View Full Version : New choice for pre-built HTPC
Asus just announced a couple of very small form factor PCs based on the Intel Atom but with embedded ATI graphics on the motherboard. Form reading the threads, the Atom by itself will probably not be able to handle the higher HD resolutions but the external players that do support GPU acceleration might. For me, this might just be the successor to the AppleTV.
Check out the announcement at
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=13626
Steve_McQueen
2008-12-05, 22:51
Allready covered.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35938&page=5
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41478
Short story. Until we get GPU support for xbmc, its a no go.
McQ
nugentgl
2008-12-06, 04:03
Don't forget the LaunchPlayer code that konfoo is working on. If that can be used to open and close MPC-HC properly, then an ATOM based HTPC with coreavc just might be the ticket (of course until HA is operational in ffmeg).
TomJensen
2008-12-06, 04:39
I'm not sure why Asus is still sticking with the single-core Atom when the dual-core has already been available for nettops for some months. There is a big speed difference. Could be because they'll need a bigger case for better cooling.
XBMC aside, the Flash plugin also doesn't do HW accel, so HD videos on sites like Hulu and others can't use the GPU either.
One last thing, is that it'd be really useful if these "TV companion" thingies would include a built-in IR receiver, so I won't have a dongle hanging off the USB. Even better is if the built-in IR port can wake the system from S3 state. Right now, I can turn off my system with the remote, but I can't turn it back on. :oo:
An Atom probably isn't gonna cut it. If you want something small and elegant, use an apple tv or mac mini.
cold_realms
2008-12-06, 10:37
An Atom probably isn't gonna cut it. If you want something small and elegant, use an apple tv or mac mini.
Yes but then you have to deal with knowing you have a child's toy looking device staring at you bringing shame to at least 3 generations of your family. :)
But thats just my allergy to all things apple talking hehehe That aside they work reasonably well (still ugly tho).