Tips for media sharing/streaming

[Aquinus]

Would you build the htpc out of the components I already have? (i5 3350p + msi mobo that I linked)

Yes, I would. I fact I would and have used lesser hardware to decode 1080p video for ~12GB/hr video. Even without GPU acceleration it probably could handle it, but it would be nice to either get QuickSync by having a CPU with an iGPU or a standard AMD or nVidia GPU for video processing. You shouldn't need more than GeForce GTS 720 or 730 or an AMD R7 240 to get decent 1080p playback with high quality (5.1 high profile?).

Or would you build the htpc from the ground up with a smaller case? (keep in mind I want enough horse power in my HTPC to handle LossLess 35gb+ 1080p movies)

35GB 1080p video is high quality encoded video. 1080p RAW video would take up over 100GB, so trust me when I say, I seriously doubt you have lossless 1080p as not even BD is lossless. With respect to the case itself, it make no difference on the performance of the HTPC.

Also, if I were to go with the 1st option, what case would you recommend considering the mobo is atx? I'd like to find a rather small case even a mini one if the atx mobo can fit

ATX boards do not fit in MiniITX cases. ATX boards fit in ATX, and E-ATX boards, but doesn't fit in mini-ITX or micro-ATX cases. For aboard to fit in a mini-itx case, you must have a mini-ITX motherboard and hardware that can fit in such a small area.

See this diagram to understand why this is the case (ATX is almost twice as big as Mini-ITX):

 

[jonathan1107]

Yes, I would. I fact I would and have used lesser hardware to decode 1080p video for ~12GB/hr video. Even without GPU acceleration it probably could handle it, but it would be nice to either get QuickSync by having a CPU with an iGPU or a standard AMD or nVidia GPU for video processing. You shouldn't need more than GeForce GTS 720 or 730 or an AMD R7 240 to get decent 1080p playback with high quality (5.1 high profile?).

35GB 1080p video is high quality encoded video. 1080p RAW video would take up over 100GB, so trust me when I say, I seriously doubt you have lossless 1080p as not even BD is lossless. With respect to the case itself, it make no difference on the performance of the HTPC.

ATX boards do not fit in MiniITX cases. ATX boards fit in ATX, and E-ATX boards, but doesn't fit in mini-ITX or micro-ATX cases. For aboard to fit in a mini-itx case, you must have a mini-ITX motherboard and hardware that can fit in such a small area.

See this diagram to understand why this is the case (ATX is almost twice as big as Mini-ITX):

Thank you for your answers.

Indeed, yes I know that I wouldn't be able to fit my ATX form factor mobo in a mini-itx case. Basically, I've been torn between the 2 choices, because in 1 scenario I do not need to purchase a 120$+ GPU (because I'd use a CPU with integrated graphics) and in the other scenario I HAVE TO consider getting a GPU because the i5 3350p doesn't have integrated graphics.

So basically, it doesn't really come down to which scenario COSTS me the least (because both will cost about the same, the price of a decent GPU to go with my i5 is the same cost as getting a mobo/cpu (with int. graphics).

Which is why I believe it all comes down to whether I want a small tiny case or a mid-size tower. I started looking thru the available MINI-ITX cases (in case I decide to build the HTPC from the groud up NOT using my spare parts) and there are so many of them, hard to know which ones are the best.

 

[Aquinus]

I would just find a cheap GPU if you're fine with the size of an ATX board as you already have plenty of parts to get this going. I would personally use smaller hardware for such a device if it's feasible, but I say this as my gateway is sitting in a mid-tower with an ATX motherboard humming (as it's very much so audible) away in my living room.

All in all, I did try making an HTPC with an ATX board once. I found an "okay" desktop HTPC case for it, but I found that it still took up a lot of room by virtue of supporting an ATX board. I would say work with what you have but if you want to try to make it smaller, you may want to consider keeping the 3350p, replace the motherboard with a mini-itx board, and get a low-profile discrete card for it. You'll want to make sure the GPU has a low-profile bracket as well if you go that route. I could see someone with an i3 with an iGPU wanting an i5 without one. Maybe another member would do a trade to get you that iGPU without getting a graphics card if you're willing to downgrade to an i3 to get the iGPU? Performance wise, it wouldn't make much of a difference.

 

[newconroer]

Other than UPnP providing some quick transfer/streaming speeds, I can't see the need for it if you already have a working home network with SMB or NFS.

 

[Jetster]

Other than UPnP providing some quick transfer/streaming speeds, I can't see the need for it if you already have a working home network with WINS or NFS.

Because you haven't tried it. It organizes all your movies including DVD covers, ability to watch the previews and ability to search by name director, actor and so on. Without adding any space to your hard drive. And it will resume the movies from one room then you go to another and start where you left off

 

[newconroer]

Because you haven't tried it. It organizes all your movies including DVD covers, ability to watch the previews and ability to search by name director, actor and so on. Without adding any space to your hard drive. And it will resume the movies from one room then you go to another and start where you left off

You can do all that without UPnP enabled. Try again.

 

[newtekie1]

Other than UPnP providing some quick transfer/streaming speeds, I can't see the need for it if you already have a working home network with WINS or NFS.

You can do all that without UPnP enabled. Try again.

Who said anything about uPnP? You're the one that brought up uPnP.

 

[newconroer]

He linked a video explaining UPnP in Kodi.

 

[newtekie1]

He linked a video explaining UPnP in Kodi.

Yeah, like 3 pages ago, and not really to display the uPnP function but to show him Kodi. We've already decided the best thing for him is to use SMB/Network Drives.

 

[rtwjunkie]

If you want to use an ATX boards, have plenty of room and airflow, and not look like you have a pc in your living room, you can get one of these: http://www.nmediapc.com/htpc8000.htm I replaced the rear fan with a cougar 140mm quiet fan as an exhaust(I screwed it to the outside instead of inside to allow room for cpu cooler tower heatsink), and put two 92mm fans behind the front grills for intake.

It's quiet, takes 4 hard drives and a BD or dvd drive, and everything stays cool.

 

[newconroer]

Yeah, like 3 pages ago, and not really to display the uPnP function but to show him Kodi. We've already decided the best thing for him is to use SMB/Network Drives.

Great, well one more KODI user is another welcome user!

Let's hope SMB holds up for him in his future setup. It usually does in all theory, but sadly I personally had to turn to NFS to keep local files from buffering over the network.
Anything above 6000kbps starts to break down via SMB on my 10/100 computer downstairs(it works 90% on Gigabit devices).

Fortunately KODI + NFS is easy and works right out of the box.

 

[jonathan1107]

Some of them terms I'm not familiar with:

What's "smb" "nfs" "upnp"?

 

[newtekie1]

SMB is the protocol standard Windows network file shares use.

NFS stands for Network File System, it is a different protocol that can be more efficient than SMB but isn't natively support by Windows.

UPnP is very similar to DLNA(they are often used interchangeably). It is the protocol that PS3 Media server and programs like it use to stream media files over a network. It is also the least efficient way to stream media(but compatible with the most devices).

 

[jonathan1107]

Update:

I've finally decided to make my life easier and have ordered all the parts I wanted to build myself a solid HTPC. I spent above 600$ because I decided to spoil myself a little and decided I'd rather focus on the "PC" part of an "HTPC".

So: I'll be having an HTPC with a cool case to allow for future upgrades should I decide to give it a stronger GPU for either gaming or 4k+ files. I got myself a small SSD and a BIG azz HDD (3tb) so I don't EVER have to deal with wifi lag again or having to run servers which piss me off (because they won't let me fast forward or can't take a 20gb+ file).<

So yeah, now I'll be able to do anything I want in the living room. I'll copy all my pictures/music/movies/tvshows onto my big 3tb hdd and keep a backup copy of everything on my other big external hdd for safekeeping. I went with my mobo/cpu (i5 3350p) and added a gt720 with some ram, the big hdd, the ssd, windows 8.1 so I'm not too limited when it comes to installing specific programs onto the HTPC. Basically I'll be working off of my HTPC at times when I could do it on my normal PC just because I can be cozy in the living room, browsing the web and running some of my favorite programs there.

all in all: very satisfied. spent a bit more money than needed... but then again: that last sentence does represent my philosophy when it comes to buying anything at all. I prefer spending a little extra to get exactly what I want, being that I'm a perfectionnist

 

[Aquinus]

Keep some space open on the SSD so you can install a linux distro that does just Kodi, it doesn't need to be more than 8GB in size. Linux can read NTFS, so if your media files are on the big HDD, then you can switch between OSes and still have the files available to you but if you want a full blown OS you're used to, just boot up Windows.

I dual boot on my own tower for different reasons, but all without a boot loader. Both have UEFI boot records, so I can just open the BIOS can pick which I would like to boot with. I do recommend playing with Kodi, you might like it and it's not like you have to pay for it or anything.

 

[newtekie1]

Keep some space open on the SSD so you can install a linux distro that does just Kodi,

Why? Just run Kodi inside Windows...

 

[Aquinus]

Why? Just run Kodi inside Windows...

You may want Windows to be passworded, but Linux Kodi could be wide open and use auto-login without exposing anything too big. It depends on how you want to figure it, I suppose.
Do you question the use of Linux, sir?

 

[newtekie1]

You may want Windows to be passworded, but Linux Kodi could be wide open and use auto-login without exposing anything too big. It depends on how you want to figure it, I suppose.

That is why they make multiple user accounts.

All my HTPCs that are in the "public" areas of the house are all set up to auto-login to a standard user account and immediately start up Kodi. Yeah they see the desktop for a brief time, and can exit back out to the desktop and do things, but since they are using a standard user account they can't make any changes to the computer and can't access areas they aren't supposed to.

Do you question the use of Linux, sir?

No, I question over-complicating the setup and wasting space on a dual boot when it isn't necessary. I love linux.

 

[Aquinus]

No, I question over-complicating the setup and wasting space on a dual boot when it isn't necessary. I love linux.

My RaspberryPi barely even uses 2-4GB of a SD card with Linux + Kodi. I wouldn't call the loss in space huge. Also, there is no need for a boot loader if the OP installs using UEFI. Once the UEFI record is made, you can boot from each directly from the BIOS. I'm not at home right now, but I will be later. I can screenshot my BIOS to show you what I mean.

I just think that if 90% of the time if you just want a media player, not not keep it simple for that? Also it's a learning experience. Don't forget what forum you're posting on.

 

[jonathan1107]

Indeed, I absolutly Looooove this forum. I've gone from a complete PC noob to building PCs myself and tweaking things related to the OS and video games I never thought could even be tweaked... I mean my other PC gaming friends are astonished at the tweaks I know of and the tricks I've learnt over time...

and that's all thanks to this forum and the reviews found here. You guys are awesome. big thanks for your input

 

[newtekie1]

My RaspberryPi barely even uses 2-4GB of a SD card with Linux + Kodi. I wouldn't call the loss in space huge. Also, there is no need for a boot loader if the OP installs using UEFI. Once the UEFI record is made, you can boot from each directly from the BIOS. I'm not at home right now, but I will be later. I can screenshot my BIOS to show you what I mean.

Yes, but that is 2-4GB vs. ~150MB... If you can achieve the same thing for 150MB, it is a waste of space to use 4GB to do it, especially on a "small ass" SSD like he said he is using.

I know what you mean with the UEFI setup. IMO, that is a worse solution than just using a boot loader. It gets really annoying when you miss hitting the button to get into the UEFI to select what to boot, then you have to reboot and try again. I mean, the same goes for a boot loader actually. It is really easier to just boot to one OS and then double click on the icon you want to use.

I just think that if 90% of the time if you just want a media player, not not keep it simple for that? Also it's a learning experience. Don't forget what forum you're posting on.

Or better yet, set up Windows like KodiBuntu which is what you'd get with a dual boot anyway and just have Kodi auto start with Windows. This is what I do. It isn't like the setup for this is super complicated. Just install Kodi like normal and drop the shortcut into the startup menu.

Why install a second OS, deal with either a boot loader or having to boot into the UEFI interface every time, and waste SSD space just to do what dropping the shortcut into the Startup folder would do?

 

[Aquinus]

Why install a second OS, deal with either a boot loader or having to boot into the UEFI interface every time, and waste SSD space just to do what dropping the shortcut into the Startup folder would do?

Because it's fun and a learning experience.

 

[jonathan1107]

Last question:

For my HTPC I intend a more PC usage then the traditional htpc usage.

I'm planning on having lots of TBs of data stored in there. Would it better for my setup to run say a raid 0 setup with 2x 3tb drives? Or its not worth it?

Will have thousands of pictures, music and movies on there

 

[newtekie1]

If the data is important to you, don't run RAID 0.

 

[Kursah]

If the data is important to you, don't run RAID 0.

This.

RAID 0 is for performance, if one drive has an integrity issue or fails, you just your data. It uses interleaving bits, that means half the bits on one drive, half on the other, but all are needed to interperet your data to the OS. Run RAID 1 for a mirror, which would keep your data the safest if as it will create an exact image on the second drive. You could add a third drive and run RAID 5, which allows for a drive to fail and be replaced without losing data...but rebuilding takes a long time, and depending on what you're driving that RAID with, might not be beneificial to your needs.

You could dedicate one 3TB drive to pictures and downloads, and another 3TB drive to music and movies and so on. That would be the simplest option. If the data on there is crticial, I'd suggest you go simple now, and have another workstation setup where you can play with other technologies such as RAID...otherwise that's like running through a minefield heavy-footed with your eyes closed.