[watusi]

Excellent, didn't know you could get them. where did you buy all, your other components from? Did some brief pricing up and couldn't see how you get all that stuff for £520. Cheapest I could find the processor was £140

[groovyclam]

Nice find.

I prefer a more homebrew GUI than MCE ( WinXP / Girder / Meedio / DigiGuide ) so some questions:

1) I presume I could just load WinXP on here no problem ?

2) Would I need MCE for the drivers for the IR receiver ?

3) What res is the SCART socket putting out ? 720x576 or 1024x576 ?

[Paul D]

Watusi,

The case/system was bought from PC next day.

I bought the other stuff from Scan.co.uk:

Intel Pentium D 930 Socket775
128Mb XFX 7300LE, PCI-E (x16)
1GB (2X512MB) Corsair TwinX XMS2
Samsung SH-W163A/BEBN Black SATA 16x16 ±R Dual Layer


Total Costs:
£282 Case
£129 CPU (on todays special offer - offer still on!)
£69 Memory
£34 VGA Card
= around £514

I forgot to add the £28 DVD writer i got seperately, and as mentioned i already had a spare HDD.
I think it would be safe to say that anybody could have this fairly high spec (for a media PC) machine up and running for less that £600.

Remember that Scan isn't the cheapest e-tailer around, and i went for decent memory, so you could save some more by going for budget stuff.
Again you could save a further £45/50 by going for the Dual Core 2.66Ghz CPU, which will still be more that fast enough.

Exampe:
E-PC = £282
CPU Dual core 2.66 = £81
1 Gb DDR2 PC5400 = £44
DVD witer = £25
160gb HDD = £40
Use on board Graphics (does have VGA/DVI Scart etc)
Total comes to £472

Groovy,

I cannot see any reason why XP wouldn't run.
The IR drivers are for the e-Home IR receiver, so if that works with XP so should this.
I think the Scart is 720x576(PAL), and is Svideo/Composite.
If you can order the component out module(shipped with the US models), then this just plugs into the add on "2" card.
This will give you Hi-Def output etc.
I might look into this myself, as my current plasma treats VGA signals as a PC.
Meaning PC video levels, and a reluctance to run at 50Hz.

My new plasma (out in September) will accept 50hz via DVI/HDMI so won't be a problem.

[watusi]

Thanks for the info, I think I've talked myself into building one of these. Seems a much cheaper option than a pre built one! I'll be adding a dual TV tuner to mine though i think.

[Paul D]

I have SKY+, so couldn't think of any reason for having TV tuner.
Make sure your Tuner ships with the low profile bracket.
Many mention they are low profile, but don't ship with one!

[groovyclam]

Thanks for replies so far Paul.

Does the manual say what the on-board graphics chipset is based on ( ATI/Nvidia/Other ) ?

[Fastardo]

* Newbie question alert! *

I really like the look and cost of this setup. Would I be able to add an extra card to it that would enable me to watch Free To Air HD broadcasts when they start without getting Sky HD? I have standard Sky at the moment and don't really want to pay an extra £10 per month, I'd be quite happy with BBC, ITV etc. in HD.

Forgive my ignorance, I'm new to all this!

[GarryF]

I think the only HD on sky you are going to get is via their new box and subscription.

I've read reports of freeview not doing HD until analogue starts getting shut off in 2-6 years from now, hopefully there will be more pressure if sky HD has a large takeup

Nice case btw

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by groovyclam

Thanks for replies so far Paul.

Does the manual say what the on-board graphics chipset is based on ( ATI/Nvidia/Other ) ?

It's the Intel® GMA 950 graphics.
More details here:
http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9iby4h...ipsets/gma950/

Originally Posted by Fastardo

* Newbie question alert! *

I really like the look and cost of this setup. Would I be able to add an extra card to it that would enable me to watch Free To Air HD broadcasts when they start without getting Sky HD? I have standard Sky at the moment and don't really want to pay an extra £10 per month, I'd be quite happy with BBC, ITV etc. in HD.

Forgive my ignorance, I'm new to all this!

Hi, you can get a PCI "Satellite" card that will decode free to air High Def channels.
However, i doubt they will be low profile cards.
Do a search on the forums, as some members have been playing around with them for some time now.
As mentioned, terrestrial High Definintion is only just being trialed now(in London), so i would imagine it will be a while before anything is available.

Been following this with interest. Are there cards to record from telewest and how much is Media center?

[watusi]

Is it really necessary to replace the graphics or will the on board graphics do the trick (bearing in mind I'll be running in 1366 res and playing some 1080i stuff though it).

i'll have to check all this low profile stuff as I'm not even really sure what it means!

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by thevoiceofalan

Been following this with interest. Are there cards to record from telewest and how much is Media center?

No idea about Telewest.

I bought three copies of MCE2005(OEM) last year when scan were doing them on "todays special offer" for £59.99.
Even now you can get a copy for about £70, but i have seen "genuine" licensed discs for even less at the computer markets.(be wary of fakes as MS certifies each copy now)

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by watusi

Is it really necessary to replace the graphics or will the on board graphics do the trick (bearing in mind I'll be running in 1366 res and playing some 1080i stuff though it).

i'll have to check all this low profile stuff as I'm not even really sure what it means!

I just went for nVidia (7300LE), as they do some custom resolutions and refresh rates which makes 50hz/59.94hz a breeze.
Their "Pure Video" feature includes a lot of image processing functions.

But after reading the Intel site, it's seems the 950 chipset may have been good enough anyway.

All the "low profile" bit means they are "half height" cards.
In a standard case they take up less space, but they are desighned to fit in cases like this one.
They only trouble seems to be that not all "LP" cards come with the half height case brackets.

Like all barebone systems, it isn't perfect.
Compromises have to be made to keep things small and quiet.

I would have liked to see Dolby Digital "LIVE" encoding.
I think both optical and Coaxial SPDIF connections at the rear should have been supplied.
Other than that i cannot think of anything else i would change.

I actually have a spare "plug in"(to the MB connector) SPDIF optical out from an old Asus MB but it is a full height bracket.
But it does show they are available, and i could DIY fix it to the case etc.

I'm still trying to work out how to get it from standy with the remote.
My unit also didn't come with a power lead.

[shahedz]

HI Paul, real nice PC case and great thread

[stevomacca]

Does the case have wireless built in for tinterweb?

[RSK21]

Paul,

Many thanks for all the info - on the strength of what you have contributed I've taken the plunge today and the kit arrives tomorrow from PC Nextday

A couple of questions If I may:

1 - Can you post a link to the GFX card you purcahsed as I can't seem to find one in stock anywhere.

2 - Like you I'm going to be connecting this to a plasma - have you had any of the overscan/pixel sizing issues I've read about on this forum ? Do you have it connected via VGA or DVI > HDMI ?

3 - Does the MCE remote also come bundled with the MS USB IR receiver ? I realise the case has IR built in bit I intend to use my Harmony remote rather than the MS one and if if it has the MS receiver bundled this will make it easier to shift on Ebay/AV Forums.

Finally would you post if you get any joy with the suspend/standby issue via remote ?

Many thanks again.

RSK

[Paul D]

Cheers shahedz

Originally Posted by stevomacca

Does the case have wireless built in for tinterweb?

No, it has a built in 10/100 ethernet connection.
Wireless "USB" dongles are very cheap, if you need it.
Also, there should be low profile cards available it you want it built in.

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by RSK21

Paul,

Many thanks for all the info - on the strength of what you have contributed I've taken the plunge today and the kit arrives tomorrow from PC Nextday

A couple of questions If I may:

1 - Can you post a link to the GFX card you purcahsed as I can't seem to find one in stock anywhere.

2 - Like you I'm going to be connecting this to a plasma - have you had any of the overscan/pixel sizing issues I've read about on this forum ? Do you have it connected via VGA or DVI > HDMI ?

3 - Does the MCE remote also come bundled with the MS USB IR receiver ? I realise the case has IR built in bit I intend to use my Harmony remote rather than the MS one and if if it has the MS receiver bundled this will make it easier to shift on Ebay/AV Forums.

Finally would you post if you get any joy with the suspend/standby issue via remote ?

Many thanks again.

RSK

Hi,
Link to Graphics card.
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=396724
It's fanless, and up to now i've not had any heat related problems.(But bear this in mind!)
All i did was to unbolt the bracket plate, and swap it with the low profile one that came with the systems add on card etc.

I did run it 1-1 pixel mapping(848x480?), with perfect results, but found some window frames too large to fit on screen.
My plasma treats any resolution other than 480i/576i as a PC signal and only allows 60hz+.(Via VGA)
To get smooth PAL playback, opt for 75hz etc.
I now run it 1280x720 with great results.
I'm connected via VGA at the moment, but this is only temporary whilst i await my new Panny 50" Plasma.
I will then connect via DVI/HDMI and run at 50hz/59hz etc.

It does NOT come with the USB IR receiver, just the remote.
As you mention it is built in, which i think is ideal.

Ps
I notice on the Aopen website, that they now offer this system(as well as the GT) in all black.
It has a slightly better Motherboard offering 10/100/1000gbps networking etc.

For anybody wanting to just buy pre built, you can try here.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AOpen-Media-Ce...QQcmdZViewItem

I cannot vouch for them, and it's not as cheap as building your own etc!

Hi, Paul.
I hope you do not mind a compliment from a newbie but I found your series of posts on this subject very interesting as well as very useful. Like you, because of fan noise worries, I would have preferred to have gone for the EPC945GT-m8 version of the system but it seems that no-one is importing it into the UK. I am therefore tempted to order it from the States but I am uncertain about the PSU that would be supplied. In the past, when putting together systems for friends and family, I found that many PSUs came with a 110/230V switch on the rear panel. I checked the photos you have posted but there are none that show that panel. Have you any idea whether there is such a facility?
Your comments would be appreciated.
Nick

[Paul D]

nickell, it does mention something about the PSU in the online manual.(see aopen.com etc)
The US one may be switchable, but find out before ordering.

[meansizzler]

Thanks for the pics, but your HD temps are too high, I remember in a cheapo case my WD raptor never went over 45 Degrees, but 51 Degrees is just to high, you need some kind of HD cooling, in my current case my HD's never go over 32 degrees...., anyway if you are constantly getting over 50 degrees for your HD temp then i don't think that's a good thing, send an email to the hard drive manufacturer to check if that temp is ok..., but other than that, great case, laos if you want a MObo with Dolby Digital Live encoding I still have my Intel one, should fit your case and supports Viiv but it won't be cheap....

[Paul D]

Due to the vast amount of PMs/Emails i've received about this project, i thought i would give a little background how it came about!

I have had a few HTPCs(Media PCs etc) over the years, but have found all end up getting too complicated and i end up not using them.

With the advent of MCE2005 and MCE Media player, i found accessing DVDs/Photo and Music to be a breeze.
I liked the fact that i have never had any crashes or blue screens of death.
I do use TheaterTek software DVD/HD player on my main HTPC, but again this can be buggy.

So with ease of use, and compactness being a priority my search began.

However just try finding a nice desktop m-atx case that is less than 35cm deep!

Everytime i thought i had found an ideal choice, something spoilt it.
(usually depth!)
The pre-built systems i saw also were too deep, and not very powerful either.

That's why when i saw the Aopen barebone system, i knew it would be "ideal".

It's maybe not the best looking system i have seen.(though not to shabby either!)
It is not the fastest system you can build.(no giant Graphics card in here!)
It's VFD is limited to MCE information only.

But if you want a no nonsense, small/quiet(but not silent!) media PC, to sit under you telly, then this is it!

It comes with everything you need to make a succesful Media PC.
It's the little things that add up, that makes it worthwhile.

Like the flap that drops down to allow the DVD tray to come out.
So much better than having it on display.

Then there's the built in memory card reader, again behind a drop down flap.

The built in VFD looks great, and shows you everything you need to know.
Since there no option to alter anything, there is nothing to cock up!

The drop down panel at the bottom hides all the input/output sockets, as well as some back up transport buttons in case the remote has done a runner!

It is INTEL ViiV enabled meaning yiou will be able to connect it to other ViiV enabled products as they roll out.(makes sharing media around the house simple etc)

All i have installed is MCE2005/nVidia Pure decoders/"AnyDVD".
I've added a MicroSoft MCE IR keyboard(inc mouse nipple).
This has the MCE remote keys built in etc.
The mouse nipple takes a few weeks to get used to, but i'm fine now.

The MCE machine operates just as any mainstream DVD player, and is simple and quiet to use.

As a music player, it intergrates with my Napster Music account flawlessly.

I have added a few plug-ins like My weather/My Movies.
My movies allows you to store you DVD on the HDD and play them back through Media Player etc.(You need something like "AnyDVD" to allow this etc )
It also searches the web for Case covers, so you can browse your collection as if they were in your hands!

I almost forgot to add that it also a PC!
Meaning you can surf the web, edit/view your photos and camcorder footage etc etc.

Finally, depending on what graphics card you opt for, you can also use it as a games machine.
PC games look better than most console games due to the higher resolutuion offered.

Not perfect but not bad either

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by meansizzler

Thanks for the pics, but your HD temps are too high, I remember in a cheapo case my WD raptor never went over 45 Degrees, but 51 Degrees is just to high, you need some kind of HD cooling, in my current case my HD's never go over 32 degrees...., anyway if you are constantly getting over 50 degrees for your HD temp then i don't think that's a good thing, send an email to the hard drive manufacturer to check if that temp is ok..., but other than that, great case, laos if you want a MObo with Dolby Digital Live encoding I still have my Intel one, should fit your case and supports Viiv but it won't be cheap....

Mmmm i wasn't too worried by those temps.
But since you seem sure i will check up.
My main PC(server) has more fans than the Beatles, and sounds like a small wind tunnel. Yet my raid array is showing each drive to be hovering around 38-41c.
The have been like that for a year now, without any problems.
So i just assumed another 10/12 degrees wouldn't be too bad.

I can certainly add a HDD cooler and see how that helps!

Cheers

Ps
The HDD drive in the Media player is upside down, if you know what i mean.(Circuits are on the top, shiny plate down etc)
I normal fit them the other way round in tower cases.
Do you think that makes a difference?

PPs what make model is the MB?

[meansizzler]

Originally Posted by Paul D

PPs what make model is the MB?

INTEL BOXD945GPMLKR, pretty much the ebst MATX mobo you can buy, cost me £125 delivered and took me 3 months to source one.., but my CPU runs to high on it 70 Degrees on startup, either a faulty board or requires a BIOS update, but since my main rig is in use don't have anything to put on the board and update the bios so just sitting under my bed, Intel said they could change the Mobo over for me since it has a 3 year warranty, so if your interested I could get it changed for another one then pass that one on to you...

LINK

[RSK21]

Paul,

Any suggestions for a suitable low profile freeview TV card ?

RSK

[meansizzler]

Originally Posted by RSK21

Paul,

Any suggestions for a suitable low profile freeview TV card ?

RSK

blackgold/sweetspot

www.pluggedin.tv

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by RSK21

Paul,

Any suggestions for a suitable low profile freeview TV card ?

RSK

Originally Posted by meansizzler

blackgold/sweetspot

www.pluggedin.tv

What he said!

meansizzler, i won't be changing the motherboard etc.
I was just curious which one it was.
I would like "DD LIVE" for 5.1 WMV-HD playback, but otherwise it's not needed.
I am looking into "AC3 Filter", to see if that can software encode WMV 5.1.

[adieboy]

Paul,
Great find. Very stylish and economical.
AC3 filter can re-encode WMA 5.1 on the fly, I use it regularly. Configuration settings are posted somewhere on these forums, I think.

Cheers Adie.

[spuddler]

Hi,nice thread Paul.Think if you check most Manu's recommend 55 degreeC Max for HDD temp(assume this his general running temp),its the figure thats banded about alot anyway.Most peeps seem to like it when there running at least in the low 30's thou.But it his a low profile HTPC,so i suppose you have to accept some leeway IMO.


Cheers BOB

[Paul D]

Thanks Adie

Bob, any advice is always welcome thanks.
I opened the case yesterday just after running for an hour.
I felt the HDD top and bottom, and it was hardly even warm???***???
I expected it to be roasting.
I preceeded to touch around all the internal parts, to see what was getting hot etc.
Now here's the thing, the PSU/DVD/HDD side of the case everything was fairly cool, where as the CPU/Mem/South Bridge side was a lot hotter.

I've not had any heat related problems so far, in fact it has been rock solid.

I'm not taking a chance though and will fit a HDD cooler.
I will report back the difference once fitted etc.