HTPC

[friedpiggy]

Hi all,

My FOC DVD player that came with my TV just died so I thought I would replace it with a htpc.
The last time I built my own PC was 20 yrs ago. So I'm rather rusty with all the tech now.

Need some recommendations based on these requirements:
1. 4K UHD, Blu Ray, 3D
2. Simple to setup, ideally can use right out of the box
3. Windows, so I can do some work on it.
4. Small and cool looking, Since it will be place on my Tv console. If it is tall it needs to be able to function in a lying down position so as not to block my Tv.
5. Able to play load and play any region code DVDs, VCDs, CDs; have a bunch of old stuff lying around. My wife likes to rent hk serials(DVDs, maybe S/VCDs)
6. Wanted to reduce amount of cables so needed to Output to soundbar for sound and video, while the soundbar passes the video to the Tv (possible?) or is that the other way from tv to soundbar?

I saw from Asus website there is some vivopc and rog pcs that looks cool. I wonder if those will suit my needs?
Please recommend. Thanks.

 

[yusoffb01]

For 4k playback I recommend gtx960 and later.

For bluray playback region free you need a software which ignores the region. I used to use anyDVD.

 

[Entry Level PC]

Hi all,

My FOC DVD player that came with my TV just died so I thought I would replace it with a htpc.
The last time I built my own PC was 20 yrs ago. So I'm rather rusty with all the tech now.

Need some recommendations based on these requirements:
1. 4K UHD, Blu Ray, 3D
2. Simple to setup, ideally can use right out of the box
3. Windows, so I can do some work on it.
4. Small and cool looking, Since it will be place on my Tv console. If it is tall it needs to be able to function in a lying down position so as not to block my Tv.
5. Able to play load and play any region code DVDs, VCDs, CDs; have a bunch of old stuff lying around. My wife likes to rent hk serials(DVDs, maybe S/VCDs)
6. Wanted to reduce amount of cables so needed to Output to soundbar for sound and video, while the soundbar passes the video to the Tv (possible?) or is that the other way from tv to soundbar?

I saw from Asus website there is some vivopc and rog pcs that looks cool. I wonder if those will suit my needs?
Please recommend. Thanks.

What's your budget?
Imho it's a lot more cheaper for you to get a blu-ray player.
Around $100 only.

For a PC, you will need around $300-$600+.

 

[friedpiggy]

The previous blu Ray player I had so many discs can't play. I'm not refering to pirated stuff though. Those kids education DVDs borrowed from library also can't play. No specific budget but I don't think I will want to spend more than 2k.

Am more interested in those already built up with a nice case.

 

[ragnarok95]

Just get a small box like intel NUC. It can playback 4K.

 

[friedpiggy]

Just get a small box like intel NUC. It can playback 4K.

How do I load Disks? An additional portable drive?

And Where to get? Funan /SLT?

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

How do I load Disks? An additional portable drive?

And Where to get? Funan /SLT?

Funan now no more. but u can check with challenger or SLS for extender blue ray disk reader

 

[watzup_ken]

What's your budget?
Imho it's a lot more cheaper for you to get a blu-ray player.
Around $100 only.

For a PC, you will need around $300-$600+.

You will need no less than 600 to 800 bucks for sure. You don't just have to worry about the hardware, you also need to look at the software cost too. Bluray players are not free because of licensing. Hardware wise, you just need to get the next gen Intel chip, Kaby Lake, that should come with HDMI 2.0 and a bunch of hardware decoders for the various video formats. I don't think you need any fancy graphic cards unless you are gaming on it.

 

[friedpiggy]

Ok I sort of did some reading on intels webby.
Shortlisted this 2 models mainly because of the size. They are flat.

http://www.intel.sg/content/www/xa/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc6i7kyk-brief.html

And

http://www.intel.sg/content/www/xa/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc6i3syk.html

Visited challenger and courts earlier. They don't have them.
Where to find? Sim lim square?

 

[intrance]

Saw Skull Canyon on cybermind pricelist. IIRC $1038 without ssd n ram.
Sim Lim or Northpoint.

Sent from Samsung SM-N910G using GAGT

 

[Encrypted11]

Ok I sort of did some reading on intels webby.
Shortlisted this 2 models mainly because of the size. They are flat.

http://www.intel.sg/content/www/xa/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc6i7kyk-brief.html

And

http://www.intel.sg/content/www/xa/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc6i3syk.html

Visited challenger and courts earlier. They don't have them.
Where to find? Sim lim square?

NUCs also can buy from Amazon.

They come with a FSP universal voltage AC adapter with multiple plug heads including SG. But it might be worthwhile waiting for kabylake NUC for the HD 600 series updated HW encoder/decoders. But on launch, Skylake NUCs had memory compatibility issues, and i5 model motherboard frying (bios fix) and took months to address.. So older models with the issues sorted might be worth considering too.

 

[saran008]

For HTPC with Optical drive option, you can take a look at shuttle barebone model XH170V
http://global.shuttle.com/main/productsSpec?productId=1915

available at Cybermind @439$.
But do note that CPU, Ram, HDD/SSD, Optical drive are need to be added separately..

 

[friedpiggy]

Thanks guys, great info.

 

[friedpiggy]

Hmmm the skull canyon it seems to be $100 bucks cheaper on Amazon then cybermind after forex.

 

[friedpiggy]

So the Intel NUCs don't come with SSD, ram and Windows?

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

So the Intel NUCs don't come with SSD, ram and Windows?

yes intel NUC is just a barebones with their own chip and mobo in it. u will still need to get a SSD, ram and windows to get it work.

 

[Encrypted11]

It is a barebones kit. Chassis + CPU + Mobo + WiFi chipset + PSU (AC Adapter)

 

[friedpiggy]

A normal dvdrw would be able to read blu ray discs right?
I don't need a blu Ray burner right?

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

A normal dvdrw would be able to read blu ray discs right?
I don't need a blu Ray burner right?

Nope. It can't read. That's why some people sell BD drive as well.

 

[friedpiggy]

Blu Ray drives would be able to read other CD/DVDs?

Gathering a list of what to buy for the Intel NUC. Don't wanna get 2 different external optical drives When there is one that can read all.