2010-10-07, 22:13
I'm looking for some advice to build a couple of HTPC's as Chrismas gifts for my sisters. No one but myself in my family is computer savvy at all, so I am trying to keep things as simplistic as possible. Here are my goals:
1. Self-contained. Media will be stored on the HTPC itself, so networking issues can be avoided. Want space for 2 3.5 inch HDD's to give them plenty of room to grow, as well as a DVD player so they can either watch DVD's directly or rip them to the HDD's. Needs to be able to output to something older than HDMI, such as component or S-Video, since I think one of them only has an older TV.
2. Simple. No automating torrent downloads, no RSS feeds, no DVR functionality necessary. This is something to augment their cable, not replace it. Easy to control with a simple, no-frills remote and interface.
3. Low maintenance. If they have to go in and tweak anything mor in-depth than user settings for skins and such in XBMC, then I am afraid that they will lose interest.
4. Low cost. I'm going to build 2 or 3 as gifts, so the parts have to be affordable.
I'd like to try using the Live version of XBMC to keep from having to buy an OS. On my personal box I use windows, but I also mess with it a lot more than my sisters ever will. I want a simple, set-top interface for them.
Please help me build a system that fits my needs. I'm not all that great on the hardware side of this business, and I need some advice. I think an XBMC box would be a great gift for my family that they and their kids would get a lot of use out of if I can make it simple and easy for them to use. If anyone can help me out with this, I would greatly appreciate it.
1. Self-contained. Media will be stored on the HTPC itself, so networking issues can be avoided. Want space for 2 3.5 inch HDD's to give them plenty of room to grow, as well as a DVD player so they can either watch DVD's directly or rip them to the HDD's. Needs to be able to output to something older than HDMI, such as component or S-Video, since I think one of them only has an older TV.
2. Simple. No automating torrent downloads, no RSS feeds, no DVR functionality necessary. This is something to augment their cable, not replace it. Easy to control with a simple, no-frills remote and interface.
3. Low maintenance. If they have to go in and tweak anything mor in-depth than user settings for skins and such in XBMC, then I am afraid that they will lose interest.
4. Low cost. I'm going to build 2 or 3 as gifts, so the parts have to be affordable.
I'd like to try using the Live version of XBMC to keep from having to buy an OS. On my personal box I use windows, but I also mess with it a lot more than my sisters ever will. I want a simple, set-top interface for them.
Please help me build a system that fits my needs. I'm not all that great on the hardware side of this business, and I need some advice. I think an XBMC box would be a great gift for my family that they and their kids would get a lot of use out of if I can make it simple and easy for them to use. If anyone can help me out with this, I would greatly appreciate it.
