Want to build a shuttle type media centre pc - Page 2

Mark · 04-11-2007, 18:29

Ooh, hacked apple TV. That sounds intriguing - probably for a seperate thread though.

Generally I agree - from my own experience if you don't need recording/encoding/transcoding/upscaling etc. then a PC really isn't worth it.

CliffyG · 04-11-2007, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del Lardo

Unless gaming is a real must personally I would avoid the cost and hassle of a media PC.

Options I would consider.
1. Hacked Apple TV
2. Media Center Extenders as MS has announced that they will support DivX and Xvid
3. Use an existing media player that will work with uPnP shares

1. I know nothing about this will have a look into it.
2. When and on what platforms? If my Xbox could do that then i wouldnt even bother looking at a different solution.
3. How do these things work with codec updates etc though?

Mark · 04-11-2007, 18:44

1) I've played with an Apple TV in an apple store. If you've ever seen a recent Mac it's essentially a locked-down version of Front Row (same remote too). Looked good but probably has codec limitations. Not sure what hacks are available for it (which I'd guess would help with the codecs).

2) Xbox can do that sort of thing, but MS's implementation is limited. Using the likes of TVersity as a media server will give you a lot more options (but you have to wait for it to finish encoding before rewind/fast forward work).

3) Most don't, but some are firmware updatable.

As well as the Apple TV, I'd also suggest you look at the Pinnacle ShowCentre 200 - if you can obtain one in the UK (Amazon/eBay is a good source).

CliffyG · 04-11-2007, 18:48

No experience with macs so thats prob not going to work for me anyway

.

You mean the xbox will be able to play avi's with no 3rd party apps?

Will have a google.

Del Lardo · 04-11-2007, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffyG

1. I know nothing about this will have a look into it.
2. When and on what platforms? If my Xbox could do that then i wouldnt even bother looking at a different solution.
3. How do these things work with codec updates etc though?

1. My housemate has hacked his and it plays anything he can throw at it. Can find out details if you want.

2. IIRC they will be adding the functionality to add Media Center solutions so PC, 360 and the extenders.

3. They come with all the latest xvid, divx codecs then firmware upgrades are available. The nextgen Linksys ones have a fantastic UI as well then they're not due out till Q1 08 (not that I know that

)

CliffyG · 04-11-2007, 19:02

1. Nah its ok thanks, will rather stick with stuff i know for this sort of thing.
2. OK so a patch for the media centre then, handy.
3. Tempting if number 2 doesnt work out

.

CliffyG · 05-11-2007, 08:41

That Linksys KiSS 1600 looks pretty nifty actually. Do you know if you can do proper fast forwarding / rewinding of AVI's? Also, I've read about these sort of devices being quite sluggish through menus etc, is that the case with this one.

CliffyG · 05-11-2007, 08:49

Actually it doesn't sound too good after all:

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/11317...kiss-1600.html

45 secs to start playing a video and ignoring order of cd's is pretty poor.

LeperousDust · 05-11-2007, 14:45

Have you got a 360 or ordinary xbox? You can put the XBMC on the old style xb, i think that works quite well? Especially if you have the remote...

CliffyG · 05-11-2007, 15:58

I have a 360.

After looking round at similar devices to the linksys i'm being drawn back to a media centre pc again. They all seem to suffer from the same issues and at least i remain in full control of a highly configurable device if i go down that path. Looks like i can spec a fairly decent system for around £350 new so am going to see how i can do with second hand suff.

04-11-2007, 18:48	#14
CliffyG Vodka Martini Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Cambourne Posts: 576	No experience with macs so thats prob not going to work for me anyway . You mean the xbox will be able to play avi's with no 3rd party apps? Will have a google. __________________

04-11-2007, 19:02	#16
CliffyG Vodka Martini Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Cambourne Posts: 576	1. Nah its ok thanks, will rather stick with stuff i know for this sort of thing. 2. OK so a patch for the media centre then, handy. 3. Tempting if number 2 doesnt work out . __________________

05-11-2007, 08:41	#17
CliffyG Vodka Martini Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Cambourne Posts: 576	That Linksys KiSS 1600 looks pretty nifty actually. Do you know if you can do proper fast forwarding / rewinding of AVI's? Also, I've read about these sort of devices being quite sluggish through menus etc, is that the case with this one. __________________

05-11-2007, 08:49	#18
CliffyG Vodka Martini Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Cambourne Posts: 576	Actually it doesn't sound too good after all: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/11317...kiss-1600.html 45 secs to start playing a video and ignoring order of cd's is pretty poor. __________________

05-11-2007, 14:45	#19
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	Have you got a 360 or ordinary xbox? You can put the XBMC on the old style xb, i think that works quite well? Especially if you have the remote... __________________

04-11-2007, 18:29	#11
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	Ooh, hacked apple TV. That sounds intriguing - probably for a seperate thread though. Generally I agree - from my own experience if you don't need recording/encoding/transcoding/upscaling etc. then a PC really isn't worth it.

04-11-2007, 18:44	#13
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	1) I've played with an Apple TV in an apple store. If you've ever seen a recent Mac it's essentially a locked-down version of Front Row (same remote too). Looked good but probably has codec limitations. Not sure what hacks are available for it (which I'd guess would help with the codecs). 2) Xbox can do that sort of thing, but MS's implementation is limited. Using the likes of TVersity as a media server will give you a lot more options (but you have to wait for it to finish encoding before rewind/fast forward work). 3) Most don't, but some are firmware updatable. As well as the Apple TV, I'd also suggest you look at the Pinnacle ShowCentre 200 - if you can obtain one in the UK (Amazon/eBay is a good source).

05-11-2007, 15:58	#20
CliffyG Vodka Martini Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Cambourne Posts: 576	I have a 360. After looking round at similar devices to the linksys i'm being drawn back to a media centre pc again. They all seem to suffer from the same issues and at least i remain in full control of a highly configurable device if i go down that path. Looks like i can spec a fairly decent system for around £350 new so am going to see how i can do with second hand suff. __________________