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OK, you've got a HTPC...how do you control it?

MichaelD

MichaelD

Lifer
OK, my furniture gets here soon; I'll be setting up my HT gear...finally! 😎

Instead of loading 300 CDs into my CD Changer, I'm thinking about building a HTPC and playing my MP3s' instead.

How am I supposed to control the thing? There's no remote...I'd need a monitor to see what's going on...unless I take the videocard out into an input on my reciever to display on the TV, right?

Educate me, please.
 
OK, I've seen the small LCD displays. Matrix Orbital makes them. I was thinking about putting one in my yet-to-be-built A64 rig, in fact. 😎

But what's this remote you speak of? What? Where? How? Etc.
 
You can get a PC remote or even an IR reciever that can work off a universal remote (IRMan). Use Girder or IRAssistant to make the remote do anything you want it to. And you'd really do well to use the TV out to monitor things, you'll probably want to use the HTPC for more than just mp3's. Go to the HTPC forum at www.avsforum.com and start reading.
 
I've heard of software for Palm devices to control car mp3 players over IR, so I'm guessing the hardware/software is out there. 🙂

I've seen a couple of remotes for PCs, but can't remember details off hand.
 
Could you just burn them all the DVD and create a menu and/or chapters? You could even buy a $40 or so DVD player and dedicate it to audio. An MP3 is, what, 5MB and a DVD holds, what, 4.7GB so that's 1,000 songs. If you got more than that, you filthy filthy pirate, then pick your favorite 1,000 and alphabetize them by artists.
 
Ahem, that's Mister Filthy Pirate to you. Yarrrrgh! 😉

Thanks for the info, fellas. I will check out the AVSforums. Already a member there. 🙂
 
DVD players do not play mp3 from a DVD, just CD. At least 99% of them. Just buy an iPod and plug it into your reciever...
 
1. Get a video card with TV-out
2. Get a wireless keyboard and mouse combo and/or remote (here's one for $5.90! http://www.x10.com/techliving1/index_lola.htm)

Now you can play any type of audio file, display sweet visualizations on your TV while they play, play any type of video file, stream video from other computers on your network, file up the occasional game, etc. etc. etc.
 
Originally posted by: Dantzig
1. Get a video card with TV-out
2. Get a wireless keyboard and mouse combo and/or remote (here's one for $5.90! http://www.x10.com/techliving1/index_lola.htm)

Now you can play any type of audio file, display sweet visualizations on your TV while they play, play any type of video file, stream video from other computers on your network, file up the occasional game, etc. etc. etc.
Click to expand...

/scratches head

Now why didn't I think of that? 😕 ScrapSilicon, thanks for your linkage as well. 🙂

This is becoming a viable idea! (I know....welcome to 2001 😛 )
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Could you just burn them all the DVD and create a menu and/or chapters? You could even buy a $40 or so DVD player and dedicate it to audio. An MP3 is, what, 5MB and a DVD holds, what, 4.7GB so that's 1,000 songs. If you got more than that, you filthy filthy pirate, then pick your favorite 1,000 and alphabetize them by artists.
Click to expand...

do a big server using either wifi or cat5 ..big harddrives are your friend 🙂 ..you are welcome on the link..that site is currently offering $2.99 shipping 😉Aria and some comments
 
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Could you just burn them all the DVD and create a menu and/or chapters? You could even buy a $40 or so DVD player and dedicate it to audio. An MP3 is, what, 5MB and a DVD holds, what, 4.7GB so that's 1,000 songs. If you got more than that, you filthy filthy pirate, then pick your favorite 1,000 and alphabetize them by artists.
Click to expand...

do a big server using either wifi or cat5 ..big harddrives are your friend 🙂 ..you are welcome on the link..that site is currently offering $2.99 shipping 😉Aria and some comments
Click to expand...

I saw that review a little while ago...I think it was over in C&C. Best case review EVER. Lots of pics...I felt like I was the one taking the pics b/c that's the kind of pics I like to see. 🙂
 
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