I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box.

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The Maillard Reaction
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2011/05/20 19:19:50 (permalink)

I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box.

Hi,
 I haven't built a box in 4+ years so I don't know much about what particluar parts are out on the market right now.

 I want to build a home theater box for watching streaming movies on netflix and listening to stereo music.

 This will never be a DAW, just a playback system.

 We have a ok DSL connection and have been pleased to learn we can stream Netflix movies, 1080P Youtube, and many news channels etc. on both of our laptops so we want to set up a desktop or mini desktop and a 1080p LED flat screen as a TV set.

 I'm not too interested in games... just web browsing and video playback.

 I'd like to go wireless to the DSL box but can use an ethernet connection.

 I'd like to buy a Intel board out of habit and maybe an i5 and some bare bones parts and a fresh license for Win 7 64.

 Does anyone have a recommendation for what features, sockets, or specific components to look for this season?


 Thanks very much,
mike


#1

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    craigb
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/21 00:57:49 (permalink)
    Is this a Bapu originated request?  Will he be bringing popcorn in 3D when you are done? 

     
    Time for all of you to head over to Beyond My DAW!
    #2
    Kev999
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/21 02:22:20 (permalink)
    mike_mccue

    I want to build a home theater box for watching streaming movies on netflix and listening to stereo music.

    This will never be a DAW, just a playback system.

    I'm not too interested in games... just web browsing and video playback.
    For this sort of use you don't really need a high-spec PC.  An oldish PC with a good new graphics card, soundcard and monitor would probably be fine.  Maybe you could use your existing PC for this and build a new DAW PC instead.

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    #3
    Eotm
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/21 19:04:20 (permalink)
    Have a look here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972
    It's a thread by a guy who puts together parts lists for DIY HTPCs. He sells the current lists, but older ones are available for free.  He has a bunch of different configurations for different budgets and needs.
    #4
    Starise
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/23 22:40:25 (permalink)
      Should not need an extremely elaborate PC. For video playback I would get a pretty decent video card and if I were planning on recording movies I would  get a large capacity 7200 rpm hard drive.The intel i5 you mentioned should work well.

     A direct connection to your router will give you more reliable streaming.

      As an alternative if not planning to record a lot of video there are alternatives like the roku box and the logitech revue. Apple also makes a similar product to the roku,apple TV.

      The trend in TV seems to be TVs with lan connections and things like netflix and pandora built in.Some TVs serve a similar function to the streaming boxes. 

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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/23 23:36:20 (permalink)
    Hi Mike,
     
    I'd build an i5 2500k system... with a nice passive cooled video card (that has HDMI output).
    8GB of RAM
    I'd want a fair bit of HD space.  The Samsung F3 1TB units are great performers (reliable, inexpensive).
     
    I'd want this particular type of machine to be quiet... and in a nice HTPC case.

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
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    www.studiocat.com
    #6
    Bristol_Jonesey
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/24 07:17:08 (permalink)
    Hi Jim.

    What mobo would you recommend to partner the i5?

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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/24 15:44:06 (permalink)

    HTPC = Home Theater PC?

    Cool.

    I'm only a few years behind on the trend. :-)


    #8
    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:I want to DIY build a non DAW home theater/stereo box. 2011/05/24 16:33:30 (permalink)
    HTPC = Home Theater PC?

     
    Yes...  
    There are some nice HTPC cases... (Lian Li, etc)

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
    #9
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