View Full Version : Replacement for XBMC-Xbox
Asswipe44
2008-12-14, 01:26
Hey all,
I'm looking to install XBMC on a Linux or Windows machine, but have heard that Linux is the best choice. My goal is to build an xbox-size (can be a little bigger, but I would prefer it to fit under my TV just like the xbox currently does) fully capable 1080p media center with a bluray drive and spdif output support which I can hook up to my home theater system. That being said, can anyone give me recommendations as to what I should buy in order for everything to run smoothly (especially HD mkv files :))? If there are any pre-made pc's with those specs, I would also be interested.
Nvidia is also preferable to ati or intel.
I attached an image of my xbox sitting under my TV to give a better picture of what I'm looking for (satellite receiver is on the right).
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5636/1213081713fy6.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1213081713fy6.jpg)
paularms
2008-12-14, 01:28
As far as I know, Linux currently doesn't completely support BluRay, so if that's one of your main requirements, you might want to look at a Windows machine instead. Well, it is supported with some different kernels, but it looks like it's a bit of a pain to get going.
Asswipe44
2008-12-14, 01:32
Thanks for that. The Bluray option is out of greediness; again, preferable, but not the be all end all to the entire process. Just wondering, what are the advantages in putting XBMC on Linux rather than Windows?
First off, linux is free. So it can be installed legally without spending an extra $100. Also linux can be stripped down to the bare minimum of what is needed to run XBMC. No need for a bunch of extra crap that you don't need if you're just going to be using it as a media centre.
As for specs to building yourself a computer, use the search button. It's an extremely common question with many threads already talking about it. You just need to read them.
Asswipe44
2008-12-14, 04:47
Hmmm, you were right about various threads pertaining to building a media center machine. Still, I can't find any machine that's small enough to fit under my TV in place of the Xbox (see pic). Any suggestions?
paularms
2008-12-14, 04:56
Check out some barebones mini computers on newegg or another site: http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=3&name=Barebone-Mini-Computers
Asswipe44
2008-12-14, 05:19
Thanks for the link! I think I'm close to finding what I set out to get. Now, is it possible to replace the video card that comes with the Shuttle Prima with a better one (in this case, Nvidia 9 series)? I'm also looking to upgrade the SPDIF output to 8 channels. I'm guessing that's also possible with the right audio card?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101073
Another thing: Would it be possible to set up a remote to work with this machine via the USB port in the back?
I am close to building something like what you want right now, I will update the thread concerning it in a few mins. Be advised that 7.1 sound via SPIDIF isn't likely as those CODECS are uncompressed and that interface doesn't have the required bandwidth - HDMI however DOES. USB for remote control is fine, an old MCE USB remote is what I use on my current machine and will use on this build too. Read this thread for starters -> http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34235 and there are other good ones too!
Asswipe44
2008-12-14, 11:38
That's great! Thanks for the advice; I have been reading that exact thread for nearly an hour now and have gotten great advice from you regarding the intel duo processor 3 ghz e8400, so I will stay tuned.
:grin:
Hmmm, you were right about various threads pertaining to building a media center machine. Still, I can't find any machine that's small enough to fit under my TV in place of the Xbox (see pic). Any suggestions?
my recent windows XBMC htpc build.. which replaced the xbox in my main room
DG45FC x4500 HDMI Media mITX mobo
Intel e8600 CPU
HIPER HFC-10828-C2 ultra-slim heatsink
Patriot 64gb 2.5'' warp SSD
4gb of Kingston pc6400 RAM
120watt PicoPSU
Aopen S120 mITX case (cheap, tiny, and very nice piano black finish)
Logitech Harmony One Remote + USB-UIRT to control everything
one of the fastest & tiniest & quietest XBMC 1080p .mkv machines out there .
(btw i realize hdd space is low, and lack of optical drive) .. the point is powerful, but extremely minimal profile to use XBMC as a frontend to play 1080 mkv files over the network flawlessly from my multi-terabyte media servers in the basement.
Dwolf, nice sounding build! What sort of sound output? Can you provide links to some of the hardware? Does NewEgg carry it, if so a build list would be nice like I did for my build. Approximate cost? Honestly the only thing I use an optical drive for is loading Ubuntu or my backup software :D
Asswipe44
2008-12-15, 06:36
Awesome! If it's as compact as it seems, should be a great solution. Depending on its actual size, an optical drive might not be out of the question either
dannybullit
2008-12-15, 13:47
my recent windows XBMC htpc build.. which replaced the xbox in my main room
DG45FC x4500 HDMI Media mITX mobo
Intel e8600 CPU
HIPER HFC-10828-C2 ultra-slim heatsink
Patriot 64gb 2.5'' warp SSD
4gb of Kingston pc6400 RAM
120watt PicoPSU
Aopen S120 mITX case (cheap, tiny, and very nice piano black finish)
Logitech Harmony One Remote + USB-UIRT to control everything
one of the fastest & tiniest & quietest XBMC 1080p .mkv machines out there .
(btw i realize hdd space is low, and lack of optical drive) .. the point is powerful, but extremely minimal profile to use XBMC as a frontend to play 1080 mkv files over the network flawlessly from my multi-terabyte media servers in the basement.
Hi there,
Are you using XBMC Live? I´ve just bought a HFX micro chassi and I´m looking for a motherboard that works fine XBMC Live. DG45FC can be an option :)
Br, Daniel
my recent windows XBMC htpc build.. which replaced the xbox in my main room
DG45FC x4500 HDMI Media mITX mobo
Intel e8600 CPU
HIPER HFC-10828-C2 ultra-slim heatsink
Patriot 64gb 2.5'' warp SSD
4gb of Kingston pc6400 RAM
120watt PicoPSU
Aopen S120 mITX case (cheap, tiny, and very nice piano black finish)
Logitech Harmony One Remote + USB-UIRT to control everything
one of the fastest & tiniest & quietest XBMC 1080p .mkv machines out there .
(btw i realize hdd space is low, and lack of optical drive) .. the point is powerful, but extremely minimal profile to use XBMC as a frontend to play 1080 mkv files over the network flawlessly from my multi-terabyte media servers in the basement.
I wouldn't recommend this setup for linux XBMC at the moment. I have the same mobo (and fan) with an e7200 and a 90W picoPSU running diskless. The plan was to hide it behind my wall-mounted LCD, but I have never managed to get tear-free video with intel x.org on it. And I have not heard of anyone who has either. Plus you have to be prepared to compile X from scratch to get hdmi audio running (but it works). So I have replaced it with a uATX nvidia 8200 board that has a lot better video playback. The intel setup is now behind my bedroom tv instead.
/Magnus H
dannybullit
2008-12-15, 14:51
I wouldn't recommend this setup for linux XBMC at the moment. I have the same mobo (and fan) with an e7200 and a 90W picoPSU running diskless. The plan was to hide it behind my wall-mounted LCD, but I have never managed to get tear-free video with intel x.org on it. And I have not heard of anyone who has either. Plus you have to be prepared to compile X from scratch to get hdmi audio running (but it works). So I have replaced it with a uATX nvidia 8200 board that has a lot better video playback. The intel setup is now behind my bedroom tv instead.
/Magnus H
Thanks! What motherboard with Nvidia GPU would you recommend?
/Daniel
eriksmith200
2008-12-15, 18:19
...
Do you use a case fan?
Is the intel video cards(internal) a pain in the ass or is there some cards that actually work out there?
Do you use a case fan?
ya the case has two small fans, but i only use the one near the picopsu to cool it, i have also modded the case a bit to allow better airflow.
also true with linux the intel gfx is a bit of a pain, i dual boot ubuntu and windows, and for the moment the windows version is a tad better with this config. using win beta 2 atm (no vsync issues with this version)