You don't get an option with the OS by the looks of it. I can get hold of 32bit if I need it,

Hmm good post Timmy

Considering people generally don't tend to require shed loads of RAM on a HTPC, I really think the use of 64bit / 4GB for a HTPC is pretty much unjustified. The potential head-aches around drivers and compatibility would far outweigh the benefits of 64bit OS for HTPC purposes.

Looks pretty good for the money Stu, but totally agree about the 64-bit OS issue. A really daft and odd choice IMO

Hopefully the HP recovery set will include the 32-bit Vista disc as well, but if not you should be able to get it through HP Support. I do an awful lot of work with HP business kit, so if you run into difficulty let me know.

Steve

Had a look at these instore today and it's only the more expensive one which has the WiFi so I suppose that couple with the other upgrades accounts for the premium.

Still undecided what to do yet, getting some aggro from the boss about not needing it and only just having bought a standalone BD player.

Thanks for the tips on the OS. What are the real life effects of this?

One of the reviews for this PC has a complaint about the OS and a reply from HP that (from what I read) says that MS decide what OS an OEM can bundle with what level of processor.

Standalone BD players are still quite pricey - you could probably fund a quarter of the HTPC by selling it on.

Just a thought on the wireless - I made the leap to powerline networking at the same time I got my HTPC up and running. I was convinced it wouldn't work but 6 months on I'm still very pleased, I've had exactly zero issues with it. I went for the 'HD' branded Netgear ones which advertise 200mbps but that is total throughput so the max is 100mbps - still very impressive and better/more reliable than wireless. Still can't quite get it right in my head that essentially my house's local area network was built in the 1930's

OS wise, I think it's fair to say 64bit versions of drivers and software (where the 32bit version can not be used for whatever reason) are generally lagging behind the 32bit versions. I suppose it depends on what your primary use of the HTPC will be to dictate how much of an issue this will be to you.

My personal goal was to create something that would play HD content including 1080p which needs more processing power than 720p.

On my system (specs a few posts back) under Vista64 all of the most popular splitters and decoders (FFDShow, Haali etc etc) would stutter and give jerky playback on 1080p files - not watchable by any stretch. 720p was far from perfect. Bear in mind I was (and am) adament that I was going to use VMC - you can use the 32bit version of WMP in Vista64 but that wasn't an option for me.

After a wasted week followed by a 32bit Vista installation, the exact same files using the 32bit versions of the same splitters/decoders run perfectly.

Horses for courses is the answer I suppose - if you're not bothered with HD content and can live with the odd driver issue than give the 64bit version a try - I seem to remember PowerDVD gave me no problems playing HD-DVD and BD on Vista64.

I also recall reading many posts saying how bad Vista64 was, then installed it anyway determined to use the 4gb of ram and 64bit processor I'd just forked out for

What about the Dell Studio Hybrids:

Dell Studio Hybrid Desktop Details

Had a look at them in PCworld Dave, nice but seem very expensive compared to other options. Also was worried that the case might make it even more limiting than a SFF case.

Wow £450 for basic model is quite pricey. I'd be worried about case too - particularly for HDD storage and the limitations of expansion.

Stu, please excuse me for questioning your motives, but is there any reason why you're specifying a PC and not something like an eggbox or PS3 ?

Both MS' and PS3 are pretty good media players. The downside is the limited storage ability on them and arguably the more limited codec support in terms of formats - a PC can playback virtually anything provided you have the right codec.

On the other hand, they are plug and play, work, don't suffer from BSOD and you won't have to tear your hear out tweaking them and getting them to work. If you go for a PS3, you can also get the TV addon which gives you TV recordings if you needed it.

On board storage is limited, but you can replace the PS3's internal HDD with a bigger 2.5" SATA one, plug in an external USB drive, or go down the separate storage box (1TB+ storage) which is then accessible over network and you can stream music/movies straight onto PS3.

edit: you didn't pay much for the 550 player anyway and so if you were to sell that on, you could get a PS3 for only £100 more, still have blu-ray playback capabilities.

For external storage boxes, Icybox make a few good ones. I recently bought this 2x drive capable box here and shoved in a couple of 1TB drives in RAID1 mirror. You can then install Twonkymedia and have your content on that, viewable by PS3 or 360 as a DLNA client.

I haven't tried the twonkymedia side of the Icybox as my dad's only using it as a NAS box, but it appears to work well (I have tried twonky and other DLNA servers with my PS3 and they run fine). Also if you have itunes, you can store all your itunes music on that too

edit 2: sorry, just remembered you've already bought the optical drive

Edited 5 January, 200917 yr by tfboy

I'm not a gamer so the 360 or PS3 doesn't ideally appeal, I have looked into it but I think the PC is a better solution. Don't worry I'm not selling the 550 With the 360 by the time you buy the console and then the little add ons that you need the costs soon start to get out of control.

I don't have a desktop PC at the moment, only my laptop so a HTPC will fill that void. I also like the idea of having the full shooting match available to me just by changing the channel on the TV.

I have a specific amount of space available, ie I don't was a PC sat under the telly throbbing away and becoming a feature point of the room. Discreet is the key and hence my attraction to the SFF hardware - Oh and both the PS3 and 360 are ugly!!

if you already have a PC with Vista Home premium on it, its possible to run an Xbox 360 as a "Media Center Extender". Get a 360 Arcade for about £120, stick a lan cable in and off you go, connect to the TV via HDMI for full HD of course. You can also get a universal media remote, so you dont need the game controller connected at all.

I used to have a HTPC, but now use the xbox, you get the full Vista MCE interface on your TV and its cheaper to run than a full HTPC. I use mine to stream music and also Live TV and videos.

That's exactly it Manny I don't have a PC any more, I just gave it to my dad.

I have my laptop which is for general use and also for the car etc, have just upgraded that to Vista Unltimate 32 but it wouldn't do as a media server. It is relatively low spec and of minimal storage abiltiy.

if you already have a PC with Vista Home premium on it, its possible to run an Xbox 360 as a "Media Center Extender". Get a 360 Arcade for about £120, stick a lan cable in and off you go, connect to the TV via HDMI for full HD of course. You can also get a universal media remote, so you dont need the game controller connected at all.

I used to have a HTPC, but now use the xbox, you get the full Vista MCE interface on your TV and its cheaper to run than a full HTPC. I use mine to stream music and also Live TV and videos.

Same here, gave the media PC to my dad for xmas and use a PS3 downstairs for media streaming and an XBox upstairs. All of my media is stored on my WHS in the spare room.

Well thanks for all of your advice. I have taken the plunge, perhaps against best advice, and bought a readymade -

HP Pavilion Slimline s3652uk Desktop PC (FR453AA) specifications - HP Home & Home Office products

I know some of you had the concerns over Vista 64 but I thought I'd risk it. Seemed to be a good level of toys for the money and certainly better than I could have built for that money.

Biggest hiccup with me building one was the case, I got quite miffed about not being able to find something that I liked for a reasonable price.

Good stuff Stu - keep us updated on how you get on

Fingers crossed with the 64-bit and if you run into issues I'd contact HP Support, and see if you can get a set of 32-bit discs sent out.

Steve

It's connected to the telly via HDMi at the moment, wireless is working well.

Overall very quiet and user friendly with the supplied media keyboard.

Media Centre is nice, got some music on there now, just got to get a few of my movies on there and see how that looks.

Oh right, didn't realise you'd actually got it - just thought it had been ordered

Did you buy from John Lewis?

Steve

Yes I got JL to price match Comet, only for about £17 but it all helps.

I think I'll be looking into simple NAS solutions now.

If you go for a PS3, you can also get the TV addon which gives you TV recordings if you needed it.

Sorry to step in onto the OP's thread but i'd like to know more about the above... as i intend to use another PS3 as media player/ streamer (with modified HDD), and did wonder about the above.. my lad already has a PS3 up in his bedroom, and at the current price of £300 with extra's for another PS3, its a bargain.. to have blueray on tap in lounge.. hooked upto my newly purchased Samsung series 6

Sorry to step in onto the OP's thread but i'd like to know more about the above... as i intend to use another PS3 as media player/ streamer (with modified HDD), and did wonder about the above.. my lad already has a PS3 up in his bedroom, and at the current price of £300 with extra's for another PS3, its a bargain.. to have blueray on tap in lounge.. hooked upto my newly purchased Samsung series 6

If you'll excuse the slight marketing-style video, YouTube - PS3 Attitude; PlayTV instructional video explains how it all works You get remote play via a PSP, but not sure if you can remote play the content recorded on one PS3 on another :confused: A quick search should reveal all