media player + Dual DVB-T + DVD

[tony_yates]

Hi,

Is there a device that combines a network media player + dual DVB-T tuners + DVD player? or do I have to build an HTPC?

The TViX 5100SH + DVB-T addon (T530) comes close but no DVD player and as far as I can tell the T530 is a single tuner PVR. Also can the TViX be used as server to stream content stored on its HDD to other network players?

[rhubarbe]

No, there isn't. You could buy my HTPC, currently for sale:

For Sale : HTPC in slimline Hiper HMC-2K53a-H£ case

[tony_yates]

Originally Posted by rhubarbe

No, there isn't. You could buy my HTPC, currently for sale:

For Sale : HTPC in slimline Hiper HMC-2K53a-H£ case

Bloomin' 'eck that was quick, oh you want to sell me summit

Can I ask how good an HTPC is in operation regards reliability and general use?

I've been playing with MediaPortal on my 'normal' PC and like it, but I haven't used it in anger. What I like about dedicated PVRs, DVDs etc is that you put in a DVD or set a program to record and they seem to work, this is great for the family. What I don't like is the stack of kit I've got; what I'd like is two boxes; AV receiver and 'media player\recorder\server'.

Cheers

[rhubarbe]

The HTPC is great in that it replaces about three boxes: dvdp, PVR, and NMP. However, it depends on how savvy your wife is. Mine just can't be bothered learning how to mount drives in order to play isos instead of DVDs, and she knows how to use a SkyHD box and can't be bothered to learn how to use a motor for a satellite receiver.

If I lived on my own it'd be a no brainer, but I seem to have this Luddite wife who's into ensuite bathrooms with underfloor heating and isn't interested on bit in anything other than our camcorder footage, which she can get from a networked media player.

Not that I'd prefer to live on my own in any shape or form, of course.

[lookatbowen]

Yes there is... it's called a Beyonwiz Dp-S1

But they are rediculously priced if you go by that website.

[tony_yates]

Originally Posted by stuffonmydesk

Yes there is... it's called a Beyonwiz Dp-S1

But they are rediculously priced if you go by that website.

Yep, that one seems to do it all. I take it the price is in aussie dollars which converts to roughly £700, at which point I might as well build my own

[Neville Street]

Anyone know if others have similar things to this on the way in the next few months?

[gavvet]

PS3 in early 2008 will have a freeview adapter

[Autopilot]

Originally Posted by gavvet

PS3 in early 2008 will have a freeview adapter

Got any more info on that? link?

[gavvet]

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/ne...3-add-on.phtml

http://kotaku.com/gaming/clips/play-...ned-292541.php

[tony_yates]

Originally Posted by Neville Street

Anyone know if others have similar things to this on the way in the next few months?

Yeah, there do seem to be one or two devices that almost do what I'm looking for, so it's not beyond the realms of imagination something will appear. Unless there's an unwritten rule when all functions are combined it then gets tagged an HTPC with the price hike to go with it.

For me it seems an HTPC is the way to go, I just want to convince my self of their reliability.

[rhubarbe]

It's not the reliability that's in question. It is the lack of a unified GUI that will handle all of the file types that you will want to play natively, seemlessly and withougt having to use hacks like mounting virtual DVD-Drive under Daemon Tools in order to play ISO.

I built several, and the last one looked to be a go-er, unitl I fopund out how useless MCE really is with file types that Bill doesn't want you to play.

GBPVR was better but not a patch on XBMC.

The only light on the horizon is that XBMC has started to be ported to Linux.

I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.

[tony_yates]

Originally Posted by rhubarbe

It's not the reliability that's in question. It is the lack of a unified GUI that will handle all of the file types that you will want to play natively, seemlessly and withougt having to use hacks like mounting virtual DVD-Drive under Daemon Tools in order to play ISO.

I built several, and the last one looked to be a go-er, unitl I fopund out how useless MCE really is with file types that Bill doesn't want you to play.

GBPVR was better but not a patch on XBMC.

The only light on the horizon is that XBMC has started to be ported to Linux.

I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
I must not build another HTPC until it can run XBMC.
......

although you know you want too

Yep, that XBMC port does look interesting. You'll know better than me but is there any media centre software for Linux? I read about MythTV but I think that's gone commercial or am I wrong?

I think I'm a bit behind you in what I want from an HTPC. Basically, I'm looking at consolidating the devices we have to 2 boxes; a media centre plus surround sound receiver. All it needs to do is be a PVR with dual tuners; play CDs and downloaded music, probably mp3s; play DVDs either from a digital library i.e. ripped DVDs but these I'll rip simply as vobs, or from the normal DVD disc. Seeing as thi swill need to be an HTPC, this will also function as a server for music players in other rooms e.g. squeezebox or summat.

I've been playing with MediaPortal which I really quite like, but this has been on my normal desktop PC so as yet I haven't tried it with a remote to see how it fairs.

[rhubarbe]

I don't know anything much about other Linux software. I did try a couple of years ago to do Linux but I felt like a child in a world I didn't understand.

If I ever do build another PC it won't be in an attempt to get down to two boxes. That IMHO is completely unrealistic. The software that you have to use to make an HTPC happen just isn't good enough. The PVR bits are no good - so I use a SkyHD box; the DVD function is no way as good as a DVD player, and the playing of media files is just nowhere near as good as dedicated devices.

I would only be using XMBC for Linux as a streamer, I wouldn't bother for TV or DVD.

If you don't believe me (and I am sure most people wouldn't) just try it and see how much money you waste. I have spent thousands.