Need the maximum in flexibility from your entertainment setup, and don't mind getting your hands dirty? An HTPC might make sense for you.
Photo: Geoffrey Morrison
Need the maximum in flexibility from your entertainment setup, and don't mind getting your hands dirty? An HTPC might make sense for you.
I’m writing this from my sofa. In my lap is a keyboard. MS Word is part of a 50-inch tall image that also includes Netflix playing an episode of Sports Night, and Steam downloading Portal 2.
That, and much more, is the promise of a home theater PC. But in this age of ultra-cheap everything, is the complexity of an HTPC worth it? Well, I'm about to find out. Again.
A computer as a source in an A/V system is nothing new. It has, perhaps, declined in popularity in recent years as Blu-ray players, digital media receivers, and other similar pieces of gear have decreased so significantly in price. There was a time when spending a few hundred dollars on a PC that replaced multiple pieces of gear made a lot of fiscal sense. Less so now.
But that's not to say these machines don't have their uses, and their vocal proponents. After a multi-year absence from my system, I decided to add one back in to see if it was worth it. In this, the first installment of a many month adventure, I go about dusting off a computer and getting it running in my current system.
Scavenging
I have a gaming computer I built a few years ago, and figured it would be a good start for an HTPC. It's got a horizontal case, a fast — though aging — video card (not shown in the image above), and even a Blu-ray drive.
If you're thinking about making the plunge into HTPCness, check the video card first. Most video cards from the past few years have DVI outputs. This is, in my opinion, a requirement for an HTPC. DVI is convertible to HDMI with either a simple DVI-to-HDMI adapter, or a cable with DVI on one end and HDMI on the other. Monoprice.com has both for a couple of dollars, or you can find them on Amazon for a few dollars more. In a rush to get my system up and running, I searched my local Fry's for an adapter. I found 5 ranging in price from $15 to $30 and ONE for $3.99. Trust me, they all work the same, so save your money.
The reason why I recommend HDMI/DVI over RGB-PC is threefold:
1) Most people's TVs don't have RGB-PC inputs, and even those that do aren't always 1,920x1,080.
2) RGB-PC is analog, and at these resolutions and distances (15 feet from card to display in my room), this can result in artifacts/blurriness in the image. When you're dealing with fine details such as text, this is problematic. I did an A/B test of RGB-PC and DVI-to-HDMI once I got everything set up, and the difference was significant. Text was WAY easier to read, and the image was far sharper with DVI/HDMI.
3) HDMI is easily switchable as part of an A/V system, allowing you to treat the PC as just another source.
If the computer you're thinking about only has RGB out, it's likely too old to upgrade simply to a card that has DVI/HDMI. In this case, you're better building or buying a new computer. That road isn't what this article is about, but if you're interested drop a comment below and I'll do an article on that.
I've been using a HTPC for the past year now. The unit cost me $600 to build (with audio over HDMI), runs a bit warm (but not hot) in my spacious, under TV cabinet). Overall I couldn't be happier, I'm able to run Netflix's "HD" content without skipping a beat, use Hulu desktop, and when I really want a specific show for a current season the network's website. The graphics card is built for video processing and is inexpensive, a Nvidia GT 2XX series with audio over HDMI.
The price included a splurge on a $100+ Logitech DiNovo Mini to make casual surfing easier and to have a small remote (not happy with connectivity of the DiNovo Mini).
Since I've cancelled my cable subscription the cost of the unit has paid for itself twice over.
I started experimenting with HTPC's at least 8 or 9 years back - was too hard.
But I have used a HTPC is my primary player for everything from CD, through LP's (yes!) to BlueRay and DVD discs for at least 3 years now.
The key is of course the Video card.... and keeping it quiet enough!
With HDMI audio a sound card is not even required (although a decent ADC does allow for the PC to be the complete hub, including for vinyl with digital RIAA equalisation)
Dual purpose Gaming/HTPC has really only been possible the last couple of years - and even then it is a bit of a compromise between silence and performance.
Passive cooling is where it needs to be, and doing that with decent performance in a case that is limited in height is tricky ... well pretty much impossible - you have to compromise the gaming performance to make it work.
But yes it does work.
Ongoing issues - Wireless Keyboard range... (I've tried several, without being totally satisfied with any).
Also universal remote control which includes the HTPC.... also another problem area... I;ve tried several solutions without satisfaction.
I am sitting here in my lounge room typing this after having viewed Tron Legacy on the 78" screen... in full DTS-HD-MA
Very cool
My HT receiver has a Toslink audio in port, so I use this inexpensive device from Turtle Beach to route digital audio from a USB port on my HT notebook PC (which also has an HDMI video out port) to my receiver: http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/sound-cards/audio-advantage-micro-ii...
The only problem with this setup is that my Yamaha receiver won't route audio from its Toslink port to zones 2 and 3, so I have to use a conventional analog Y adapter you mention when listening in either remote zone. (Note to Yamaha: get a clue.)
Geoffrey,
Let us know if you need help with the ongoing issues or if you have any questions or anything that can be of value on your quest. We have 30+ step by step guides for customizing your HTPC and installing programs (emulators, etc) as well as resolving some of the issues and questions you were having.
We also are the only company in the world to offer a "plug and play" out of the box ready HTPC unit!
We love to help anyone we can get into the world of HTPC!
Thanks!
-AssassinHTPC
www.assassinhtpc.com
www.assassinhtpcblog.com
Just wanted to say that the audio sync issue you are experiencing could possibly be from any processing the display does on the image. Since you have audio going out analog, it will typically be output faster than the display can show the image. I've been using my PC on my Sony HDTV for a long time now. I use the optical out on my X-Fi to connect to my Receiver and notice no lip sync issues. I only notice the differences in audio output speed when I plug in my headphones. the sound is output much faster through the headphones. That is of course unless your audio is somehow lagging behind the image. Which I wouldn't know what the cause of that would be.
As far as I'm concerned, dedicated computer monitors are a thing of the past. No gaming computer I will ever build will use a display smaller than a 46" 1080p HDTV.
I've been doing some research because I would like to build an HTPC with a DVR so I can get rid of my cable box as well. However, I have only been able to find 1 cable-card capable video card and that's $300+! I would love to see your ideas about the DVR topic.
Here is a good list to make a solid HTPC/DVR running Windows 7 Media Center.(i have built 3 so far) This will replace your dvr cable box with a cable card, so in time it will pay for itself.(or at least a chunk of cost)
1 - Apevia HTPC Case (comes with a solid power supply and in a variety of colors)
1 - ASRock H67M-GE/HT (there are other choices, but this is a solid performer. It comes with a remote but don't bother trying to set it up because it only works within 6 feet of the computer.)
1 - Intel Core i5-2405S (Any Intel Sandy Bridge quad core will work, I'm just fond of this one because it only uses 65watts. So it saves energy and runs cool.)
2 x 2GB DDR3 1333 PC3 10666 (I use Mushkin a lot because it's cheap and solid. But any PC3 10666 should work. For even better results use 4 x 2GB)
1 - 1TB SATA 6.0Gb/s (If the budget will allow, get 2 of them and run them as raid 0.)
1 - Blu-Ray Burner (I use LG's because they are cheap and solid.)
1 - Ceton InfiniTV 4 Quad-tuner Card
1 - Windows 7 64bit Home Premium or better
1 - PowerDVD 11 Ultra (PowerDVD should come with the Blu-Ray, but you will probably have to upgrade to the newer version)
1 - Adesso ARC-1100 (Any Windows 7 compatible MCE remote will work. I generally use a programmable universal remote)
All the above is available at newegg or amazon. Once you get it all put together and setup, it is really sweet. You can connect using xbox 360's from other rooms also.(requires gigibit network)
In regards to your comment about the DVR, you may want to try hooking up an external USB tuner to your computer.You run your cable line into the USB box and plug the other end into your open USB port on your computer.Install Windows media center and you can watch and record tv.The 2.0 version will allow you to record two different channels while watching another.I bought the external USB tuner at Best Buy for $80 but I'm sure you can get one cheaper online.It also comes with a remote to change tv channels.The great thing about it is, if you have a show in HD, it also records it in HD if your computer is capable.
Loving the ideas so far. DVR functionality is definitely in the queue.
Good point Scythelord, though I haven't noticed any lagging with other sources. I'll be interested to see if it goes away when I move to HDMI audio.
I'm using my old gaming hardware as a HTPC in my office (so I guess it's not really a HTPC, but it holds all of my media).
I suggest getting DVR Equipment. if you're doing Digital Cable, look into the Ceton, it's amazing and I love it. As far as HTPC "software" Just keep windows with media center, it does netflix, media management, etc. AND it does full CableCard Support with the Ceton InfiniTV4.
Blu-Ray Software you really only have PowerDVD10/11 Ultra as your options, Pro and Deluxe do not include blu-ray support (unfortunately).
Video card is a good place to look, an alternative to doing Audio over HDMI is looking in to just optical or digital coaxial out.
One last thing to look at (depending on your smartphone) is getting an app to control your HTPC via your smartphone. With iPhone and Windows JumiController is a good place to look, with JumiMouse, you get the ability to add remotes (iTunes, Media Center, Media Player, etc) and with Power DVD 11 Ultra, there is an app to stream content from your iPhone to your PC with PowerDVD.
You really have a good start to a HTPC, just something that you can game on and still watch a blu-ray here and there.
I must say that with my HTPC I use the Logitech diNovo Mini blue tooth keyboard/mouse combo and I must say I am very happy with it. It is obviously not suited to gaming or typing word documents or anything, but for just surfing the web, selecting various video files to watch and basic computer navigation it works wonderful, something I dont plan to change for a very long time.
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848 - is a link to the dinovo mini, the top right corner button changes into a mouse pad with the switch of a button.
I'd love to see some additional articles on different aspects of HTPCs.
Comparisons of streaming services including details on costs, selection, limitations such as Netflix, Vudu, Hulu, etc.
Comparisons of HTPC keyboard/mice such as the DiNovo Mini and remotes with details on cost, connectivity issues (DiNovo Mini in my experience randomly disconnects in the middle of typing/mousing), and limitations (such as typing speed/ease, only working within certain software, whether good or bad for web browsing, etc).
Adding Blu-ray support to an HTPC. When I was building mine there were lots of reports on Blu-ray drives and software issues that would prevent Blu-rays from playing. Because of not having a reliable source of information on how to add Blu-ray support and the total cost of drive + working software I passed on adding it to my system.
Comparison of player software available such as Boxee, Hulu desktop, Windows Media Center, etc. Also including a look at compatibility with services, I remember using one or two that failed to order episodes within a show on Netflix properly, leading me to rely on Netflix's website only.
I'm looking forward to additional articles on the HTPC front.
I put considerable effort into designing a whole house Gigibit Ethernet and wireless N network in my new house. I only subscribe to free OTA HDTV signals with an antenna in the garage attic.
The system has been running for over a year now and i only do incremental upgrades.
The central i5 855K 4.0GHz HTPC in the family room serves as the DVR and NAS. Dual channel processors are more than sufficient. Unlike energy hog cable boxes, this system shuts itself off a night.
I use PowerDVD 11 Ultra for excellent Blu-ray disc playback and Virtual Clone Drive for ripped Dvds in the .iso format on a 3TB USB 3 external drive ($129 now!).
I have a 32,000 song CD library along with 56 DVD-Audio discs ripped with dvd-audio explorer. All in FLAC format. Playback is with foobar 2000.
Everything works perfectly but it does take some initial effort. I set Windows to perform updates automatically. Otherwise it takes a lot of time for five htpcs/laptop/remote computers.
Here is the detailed information like ATSC tuner selection:
HTPC Golden Age? Reducing Component Count
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1261691
As far as keyboards go, for my HTPC I use the Iogear 2.4GHz. multimedia keyboard. The dongle hooks into your USB port to give you wireless and it has a built in ball mouse. I 'm not a gamer so I can't rate it on gaming ability,but it's comfortable to use in your lap and has no bulky mouse.
I'm really enjoying my HTPC setup. I'm using my office computer and some wiring, so I don't have two different computers to update/maintain.
I explain my setup here: http://www.greenandtheblue.com/hometheater_pc
Let us know if you need help with the ongoing issues or if you have any questions or anything that can be of value on your quest. We have 30+ step by step guides for customizing your HTPC and installing programs (emulators, etc) as well as resolving some of the issues and questions you were having.
We also are the only company in the world to offer a "plug and play" out of the box ready HTPC unit!
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We love to help anyone we can get into the world of HTPC!