New TV hooked to a Win 8.1 HTPC, setup and refresh questions

[Spike]

Just got an LG 55LB5900 55" for home.

http://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-55LB5900-led-tv

The primary use of this tv is basically as a monitor plugged in via HDMI to my HTPC (specs below) where we stream netflix, amazon prime, media files, etc... from. I also have a simple antenna hooked to it for over the air broadcasts, but we only watch those sometimes.

The question I have revolves around setup, what are the recommended settings for this? The TV appeared to be a native 120hz so I thought I would be seeing the "smooth video" effect but so far I'm not, is that be because I'm not outputting at 120hz from my pc? The HTPC runs an older 5870, can I change that output to 120hz? Does that matter?

Also, what settings are the generally accepted settings to put the HTPC in? I purposely bought a set with no "smart" features as I will be using this entirely hooked to the PC and don't need the extras. So far all I have done is play with the scaling from the AMD drivers to get the picture to fit the screen and set the tv to "game" mode.

I will be replacing the HTPC with the new zotac nano but I doubt that will really affect anything.

Thanks.

 

[Charlie98]

Actually, I just went through this nonsense with a Samsung smart TV... I was tricked by the 240 'smooth motion' refresh rate, as opposed to a true Hz refresh. I posted about it here.

I'm going to guess your TV is native 60Hz... the specs on your link don't show the true refresh, just the 240 wannabe refresh rate. As I understand it, HDMI does not handle 120Hz, etc, so the TV has to use hardware acceleration.

I'll be curious what the others say... I have a number of questions about all this TV nonsense, too.

 

[Spike]

Actually, I just went through this nonsense with a Samsung smart TV... I was tricked by the 240 'smooth motion' refresh rate, as opposed to a true Hz refresh. I posted about it here.

I'm going to guess your TV is native 60Hz... the specs on your link don't show the true refresh, just the 240 wannabe refresh rate. As I understand it, HDMI does not handle 120Hz, etc, so the TV has to use hardware acceleration.

I'll be curious what the others say... I have a number of questions about all this TV nonsense, too.

LG's site does not say much, but every retailer that sells this tv claims 120hz native and that 240 number for whatever marketing bs. Either way, if HDMI only handles 60hz then thats that. I did see a site talking about forcing 120hz from the PC using a number of programs. Link: http://www.blurbusters.com/overclock/120hz-pc-to-tv/ Not sure if thats applicable, but it is interesting.

Basically all I want is to make sure I'm setup correctly for maximum image and that I'm not losing frames if I don't need to.

 

[poofyhairguy]

The trick is have the PC playback at 24hz, which divides evenly into 120hz. Most video content is 24 frames per second, so you force Windows to match that with the refresh rate during playback and you have a best case solution.

 

[Spike]

The trick is have the PC playback at 24hz, which divides evenly into 120hz. Most video content is 24 frames per second, so you force Windows to match that with the refresh rate during playback and you have a best case solution.

Maybe a dumb question, how do you force the playback at 24hz? I use media player classic for watching most of my media files.

Thanks.

 

[Aikouka]

HDMI could probably support true 120Hz at 720p. It does do 3D at 720p60, which is close to the bandwidth required for 720p120 (two video frames per packet of data). However, no one really cares about 720p as a display resolution anymore (for TVs).

Maybe a dumb question, how do you force the playback at 24hz? I use media player classic for watching most of my media files.

Thanks.

If I had to guess, you'd have to use Autochange Fullscreen monitor Mode under Playback > Fullscreen. Honestly, I don't use these settings much as MPC-HC is just something that I use on normal desktops, so I'm not 100% sure that's correct.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Maybe a dumb question, how do you force the playback at 24hz? I use media player classic for watching most of my media files.

Thanks.

Change the refresh setting in screen resolution settings.

Another option with MPC is using MadVR to simulate the same effect without changing the hertz.

 

[Spike]

Change the refresh setting in screen resolution settings.

Another option with MPC is using MadVR to simulate the same effect without changing the hertz.

You mean change the actual windows refresh settings to 120hz? Or to 24? Sorry, wanting to make sure I'm understanding.

I may install plex server on my current home server and use that for media viewing. The CPU in my server is not fast enough for transcoding, but for playing on other windows machines I can't imagine it would have any issues.

 

[poofyhairguy]

You mean change the actual windows refresh settings to 120hz? Or to 24? Sorry, wanting to make sure I'm understanding.

24

I may install plex server on my current home server and use that for media viewing. The CPU in my server is not fast enough for transcoding, but for playing on other windows machines I can't imagine it would have any issues.

Plex server is for serving content to weaker devices. The software you need to play content properly on that PC is Kodi.

 

[Spike]

24



Plex server is for serving content to weaker devices. The software you need to play content properly on that PC is Kodi.

Kodi? Ok, I can look at that. I plan to replace my current HTPC with a Zotac nano and it primarily will be used to stream content stored on the server, plus access all the online streaming sites. Is Kodi still the right software for that? I also want the server to do backups of client machines.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I plan to replace my current HTPC with a Zotac nano and it primarily will be used to stream content stored on the server, plus access all the online streaming sites. Is Kodi still the right software for that?

Kodi is certainly the right software for most of that. My only hesitation is if by "streaming" you mean Netflix and not some pirate feed. Kodi is king of playing off the server, and illegal content feeds.

In the case you want Netflix EVERY HTPC sucks. In that case instead of a Zotac you need a FireTV with Kodi installed on it.

 

[Aikouka]

Plex server is for serving content to weaker devices. The software you need to play content properly on that PC is Kodi.

Plex Media Server will serve the files regardless of the destination. The destination hardware is what defines whether PMS decides to transcode or not. He can use Plex just fine if that's what he wants as that's the setup that I use: PMS + 2 PHT + 1 Windows 8.1 Metro + 2x iOS.

I have no idea why you always push Kodi onto users that mention wanting to use Plex. Either one would work fine, and I think your past experiences are heavily clouding your judgment. You say that Plex doesn't work with large libraries, but I have far more anime series on Plex than you have TV series, and I have no problems with it. Well... apart from the scraper not liking certain characters in names.

In the case you want Netflix EVERY HTPC sucks. In that case instead of a Zotac you need a FireTV with Kodi installed on it.

Windows 8 has a Netflix app. My kitchen HTPC uses Windows 8.1 and I almost always stay in Metro.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Plex Media Server will serve the files regardless of the destination. The destination hardware is what defines whether PMS decides to transcode or not.

Very true. My point is if all your devices can play the content locally without transcoding then Plex is an unneeded middle man. Why even have the server running just to have it always decide to not do any transcoding? At that point it is a glorified media manager, and you can get one of those that doesn't have to run 24/7 to do the job.

I have no idea why you always push Kodi onto users that mention wanting to use Plex.

I don't really "push" one solution over another "always." When people list their needs I make the recommendation that fits it best. Plex and Kodi barely overlap anymore so it is easy to say when one is a better fit.

People new to this field get caught on a term they heard and just throw it out. Everyone does it, I would do it if we were talking about cars. I assume they are here to learn, so I am happy to correct them if they are zeroed in on the wrong thing based on their needs. Everyone has different needs.

You want remote access? Or to play content on devices you already have like a Roku? That is Plex all day. I recommend the crap out of that setup on here when it fits best. In fact your comment caught me off guard because sometimes I feel like a broken record I recommend Plex+Roku so much. Honestly that combo is a better fit for MOST people and I accept that.

But Kodi does have areas where it clearly wins. If you want the best local playback solution on a REAL pc with a ten foot interface that is Kodi. Just like Kodi can't manage a library remotely like Plex can, Plex Home Theater is a poor replacement for Kodi on a HTPC. Heck most of the coolest parts of Plex Home Theater is stuff they have ported back from Kodi like the skins. The only time I am going to recommend someone use Plex Home Theater over Kodi is if they are using Plex everywhere else and they just want one station to be a PC. If the whole point is to always playback on a PC then Kodi is a clear winner. Hence the recommendation for this thread.

Most of the time Plex wins based on needs. And good for them, I really like those guys.

Windows 8 has a Netflix app. My kitchen HTPC uses Windows 8.1 and I almost always stay in Metro.

Sure it had a Netflix app, but that app is:

1. On the Metro side as you admit. Seeing as how Metro sucks for file playback that means switching back and forth between the different Windows sides with a remote which is the definition of pain in the ass.

2. That Metro app is not meant to be driven by a remote the same way say the Roku's Netflix app is. Also the Metro app isn't going to get the development love the app on the Roku or FireTV will because those companies are pushing Netflix as part of the business model. I am all about best case, which for Netflix means a set top box or commercial smart device.

 

[Aikouka]

I think the big difference is that you see Kodi as a clear winner in this situation, and I don't. The thing is... I don't think that Plex is a clear winner either; I think either solution would work just fine. Unless you're a power user, you probably won't notice a huge difference past the splash screen. ...and if you want to use a Fire TV, which is certainly better integrated than Windows, what makes Kodi better than Plex?

 

[poofyhairguy]

I think the big difference is that you see Kodi as a clear winner in this situation, and I don't. The thing is... I don't think that Plex is a clear winner either; I think either solution would work just fine. Unless you're a power user, you probably won't notice a huge difference past the splash screen.

I think that is fair. That is why I recommend Roku+Plex for most people honestly. If you don't care about the experience- just that the videos will play- then any PC is a waste. Just use Roku+Plex.

With that said, for those of us who are "Power Users" the experience you can tweak Kodi to be is far beyond what PMT can do. I know because I used to use PMT as my primary (back when it was the part called Plex) and I hammered on the developers to add in certain features Kodi had. The response was basically a guy like me was not their target market and I needed to stick to XBMC, which I have.

I really don't think OP is a me though, which is where you are very right. I don't even think OP needs a HTPC. I bet OP could get by just fine with a FireTV or even Roku+Plex. But I would hate to assume such things, so I am not. Just putting the info out there.

...and if you want to use a Fire TV, which is certainly better integrated than Windows, what makes Kodi better than Plex?

Plex is going to require some other system somewhere running Plex Server to work. Maybe the NAS/server has the power/capacity to do it, maybe not. Meanwhile Kodi on a FireTV will just play the files off the network share with no other software needed. My experience with the FireTV is that it pretty much never needs transcoding (unlike say a Roku) so it really never needs Plex.

Cool thing about a FireTV is if later OP gets into Plex for other reasons he can switch over on the same hardware easily. It really is a great little box.

 

[Spike]

Hmmmm, lots of good advice here. Let me spell out exactly what I have and what I'm looking for and see if that helps with recommendations. Specs for my current systems are in my sig.

I have a "server" that is really just a windows 7 box acting as an NAS. I also do backups of specific folders from client pc's to the server, but nothing is automated. I was running WHS but after some problems, I eventually gave up and returned to a basic windows box. This system has ~7 TB of space which contains all our pictures, music, data backups, and rips of blu rays and DVD's that we own. There are also some additional media files I obtained elsewhere. I have fiber into the house connected to a gigabit hub, this is run to all the rooms and the server is connected to this.

The HTPC right now is just one of my old gamer boxes. I do own a fireTV stick but I will not be using that, or I should say, I won't be using that exclusively. The HTPC is primary used to play files off the server and stream from websites (youtube, netflix, and amazon prime), but I also use it to game on, both locally installed games and now I'm experimenting with steam streaming. I use both a remote and a wireless keyboad with trackpad, so if software has issues with remote interface, I don't really care, the keyboard is right there. Either way, I'll always have an HTPC, it just may be a Zotac box soon simply because I want the quieter setup.

As for the TV itself, we don't have cable and rarely, I mean rarely, ever watch OTA stuff so I don't usually even have an antenna hooked up. We always use the TV as a monitor for the HTPC, so we work straight from windows. I don't need to change that, but I would not mind an easier to use interface for accessing media files, and it looks like Plex or Kodi will do that. I'm just exploring different ways to maximize my setup and the LCD I purchased.

Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[poofyhairguy]

Spike, I think you are good either way. I think you have the kinda of situation where a lot of things can work. My biggest recommendation is don't spend any more money (like on a Zotac) until you play with a few things a figure out what you like best.

Heck I would try Kodi or Plex on that Fire Stick. You might be surprised!

 

[Spike]

Spike, I think you are good either way. I think you have the kinda of situation where a lot of things can work. My biggest recommendation is don't spend any more money (like on a Zotac) until you play with a few things a figure out what you like best.

Heck I would try Kodi or Plex on that Fire Stick. You might be surprised!

Sounds good, I'll give both a try. Plex has some appeal since it would be cool to play files on our tablets/phones, but my win 7 box does not have the CPU power to do that. I will be getting the zotac, it's only $150 as I have the other parts I need and another win 8 key, and we want the silent PC down there. I could then use the e8400 in the server, though that still would not transcode all that well.

 

[mw8t]

You won't go wrong with Kodi. Set it up right and you are laughing.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Sounds good, I'll give both a try. Plex has some appeal since it would be cool to play files on our tablets/phones, but my win 7 box does not have the CPU power to do that. I will be getting the zotac, it's only $150 as I have the other parts I need and another win 8 key, and we want the silent PC down there. I could then use the e8400 in the server, though that still would not transcode all that well.

That might work actually. An e8400 should be able to get it done!

Give Plex a try first.

Confirmation that works:

https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/ar...kind-of-CPU-do-I-need-for-my-Server-computer-

 

[Spike]

That might work actually. An e8400 should be able to get it done!

Give Plex a try first.

Confirmation that works:

https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/ar...kind-of-CPU-do-I-need-for-my-Server-computer-

looks like it's right there, e8400 shows as 2167 score and they recommend 2000 for a single 1080 transcode stream. I could always OC it as well...

Hmmmm, looks like I have some tweaking ahead of me.

As for the TV/HTPC settings, you still think setting the refresh rate in windows to 24 makes sense?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Yup, I think it makes sense on a 120hz tv. Kodi or Plex should do it automatically with the right settings so no digging in the control panel.

 

[Spike]

Yup, I think it makes sense on a 120hz tv. Kodi or Plex should do it automatically with the right settings so no digging in the control panel.

Perfecto, thanks for all the help! We are headed on vacation tomorrow, but when I get back, I'll be giving both a try and seeing what works the best.

 

[poofyhairguy]

If you need any more help let us know!