A place to talk about GPUs/Motherboards/CPUs/Cases/Remotes, etc.
-
staknhalo
- Posts: 1176
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:26 pm
- Location: Coral Springs, FL
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Pentium G620|Sempron 140
Mobo: P8H67-M LE|M2N78-LA (Violet)
RAM: 4GB DDR3|4 GB DDR2
HDD: 12.5 TB|500 GB
GPU: EVGA GTX 650|EVGA GeForce 210
Tuner: 2x WinTV-2250|AVerTV M780
Case: Lian Li A04B|hec 7K09BBA30FNRX
Remote: 2x Logitech Harmony 300i
Display: Sony 42|Samsung 40|Dynex 32
Amp: None
TV Provider: Advanced Cable Communications
#21
Post
by staknhalo » Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:26 pm
mcewinter wrote:staknhalo wrote:blueiedgod wrote:If you need a keyboard then it is just a PC connected to a TV, not HTPC, IMHO.
I've been saying this for as long as I can remember.
I completely agree. At that point it's just a PC on a TV.
And for some, that's fine. If I were to do that type of setup - I'd go with a OSX type dock on the desktop with shortcuts to folders/programs/websites that I would use for media; and that would be my home screen/launch page.
For an HTPC though - we're mostly trying to make it appear as if it's not a PC - but some type of consumer device - hence why using a remote is an integral part of the setup/appearance.
Also another exapmple/scenario - for a bedroom HTPC - a mouse and keyboard doesn't cut it when trying to use it laying down in bed. Now you got a mouse and keyboard laying around instead of just a remote with a more cumbersome usage experience to boot.
-
mcewinter
- Posts: 999
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:33 pm
- Location: Chicago
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: AMD
HDD: Intel x25 SSD
GPU: ATI
Tuner: HDHRP
Case: Moneual 301
Remote: Harmony One
Display: Samsung UN46D7000LF
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#22
Post
by mcewinter » Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:47 pm
Iv'e used a keyboard by Rii and the microsoft keyboard, both of which I still have [useless in a drawer]. Nothing is more convenient then the remote. Whatever touch screen device I have close by takes care of the rest wether it's updating things or searching though I rarely run a search. If I do, I tend to consult the Ceton app for that. If I need to access netflix to search I do it from elsewhere such as my tablet or phone then add it to my que if need be. A keyboard was never a good fit in the living room which is why threads like this rear their heads from time to time. There is not one great keyboard for a HTPC; MS tried and came close but they are all comprimises in some way shape or form.
-
foxwood
- Posts: 1761
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2012 3:43 pm
- Location:
-
HTPC Specs:
-
-
#23
Post
by foxwood » Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:35 pm
mcewinter wrote:I completely agree.
I completely disagree.
-
mcewinter
- Posts: 999
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:33 pm
- Location: Chicago
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: AMD
HDD: Intel x25 SSD
GPU: ATI
Tuner: HDHRP
Case: Moneual 301
Remote: Harmony One
Display: Samsung UN46D7000LF
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#24
Post
by mcewinter » Thu Feb 28, 2013 12:10 am
foxwood wrote:mcewinter wrote:I completely agree.
I completely disagree.
Um, okay
-
EmirOfGroofunkistan
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:02 pm
- Location:
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Intel E6700
Mobo: Asus P5G41T-M (microATX)
RAM: PNY Optima 4GB DDR3 1333
HDD: 80GB SSD | 2TB Hitachi 5K3000
GPU: SAPPHIRE HD 4550
Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV USB
Case: Fractal Define R3
Remote: Harmony 880
Display: Samsung 40" LCD
Amp: Marantz NR1601
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#25
Post
by EmirOfGroofunkistan » Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:34 am
blueiedgod wrote:Use the remote to control HTPC. If you need a keyboard then it is just a PC connected to a TV, not HTPC, IMHO.
I would disagree in certain cases. For instance the poorly written Netflix plugin is horrible to use when you're scrolling through 17 seasons of a tv show to get to one of the seasons at the end of the list. I'd much rather pick up the little lenovo keyboard I have next to me and scroll or mouse to the end of the list. It takes absolutely forever to use the remote. As a general rule, yes, I try to do everything with a remote control, but there are times when it makes sense to do otherwise.
-
Mike88
- Posts: 549
- Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:50 am
- Location:
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Intel G620
Mobo: ECS
RAM: 4GB
HDD: 1.5TB
GPU: MSI
Tuner: AVerMedia Duet (2)
Case: Dell
Remote: RCA
Display: 46" HDTV
Amp: Onkyo
TV Provider: OTA
-
#26
Post
by Mike88 » Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:39 am
I mainly use a remote. But once in a while I need the keyboard, such as to update Windows. I also find it handy when typing in & searching for a program name in Hulu.
-
mcewinter
- Posts: 999
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:33 pm
- Location: Chicago
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: AMD
HDD: Intel x25 SSD
GPU: ATI
Tuner: HDHRP
Case: Moneual 301
Remote: Harmony One
Display: Samsung UN46D7000LF
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#27
Post
by mcewinter » Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:59 am
EmirOfGroofunkistan wrote:blueiedgod wrote:Use the remote to control HTPC. If you need a keyboard then it is just a PC connected to a TV, not HTPC, IMHO.
I would disagree in certain cases. For instance the poorly written Netflix plugin is horrible to use when you're scrolling through 17 seasons of a tv show to get to one of the seasons at the end of the list. I'd much rather pick up the little lenovo keyboard I have next to me and scroll or mouse to the end of the list. It takes absolutely forever to use the remote. As a general rule, yes, I try to do everything with a remote control, but there are times when it makes sense to do otherwise.
A bit off topic, but I've conditioned myself to hitting play on the intital screen and continue to do this after each episode. Netflix will keep track of where you left off even in mid episode.
-
EmirOfGroofunkistan
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:02 pm
- Location:
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Intel E6700
Mobo: Asus P5G41T-M (microATX)
RAM: PNY Optima 4GB DDR3 1333
HDD: 80GB SSD | 2TB Hitachi 5K3000
GPU: SAPPHIRE HD 4550
Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV USB
Case: Fractal Define R3
Remote: Harmony 880
Display: Samsung 40" LCD
Amp: Marantz NR1601
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#28
Post
by EmirOfGroofunkistan » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:17 am
mcewinter wrote:A bit off topic, but I've conditioned myself to hitting play on the initial screen and continue to do this after each episode. Netflix will keep track of where you left off even in mid episode.
Not a bad alternative, but I haven't had good luck with it remembering the correct episode, plus my kids don't watch their shows in order.
-
mcewinter
- Posts: 999
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:33 pm
- Location: Chicago
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: AMD
HDD: Intel x25 SSD
GPU: ATI
Tuner: HDHRP
Case: Moneual 301
Remote: Harmony One
Display: Samsung UN46D7000LF
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#29
Post
by mcewinter » Thu Feb 28, 2013 11:21 am
EmirOfGroofunkistan wrote:mcewinter wrote:A bit off topic, but I've conditioned myself to hitting play on the initial screen and continue to do this after each episode. Netflix will keep track of where you left off even in mid episode.
Not a bad alternative, but I haven't had good luck with it remembering the correct episode, plus my kids don't watch their shows in order.
Kids are such a game changer
-
barnabas1969
- Posts: 5738
- Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2011 7:23 pm
- Location: Titusville, Florida, USA
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Intel i5-3475S
Mobo: Intel DQ77KB
RAM: Crucial 8GB (2x4GB) DDR1600
HDD: 4TB HDD + 120GB SSD
GPU: Intel HD 4000
Tuner: 2 HDHomeRun Primes,+2 HDHR
Case: Morex 887
Remote: Acoustic Research AR-RX18G
Display: Samsung PN64D8000
Amp: Yamaha RX-A2010
TV Provider: Brighthouse Networks (BHN)
-
#30
Post
by barnabas1969 » Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:20 pm
I use my remote most of the time, but I use a wireless keyboard with a multi-touch mousepad occasionally. Not in Media Center, but for the occasion that I see something on TV that I want to lookup in a browser. My keyboard has a row of buttons that allow me to be in a browser at the touch of a button. When a show mentions a website that looks interesting or I want to find more information about a topic, I'll look for it online. If I don't have my laptop handy, I'll use the wireless keyboard to look it up on the TV. Also, I sometimes want to see the full, un-cut interview on The Daily Show... so I'll browse to their website, find the interview, and then watch it in full-screen. Try that with a remote.
And about all this silliness over HTPC vs. "just a PC connected to a TV"... it is just a PC connected to a TV. It gives us the flexibility to use it as EITHER. That's wayyyy better than "just an HTPC".
-
mcewinter
- Posts: 999
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:33 pm
- Location: Chicago
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: AMD
HDD: Intel x25 SSD
GPU: ATI
Tuner: HDHRP
Case: Moneual 301
Remote: Harmony One
Display: Samsung UN46D7000LF
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#31
Post
by mcewinter » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:01 pm
barnabas1969 wrote:And about all this silliness over HTPC vs. "just a PC connected to a TV"... it is just a PC connected to a TV. It gives us the flexibility to use it as EITHER. That's wayyyy better than "just an HTPC".
Except that it does take whatever cool factor there is out of the experience. I use a tablet for most of what you use a keyboard for. I also maintain what I watch on netflix, schedule/peruse recorded TV, peruse/launch movies, etc. from my tablet without disturbing what's on the screen and without squinting at a browser. This offers more grace than a qwerty in my mind, and my wife appreciates that I'm not treating the living room like it's my desk.
Edit: And I couldn't hand my wife the keyboard and say "Here! you might need this."
Last edited by
mcewinter on Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
staknhalo
- Posts: 1176
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:26 pm
- Location: Coral Springs, FL
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Pentium G620|Sempron 140
Mobo: P8H67-M LE|M2N78-LA (Violet)
RAM: 4GB DDR3|4 GB DDR2
HDD: 12.5 TB|500 GB
GPU: EVGA GTX 650|EVGA GeForce 210
Tuner: 2x WinTV-2250|AVerTV M780
Case: Lian Li A04B|hec 7K09BBA30FNRX
Remote: 2x Logitech Harmony 300i
Display: Sony 42|Samsung 40|Dynex 32
Amp: None
TV Provider: Advanced Cable Communications
#33
Post
by staknhalo » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:20 pm
barnabas1969 wrote:Also, I sometimes want to see the full, un-cut interview on The Daily Show... so I'll browse to their website, find the interview, and then watch it in full-screen. Try that with a remote.
SecondRun.tv my friend
-
blueiedgod
- Posts: 726
- Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:02 pm
- Location: Amherst, NY
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Athlon II X4
Mobo: Gigabyte AMD/ATI 785 chip set
RAM: 8 Gb DDR2 800
HDD: 750 Gb PATA Seagate
GPU: ATI 4250 onboard
Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV4+4xMygica Clear
Case: Monaueal
Remote: Harmony 610
Display: 42" LCD TV
Amp: 4X Linksys Extenders
TV Provider: Verizon FIOS
-
#34
Post
by blueiedgod » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:11 pm
watts3000 wrote:I don't agree for example lets say you are watching some streaming video off of cartoon network and you need to use a web browser to type the url imo a keyboard is just better.
How do you get to the browser when HTPC is locked in "media only" mode so that kids, guests, wife... don't mess with it?
-
staknhalo
- Posts: 1176
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:26 pm
- Location: Coral Springs, FL
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Pentium G620|Sempron 140
Mobo: P8H67-M LE|M2N78-LA (Violet)
RAM: 4GB DDR3|4 GB DDR2
HDD: 12.5 TB|500 GB
GPU: EVGA GTX 650|EVGA GeForce 210
Tuner: 2x WinTV-2250|AVerTV M780
Case: Lian Li A04B|hec 7K09BBA30FNRX
Remote: 2x Logitech Harmony 300i
Display: Sony 42|Samsung 40|Dynex 32
Amp: None
TV Provider: Advanced Cable Communications
#35
Post
by staknhalo » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:12 pm
blueiedgod wrote:watts3000 wrote:I don't agree for example lets say you are watching some streaming video off of cartoon network and you need to use a web browser to type the url imo a keyboard is just better.
How do you get to the browser when HTPC is locked in "media only" mode so that kids, guests, wife... don't mess with it?
Entry point for the browser via Media Center Studio or the like
-
blueiedgod
- Posts: 726
- Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:02 pm
- Location: Amherst, NY
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Athlon II X4
Mobo: Gigabyte AMD/ATI 785 chip set
RAM: 8 Gb DDR2 800
HDD: 750 Gb PATA Seagate
GPU: ATI 4250 onboard
Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV4+4xMygica Clear
Case: Monaueal
Remote: Harmony 610
Display: 42" LCD TV
Amp: 4X Linksys Extenders
TV Provider: Verizon FIOS
-
#36
Post
by blueiedgod » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:14 pm
If you need a keyboard on your remote, TiVO slider remotes work with WMC.
-
staknhalo
- Posts: 1176
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:26 pm
- Location: Coral Springs, FL
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Pentium G620|Sempron 140
Mobo: P8H67-M LE|M2N78-LA (Violet)
RAM: 4GB DDR3|4 GB DDR2
HDD: 12.5 TB|500 GB
GPU: EVGA GTX 650|EVGA GeForce 210
Tuner: 2x WinTV-2250|AVerTV M780
Case: Lian Li A04B|hec 7K09BBA30FNRX
Remote: 2x Logitech Harmony 300i
Display: Sony 42|Samsung 40|Dynex 32
Amp: None
TV Provider: Advanced Cable Communications
#37
Post
by staknhalo » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:19 pm
blueiedgod wrote:If you need a keyboard on your remote, TiVO slider remotes work with WMC.
That's a pretty slick solution. How easy is it to get it to work initially and remap buttons?
-
blueiedgod
- Posts: 726
- Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:02 pm
- Location: Amherst, NY
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Athlon II X4
Mobo: Gigabyte AMD/ATI 785 chip set
RAM: 8 Gb DDR2 800
HDD: 750 Gb PATA Seagate
GPU: ATI 4250 onboard
Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV4+4xMygica Clear
Case: Monaueal
Remote: Harmony 610
Display: 42" LCD TV
Amp: 4X Linksys Extenders
TV Provider: Verizon FIOS
-
#38
Post
by blueiedgod » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:22 pm
staknhalo wrote:blueiedgod wrote:If you need a keyboard on your remote, TiVO slider remotes work with WMC.
That's a pretty slick solution. How easy is it to get it to work initially and remap buttons?
About the same as programming a Harmony remote.
-
foxwood
- Posts: 1761
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2012 3:43 pm
- Location:
-
HTPC Specs:
-
-
#39
Post
by foxwood » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:42 pm
mcewinter wrote:Edit: And I couldn't hand my wife the keyboard and say "Here! you might need this."
There's that "need" word again.
It's not about
needing a keyboard - it's about a keyboard being a better tool for certain tasks than a remote.
(And you might be surprised what your wife might do with that keyboard - some of them are actually smarter than their husbands!)
-
EmirOfGroofunkistan
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:02 pm
- Location:
-
HTPC Specs:
-
CPU: Intel E6700
Mobo: Asus P5G41T-M (microATX)
RAM: PNY Optima 4GB DDR3 1333
HDD: 80GB SSD | 2TB Hitachi 5K3000
GPU: SAPPHIRE HD 4550
Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV USB
Case: Fractal Define R3
Remote: Harmony 880
Display: Samsung 40" LCD
Amp: Marantz NR1601
TV Provider: Comcast
-
#40
Post
by EmirOfGroofunkistan » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:44 pm
Love the use of the cat for a size comparison in the pictures on Amazon...