Help with selecting optimal HTPC Boxee

[majesticix]

Hey all, I'm new to the forums and I've done some searching and I'm a bit overwhelmed with choices. First of all, I have been running Boxee on my Apple TV now for a month, and what can I say, Boxee is great, but Apple TV just can't handle my HD material. I've done everything I could to optimize my videos (I've become an MKVToolnix expert lol. Handbrake does an excellent job but I still get some skipping with 1280x720 HD sources...though anamorphic videos in 720p aren't a problem. Those darn pixar movies just soak up so much pixel information haha.

OK, in any case, I'm going to return AppleTV for something that can handle 720p HD material with Boxee (I have a 720p projector).

I want to stay in the same price range as the AppleTV if I can $300 or so. MacMini is out of the question without HDMI. Must have HDMI. Also, HD space doesn't matter to me, just need the processing power to handle HD material. I'm also wired, so it doesn't have to have wireless, but always a plus if it did. Don't need Blu-ray. Not familiar with Linux systems, so prefer to stick with Windows...especially for possible Netflix support in the future. Lastly, I need to control this by remote control, so it should have on-board IR capabilities or what have you and a remote or if you can recommend a good remote control/system for this HTPC.

I'm basically starting fresh. I've got the movies ready to go in any format in the world, some help in getting these over to my projector would be appreciated.

[prospero]

Box:
Acer Aspire Revo AR1600-U910H Intel Atom 230(1.6GHz) 1GB DDR2 160GB NVIDIA ION LE graphics Windows XP Home
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103228

Remote:
MCE Remote Control and Infrared Receiver (Certified for 7, Windows Vista, PC Only)
http://www.xpcgear.com/remotevista.html

OS:
Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116713

Then you have a couple options:

a) you can program logitech harmony remotes to use the MCE remote (A9O-00007) codes to control the PC (but you still need the USB infrared receiver part)

b) upgrade the hard drive to 7200rpm and larger size

c) add memory when you get a chance

[judgeschambers]

The only thing I would change on Prospero's recomendation is the Revo: switch from the 1600 to 3610 with Win Home Premium installed. I have used the 1600 and now own the 3610.

The 1600 will play the same content, but with one core and half the ram, mutitasking is challenging for it. Also, CPU usage will be higher on some activities leaving little room for aditional tasks. The dual core makes a world of differnce. Besides, with the 3610 at $330, you're on budget! ;)

If you want more background on the Atom/Ion machines, we have several threads here. Also, check my in depth reviews in my sig below.

[majesticix]

Sounds good, any idea where the hell I can find the 3610?!? I've read that they've made a slightly different version that come with a VESA stand or whatever...but I can't find anyone that has it in stock.

Must be one popular product for nobody to have one in stock on the net?!? (Found one on eBay)

[majesticix]

Just ordered one up from CDW thanks to a forum member:

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1910349

Get 'em while you can! I can't wait to fire this puppy up. If you're interested, talk to Don Mau with CDW. He hooked me up:

Don Mau @ CDW
877-486-9294

[judgeschambers]

The current model is the SKU R3610-U9012, which is what came out in the USA around 10/20/09 with no VESA mount. I have this unit.

Rumor is that the R3610-U9022 is the replacement for the R3610-U9012. THe only difference is they are now including the VESA mount. Figures, they decide to put it back into the kit AFTER I buy mine. Oh well.

I speculate that is why New Egg is labeling the R3610-U9012 as discontinued. They have a direct line with Acer and have been getting almost all the stock. Now they are awaiting the new U9022.

If you can score the original R3610-U9012 and don't care for the Vesa mount, scoop it up quick. These things are smokin' hot and flying off schelves! I bet the U9022 will not be available until after Christmas. :confused:

[majesticix]

Was just shipped out today! Yeah this one probably doesn't come with the mount...but seeing as I use a projector and screen, the mount wouldn't do me any good anyways. Should arrive Monday or Tuesday at the latest (and my birthday...what a great present hahaha).

Good info to know though for those who want the VESA mount.

[prospero]

This is actually my boxee box b/c I wanted Blu-ray and I stream my media (music,movies,pictures) from my WHS:

System:
Rosewill RC-CIX-01 BK Glossy Black Steel Cube Mini-ITX Computer Case (150W Power Supply and 1x 80mm Fan)
ZOTAC IONITX-D-E Intel Atom N330 1.6GHz Dual-Core 441 NVIDIA ION Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
-Onboard NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (ION)
-Onboard 6 Channels HD Audio, Optical/Coaxial SPDIF Out
-Onboard WiFi IEEE 802.11n
-HDMI, DVI, VGA, 6xUSB, 1xeSATA, 3xSATA
OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-1066 Memory
LG Black Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader & Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Writer SATA Drive
Hitachi Deskstar 7K400 H3400B72S 400GB SATA HDD

OS:
Windows 7 Ultimate, using Boxee & PowerDVD 9

Remote:
Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Infrared Advanced Remote Control
Microsoft Windows Media Center Infrared Remote Keyboard

Speakers:
Logitech Z-2300 200 watts RMS 2.1 THX-certified Speaker System (don't have space for the 5.1 Z-5500)

[jmk_428]

I would suggest the MCE remote you get be programmable so you can control other devices. I got a cheap MCE universal programmable remote off ebay for $20, works great and controls everything.

[judgeschambers]

Remote:
Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Infrared Advanced Remote Control
Microsoft Windows Media Center Infrared Remote Keyboard
)

So, does that Harmony 880 work well with Boxee and your other components? I've been looking at that one for a remote solution for my Revo.

Any direct feedback would be appreciated. :)

[bstag]

So, does that Harmony 880 work well with Boxee and your other components? I've been looking at that one for a remote solution for my Revo.

Any direct feedback would be appreciated. :)

I own 3 harmony remotes i use a 610 in the front room to control a boxee box. I use a 1100 in the back room to control a boxee box and everything else from the head unit to tv to old vcr and ps3. I wil never ever own another remote unless it does every thing the harmony remotes do.

[judgeschambers]

I own 3 harmony remotes i use a 610 in the front room to control a boxee box. I use a 1100 in the back room to control a boxee box and everything else from the head unit to tv to old vcr and ps3. I wil never ever own another remote unless it does every thing the harmony remotes do.

Thank you for the input.

[holychicken]

Hey,

I have been doing some research into a HTPC box and found this thread (that has been very useful, thank you).

However, I have been looking into both the Acer 3610 computer and the build proposed by prospero, and I do not see an infrared connection for either of these. So how are you interfacing with your remotes?

I am torn as prosperos box looks better, but with Windows 7 included with the Acer, I think it might be a better deal. Plus, I don't have to deal with the hassle of building it (although, it doesn't look like this would be much of a build at all).

Thanks for all the help.

[kjoy82]

I built my own box as well - all running Windows 7 Ultimate:

ZOTAC IONITX D-E: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500030

APEX ITX Case w/ 250w PS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154091

2GB Mushkin RAM 800: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146118

Hitatchi 1TB 7200RPM HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145287

Sony DVD Writer: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

I also went with the Gyration Air Music Mouse/Keyboard combo. It's AWESOME! Works up to 100 ft. away - uses RF, not IR. Combined with intelliremote software, it lets you customize almost every button on the remote and learns up to 5 other devices: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823172021 Better than any MCE remote that I found.

[majesticix]

Hey,

I have been doing some research into a HTPC box and found this thread (that has been very useful, thank you).

However, I have been looking into both the Acer 3610 computer and the build proposed by prospero, and I do not see an infrared connection for either of these. So how are you interfacing with your remotes?

I am torn as prosperos box looks better, but with Windows 7 included with the Acer, I think it might be a better deal. Plus, I don't have to deal with the hassle of building it (although, it doesn't look like this would be much of a build at all).

Thanks for all the help.

I can comment on the Acer. There is no infrared, but I bought the Microsoft MCE remote for $20 off NewEgg and got it up and running. Works great now. Just awaiting Boxee Beta.

[iBeech]

Just ordered one up from CDW thanks to a forum member:

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1910349

Get 'em while you can! I can't wait to fire this puppy up. If you're interested, talk to Don Mau with CDW. He hooked me up:

Don Mau @ CDW
877-486-9294

"This product was discontinued as of Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Call for availability."

lol :)

[mrfatboy]

I bought a $15 mce remote from eBay(new). Works perfect. However, it's not my desired every day remote. I have a great learning remote that i teach the necessary buttons to. It's a great remote that now controls tv, DVD, directv, & boxee. It passed the "wife" test :). My buddy is going to use the same set for his family (wife, 4 & 7 year old).

[judgeschambers]

I bought a $15 mce remote from eBay(new). Works perfect. However, it's not my desired every day remote. I have a great learning remote that i teach the necessary buttons to. It's a great remote that now controls tv, DVD, directv, & boxee. It passed the "wife" test :). My buddy is going to use the same set for his family (wife, 4 & 7 year old).

Any details on brand and model numbers?

[majesticix]

This is actually my boxee box b/c I wanted Blu-ray and I stream my media (music,movies,pictures) from my WHS:

System:
Rosewill RC-CIX-01 BK Glossy Black Steel Cube Mini-ITX Computer Case (150W Power Supply and 1x 80mm Fan)
ZOTAC IONITX-D-E Intel Atom N330 1.6GHz Dual-Core 441 NVIDIA ION Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
-Onboard NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (ION)
-Onboard 6 Channels HD Audio, Optical/Coaxial SPDIF Out
-Onboard WiFi IEEE 802.11n
-HDMI, DVI, VGA, 6xUSB, 1xeSATA, 3xSATA
OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-1066 Memory
LG Black Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader & Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Writer SATA Drive
Hitachi Deskstar 7K400 H3400B72S 400GB SATA HDD

OS:
Windows 7 Ultimate, using Boxee & PowerDVD 9

Remote:
Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Infrared Advanced Remote Control
Microsoft Windows Media Center Infrared Remote Keyboard

Speakers:
Logitech Z-2300 200 watts RMS 2.1 THX-certified Speaker System (don't have space for the 5.1 Z-5500)

That's a nice little setup, what did that run you?

[Melloware]

I also went with the Gyration Air Music Mouse/Keyboard combo. It's AWESOME! Works up to 100 ft. away - uses RF, not IR. Combined with intelliremote software, it lets you customize almost every button on the remote and learns up to 5 other devices: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823172021 Better than any MCE remote that I found.

For those of you that don't know he was referring to our software Intelliremote (http://www.intelliremote.com) which plays very nicely with the Gyration Air Music Remote to give you complete control over Boxee or any other application you use in Windows.

I really like the Gyration because it is RF and no "line-of-sight" needed to your PC.

[dickie]

Based upon a recommendation from a friend, I ended up getting the Asrock 330 (with the DVD+/- drive, ION, 2Gb RAM, 250Gb HDD). I had a previous Shuttle unit I was running with Snapstream, so I salvaged one of the spare Firefly Mini IR receivers there.

The system is now running Vista Ultimate 64 with one of the *cough* betas I happened to find one the net.

I'm using a Harmony 880 with the Firefly Mini IR, with LM Remote doing the button translations (so I can customize even more commands, and even put the Harmony into a mouse mode, if necessary).

HDMI and Optical out my Onkyo receiver which passes the video feed to my Vizio 42".

Finally, I have a Microsoft wireless keyboard/mouse (Costco special for $38) stored off to the side of the couch, just in case.

Was demo'ing the unit today with a 1080p MKV across the network and it looked incredible.

[Trey]

If you have an Apple TV, you could always upgrade the GPU to the Broadcom HD card ($30 - eBay).

Here is an install guide:

http://www.blogythefox.co.uk/2010/01/09/apple-tv-broadcom-hd-card-hardware-and-software-installation/


Teaser Pic:

http://www.blogythefox.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/6.jpg