As PC gamers, we’re big fans of Valve Software’s Steam service and can’t imagine life without it. We’ve got a huge library of installed games, all of our friends are on it, and almost every AAA title is released on Steam, making it indispensable. The only “problem” with Steam has been that its interface was designed for sitting 24 inches away, at a monitor, making it incompatible with couch-bound gaming. Valve has rectified this dilemma with its recently launched Big Picture Mode, which slaps a 10-foot interface on top of Steam and makes it easy to control with a gamepad. Since distance and connection issues can get in the way of running your desktop PC on your HDTV screen, we’re going to walk you through a more workable solution. First, we will advise you on selecting a small-but-powerful PC that’s suitable for a living room, then we’ll walk you through selecting appropriate peripherals, and finally we’ll show you how to get it all up and running, ready for Big Picture Mode deployment.
If you’re like us, you already have a desktop gaming PC that lives in a separate room, semi-far away from your television. Here in San Francisco, we reside in homes so cavernous that oftentimes our living room and bedroom or office are roughly 20 feet apart from each other, and don’t even get us started on our spacious bathrooms and ample parking options (this is sarcasm). Seriously though, space constraints aside, we like to keep our PC out of the living room since it’s big, somewhat noisy (despite our best efforts), and resides under a desk large enough to qualify as a studio apartment in the Bay Area. The living room is reserved for TV watching and Netflixing, and the only gaming it ever sees is on a board, typically. However, now that Steam offers a Big Picture Mode interface that can be controlled from across the room, we’d like a dedicated Steam box chillaxing in our living room so we can play some PC games from our couch.
Falcon Northwest Tiki gaming PC
To accomplish this feat, we had two options—buy or build. Anyone who reads this magazine knows the route we took, but there are also a couple of worthwhile rigs for folks who don't want to get their hands dirty. For the more budget-conscious, Alienware’s X-51 has an elegant and amazingly thin chassis that can be had for as little as $800 (it received a 9 verdict when we reviewed it in our May 2012 issue). If you're willing to part with a bit more cash, Falcon Northwest has a new slimline rig called the Tiki that’s just 4 inches wide (pictured above). The baseline Core i5/GTX 650 combo will set you back $1,600, but Core i7 and GeForce GTX 680 are also options, if you can afford it (see our review in the September 2012 issue). Though both of these machines would look great in a living room, we chose to build a system because that's what we do here, and because we have a perfect template for this task: the "How to Build a Small Gaming PC" story.
Click the next page to see how to prepare your rig.
Comments are closed on this article
Schbemb
March 06, 2013 at 12:41pm
...Maybe you've missed the point ... OR maybe I have since my HTPC is going to be pretty darn powerful and not the cheap, low power an HTPC is often defined as being.
I have a PS3, an Xbox 360, a laptop and an ipad. I have a rather nice Panasonic plasma TV and AVI ADM9.1 speaker system and a good subwoofer. My laptop streams audio from iTunes or JRiver media centre to my Airport Express which then goes into the speakers DAC system (since it's a great one and the Airport Express is obviously very cheap with high jitter levels). I use my iPad as an expensive remote control from which to select between my thousands of tracks - with everything at my finger tips. Since I store much of my music at higher than the bit rates you can download from iTunes, I do not store audio on my iPad, there's not enough space. Admittedly I do plan to have everything stored centrally soon.
I'm an keen downhill mountain biker and have a Go Pro 3 HD. I use video footage from this to create films (or try to) similar to those you'd fine on pinkbike.com.
Where am I going with this...?
I'm going to build an HTPC for about £1 - £1.3k, add or take a bit. A one machine does all approach. I rarely play with either console and plan to sell them, bored of fact console games have not moved on for some time. I want this PC to be powerful enough to really impress me graphically (a GTX 680 will do) and powerful enough to edit video.
(I must add that the ps3 is probably the best value media server ever! Free updates, a great bluray player and although games look tired now it's still good for that too.)
For film playback I want to use my TV to it's max which at the moment means BluRay. Yes Warrior247, you have to use discs still (bluray) for ultimate quality.
With all this in mind let's check out your iPad3.
Video playback: streaming from any source is fine. But how closely do you watch your movies? iTunes so called HD quality can be awful, and even where you might have films stored or streamed in so call hi-def, you can rarely guarantee that this video will be in the correct frame rate and will definitely result in micro stutter on your TV. Video playback is not smooth, nothing like watching bluray. Pans, especially landscape pans, can look horrid. The quality does not yet cut the mustard for anyone looking for high-end. With my HTPC I can output 1080 at 24p and have perfectly smooth video, the way it's meant to be seen, on my TV. I can bitstream true HD audio to my system and enjoy sound that's far superior to the compressed files you may have bought (and I have plenty too) from iTunes.
Screen: the iPad screen is no doubt rather lovely and perfect for still pictures and playing around with touch screen games. However, are you not frustrated by the screen drag when watching a movie on it? Apple, as well as many other manufactures, should concentrate on producing screens that can keep up with video instead of going for ever higher pixel densities. It's like watching LCD screens from a few years ago - screen drag! Come on Apple - sort it. Let's get normal HD working properly first before going for high pixel counts.
Video Editing: slightly unfair comparison but let's go there anyway. I use Sony Movie Studio which is fine to control from my conch on my large TV and if I need to get down into more detail I'll use my laptop. Whilst iPads are certainly creative devices I simply CANNOT (there is no argument here) edit 1920 x 1080 video at 60fps on an iPad. And should I wish to do edit something of lower quality a keyboard and mouse is far better. iPad's are creative in a fun sense - but you need a computer for anything even approaching amateur level.
Gaming: gaming on the move - Cut the Rope, Angry Birds, even some first person shooters are fine for whilst I'm on the train so I'll use the iPad. Should I wish to be impressed and need precision control then I'd use a console or PC. In this instance the PC will be powerful enough to run games at very high quality settings at great frame rates. An iPad via Airplay is graphically poor with an awkward control system. Stick to the simple games, which it's aimed at, and it's fine.
In summary, you have some very valid arguments. But unfortunately, if you do value ultimate quality, the ultimate gaming experience, films the way they're meant to be seen, and you want to do something with your computer other than browse the internet and play touch screen games, you need something powerful. An iPad is not a replacement for everything in no way. I have one and it's great at what it does - but accept it's limitations!
Great that you love it and are satisfied with it. But now, stop!
Warrior247
March 06, 2013 at 10:20pm
First, "you" missed the point. I caught a couple of things you said. First, you said
"my HTPC is going to be pretty darn powerful and not the cheap, low power an HTPC is often defined as being"-Schbemb
Then you said, "A one machine does all approach."-Schbemb
"My" HTPC is powerful (and not finished). I said the same things and was attacked for it. But then again the person who did it was completely ignorant as to what an HTPC "can" be. Needless to say he's been owned and dismissed with no rebuttal. Let's get one thing straight about "my" HTPC and hometheater aspirations, I'm not talking about a HTPC that I just watch movies on and stream some music with a 2.1 desktop speaker system. I'm talking themed room, 80-90" HDTV, hometheater furniture (the couch I want is curently sold out), 11.2 surround speaker system (floor standing speakers, w/2, 13" subs) and AV equipment, ect. "THAT" kinda sh!t. So my HTPC "has" to be able to handle any media chores I may need. I sat in rooms like that and let me tell you, it a whole differnt experience indeed. You walk away with a differnent appreciation for your media. You now have Oppo Blue-ray players that can upscale to 4K, 2D to 3D conversion, instant streaming of Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU HD, Pandora, Rhapsody, ect. A frikin "Blue-Ray player"!! It can do what an HTPC can for the most part! A PS3 can as well, it's also one of the highest rated Blue-ray players out there.
These guys have no idea of whats available...none! The iPad is a wonderful device to incorporate into a HT system, and on it's own it's unrivaled as a media machine. Gaming for me isn't just about "graphics". So to say I won't enjoy a game because it's on a certain platform is noobish and stupid. I play a game because I like it and most people do the same. Some of the most addictive games I've ever played had some of the worst graphics. A game's complexity doesn't mean sh!t. PC games are broken right out of the box!! There is nothing more frustrating than loading 900 discs, then trying to play a broken @$$ game. How are those graphics working for ya now?!!
This is EXACTLY why these fools on here get owned so easily. They always want to throw hardware specs in your face, but can't understand why a game like Angry Birds is more popular than Crysis, or why console games look like PC games or that the PC and everything around it is slumping in sales. I never said the iPad was a replacement for everything, but but don't tell me that it can't do what an HTPC can do, because it can. Alot of other things can as well. Arguing against the iPad and then using iTunes is hypocritical. I know that I've made some very valid arguments and it wasn't hard. The "PC" isn't a replacement for everything, if anything it's slowly being replaced.
Schbemb
March 07, 2013 at 12:43am
Warrior.. you made a statement that the iPad is the ultimate htpc. You state the fools on here get oowned easily by throwing specs about.
Firstly, with your system, why use Airplay? Where are you downloading your films from? If its iTunes then you simply will not get buttery smooth playback. The formats vary and big pans are far from smooth. That's on both my iPad and itunes on my pc.
Secondly your gaming points are a matter of opinion and sure if thats what makes you tick then great. The nunber of times ivr played with emulation in the past, downloading games I used to play as child and ended up thinking 'things have moved' are countless. IPad games for me are for the train.
Your claim that pc games are broken is ridiculous. You end up playing a graphically superior version of a console game. My htpc needs to impress on that front and an iPad doesn't. Not in any way. Crysis 2 vs angry birds or an hd version of sonic. Give me crysis 2.
I don't mean to bash apple. I pike some of their products - the iPad in particular. Apple frustrate me by taking everybody to court when they've stolen so many ideas themselves. Why is an iPhone 5 so pricey compared to an s3 which is thought of as superior by the majority of online geek websites..
Your iPad cannot do everything a pc can. Please tell me how I can edit video at high resolution and frame rates and I might just believe you. no tablet is a substitute for a pc. The day we see ipads replacing PCs in film studios, music studios and the work place I will eat my shorts.
Warrior247
March 07, 2013 at 5:13am
It is an ultimate HTPC and to say it is not is a lie. For the PC to do what the iPad can you must upgrade it!! You have to buy the Blue-ray player to get HD, you have to buy the right monitor, you have to buy the camera, you have to buy the video card, you have to buy the software ect, ect, ect! That shit is standard on an iPad! If it's not... there's an app for that! They're cheap or free too!! Also, it's mobile and you can't take your HTPC with you, and that is absolutely huge!! It's connectivity with other electronic devices is unrivaled, Besides streaming Netflix, iTunes is basically the defacto standard when it comes to buying media, the iPad has the ability to control other systems, there are hundreds of thousands of apps and games for the damn thing. It's compatibilty within Apple's ecosystem and even other devices is seemless, whereas the PC has HUGE compatibilty issues.
This was about what the iPad "couldn't" do. So what comes up is streaming...streaming?!! You gotta be shittin me! HDTVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, mobile media devices, ect. What the hell can't stream nowadays, if it couldn't would you buy it...nope!
All they do is throw specs about and think that is the end all to be all, and it's not. Gabe's "stinkbox" is nothing new. He's not inventing shit!! If anything he stealing tried and true console and modile media tech. We've already seen the PS4 specs. If the fartbox comes in under those what are you gonna think about it? It has to be more powerful to make any sense here now doesn't it. He already used the words "powerful enough". Yep, uh huh.
Airplay is a feature and it's a damn good one (isn't Gabe trying to implement something like this in his little "litter box"? Yep, he is.) If you know anything about hometheater electronic equipment then you know that it's being incorporated in the latest AVRs. Why, there is a HUGE Apple user base that's why. Look, the iPad can game. Who the f*k brags about "emulating" Donkey Kong?!! After bashing the console, you "emulate" old ass 8 bit videogames?!! While ignoring games like Real Racing 3 and Infinity Blade 2. PC games "are" broken out of the box...except your's of course! I'm not even gonna beat this dead horse, there are too many forum complaints, driver issues, updates, fixes, patches, ect, for you to even argue against the truth and look competent.
Get off of the Apple hate, it's stupid. It dumb nerd shit thinking that these companies somehow know who you are and actually give a damn about you, they don't. All you're doing is whining about one entity over the next and still buying their products. It's the height of stupidity and hipocrisy. Samsung was just in court against LG for the same-damn-thing! If someone stole something from you would you let them have it or b!tch out and call the police? Exactly... You don't have to answer that!
Why does Crysis keep coming up?!! WTF has Crysis done? It's a mediocre, over hyped, over rated game at best. The COD series, HALO series, Far Cry 3, and Angry Birds all destroyed this game and other games will too. It just launched and it's 30% off at Origin! It's EXACTLY what's wrong with the PC and why I always make my point. All of this supposed power and hype, yet it gets outsold by a dancing game or a 8 bit bird game. It's not about graphics and $1000 video cards. What's also funny is that you say pads won't replace this or that, but what you fail to realize is that they're now right beside the PC doing what the PC used to do. Pads are in the studios and work place, where have you been?
roy2115
March 07, 2013 at 6:39am
Trying to follow your posts make my head hurt.
First, you don't need a Bluray player to get HD on your computer. Just like an iPad, you can stream HD content to the device/PC. Secondly, the video card you alude to has varying costs based on the specs. The iPad's integrated graphics equate to a cheap PC video card. And what's your fascination with "there's an app for that?" Earlier you referenced 300,000 apps, but the vast majority of them are useless.
What I don't understand is why you care so much that your iPad is better than the yet unreleased Steambox. Guess what, I own an iPad 4, and an iPhone 5 and you know what, they aren't the mainstay piece in my "hometheater." My PS3 is used for both bluray and streaming, but not gaming. I game on my PC. Having an option to play those games on my TV would be nice.
And people bring up Crysis as an example. Face it, there are so many more games on the PC that the iPad can't handle...remember, I'm an iPad owner. Imagine playing Civ V on the iPad. I bought the iPad Civ game and it is inferior to Civ V on the PC. I play other Steam Games and non steam games like BF3. None of those games with the level of control and complexity are capable on the iPad. If those games were transferred over, something would be lost in order to make it work.
If you like the iPad for your Home Theater, more power to you. But just because you think it is best doesn't make it best for everyone else.
Warrior247
March 07, 2013 at 11:17am
Well let me see if I can follow your post without my head hurting.
"First, you don't need a Bluray player to get HD on your computer. Just like an iPad, you can stream HD content to the device/PC."-roy2115
Didn't they say they were using discs? So how are you going to use a Blue-ray disc without a player that you have to buy? Then he had the nerve to brag about streaming Netflix and Hulu HD!!
"And what's your fascination with "there's an app for that?" Earlier you referenced 300,000 apps, but the vast majority of them are useless."-roy2115
Hmmmm... let's see, over 300,000 apps and games vs "emulating" Donkey Kong, Tecmo Bowl, and Pac man? Apps and games win big...REAL BIG!!
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=donkey+kong&view=detail&mid=5D7B4FBEDCA0208F34A25D7B4FBEDCA0208F34A2&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR
VS
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=real+racing+3+ipad+3&view=detail&mid=184D39C861E6DA406BA6184D39C861E6DA406BA6&first=21&FORM=NVPFVR
"What I don't understand is why you care so much that your iPad is better than the yet unreleased Steambox."-roy2115
The yet unreleased, unannounced, unseen, and the way it's sounding, unreliable, vaporbox. I said that Gabes is reinventing the wheel and his doombox is gonna have many of the same features.
The iPad isn't a mainstay, but is part of my HT system. And iTunes cannot be denied as an important app in HT! Airplay is making a name for itself too. Along with Apple TV That's a small and very capable system. He also added yet another PC to act as a server. Fine, add a Mac Mini or a Mac Mini server. Here is another company with a "box". Sound familiar? Just add game capability and you have Gabe's stinkbox.
http://www.vidabox.com/
http://www.vidabox.com/products_ipad_mini_wall_frame_mount_features_newcc.php
"And people bring up Crysis as an example. Face it, there are so many more games on the PC that the iPad can't handle"-roy2115
As an example of what? How an over hyped game can get owned by a 2D bird flinging, phone game? There are many AAA games that never see the light of day on the PC! Graphics also vary from PC to PC, and the same games can't even be played from PC to PC. The bottom line is that "the PC" has to be configured and updated, to do what you want it to do. The iPad doesn't. iPad games are made for the iPad and they're good too. I do like my iPad in my HT system. I find it ironic that you use the PS3 as a HT device and not your PC...hmmmm.
"My PS3 is used for both bluray and streaming, but not gaming"-roy2115
roy2115
March 07, 2013 at 2:26pm
"Hmmmm... let's see, over 300,000 apps and games vs "emulating" Donkey Kong, Tecmo Bowl, and Pac man? Apps and games win big...REAL BIG!!"
How many of those apps have you tried? And some of those games you mentioned are classics that still hold up today, better than much of the shovelware on the app store. Another thing, many people play those old games for nostalgia. They might not sell well if new today, which is why a lot of the smartphone and tablet games are not very good.
"The yet unreleased, unannounced, unseen, and the way it's sounding, unreliable, vaporbox. I said that Gabes is reinventing the wheel and his doombox is gonna have many of the same features."
Just as Gabe can't say that it will succeed, you can't really say that it is going to fail. Again, the primary focus is games, not the primary focus of most tablets, save the new Nvidia tablet, the Wikipad, and the Razer Tablet.
"The iPad isn't a mainstay, but is part of my HT system. And iTunes cannot be denied as an important app in HT! Along with Apple TV That's a small and very capable system. He also added yet another PC to act as a server. Fine, add a Mac Mini or a Mac Mini server. Here is another company with a "box". Sound familiar? Just add game capability and you have Gabe's stinkbox."
Would you rather stream content from your iPad to your TV or from a NAS to your TV? The fact that "he" uses another PC as his NAS is up to him. You can buy a NAS without building another PC or you can use your primary PC without shutting it off. You mentioned adding games to what you have already. Are you going to play games on your TV from the iPad? There is no replacement for the tactile feel of buttons. With a touch screen, you will constantly have to look at the screen to make sure you are pressing the button you want.
"Airplay is making a name for itself too."
I like Airplay, when it works. Too many times when I go to select Airplay on my iPad or iPhone, the icon is missing. I have to restart my idevice to get the icon to reappear. Because of that, I am going to start investing in Sonos for my music streaming capabilities. I know that doesn't take care of video, but that's not my main concern since I don't own an Apple TV.
"As an example of what? How an over hyped game can get owned by a 2D bird flinging, phone game? There are many AAA games that never see the light of day on the PC! Graphics also vary from PC to PC, and the same games can't even be played from PC to PC. The bottom line is that "the PC" has to be configured and updated, to do what you want it to do. The iPad doesn't. iPad games are made for the iPad and they're good too. I do like my iPad in my HT system."
Angry Birds is a much different game than a AAA FPS. Angry Birds was so successful because anyone can pick it up and play and have fun with it. But how many other casual games have been as successful as Angry Birds? And there are other gamers out there that play games for immersion, which is possible because of story and/or graphics. PC and game consoles are superior to any tablet for mainstream games. By the way, I built my PC back in 2008. If I hadn't upgraded it, I could still play most games today, just on lower settings. But the freedom of the PC has allowed me to do a few upgrades here and there, like more RAM, new GPU, adding an SSD. How are you going to keep your current iPad relavent in two years after two more versions are released? I owned an iPad 2 and sold it for the most recent. To be honest, I probably should have bought a Kindle Fire HD 8.9" and saved my money.
"I find it ironic that you use the PS3 as a HT device and not your PC...hmmmm."
Enlighten me as to why that is ironic? If I had a PC in my living room right now, I wouldn't be interested in a Steambox. My PC sits in a room we deem the office. I primarily play with a mouse and keyboard, but have an Xbox 360 contoller for certain games. I bought the PS3 when I got my HDTV because it was a Bluray player AND a gaming machine. Well I have discovered that I rarely play PS3 games and do most of my gaming on Steam. So yeah, I'm interested in a Steambox. Those games I play with the 360 controller may be nice on a big screen TV. But still, I may not buy the Steambox when it comes out. We're here to discuss because we are interested in the possibilities.
Again, more power to you that your iPad is a primary piece to your HT. Mine is primarily used for web surfing and video watching while traveling. My problem with your posts is that you are attacking anyone that disagrees with you. I for one am glad that we have freedom to choose, which also enables competition, creating better products for the consumer.
Warrior247
March 07, 2013 at 11:39pm
"How many of those apps have you tried? And some of those games you mentioned are classics that still hold up today, better than much of the shovelware on the app store."-roy2115
Really? How do you know? How many apps have "you" tried? EXACTLY!! You're just assuming. So what happened to the Crysis 3 vs iPad comparison? Now it's not fair to compare an 8 bit, 2D game to a modern multi-media machine? Your hipocrisy is absolutely astounding!!
"Just as Gabe can't say that it will succeed, you can't really say that it is going to fail.-"roy2115
Orily? You just assumed so why can't I? The fact that it won't launch in 2013 means it already in trouble. There are also rumored heat and noise issues, so that means probably mechanical issues down the road. If it's not more powerful than the PS4 it's DOA!!
"Would you rather stream content from your iPad to your TV or from a NAS to your TV?"-roy2115
I don't know, you tell me? You're not doing it. You're arguing about how the PC is this great HT machine, and you're not even close to using your's as one. In fact you have a console putting in the work for the system. He uses a NAS box and Apple makes the Mac Mini, Mac Mini server and Apple TV to complement the iPad.
"I like Airplay, when it works."-roy2115
Well, I do know that the Home Theater indusrty thinks very highly of it and for good reason. Why you're having problems with yours I don't know.
"Angry Birds is a much different game than a AAA FPS."-roy2115
Why? According to everybody here, Crysis 3 is the defacto standard when it comes to gaming. I thought because of it's "graphics" it would outsell Angry Birds. It got owned...AGAIN!! The bottom line is that "fun" dictates whether a game is good or not. Crysis 3 is 30% off over at Origin if anybody cares...the game just launched too!!
"Enlighten me as to why that is ironic?"-roy2115
I already have. It's hypocrisy. Here you go jumping into a debate about how great the PC is as a HT machine and you're not even close to using yours as one. In fact you're using a "GASP!!"...console!!! This is another area where I've argued here about the console's role as an HTPC and was attacked. I'm now being vidicated...again! The bottom line here is that the HTPC is redundant. That's my point and it's been proven. You have your PC set up like "most" people do. In a room dedicated to it. You also said that you want to "buy" a stinkbox, in an article that's telling you how to build your own!! This, on a "so called" PC enthusiast site where everybody [sic] builds and fixes their own sh!t?!! Man this is funny, man-o-man-o-man...bwaahahahahaha!!!
"Again, more power to you that your iPad is a primary piece to your HT."-roy2115
I never said it was the primary part of anything. It's a component and a necessary one at that. When it's all said and done, I will be able to perfom every media function that I need to and I'll never miss another show, fight, or football game again just because I'm away from home! I'll be taking them with me... live!! And you just can't do that on a PC!!
roy2115
March 08, 2013 at 6:56am
"Really? How do you know? How many apps have "you" tried?"
I go into iTunes and see how many apps I've downloaded. It isn't close to 300,000.
"Orily? You just assumed so why can't I? The fact that it won't launch in 2013 means it already in trouble."
I'm not sure why you think it is trouble if it doesn't launch in 2013. Really, I don't think there is a high demand for new consoles right now anway. The graphical leap from this gen to next will be less impressive than the previous gen to the current one. Why do you think console makers are adding other functionality to their systems? My point is sales for PS4 and next Xbox won't be earth shattering, so when the Steambox is officially released, it won't be that far behind.
"There are also rumored heat and noise issues, so that means probably mechanical issues down the road."
The Steambox isn't limited to one developer. This is basically a PC by the way. They'll figure out how to fix it, whether it's one company or the next. See, you as a consumer have choice in the matter. Plus, this article was all about how "you" could build your own Steambox.
"If it's not more powerful than the PS4 it's DOA!!"
Why? We already know that the PS4 will be comparable to an above average PC when it is released. Besides, your comment contradicts your own, saying graphics aren't everything, content is. So if the Steambox is less powerful than the PS4 but has more/better content, it might do fine.
"You're arguing about how the PC is this great HT machine, and you're not even close to using your's as one."
Nope, I never said that the PC is a great HT machine. I'm saying the PC is a great gaming machine, much better than the iPad in fact.
"According to everybody here, Crysis 3 is the defacto standard when it comes to gaming."
Crysis 3 is not the defacto standard to gaming. Honestly, I enjoyed the origial Crysis, but did not particulary like Crysis 2. The mention of Crysis 3 by anyone is as an example of what a PC can do that a tablet can't. I own Angry Birds on my iPad and iPhone. I like the game; it is fun, especially to kill time. But if I want to get involved in a deep engrossing game or I want to be challened online, then I play PC games. This argument is like comparing a blockbuster movie to watching online videos. Those online videos kill time but are not a replacement for a feature length film.
"The bottom line here is that the HTPC is redundant. That's my point and it's been proven. You have your PC set up like "most" people do. In a room dedicated to it. You also said that you want to "buy" a stinkbox, in an article that's telling you how to build your own!! This, on a "so called" PC enthusiast site where everybody [sic] builds and fixes their own"
Since game consoles have started doing more than gaming, your point is correct, that adding a PC to an HT with a console probably is redudant. But some people may want more than what a game console has to offer. Or maybe they don't like consoles at all. Or maybe they want a component in which they will have freedom to tinker with. CHOICE!
"You also said that you want to "buy" a stinkbox, in an article that's telling you how to build your own!! This, on a "so called" PC enthusiast site where everybody [sic] builds and fixes their own"
I said I MIGHT want to buy a Steambox. But I also might want to build one. I'm in no rush, so why not wait and see what the Steambox has to offer? I did build my PC and will likely build my next one. My latest upgrade was swapping my HDD for an SSD. I'm not claiming to be PC expert, but I know how to do certain things. Besides, we're here to talk about whether or not it would be fun to build a Steambox, but instead we have to deal with your angry self-righteous attitude.
roy2115
March 08, 2013 at 6:59am
And with that, I'm done. I'm sure everyone here is sick of me feeding the troll.
Caboose
March 07, 2013 at 9:18pm
Thank you roy2115.
Using a low-powered PC as my NAS has the benefits over a small box NAS, is that I can include many more hard drives than a "small box nas", I can pick the best OS for my NAS (Using FreeNAS running on an 8GB thumb drive). I can team NICs and add additional SATA cards if I need even MORE hard drives.
If I wanted, I could even toss in a blu-ray ROM, and it would do double duty as a blu-ray ripper.
Basically, my PC NAS does a lot more than a "small box NAS" does that you can buy.
And I agree, 100% with you on the tactile feedback of physical buttons. If I play a game on my phone or Asus Transformer, it's a game where I'm looking at the screen and can see the "buttons". I love having a controller in my hands to play games. Feels more "natural".
Warrior247
March 09, 2013 at 4:03am
"Sniff"...*sob!*..."Thank you roy2115."-Caboose
Awwww.. Feeling a little battered and bruised after that moment of extreme ignorance and public forum battering?
Caboose
March 11, 2013 at 8:05am
*yawn*
You need better material. I've noticed as the days go on, your old and tired argument is getting beaten and battered and yet you persist. Why? You are the single minority that is convinced you're right.
Just like a typical blind Apple cultist, you are convinced that your iPad, iTunes and Apple"TV" are the end all and be all, the alpha and omega, of home theater entertainment. Yet time and time again, you've been proven wrong. Especially with the examples you provide.
So, tell me, why do you persist with this closed mind, and clouded opinion that you are right? If your method was the best way, the right way, and the only way to run a Home Theater entertainment setup, then why hasn't there been an article on it? Because it's not. an iPad is not the centre of your home theater. There are better solutions offered by (better) other companies, or even home built.
You've failed to prove, time and again, that the iPad is the "best" for a home theater. Instead you spout off the same Apple drivel that we've all come to hate. You belong over at MacWorld, not MPC.
But I digress. You'll come back with the same old, tired attempt at an insult, and other drivel. We'll sigh, roll our eyes and fail to realize that you're a lost cause, and start the entire cycle all over again.
roy2115
March 08, 2013 at 10:18am
Yup, touch screen gaming can't replace a real controller. That's why companies are trying to produce gaming tablets like Nvidia, Razer, and the Wikipad.
I don't currently use a NAS, but was interested in getting one because I just bought a Sonos Play 5 speaker. It would be a good starting point for network stored music. In your NAS, do you run a RAID configuration (I was considering RAID 1) or do you just have a JBOD configuration.
Caboose
March 08, 2013 at 10:30am
Because this is my first NAS, and I've got a mish-mash of hard drive models, speeds and sizes, it's just JBOD.
I'm running FreeNAS and am using the ZFS file system on all the drives. Works really well. I can set up mirror or striping if I wanted. My NAS has 2 2TB, 2 1.5TB and 2 1TB HDDs in it. One of the 2TB is set up for movies, the other is TV shows, the 1.5TB are additional movies and TV shows. One of the 1TB is Anime/Music/Games and the other 1TB is for my image backup for PCs, data backup and torrenting.
Eventually I want to replace it, or add another NAS that has a a couple RAID 5's and a RAID1 for the movies, TV shows and Anime/Music/Games, then the current NAS would be rebuilt to have 3 RAID1's for something else.
Warrior247
March 07, 2013 at 11:41pm
You just got owned...again! By me...again!! In front of everybody...again!
Schbemb
March 08, 2013 at 12:29am
Warrior. You owned nobody. You sound silly saying that. I'm guessing you're quite young.
Nobody in the high end home theatre industry would suggest an iPad over a blu ray player. And certainly not iTunes or aac as an audio file format.Your comparison of angry birds sales to crysis. Of course it would outsell it. It's cheap n cheerful. If you want a deep, impressive experience you play crysis on the big screen. sat on my train now I will play angry birds.
I'm not sure if you're arguing with me or others but my point is that whilst the iPad works for you it does not meet my requirements in the slightest.
Just tried to watch a video on a news website. Flash. Bugget I can't. Oh well, out comes my cheaper phone to enable me to do so. Thanks Nokia.
Warrior247
March 09, 2013 at 3:58am
"Warrior. You owned nobody. You sound silly saying that. I'm guessing you're quite young."-Schbemb
Yes I did, and I know I did, he knows I did, and so does everybody else. Anybody who would "define" an HTPC or ANY PC for that matter is an idiot who should be ignored. Then, he has the nerve to make THE MOST asinine, and ridiculous statement asking
"Now, please tell me exactly how the iPad 3 can accomplish each of those entries."-Caboose
And those entries were "streaming" and integration with a "mobile phone"!! You've got to have pretty low self esteem to resurface after an outright schooling like that. Damn!
"I'm not sure if you're arguing with me or others"-Schbemb
Arguing with "you"? "You" joined this conversation by your own free will, nobody "asked" for your opinion! Then you tried to instigate your way in with some juvenile rant, "This was aimed at Warrior 247"-Schbemb
You see, this is the kind of dumb $h!t I'm talking about. You start an argument, get "owned", and then try to play the victim! Man-up clown, you sound like a whiney little kid.
"but my point is that whilst the iPad works for you it does not meet my requirements in the slightest."-Schbemb
First off it doesn't have to. You're a known nerd Apple basher.
"Apple frustrate me by taking everybody to court when they've stolen so many ideas themselves."-Schbemb
So your opinion does not meet "my" requirements in the slightest.
"Nobody in the high end home theatre industry would suggest an iPad over a blu ray player. And certainly not iTunes or aac as an audio file format"-Schbemb
Who said that they suggested it? How do "you" know what they would suggest or what circumstance that they would suggest it?!! I also mentioned "Airplay" certification. What's the matter? You can't stand behind the weight of your own arguments, so now you've resorted to making up $h!t?!!
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Elite+Receivers/SC-68
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/
"Just tried to watch a video on a news website. Flash. Bugget I can't. Oh well, out comes my cheaper phone to enable me to do so. Thanks Nokia."-Schbemb
You can't, I don't know why? There's an App for that! Thanks Apple! Nokia? Must be an old @$$ phone. Btw, do Android phones support Flash? Exactly!! Absolutely, positively, MUTHA F*KIN OWNED!!!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photon-flash-player-for-ipad/id430200224?mt=8
Look, you're waaaay outta your league here. You're an idiot, and simply don't know what you're talking about. You don't know the products lines, haven't done any research. You're simply, no different than most of the guys here, you have NO IDEA of what's available... none! Like 90% of the people here, your arguments center around fantardism and product bashing and that's it. It's easy to counter. Dismissed!!
Schbemb
March 08, 2013 at 9:51am
I just tried out some apps on my ipad..
Problem, I can't seem to import my videos easily from my Go Pro. Oh, I have no USB. So I need storage elsewhere to even begin editing my videos.
Oh, but when I do, bugger... it doesn't have any good video editing software. Nothing powerful. Oh ... damn .. nothing that'll even remotely handle the bit rates I need.
Not only does my iPad 3 fail on watching flash video's online... It's fallen back into the crap games only, good for reading the news but not watching it category.
Well done Warrior.!! Wake up dude!
You just got owned by everybody on here who already has an iPad.
Warrior247
March 09, 2013 at 3:56am
"Not only does my iPad 3 fail on watching flash video's online... It's fallen back into the crap games only, good for reading the news but not watching it category.
Well done Warrior.!! Wake up dude!
You just got owned by everybody on here who already has an iPad."-Schbemb
Yes, it was well done, and so are you...completely and utterly done! Yet another proven idiot on the train to stupidville. How many is that now, 6-7? Can't play Flash indeed!
Well done Schbemb!! Wake up dude!
You just got owned by me...AGAIN and everybody on here who already has an iPad.
Schbemb
March 09, 2013 at 11:22am
An iPad 3 can not produce the quality of experience I require for film playback. I need BluRay to obtain the highest bit rates and quality (at least for the time being). Simple as.
Your comment on my own comment regarding iTunes in a home theatre system; what are you talking about? If you demand the highest quality of playback, you're unlikely to be downloading songs from iTunes in 256kpbs AAC. That's the point I was trying to make. iTunes can of course be a part of a home theatre system, it's okay, infact I really like iTunes.. But, to achieve the highest playback quality you're better off using something that allows you to configure your audio property such as JRiver Media Centre. It also has an excellent interface for viewing on the TV too.
An iPad 3 cannot do any of the video editing I require. Simple as, there is no argument here.
So quite simply, in the battle of HTPC vs iPad 3, my style of PC, the iPad 3 is quite literally given a good beating. As have you been on this forum.
[Sits back, TV on, blu ray in ... enjoys butter smooth, perfect video ... and some wonderful true HD audio ... decides to play a game - great graphics, great control system]
[Warrior247 sits back, streams some HD, doesn't notice so doesn't care about not having super smooth playback, doesn't get to enjoy true HD ... decides to play a game - poor graphics, horrid control system unless it's simple Angry Birds stuff of course. Awww ... ]
In your own words - you've been totally OWNED! No go and enjoy your silly little iPad.... which does, I admit, make a lovely remote control.
I love how wound up you're becoming. It's excellent. I can sense your anger. Fantastic fun this. Come back again.
ho ho ho ...
Warrior247
March 09, 2013 at 10:00pm
"An iPad 3 can not produce the quality of experience I require for film playback."-Schbemb
Again, so what. Who-the-hell-cares? This was never about whether an Anti-Apple fantard such as yourself, likes the iPad or not. The debate centered around what the iPad could do as a HTPC and thats it! Basically what it could do against a weak set of criteria defined by yet another idiot who embarrassed himeself so bad that he fled the post!! The iPad passed all of those tests and then some.
"In your own words - you've been totally OWNED! No go and enjoy your silly little iPad.... which does, I admit, make a lovely remote control."-Schbemb
It does alot more than that. That's been your problem, "my words". I made you look like an idiot. Who gives a damn if "you" say that the iPad doesn't meet "your" needs. That has nothing to do with anything at all, but that's all you got. Like I said, you're just another run-of-the-mill idiot who's arguments center around fantardism and product bashing. Where is your help clown? Did they abandon you? That's what happens when the guy with the biggest mouth in the group get's b!tch slapped.
"I love how wound up you're becoming. It's excellent. I can sense your anger."-Schbemb
What you sense is that you've become a victim of your own stupidity. You've been exposed. You don't know what you're talking about, and everybody sees it. What you sense is the fact that you've been made a fool of and that you're not equipped to do anything about it. You've been "owned" and you know it. You were too stupid to know about Flash, and someone else checked your chin on VUDU HDX. For someone who supposedly [sic] has an iPad, you don't know a damn thing about it.
"Fantastic fun this. Come back again"-Schbemb
Oh I definitely will. Anytime I can make someone look like a fool at their own request, I'll gladly do so.
Schbemb
March 09, 2013 at 11:35pm
How confused you've become. I've made a number of points simply explaining why the iPad does not make a good HTPC for a high end user. You appear to have begun the HTPC bashing. I've merely set things straight.
Vudu HDX does appear to be very good. However, it's still has a considerably lower bit-rate than Bluray. Rather than accusing me of not having my facts straight, perhaps you should do some research to imnprove your own.
I don't have an iPad 3. I have a 2. I'm not an Apple fanboy in the least but I do like my iPad. For watching Flash video I did have to download something called Skyfire. It is a completely separate browser and didn't always seem to work properly. The iPad is a very good machine and compared to other tablets demands a premium price for its quality. But finally people have started to wake up when it comes to the likes of the iPhone; the 5 is a ridiculous price for something that's not technically as good as say a Galaxy S3. It's just silly. They've produced some great, innovative products. They should be praised for some of their marketing. It's their actions in more recent years that have annoyed me.
Warrior247
March 10, 2013 at 1:27pm
"How confused you've become. I've made a number of points simply explaining why the iPad does not make a good HTPC for a high end user. You appear to have begun the HTPC bashing. I've merely set things straight."-Schbemb
No you didn't. You used your personal dislike for the Apple brand to suggest that the iPad 3 isn't any good according to "your" personal tastes. First off, who are "you" to say that the iPad does not make a good HTPC for a high end user, when the HT AV hardware manufacturers have Airplay "certification" and iPad/phone connectivity built into their "high end" systems? You sound as stupid as Caboose! "OWNED"
I stated AND stand by such statements, that the HTPC is redundant. Call it whatever you want, just also call it the truth.
"If you demand the highest quality of playback, you're unlikely to be downloading songs from iTunes in 256kpbs AAC."-Schbemb
"My laptop streams audio from iTunes or JRiver media centre"-Schbemb
Soooo, you use iTunes?
Then you whined about Flash Video which you were promptly "OWNED" on. Then you admitted to using it so you've been caught "lying" as well! Now you're complaining about Go Pro video in which you'll be "OWNED" on now!
"Problem, I can't seem to import my videos easily from my Go Pro."-Schbemb
Why not, there's an App for that! As a matter of fact, it's right on Go Pro website! "OWNED!"
http://gopro.com/products/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1Bx_x9K9SA
"Vudu HDX does appear to be very good. However, it's still has a considerably lower bit-rate than Bluray. Rather than accusing me of not having my facts straight, perhaps you should do some research to imnprove your own."-Schbemb
You don't have Vudu HDX or can't even get it. Vudu HDX files are 1080p/24. "OWNED!"
"I don't have an iPad 3. I have a 2."-Schbemb
This is the EXTREME level of stupidity that I'm dealing with here. The iPad 2 screen is 1024 x 768 and the iPad 3 is 2048 x 1536.
http://www.blu-ray-dvd-converter.com/blu-ray-to-new-ipad-3.html
"Just tried to watch a video on a news website. Flash. Bugget I can't. Oh well, out comes my cheaper phone to enable me to do so. Thanks Nokia."-Schbemb
"For watching Flash video I did have to download something called Skyfire. It is a completely separate browser and didn't always seem to work properly."-Schbemb
You're the one that is confused. Which one are you a hypocrite, liar, or both?
Exposed and utterly owned again, this time as a liar! You're so stupid that you owned..."YOURSELF"!! I told you already that you can't stand by the strength of you own arguments, so you have to make up $h!t. There is more proof right there. Yep, just another loudmouth, run-of-the-mill, idiot who uses fantardism and product bashing as his knowledge base. I see you coming a mile away. You're a fraud.
Schbemb
March 10, 2013 at 3:39pm
Okay - let's beat you again.
"My laptop streams audio from iTunes or JRiver media centre" .. YEP, it sure does. But rarely 256kbps AAC. I have some of that, but also a load of uncompressed audio too. iTunes is not bad at all and a great way to browse for music. It's possibly better on a Mac than a PC for playback though ... the film downloads however, supposedly HD, are of dubious quality. Stop thinking that Apple is the be-all and end-all. It's not.. OWNED!
"Problem, I can't seem to import my videos easily from my Go Pro". How would the iPad then edit those 60fps 1920 x 1080 videos. Oh, it couldn't ... see below and I'll explain why ... OWNED!!!
"Vudu HDX files are 1080p/24." This shows your level of knowledge. Do you even understand bit rates?? Just because it's 1080 24 does not mean it's automatically the same quality. You've just clearly demonstrated a huge lack of knowledge. But I'll let you off since your an Apple user and happy to settle for second best. This is similar to Apples nicely compressed HD videos. Poor quality in many cases. The iPad 3 will top out at around 5-7,000 kbps. Bluray is multiples of that and my GoPro video is 30,000 kpbs. So, no, again, ipad 3 lacking in power. Computer NEEDED!! OWNED AGAIN !!
What on earth are you talking about regarding Skyfire. Sure, I've not used or tried to even view flash websites for ages - I rarely use the iPad for anything more than digital magazines and as a remote - but Skyfire was definitely something I tried.
It's like I sad all along. A power user, someone who uses a computer for something more than playing simple games and demands more than average quality, needs a computer. Simple as. There is no argument here.
Goodnight Warrior. Hope you managed to get some Angry Birds in before mummy tucked you into bed. Awww :-)
Schbemb
March 07, 2013 at 11:54am
Quite a few arguments here and its interesting to see what's important to people.
If you want the best quality for video, blu ray is it. Some of the streaming options are good and whilst ive not tried vudu I can see the bitrate is a lower than bluray. I'll try it and see how it looks. Based on the comments made above, it sounds good.
Warrior, if you're happy with your iPad games and enjoy real racing and using the screen controls for other games then good luck to you. As a fellow iPad user I will continue use my ipad for viewing digital magazine downloads and playing movies and simple games on the train.
If your iPad is good enough for you to use as an.htpc that's great.
For me, it doesn't cut it. I want the best. and like many others on here with ipads, that still means spending the cash to do it properly. I need a computer to cover everything I need. And an ipad doesn't cover it all. I should know, I have one!
Lordez4
March 06, 2013 at 12:57pm
What a great sounding set-up! But you said, "...you have to use discs still (bluray) for ultimate quality." Nope. Vudu's HDX 1080p streaming which includes cloud storage of your purchases if you buy rather than rent is every bit as good picture & sound quality as the Samsung bluray player I've got hooked up to my system (but I very rarely use anymore because of the outstanding Vudu service). Both my big screens have Vudu and other video streaming apps like Amazon, Netlix and Hulu+ built-in. BTW Netflix says they are now offering a similar hi-def experience to Vudu but my ISP (Comcast) has not yet made that available in my area. You've given me some things to shoot for. Thanks.
Schbemb
March 06, 2013 at 3:08pm
Lordez4
Sorry, my reply was aimed at the iPad3 fanboy rather than anyone else.. Without knowing that, it looks like I'm boasting. I was trying to make the point that an iPad 3 does not compare to a really good HTPC.
Quick question to you - what's the Vudu HDX playing back video at? 24p? I really notice the stuttering on a lot streamed HD stuff.
Warrior247
March 06, 2013 at 10:29pm
If anyone is a fantard it's you. I like Apple and don't give a damn who doesn't. The iPad is "OUTSTANDING" and THE best pad out there to date. It's media capabilities are unrivaled. You have a really good HTPC? Then why all of this "suttering" you've been getting, maybe you better check your set-up. People give themselves away all of the time without even knowing it.
Schbemb
March 06, 2013 at 3:10pm
Just looked it up. 24p - nice ... Hopefully we'll get that in the UK at some point soon. No more discs !!
Lordez4
March 06, 2013 at 4:37pm
Np. I knew whose balls you were busting. Vudu streaming is butter smooth as long as you have enough bandwith on you internet connection which I think most of the known universe is far ahead of the US. All I've got is 24mps to work with which is actually extremely good in the rural area I live in. That and a hardwired connection especially if all you're working with is the minimum bandwith. Wireless can be shaky with any streaming in my experience. Vudu is owned by Walmart which is persona non grata in some places and with some people. Still a stellar service though.
Lordez4
March 06, 2013 at 12:12pm
I'm splurging on a man cave. I've already got two 55" 1080p led TVs one has a Xbox 360 and the other has a PS3. I already have a older pc not suitable for gaming in place. I also have a Comcast dvr cable box. Everything is running via hdmi thru a dual output hi-def av receiver with 7.1 surround. I was thinking of getting rid of the dvr which I hate for a high end Tivo dvr until I saw your article on the Velocity Micro Raptor htpc. Do you think this is a better alternative to the Comcast or Tivo boxes/pc? And is the setup I envision suitable in addition as a Steambox or is this overkill?
roy2115
March 06, 2013 at 7:17am
So if I decided to build my own Steambox with Linux as the OS instead of Windows, will I have repurchase games I already own that also work on Linux, such as L4D2?
Caboose
March 06, 2013 at 8:23am
You shouldn't have to. When the Mac version of Steam came out, I believe that anyone that owned a copy of a game that had a Mac version was able to grab it as well for free.
dakishimesan
March 04, 2013 at 6:24pm
Nice guide. Just wanted to add, the Xbox 360 controller whether the wired or the wireless version, is far away the best choice for a steam box. This is because Stephen client has built-in support for Xbox 360, Microsoft is really great drivers for it for Windows, and the subset of steam games that do support again had mostly have profiles written specifically for the Xbox 360 controller. It's not worth the hassle of time and aggravation to use anything else.
AtaliaA1@aol.com
March 03, 2013 at 7:18am
I was dissapointed that there was no included info. on setting up your sarround sound with this HTPC. A must have for any "True" gamer.
Caboose
March 04, 2013 at 10:37am
This is for a Steambox. Generally, you should know how to set up your home theater, and how to configure your computer sound options. If not, there are countless guides available on the internet.
sallystudios
March 02, 2013 at 4:41pm
I think this brings up the question "Are two gaming pc's necessary?"
gnslinger
March 02, 2013 at 6:47pm
I was thinking the same thing. I'm planning on building an HTPC, but can't decide if I want it to also be a gaming PC. There's still certain games I would want to play on my desktop, such as Civ 5 and FPS games (unless I could work out a convenient way of using a keyboard/mouse while on the couch). So that would mean I would need to keep two PCs up to date, which would get quite pricey. The other option would be to just have a cheap low-power HTPC and a next gen console to play whatever games I wouldn't play on the PC.
dakishimesan
March 04, 2013 at 6:32pm
I hate to say it, but how about a 50 foot HDMI cable going through the wall from your main PC to TV as a mirrored monitor? This is what I do. The best of all worlds, nearly for free. Then get yourself a wireless game pad and you are good to go.
Warrior247
March 01, 2013 at 5:48pm
An iPad 3 is the "ultimate" HTPC. It'll do EVERYTHING that a so called HTPC does and then some. You don't have to "build" anything. At least if you build it yourself then it's not vaporware!
roy2115
March 06, 2013 at 7:35am
Sorry to feed the troll, but Warrior, how do you justify the iPad as a HTPC when only one person can use it at a time? I highly doubt two people will want to watch a movie on an iPad while sitting on a couch at home when there is a TV right there. And how can multiple people play games on one iPad? And if you think the iPad is *ultimate* for gaming, you are mistaken. It's a fine device for casual games, but touch screen controls cannot, I repeat cannot, replace the tactile feel of buttons.
lordfirefox
March 04, 2013 at 3:03pm
I can't believe anyone replied to this "iTool". He's obviously an Apple fanboy here just to troll on PC gamers.
Does your iPad 3 run Steam? No. It can't. The hardware in it is not supported and it's way inferior to a desktop pc. The hardware inside a iPad 3 is so laughably out-of-date it makes the invention of the wheel look innovative.
Anyways have fun trolololing "iTool".
Warrior247
March 04, 2013 at 6:02pm
"I can't believe anyone replied to this "iTool"-lordfirefox
You did "uFool"!!! What an ignoranus!!
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