requirements are:
- Best user experience in terms of video quality: Full HD/1080p/BluRay (what is uncompressed 1080p and do I need it?)
- Best user experience in terms of audio quality: I read about DTS-HD/TrueHD?
- Best user experience in terms of presentation:
---- not much noise
---- small cool looking box
---- UI running smoothly without hanging
---- HTPC can be started/turned off by remote
---- Underlying OS can't be seen
---- HTPC boots fast
- No 3D needed
- No or only little gaming needed (i.e. would be nice-to-have)
- PVR not needed now but probably added later
- Live TV not needed now but probably added later
- Not too much storage needed because own NAS/media server added later (i.e. still enough to survive the first weeks)
- BluRay drive that integrates with XBMC (only R, not RW/W needed)
- Possibility to add VPN + Netflix/Hulu/etc.
My main questions are:
- Which system/OS: Windows vs. Linux, XBMC vs. Live vs. OpenELEC: What's the right one?
- Custom-built vs. from-the-shelf?
- Which hardware?
- Which HDTV?
Would be great to get some advise.