2012-03-21, 00:34
As a forum member pointed out that I incorrectly built a SERVER instead of HTPC. I thought I was building a HTPC + SERVER in one box. O well…Even the wife agrees that we were going to need a full setup anyway, so instead of spreading out the parts and money over a longer period of time, what the hell…Buy the whole farm now!
Current setup is this:
1 Sony HDTV connected to 1 Sony Blu-ray player (via HDMI cable)
Proposed setup is:
1 Sony HDTV connected to 1 Sony Blu-ray player (via HDMI cable)
1 HTPC connected to the HDTV (via?? USB or HDMI? Is one better than the other?)
1 SERVER connected to HTPC (via? USB or LAN cable? Is one better than the other?)
So I have all the parts for the Unraid SERVER already done (in reverse order)
Server is this: (thank you Eskro...very helpful)
CASE: LIAN LI PC-Q08B
CPU + IGPU: AMD A6-3500 3x2.1Ghz/2.4Ghz HD6530D FM1 65W
MOBO: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 CIR USB3.0 SATAIII EUFI mITX
RAM: Corsair vengeance 2x2GB
POWER SUPPLY: Seasonic SS-350ET
FAN: SilenX EFX-12-15 120mm 1400RPM 74CFM 15dBA
Now I need the HTPC. I think I better opt for a “ready made” solution? Less chance for me to fall down another rabbit hole at this point. HTPC is open for debate but was thinking of one of these based off Eskro’s numbering system:
1) Zotac ZBOXHD-ND22-U (Group #5 in Eskro’s list)
2) Zotac ZBOX-AD02-U (Group #6 in Eskro’s list)
Some of my “unknowns” are:
1) Issues with the 2 above mentioned “boxes” as the HTPC that I might not think of? Win 7 32bit or 64bit, Heat, noise, space for HDD’s, max RAM, min RAM required, other things you guys know of?
2) Need a remote control. Many have mentioned Logitech harmony remotes. I was thinking of the 650 or 700, but heard a lot of issues for the 650 with the battery pins being loose and effectively “erasing” settings because batteries became disconnected?
3) With a remote there has to be a receiving unit SOMEHOW connected to the afore mentioned Zotac box (or alternate HTPC box)…what are some of the “gotchas” with remote sensors and their connections to my purposed HTPC? Also if remote receivers have to be line of sight or have short cables, things like that…
4) Probably another stupid question but between all possible "boxes" (TV, Blu-ray, HTPC, and Server) are there preferred ways to connect them? (i.e. USB vs LAN cable? Or something else?)
This is certainly an education driving down this “Media Center” road but I believe (as everyone says) it will be worth it. Thanks for the help.
Current setup is this:
1 Sony HDTV connected to 1 Sony Blu-ray player (via HDMI cable)
Proposed setup is:
1 Sony HDTV connected to 1 Sony Blu-ray player (via HDMI cable)
1 HTPC connected to the HDTV (via?? USB or HDMI? Is one better than the other?)
1 SERVER connected to HTPC (via? USB or LAN cable? Is one better than the other?)
So I have all the parts for the Unraid SERVER already done (in reverse order)
Server is this: (thank you Eskro...very helpful)
CASE: LIAN LI PC-Q08B
CPU + IGPU: AMD A6-3500 3x2.1Ghz/2.4Ghz HD6530D FM1 65W
MOBO: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 CIR USB3.0 SATAIII EUFI mITX
RAM: Corsair vengeance 2x2GB
POWER SUPPLY: Seasonic SS-350ET
FAN: SilenX EFX-12-15 120mm 1400RPM 74CFM 15dBA
Now I need the HTPC. I think I better opt for a “ready made” solution? Less chance for me to fall down another rabbit hole at this point. HTPC is open for debate but was thinking of one of these based off Eskro’s numbering system:
1) Zotac ZBOXHD-ND22-U (Group #5 in Eskro’s list)
2) Zotac ZBOX-AD02-U (Group #6 in Eskro’s list)
Some of my “unknowns” are:
1) Issues with the 2 above mentioned “boxes” as the HTPC that I might not think of? Win 7 32bit or 64bit, Heat, noise, space for HDD’s, max RAM, min RAM required, other things you guys know of?
2) Need a remote control. Many have mentioned Logitech harmony remotes. I was thinking of the 650 or 700, but heard a lot of issues for the 650 with the battery pins being loose and effectively “erasing” settings because batteries became disconnected?
3) With a remote there has to be a receiving unit SOMEHOW connected to the afore mentioned Zotac box (or alternate HTPC box)…what are some of the “gotchas” with remote sensors and their connections to my purposed HTPC? Also if remote receivers have to be line of sight or have short cables, things like that…
4) Probably another stupid question but between all possible "boxes" (TV, Blu-ray, HTPC, and Server) are there preferred ways to connect them? (i.e. USB vs LAN cable? Or something else?)
This is certainly an education driving down this “Media Center” road but I believe (as everyone says) it will be worth it. Thanks for the help.