Looking for simple system to stream video to TV

[ovide_video]

Hi I am just looking for a simple system that I can use now and gradually upgrade to accommodate newer technology. Just looking for the bare essentials for Hardware. From what I read so far these things are:

• processor (dual core or higher)
• graphics card
• correct video outputs

I know there is a lot more that I have to consider. Also what is the cost for something like this?

[jagabo]

It's hard to beat a standalone player like a Western Digital WDTV or Seagate Theater+ HD. Those are in the $100 range, plus another $100 for a big hard drive. You will find some files they won't play though. You're looking at $300 to $400 for a minimal PC to do the same thing (with a wider range of file support, of course).

[MOVIEGEEK]

OP:
I assume you are talking about building a HTPC but the title sounds like you want a streaming device(such as the WD Plus Live). If you want an HTPC go to your local used PC shop and pickup a dual core PC, as for graphics get one with HDMI and supports HDCP(eg ATI 4650).

[edDV]

Hi I am just looking for a simple system that I can use now and gradually upgrade to accommodate newer technology. Just looking for the bare essentials for Hardware.
...

What is your current TV?

[ovide_video]

It's hard to beat a standalone player like a Western Digital WDTV or Seagate Theater+ HD. Those are in the $100 range, plus another $100 for a big hard drive. You will find some files they won't play though. You're looking at $300 to $400 for a minimal PC to do the same thing (with a wider range of file support, of course).

I was looking at those stand alone players they do look interesting. But I was thinking, I would like to do some light computing and stream live events while they occur in real time.

I assume you are talking about building a HTPC but the title sounds like you want a streaming device(such as the WD Plus Live). If you want an HTPC go to your local used PC shop and pickup a dual core PC, as for graphics get one with HDMI and supports HDCP(eg ATI 4650).

Thanks I'll try to edit the title to make it more clear. Yeah building my own HTPC is probably the best way to go. I don't want to spend too much but I want the option of upgrading it as new technology comes along and support newer devices as they hit the market.

I had an old dell that finally conked out on me. I noticed that it ran really really hot, which really slowed the performance, I actually blew the mother board a few times. So looking for something that would avoid this.

Here's few questions:

• Is dual core good enough? I heard that there are new chips that can operate on more than two cores?
• I also need multiple output I currently have S-video, which is pretty useless, I also have RCA but Going forward what is going to be used anything more than HDMI?(Saving up for newer LCD)
• In terms what would recommend in HDCP graphics card? I know u mention the ATI, would NVIDIA be better? In terms of streaming
• Anymore hardward issues like RAM is should consider?

What is your current TV?

Current TV sucks soon be craigslisted probably free. Probably going to go for a flat screen LCD.


Thanks a tonne guys!

[jagabo]

Is dual core good enough?

Yes. Even if you use CPU based video decoding. At least up to the current 1920x1080 h.264 and VC1 standard of Blu-ray. If you're downloading files you'll have to resort to CPU based decoding on occasion because some people encode with settings not compatible with GPU decoders.

I also need multiple output I currently have S-video, which is pretty useless, I also have RCA but Going forward what is going to be used anything more than HDMI?(Saving up for newer LCD)

You just need HDMI. You can also use a DVI port with a DVI to HDMI adapter. You'll have to route audio separately if you do that.

In terms what would recommend in HDCP graphics card? I know u mention the ATI, would NVIDIA be better? In terms of streaming

Every card with HDMI or DVI output supports HDCP these days. And HDCP is only needed for official DVD/Blu-ray players like PowerDVD. Almost all current graphics cards, even those in the US$50 range, support GPU based h.264 decoding. Many on-board graphics cards are capable of that too. For example the AMD/ATI 880 and 885 series have it.

Anymore hardward issues like RAM is should consider?

For Linux or XP 1 GB is sufficient for HD video playback. You need 2GB for Vista or Win7. Memory speed, DDR2 vs DDR3 doesn't really matter for video playback. Obviously, you have to get the right type for the motherboard you purchase.

If you plan on a lot of video encoding or playing games it's a different story.

[handyguy]

Seagate Theater+ is $45 at newegg.com today. No computer needed:
Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ USB 2.0 / Ethernet HD Media Player Only STCEA201-RK

[edDV]

What is your current TV?

Current TV sucks soon be craigslisted probably free. Probably going to go for a flat screen LCD.

OK, the LCD-TV will have HDMI + probably VGA inputs.

Note that is is getting difficult to find a contemporary computer display card with analog (composite, S-Video, analog component) output support. You will probably wish you had them later.