Cheap(er) Boxee STB (macmini-ish size) that can handle 1080p & component vid?

**Matstars** · June 15th, 2009, 07:41 AM

What's up?

I'm considering putting together/buying a cheap STB that can handle boxee and HD (1080p) content. I wanted to see what my options are. I didn't want to to go any bigger than a mac-mini sized machine (apple tv sized would be perfect, but AFAIK it only outputs 720p) and wanted component output for video and either toslink or coax for audio. Are there any viable options that are cheaper than a macmini that also can use component output?

Thanks!

matstars

**junda** · June 15th, 2009, 03:41 PM

Dell Studio Hybrid
I bought one $399 at bestbuy.
2.2G C2D, 3G Mem, 802.11n, HDMI and DVI, SPDIF, wireless keyboard/mouse
perfect HTPC, cheaper than many STBs

I tested many 1080p H.264 videos, all play smoothly.

don't know why you need component, but you can find VGA-component adapters easily (Hybrid's DVI has VGA built-in)

Originally Posted by Matstars

What's up?

I'm considering putting together/buying a cheap STB that can handle boxee and HD (1080p) content. I wanted to see what my options are. I didn't want to to go any bigger than a mac-mini sized machine (apple tv sized would be perfect, but AFAIK it only outputs 720p) and wanted component output for video and either toslink or coax for audio. Are there any viable options that are cheaper than a macmini that also can use component output?

Thanks!

matstars

**Xerobull** · June 16th, 2009, 09:38 PM

As far as adapters go, check out Monoprice.com. I get all of my stuff there, dirt cheap, top quality.

**junda** · June 16th, 2009, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by Xerobull

As far as adapters go, check out Monoprice.com. I get all of my stuff there, dirt cheap, top quality.

monoprice+1
I got all my cables/adapters from it.

**kfowler** · June 24th, 2009, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by junda

monoprice+1
I got all my cables/adapters from it.

Monoprice +2

Got 50' of HDMI and optical audio from them for peanuts this week, probably my 6th order from there (and my office uses it now as well). Their component to VGA adapters are only $2ish if memory serves.

**raggden** · June 24th, 2009, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by junda

Dell Studio Hybrid
I bought one $399 at bestbuy.
2.2G C2D, 3G Mem, 802.11n, HDMI and DVI, SPDIF, wireless keyboard/mouse
perfect HTPC, cheaper than many STBs

400 dollars? were they running some kind of sale? that config runs for 670 on dell.com and best buy doesn't list them online. If I could find one for 400, I'd be interested in getting a dell studio.