The ultimate Home-made settop box!!?!!

[Mahdi]

I've been renting dvd and converting it to Divx, and burning on cd for quiet some time. I have at least 20 movie in a 2-cd divx format. I wanna build a set-top box like mini computer next to the TV and PS2 to play all the movies I have at my computer.

My planned-but-changable setup would be
1. shuttle sv24 barebone
2. a cheap pioneer dvd
3. a 80-100G HDD
4.*** a sigma designs X-card . Divx-decoder card with remote comtrol. http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/xcard.htm

but then there are no room for a 802.11b / 802.11a(for future-ref) card for streaming video from my main computer

I know anandtech reader are most knowledgable about hardware
I'm asking are there any better setup for something like this?????

We can keep this thread alive, and see if there are better ideals.

 

[jiffylube1024]

I don't think the mods will like this one too much...

 

[bevancoleman]

The biggest issue with the Hollywood cards is that you wont have a menu to see what you are foing unless you have a monitor attached as well. If you have TV out on the video card as well you can get a video switching box (auto is best) to switch between the video card and the Hollywood.

 

[Mahdi]

Oh, that's right. The video switching box is good idea. Not only that, I can use both component and S-video, and have two outputs, then switch between in the TV.

ALSO, I just found out the SS50 is about to come out, same with SV24, but p4 powered, DDR ram, two pci, which makes ths box even more flexible. Hardware T&L. With a blk logitech optical keybd and mouse combo, 802.11b. This is gonna be sweet. Not only for divx, stream the mp3, and play counter strike on TV.

The only think is the cost, and I am just wondering if we build it instead with the mini-mobo.

Any thought on that?

P.S. why the mod wouldn't like this, it's all phuckin video-related. if u dunno wut I'm talkin about, u better goto a newbie site and learn.

 

[jiffylube1024]

<< P.S. why the mod wouldn't like this, it's all phuckin video-related. if u dunno wut I'm talkin about, u better goto a newbie site and learn.
>>



LOL easy there. I just figured it wouldnt go down too well, and you'd have to rephrase your query somewhat. Anyway, just take it easy, I was trying to give you a heads up (looks like that blew back in my face). Anyway gl getting your rig all set up.

 

[bevancoleman]

<< I've been renting dvd and converting it to Divx, and burning on cd for quiet some time. I have at least 20 movie in a 2-cd divx format. >>


Can't you hear to choppers???? (que matrix music) Thats the RIAA coming for you......



<< Oh, that's right. The video switching box is good idea. Not only that, I can use both component and S-video, and have two outputs, then switch between in the TV.

ALSO, I just found out the SS50 is about to come out, same with SV24, but p4 powered, DDR ram, two pci, which makes ths box even more flexible. Hardware T&L. With a blk logitech optical keybd and mouse combo, 802.11b. This is gonna be sweet. Not only for divx, stream the mp3, and play counter strike on TV.

The only think is the cost, and I am just wondering if we build it instead with the mini-mobo. >>


Hmm cost is upto you, if you starting going for P4 and games etc... the noise will rise as you put in bigger fans and you have to ask your self if you should simply get a console (though they can't play DivX).

That said, I was playing GP3 on a C 800 with a FF wheel with a raching chair (chair in a frame for the wheel and pedals) and I would saw it looked as good as the equiv game on the PS2 (I was trying to find where the console was hiden before I realised it was a PC ). So how you go is upto you

 

[RedWolf]

"renting dvd and converting it to Divx"

The mods would probably consider this pirating. That is why the probably won't care for it. Jiffy's post was simply a way of telling you that you might want to edit your post. I doubt they'll be overjoyed at the way you express yourself to a senior member either.

 

[gregor7777]

Do what I do:

I have a 2.4Ghz Wireless Transmitter that recieves it's video out from my Radeon 8500, and it's audio from my Game Theatre XP and transmits to a 2.4ghz wireless reciever that's next to my TV. I can move the reciever to any tv in the house, or when I get more money, just buy more recievers. I have the x-10 modules that cost under $100. They also come with a remote if you buy the DVD kit.

I started using these only after I built a set top box and found that I would rather upgrade my encoding box that have a sub par set top.

I fully recommend this setup if you'd like to save a few bones.

 

[MrPG]

I've been thinking about this too, i try to up some pictures...

mine is a bit elaborate...

i'd get a slim vcr case.. hollow it out.. get a pc104 board (computes the site of 5 1/2 drivers) ... with a celeron and a with serial to lcd display, mounted behind tinted ceramics glass front. with a infrared port... running ce or linux.. with a vcd player what i'm doing is working with some guys.. to embed this so i don't have to go throught bootup... just pwer on straight a custom front end...

it'll have a embedded smb server ftp server and working on snmp... a bit too much but hey

plut to put in a extra ide controller so i can have 1 dvd toshiba slim drive... for laptops... modded a bit and 7 HDs


probably gonna use linux so i can stripe all the drives as 1 big drive..

 

[gregor7777]

Good lord......

Is that thing turbocharged? /Insert line from My Cousin Vinny

 

[DaveSimmons]

Anyone interested in a set-top PC should also look at the $189 MSI MS-6215T barebones (Newegg > barebones) with TV-out and 2 PCI slots. It should work for playback as-is, and for recording if you put in a PCI ATI all-in-wonder or capture card.

The SV24 is (from reviews) fairly noisy unless you replace the case & power supply fans, and the audio is supposed to be mediocre. Unfortunately I haven't found any reviews of the the MSI to see how noise & AV out compare.

 

[Auric]

The Sigma cards are redundant and limit functionality. Plus, the MPEG-4 ones are costly. Better to use an el-cheapo Radeon for its stellar quality and ability to use the TV as sole display. Stick with Soundblaster Live! for analog/digital audio output which is also el-cheapo and unbeatable. As a bonus it is great for MAME

The remote takes more effort but is not difficult or expensive.

Also, though you did not mention wanting to use it, the TVO on those Shuttle boards is crizap.

 

[DanFungus]

you must be stupid to tell the world about this, that you are illegally pirating movies....

 

[dummy2001]

Yeah, just as a point of information, there was a time when the MPAA or whoever successfully prosecuted individuals for copying movies on their vcr's to make examples. Eventually the courts wised up (when judges bought vcr's!) and ruled home use is legal. The point is, Hollywood doesn't show any sign of having learned anything, they've been in congress lately pushing to cripple computer technology on this. So I wouldn't post notes in Salem asking for tips on making witches brew.