HTPC

[Jackal]

So I've been setting myself up with an affordable home theatre system...

I've got a 42" tv, I now want to connect this to a HTPC which will give me sound from the Z-5500. (Image via HDMI.)

Anyways, I've got two PC options:

- The Acer Aspire X-1700

- The Acer AspireRevo

Both have HDMI connects, but the x-1700 has more connecting abilities and comes with a wireless antennae. The Revo on the other hand would look quite sleek next to the TV. So help me out guys...

I think both have similiar graphics cards, I just want to be able to watch HD content (x264, HD/BR/BD rips) and that's about it.

Oh, I also have the Logitech DiNovo-mini. While a movie is paused while people take a shit, I can browse the internet...so this is where the wireless comes in handy. As you might notice, I'm leaning towards the x-1700...although the Revo still looks aesthetically much more yum.

So shoot. Dont suggest building my own PC or anything other than the above mentioned PC's, kthnxbaixoxox.

[Jackal]

So hey thanks for the input.

Decided on the x-1700 after all.

[shadowgrin]

Not everyone in this forum is filthy rich to have the knowledge of helping you choose between those two setups Jacky.

[Patr1ck]

I think you made the better choice. The Revo was built for exactly what you want, but now you can use the X1700 for other computing purposes if you wish.

[shadowgrin]

And Pdub just made me look like an ass. Thanks you douche.

[Patr1ck]

Yeah, because you didn't use your google-fu with google, foo. The two computers aren't that expensive at all.

[Jackal]

Not everyone in this forum is filthy rich to have the knowledge of helping you choose between those two setups Jacky.

Haha, I wish. Both of the PC's arent much more expensive than the xbox or ps3 and since I don't game, I chose the PC.

[Drex]

And Pdub just made me look like an ass.

It's not like that's a hard thing to do.

[Jackal]

Okay one more question fellows...

So I've got a PC in my room and the PC in the living room. (Both x-1700's) The room one is connected via wireless and the living room one is connected via Ethernet cable (from the wireless router).

Now I've understood that I can use both the computers (network) if I connect them via ethernet cable. (Ethernet to ethernet.) But...then I wont be able to go online if I'm not mistaken. The computers only have one ethernet in. So how do I go about connecting them (with the wireless router)?

I found this site...but either it's too late at night or I'm just seeking confirmation...so here goes.

Can I run one ethernet cable from living room PC to router, another ethernet from router to room PC and then be able to connect them together?



Up yours btw, my paint skills pwn.

[JaoSming]

that is the reason to own a router, to have multiple computers/devices connected to the internet at the same time
right now i have ps3 wired, 360 wired, ps2 wired, and 2 computers wired, followed by 2 wireless laptops and a wii (wireless)

to file share between them, you can setup "drop boxes" aka right click on a folder and goto properties, then sharing, then config from there

to access that folder, goto run, and type in \\ or // (i forget) then the computer name ie \\livingroomcomputer

[Patr1ck]

I have had major problems trying to network two computers that were right next to each other, with one using a ethernet cable, and the other using wireless, both connecting to the same gateway/router. It would seem that sometimes they liked to share and talk, while other times they just act like the other one is not there at all.

So, running two ethernet cables like your Da Vinci artwork shows is the easiest solution.

[Andrew]

You can also access any shared folders under My Network Places (XP) or the Network Center (Vista).

[Jackal]

that is the reason to own a router, to have multiple computers/devices connected to the internet at the same time
right now i have ps3 wired, 360 wired, ps2 wired, and 2 computers wired, followed by 2 wireless laptops and a wii (wireless)

The internet part I got, that's not the issue here. Both of the computers have internet, the sharing between the two is what I cant seem to work out.

I have had major problems trying to network two computers that were right next to each other, with one using a ethernet cable, and the other using wireless, both connecting to the same gateway/router. It would seem that sometimes they liked to share and talk, while other times they just act like the other one is not there at all.

That's the fucker, the wireless is connected to a wireless network called Sitecom (router name) and the Ethernet connected PC is connected to "Local Area Network" so the two PC's dont see eachother. Hence the question of ethernet x 2 out of router to both PC's would simplify the "seeing" problem.

Drew, I can only do that once the two computers know they are both present. At the moment, they don't.

[Andrew]

Can you connect to the shared folder through the method Jon mentioned (eg \\ComputerName\SharedFolder)?

[Patr1ck]

You can run the Network Setup Wizard on both computers and set the name as Sitecom for both computers and they should eventually see each other, but like I said earlier, mixing wireless and wired networks is hit and miss.

[Jackal]

So got everything connected like how it is in the picture. Tranfser speeds suck major though, so that's kind of a bummer.

[Patr1ck]

How much do they suck? I get around 2-6 mbps between computers.

[Jackal]

Caps off at 2 mbps for me. A four gig files takes like 20 minutes.

It's faster to transfer it to an external HD and connect that.

[shadowgrin]

And Pdub just made me look like an ass.

It's not like that's a hard thing to do.

Stay on-topic. Wise-ass.
Jackal needs help.

[Jackal]

Okay, new question. I miss the Z-5500 in my room, I honestly miss it a lot.

So here's the question, I've been looking at the Sony DAV-F200. ( http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cine ... -System/p1 )

Can I use an optical cable from the PC to the surround and will it play sound that usually comes in brrips? (AC3) Will I miss out on certain sound formats?

Basically the question comes down to can I use them as PC speakers (a la the z-5500's)?

[Patr1ck]

Yes. The digital/optical-in ports will allow you to hook it up to your computer through toslink cables provided that your PC has an optical out port, which it does according to the screenshots I have seen(x1700, right?). Looks pretty good, but if you watch alot of movies with 5.1, you will be missing out if you don't go 5.1.

[Jackal]

Humm, yeah that was one down point, but I am in absolutely no mood to go all out again with wire fixing and what not. (x1700 does have an optical out btw.)

Let me see...still have to buy a ticket to India and Curacao, maybe I just keep missing the z-5500's.

Thanks Pat.