[Larimani]

Hi all,

Firstly I have read the stickys and as good as they are I'm feeling a little bit lost.

I want to buy / build a new XBMC system (openELEC or XBMC live). My requirements:

- I need something that will play 1080p flawlessly; HDMI video and audio
- I don't do Netflix/Hulu or the likes. May watch a couple of clips on youtube with a plugin or something but not too important.
- I need it to be powerful enough to run most skins without any lag
- I won't store any media on it; so want to go for a small SSD (30GB?) --- all my media is networked.
- I don't need wifi on it. It will cabled.
- I need it to be silent or very-near silent.
- I won't game on it. It will be an xbmc-only box.
- I don't care about 3D
- I don't care about form factor
- I don't care about looks; cheapest is best.
- I need to be able to get system / parts easily in the UK.


I don't want to spend more on this than I have to (even though i don't have a budget in mind)
I don't mind building my own system but I'm quite happy going for a pre-built.

Any ideas/suggestions?

[Larimani]

No suggestions for me?

[spencers]

Find an Acer Revo 1600

[CpTHOOK]

Hi all, Firsty I have read the stickys and as good as they are I'm feeling a little bit lost. Any ideas/suggestions?

I know the feeling boss.. I was lost when i got started too!! But...once you figure which group you belong to your decisions should be easier. Look here..

You can always buy pre-built, as there are some great options out there...BUT, if you want the most bang for your buck then you are in the right place for building your own.

..........hope this helps you get started!

[Larimani]

Thanks.

Yes, I believe I'm in group 3.

Group #3
* HDTV possess HDMI ports
* wants to play SD movies (DivX, XviD)
* wants to play DVD movies
* wants to play 720P movies
* wants to play 1080P movies
* wants to stream 1080P Hulu content

Best Served By?
* AppleTV1 + Broadcom Crystal HD
(sole way for playing 1080P via purely Component HDTV's)
(Hulu requires Bluecop's XBMC Hulu add-on or the use of a Linux distro)

... so is everyone in agreement that appleTV + crystal HD is the way to go? ... or can I get more bang for buck even in that category?

[Balinus]

If you can put a Crystal HD in the Apple TV 2 (you need to verify that), I'd go there instead of the ATV1. ATV2 is abou 100$ and Crystal HD is about 50$. So a complete setup for 150$.

[eskro]

i think its ATV1 only

[skippy]

Thanks.

Yes, I believe I'm in group 3.

Group #3
* HDTV possess HDMI ports
* wants to play SD movies (DivX, XviD)
* wants to play DVD movies
* wants to play 720P movies
* wants to play 1080P movies
* wants to stream 1080P Hulu content

Best Served By?
* AppleTV1 + Broadcom Crystal HD
(sole way for playing 1080P via purely Component HDTV's)
(Hulu requires Bluecop's XBMC Hulu add-on or the use of a Linux distro)

... so is everyone in agreement that appleTV + crystal HD is the way to go? ... or can I get more bang for buck even in that category?

In order to use the atv1, you will need to have Ethernet to the atv1. The crystal hd takes the spot of the wifi card.

[Larimani]

I have Ethernet. No wifi needed for that box. ATV1 is is then? Can't get better for $150?