HTPC

[Denny Crane]

I'm looking to build/buy a HTPC and am looking for opinions on the best way to go about it.


Ideally I want to be able to:

1) Play files/streams/youtube/netflix etc
2) Automatically download TV shows using something like TED, or Sickbeard
3) Support Squeezebox server
4) NAS storage for files and music.
5) If I could get soarview/freeview that would be cool too, but not that important.

And hopefully be able to use a cheap tablet as a controller.


There's options such as Popcorn Hour, Apple TV, Boxee, WD TV Live, but I don't think any do everything I want. So that leaves either the option of building my own pc, or getting one of those options and then buying a NAS on top it?

[tylerdurden94]

Think Zuroph looked into something like this before pretty sure I remember him posting stuff in the BBV and if I'm not mistaken I think gholimoli built one, might be an idea to hit them up for some info?

[Starvin Marvin]

I built one a few months ago.

Heres the thread about it, also check out this and here.

I have Sickbeard configured and dont know how I ever lived without it. Awesome having all your shows download for you without going near it.

Definitely build your own.

[Denny Crane]

Definitely build your own.

Seems easier to just buy an off-the-shelf solution

Thanks for the links, I'll have a read up now.

[Hitchhiker's Guide To...]

...

[Hitchhiker's Guide To...]

...

[Mike]

I built one a few months ago.

Heres the thread about it, also check out this and here.

I have Sickbeard configured and dont know how I ever lived without it. Awesome having all your shows download for you without going near it.

Definitely build your own.

What download client do you use with sickbeard? (torrents, rs or usenet)

[Raoul Duke III]

Seems easier to just buy an off-the-shelf solution

Thanks for the links, I'll have a read up now.

I have one of these lads, definitely the solution for those who can't be arsed building their own. Sits in behind the tv as quiet as a mouse and does all that I require of it (i.e. downloading and watching stuff). 300 yoyos or so.

[Starvin Marvin]

What download client do you use with sickbeard? (torrents, rs or usenet)

Usenet.

Its a bit of hassle to get it all set up but once you do everything is automated. Shows download themselves, get transferred to my external hard drive, renamed and imported into xbmc.

[Mike]

Usenet.

Its a bit of hassle to get it all set up but once you do everything is automated. Shows download themselves, get transferred to my external hard drive, renamed and imported into xbmc.

I looked at usenet when I first setup my HTPC but never followed through..

Would appreciate a PM with some more details if you don't mind

thanks

[Denny Crane]

Do you have to buy a subscription?

[DeadParrot]

PM nothing.
A decent Usenet guide would be excellent here.
I've toyed with it years ago but am sure I'm way outta touch

[Denny Crane]

http://lifehacker.com/5771670/how-to-turn-your-computer-into-an-internet-personal-video-recorder

http://lifehacker.com/5601586/how-to-get-started-with-usenet-in-three-simple-steps

[Starvin Marvin]

I looked through several guides when setting up mine, cant remember exactly which ones now but this one looks pretty good.

http://totalhtpc.com/TheCompleteUsenetGuide.pdf

If anyone needs help configuring i can check mine and see where they are going wrong or anything.

I just use Sickbeard not Couchpotato or anything else.

[Starvin Marvin]

Do you have to buy a subscription?

Yeah you do, its about $10 per month.

I use usenetserver and find it excellent.

[Denny Crane]

Headphones looks really cool (sickbeard for music)