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HTPC software
in Technology
I'm trying to plug my laptop into my TV and get an HTPC setup going. The only thing I need now is some software.
Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm attempting to install XBMC, but it doesn't seem to want to. If the worst-case scenario occurs and I have to dump it, does anyone have alternative suggestions?
Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm attempting to install XBMC, but it doesn't seem to want to. If the worst-case scenario occurs and I have to dump it, does anyone have alternative suggestions?
Comments
However I simply just use Windows Media Center in Windows 7 + Steam Big Picture.
Plus I use VLC for any file that doesn't run in WMC.
Footnote: The reason I use Firefox over Chrome on the HTPC is for an extension they have called multi-row bookmarks toolbar. I have a huge list of websites for streaming video, and I keep them all bookmarked in a 3-row toolbar. It's essentially a "channel guide" and it works really well, especially when not-so-bright guests are trying to use it.
As for software I like the feel of standard Win 7 with Firefox and VLC.
One other thing I thought might be useful when I first built the HTPC was a Microsoft Media Center remote (now discontinued), but it's been largely useless. I figured it might be an easy and familiar device for other people to use, since you can just hit the big center button to launch you into a "big picture" mode for your libraries, Netflix, and some other streaming services
That seems to be a non-existent middle-ground, though. People are either ready to use the computer like a big boy, or they refuse to touch it at all. The only use the remote has seen is occasionally using it for pause/play control if it was the closest thing in reach during a movie interruption, but usually it's easier to hit space on the keyboard.
I love playing on Big Picture Mode with 360 wireless controller. It will be even better if it can do voice commands via webcam/microphone.
I actually use the microphone on my webcam whenever I do a Google search, by clicking on the microphone button.
Ro, for the one you linked, there's a Logitech equivalent for about the same price. Wonder if that might be a better option.
It works great, I was assuming that it was going to be spotty because it was bluetooth but I can use it from up to 5 metres away.
I was surprised at how well it works there's even a "ctrl alt delete" shortcut.
Battery lasts for 2+ weeks per charge.
It turns on just by flipping the lid open.
The only time I require a full keyboard is when I'm setting the computer up from scratch or playing games.
I initially wanted to by the Logitech K200 listed above but at the time it was sold out across all of the Australian stores as a new model was being brought in.
Yes it is relatively expensive but so far it is the best remote I've used that is smaller than a standard wireless keyboard and trackpad.
I'm going to check out an Android application (Unified Remote) which allows your phone to be used as a track pad, keyboard and IR remote for all the non computer devices in the room.
Basically, the way it works is this. Your desktop PC with it's awesome powerfulness actually opens up the game. You can watch it being played on the desktop in a window. That window is 1080p, and it captures the video from that window and streams it to the HTPC. It also sends all the audio and receives all the controller inputs. My LAN is gigabit. There was so little lag, I honestly couldn't tell that I wasn't playing the game locally. Even the rumble in the XBox 360 controller was streamed over.
With this technology I think I have to say there is no reason to get a powerful HTPC nowadays. What I'm really curious about is whether you can use Steam on a Mac mini or Linux PC and stream games from a Windows PC.
I do this for any game when I have people over because my main computer is in my bedroom.
I personally still use an HTPC (over something like Mac mini) because I can install all the TV tuners I want and adding hard drive is easy.
If it will work for emulators running on the PC...
I was hoping to play Street Figher on the big projector screen but it's terrible as is most gaming with wireless gear.
One of the big issues is that I don't have my HTPC connected wirelessly so gaming using streaming is terrible.
The FPS I get on the computer running the game is 160, when finally being streamed, it is 24.
It's used just for movie and TV series watching so it doesn't need much.