[EndersShadow]

So I love XBMC for what it can do. I have looked at other devices using other interfaces and simply put, none are as clean, easy to use and easy to customize as XBMC. I have it installed on my main computer and on my laptop. I want to find a budget option for a XBMC device that is just serving up content (MKV's and if possible high rez audio 24/96) from my main computer in my main HT. I cannot run a long HDMI cord from the computer to the HT area, and I would prefer to not have to keep plugging in my laptop via HDMI to my receiver as well. Hence wanting a dedicated device I can also use my Harmony One remote to control

My music is either in FLAC or a high rez format already. Just about ANY XBMC device should be able to play that back, and if it cant, I do have a Squeezebox Touch that I can interface with easier anyway, so while I want to play my music using a XBMC device, its not paramount.

I am ripping all my blu-rays via MakeMKV and storing just the 7.1 surround track. I am not compressing the files using handbrake or any other software, these are just MKV rips straight as MakeMKV formats them. As such I need whatever device I get to be able to send DTS-MA or TRUEHD over HDMI. That seems to be where the problem lies.

I read up on the PIVOS device. While it appears that it will run "ok" interface wise (when flashed to Linux) it will NOT output high-rez audio without down converting it.

I could build a computer, but the cost is higher than what I want to invest unless I have to. I am aware of the Pi, but I do not yet know if it is a viable option as opinions seem to vary.

I am also aware that the WD Live TV will do exactly what I am wanting, however I want the simplicity of the XBMC GUI as well as how clean it looks. The WD Live in comparison just isnt up to snuff. I have looked at most of the non-XBMC streamers and they basically either lack DTS-MA ability, or have a super clunky interface.

So what would you suggest I do, or what device should I be looking for? I would like to keep my investment as low as possible, if under 150 that would be great.

[solamnic]

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=181804

Intel Nuc with Bay Trail/Silvermont 2013Q4 edition

I think it will serve your needs just right...

[EndersShadow]

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=181804

Intel Nuc with Bay Trail/Silvermont 2013Q4 edition

I think it will serve your needs just right...

Hmmm.. now that looks like it might be my huckleberry.

Would that run Win 7 w/ XBMC on top, or would I be looking at one of the other flavors of XBMC?

[EndersShadow]

And would either of these two work as well?

Option 1: Intel NUC Kit DCCP847DYE Intel QS77 2 x 204Pin Celeron 847 1.1GHz : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102004

Option 2: Intel NUC Kit DC3217BY Intel QS77 2 x 204Pin Core i3 3217U 1.8GHz HD Graphics 4000 Integrated by CPU Chassis : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102001

[bluray]

As such I need whatever device I get to be able to send DTS-MA or TRUEHD over HDMI. That seems to be where the problem lies.

If you just want a very simple streaming device that supports DTS-MA, TrueHD, Flac, WAV, etc, nothing can beat this little unit "KDLINKS HD700"....

But if you want a customizable streaming device with better GUI, nothing come close to XBMC. You have the bragging rights to say "I built it" too....

[EndersShadow]

As such I need whatever device I get to be able to send DTS-MA or TRUEHD over HDMI. That seems to be where the problem lies.

If you just want a very simple streaming device that supports DTS-MA, TrueHD, Flac, WAV, etc, nothing can beat this little unit "KDLINKS HD700"....

But if you want a customizable streaming device with better GUI, nothing come close to XBMC. You have the bragging rights to say "I built it" too....

Will do some looking at that unit

But if you want a customizable streaming device with better GUI, nothing come close to XBMC. You have the bragging rights to say "I built it" too....

Thats what I keep coming back to. I've build my share of computers so that part is a "eh, w/e" but the XBMC interface is what keeps me coming back.

Do you think those NUC's would work decent, or are they going to cost as much as a full build and be louder?

[bluray]

Option 2: Intel NUC Kit DC3217BY Intel QS77 2 x 204Pin Core i3 3217U 1.8GHz HD Graphics 4000 Integrated by CPU Chassis : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102001

The NUC in option 2 is the lowest I'm willing to buy, but this "Intel NUC D54250WYK1" is the one I want to have in my theater room...

[EndersShadow]

Option 2: Intel NUC Kit DC3217BY Intel QS77 2 x 204Pin Core i3 3217U 1.8GHz HD Graphics 4000 Integrated by CPU Chassis : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102001

The NUC in option 2 is the lowest I'm willing to buy, but this "Intel NUC D54250WYK1" is the one I want to have in my theater room...

Ok, I am guessing the i3 is what you went with it over the Celeron in Option 1 right?

Also would an older Acer Revo work for my needs, or does it fall short in the 1080p or DTS-MA arena?

[nickr]

What exact model revo?

[EndersShadow]

What exact model revo?

Honestly no idea, is there a suggested model? One found for within 150 bucks give or take on ebay?

[bluray]

Option 2: Intel NUC Kit DC3217BY Intel QS77 2 x 204Pin Core i3 3217U 1.8GHz HD Graphics 4000 Integrated by CPU Chassis : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102001

The NUC in option 2 is the lowest I'm willing to buy, but this "Intel NUC D54250WYK1" is the one I want to have in my theater room...

Ok, I am guessing the i3 is what you went with it over the Celeron in Option 1 right?

Right!

Also would an older Acer Revo work for my needs, or does it fall short in the 1080p or DTS-MA arena?

If you are referring to this "Acer Revo RL80-UR22 Desktop (Black)", yes it will because it have the same HD4000 as i3 NUC.....

[EndersShadow]

Also would an older Acer Revo work for my needs, or does it fall short in the 1080p or DTS-MA arena?

If you are referring to this "Acer Revo RL80-UR22 Desktop (Black)", yes it will because it have the same HD4000 as i3 NUC.....

I was seeing the Revo 1600, and Revo R3610, R3700 all of which which dont look like they have the horsepower as the Atom board IIRC just didnt work the best

[bluray]

What exact model revo?

Honestly no idea, is there a suggested model? One found for within 150 bucks give or take on ebay?

For sure, you cannot get the NUC and Revo with DTS-MA and TrueHD capability for $150. Your best choice is KDLINKS HD700. You'll be very happy with it, and my friend is enjoying his HD700.....

---

Also would an older Acer Revo work for my needs, or does it fall short in the 1080p or DTS-MA arena?

If you are referring to this "Acer Revo RL80-UR22 Desktop (Black)", yes it will because it have the same HD4000 as i3 NUC.....

I was seeing the Revo 1600, and Revo R3610, R3700 all of which which dont look like they have the horsepower as the Atom board IIRC just didnt work the best

No Atom for me....

[nickr]

My revo r3700s are great xbmc machines. They are snappy and the nvidia graphics are great. I believe tgat T=they also do dts-ma and truehd, but I presently don't have an avr with hd audio to test that.

If you decide to go revo make sure you get the ION2 chipset.

[bluray]

If you are still thinking of the HD700, here is a good review on it- Kdlinks HD720 Media Player Review . The HD720 is pretty much identical to HD700 other than it have internal storage compartment......