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Update: 2018.04.01 New Machine Build Socket FM3+
Update: 2018.04.01 New Machine Build Socket FM3+
//I am in the process of creating a new media machine. Primary consideration Cost and ability to run
//"MPprogs" media software. It is intended for use as a media display device for a HDTV and HiFi.
// This hardware combination I have tested numerous times with Win7 to create a media machine
// This Mobo has HDMI and uses the AMD AM3+ chip which I have had good results with $60.
// There are 6SATA ports, onboard Audio, and HDMI output.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813145049&ignorebbr=1
// This 3.8 gh quad core is sufficient for video and audio playback $60
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=9SIA24G4EF6316
// We always install an OS SSD for the Operating System and Programs $40
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226876&ignorebbr=1
//I have used Corsair 450's for some time and only had a problem once and they took care of it $30
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139201
//I have used this memory a lot recently. $60
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231485
//So as you can see around $200 is the cost making it competative with even the "Rasperry Pi". With
// hardware above you have everything you need to bench test. Install OS, Mobo drivers, Klite codecs, DirectX9.0,
// MPprogs and MPdemo. At this point you want to //connect to an HDMI and an AUDIO amp. and test various media
//types using MPprogs17. Once you have confirmed //you have a working machine you can install the various //components in a case. This avoids having to remove defective hardware.
// To this I will add 3-4 bay case, at least 1 CRU dataport (2 Better), an optical drive, and perhaps a card reader.
GS2018.05.01
Update: 2016.12.18 New Machine Build Socket FM3+
Update: 2016.12.18 New Machine Build Socket FM3+
My main machine have been working faithfully for 5 years now but I wanted to see what the newest generation of hardware has to offer. I should note that after updating several machines to Windows 10 and using this for several months we have now returned all machines to Windows 7.
I have used AMD CPU's exclusivly for many years now and I cannot speak to any experience with Intel other than I find the prices intimidating. My present machine is a AMD fm2 socket chip. I refrained from going to the Kalvari fm2+ chip because very few MOBO's supported this chip until the bios was updated. This was complicated by the "Catch 22" that you have to update the bios with a fm2 chip before installing the Kalvari. The newest am3+ chip and MOBO seem compatible without any update.
Here is the hardware I used:
MOBO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128565
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113287
Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226677
also added -
three Dataport Frames
three 2TB 3.5" drives - one internally and two Drives in Dataports.
a Card reader with 20pin USB3.0 connector
This high end machine priced out a little over $600.
I bench tested the hardware and had it up and running in less than an hour. Installed the OS and was encouraged that I had a working machine. I had a case and power supply I had purchased some time ago and had never used. I assembled the machine in a few hours and started the long process of teaching it to do my work. I install OS and all programs to a small inexpensive SSD Drive ($40). This is the most cost effective performance improvement that can be made to any machine over using a mechanical drive. The performance difference is significant.
Update:2017.01.12 Encouraged by the performance of this machine I am building two more for friends.
1 x ($74.99) AMD FX-4300 Vishera Quad-Core 3.8GHz (4.0GHz) Socket AM3+ 95W FD4300WMHKBOX Desktop Processor
1 x ($59.99) GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-USB3 (rev. 6.0) AM3+ AMD 760G + SB710 USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
1 x ($52.99) G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL
1 x ($39.99) Mushkin Enhanced ECO2 2.5" 60GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MKNSSDEC60GB
1 x ($38.99) CORSAIR VS Series VS400 (CP-9020117-NA) 400W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS WHITE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
1 x ($29.99) APEX PC-389-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
1 x ($19.49) LITE-ON DVD Burner 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X
To this I usually add several Dataports populated with 2TB drives currently. The case above only has three 5.25" bays which only allows for a DVD drive and two Dataports. I like to have three Dataports. As I have said many times "Never save data to C:".
CRU-DataPort 3 SATA Removable Hard Drive Enclosure (8430-5000-0500)
Sometimes I install a 2TB Master data drive internally which I backup often to the Dataports with 2TB drives also. We have found presently the 2TB drive to be the sweet spot in hard drives considering cost, reliability, availability, and a manageable backup time of 5 hours.
Since I do a lot of camera work I like to have a USB card reader preferably connected to the MOBO through a 21 pin USB 3.0 connector.
About Data Storage: 2017.04.10
About Data Storage: 2017.04.10
There are many types of storage available from cloud to usb devices presently but without going into a detailed list of the pros and cons of each I here recommend what I feel is the best alternative 2017.
3.5" 7200rpm SATA3.0 drives are presently the standard of the industry
3.5" 7200rpm SATA3.0 drives are presently the standard of the industry
with data centers using them by the millions for storage. This demand causes the price on these drives to be very competitive about $25 a terabyte. We presently use 2TB drives which take about 5hours to mirror. Each MASTER drive also has two backups.
SATA3 drives
provide the fastest transfer rate of all types of devices.
Connect directly to the SATA rather than the USB
provide the most bang/$
https://www.goharddrive.com/Hitachi-Ultrastar-2TB-SATA-3-0Gb-s-Hard-Drive-p/g01-0770.htm
We have had very good results with these re certified drives much better than brand new WD drives.
These are mechanical devices and all mechanical devices eventual fail. For this reason we have our data on THREE drives, Master, Master_bak1, and Master_bak2. This avoids any problem that might occur while backing up the Master. Like drive failure where the Master is rendered unreadable and the copy incomplete. We have had this happen and fortunately had a backup safe on the shelf.
About CRU Dataports -
About CRU Dataports -
We have over 50 of these in use presently and have used them for many years without a single problem.
3.5" SATA drives can be installed internally of course, but a better solution is a CRU Dataport which is available for about $30.
3.5" SATA drives can be installed internally of course, but a better solution is a CRU Dataport which is available for about $30.
I like to have two of these Dataport frames in each machine minimally so that I can mirror Dataports to each other. I like to have an extra cartridge that I can at any time insert a bare SATA drive for access which is much superior to using drive Docks even those using ExSATA.
TV - On your Desktop
TV - On your Desktop
This allows you to use your HTPC as a DVR. I frequently record my Dish DVR to my HTPC.
My machines frequently contain hardware and software to display my Dish programming to the desktop. I achieve this by running a coaxial output of my Dish receiver to a VCR which acts as a RF modulator to convert the signal to y/c and audio. I am presently using a Startech USB video capture device which on several previous occasions was a nightmare to install. This time however Windows automatically found the drivers and installed them. Apparently Startech has updated their online software. I plug the VCR into the Startech capture device and execute \MPprogs\MPshowTV.exe and I have broadcast TV on my desktop. There is capture software called Stoik which is free. It is a little primitive but works well with the Startech card. These captures are limited to NTSC quality (640x480).
This device has proven to work quite well with both MPshowTV, Vegas and Stoik capture software.
Update 22017.04.08 I have recently purchased this $8 NTSC capture device. This hardware is not compatible with MPshowTV but the included software seems adequate for watching TV although flawed.
Update 22017.04.08 I have recently purchased this $8 NTSC capture device. This hardware is not compatible with MPshowTV but the included software seems adequate for watching TV although flawed.
This review is from: Portable USB 2.0 Video & Audio Capture Card Adapter Composite RCA Input for TV DVD VHS
Pros: Through the years I have used numerous NTSC capture devices including ATI, Kworld and Startech so for $8 i had to give this a try. The primary advantage of this device over the Startech device is cost - only $8. For watching TV on your desktop it is adequate. The high end capture resolution is 720x480 which seems no batter that the Startech 640x480.
Cons: I wish the device were compatible with a broad range of programs (like Vegas) rather than being tied to the Honestech software. This hardware is not compatible with MPshowTV, Stoik, or Vegas but the included software seems adequate although flawed.
For Example: The install splash screen comes up with the MessageBox "OK" behind the splash screen. As the splash screen is disabled by the MessageBox the splash screen cannot be moved or minimized even if you realize there is an "OK" that must be clicked that is not visible. As a programmer I have had to solve this problem frequently and I know how to bring the MessageBox to the front from the task bar so I can select "OK". Not many users are going to figure this out.
I have noticed numerous programs suffer from this anomaly. The splash screen should not be implemented until after "OK" is clicked as I know of no way to ALWAYS have a MessageBox on top. Programmers never seem to check their install procedures sufficiently me included.
Other Thoughts: If money is a consideration this is a winner and for just watching TV on your Desktop the view screen is clean and quite nice with controls revealed on a RB click. The ugly (too busy) control interface can be minimized to the task bar. I am wondering if their are some command line arguments for Honestech to minimize the control interface.
The primary advantage of this device over the Startech device is cost - only $8. I wish the device were compatible with a broad range of programs (like Vegas) rather than being tied to the Honestech software . For this reason I find the Startech device preferable.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1GK3542771
NTSC and HDTV
NTSC and HDTV
This is probably an appropriate place to discuss NTSC. NTSC was the standard for TV images from the beginnings of TV to the Introduction of HDTV. The image is 520 lines high with 40 lines dedicated to the VBI (Vertical blanking interval) so the actual image is only 480 lines high. But this image is interlaced and every other line in the display is faked so the real resolution is 480/2 = 240. But now lets say the screen is showing a movie that is letter boxed this could further reduce the image resolution to less than 180 lines. This is a very poor quality image by today's standards.
NTSC Audio Capture
NTSC Audio Capture
I have through the years used many NTSC capture devices and one thing I know for sure is you should not route your audio to the capture device. Instead route the audio directly to the "Line In" of your computers sound device. Much better audio is achieved and a sync problem is avoided.
High res capture from Dish
High res capture from Dish
I have investigated various methods trying to capture HDMI or Y/C 1920x1080 from Dish but do to the encoding used by them I have not been able to capture in HDTV resolution but NTSC works without problem. A USB drive used to store Dish DVR captures is formatted to some sort of Linux format and cannot be read by a Windows machine. I have been able to read one of these disks with my Linux virtual machine but was unable to access the video files. I am not an experienced Linux user and it is my understanding that even experienced Linux users have not been able to read the video files as they are encoded. I am sure someone very soon will have a HDMI capture device that works reliably which is not the case presently 2017.01.11
FYI 2017.02: I recently investigated connecting to our local cable service. I found the receivers they use no longer have an NTSC output and would require a RF modulator to get to NTSC for a capture card. Still cant capture HDMI.
About Mice - 2017.01.01
About Mice - 2017.01.01
Wired -
Wired -
The wired mouse is without a doubt the most reliable and precise of the rodent control devices but for the HTPC environment the wire is intolerable..
RC
RC
https://www.tinydeal.com/24ghz-1600dpi-wireless-optical-mouse-mice-p-10528.htmlI
have experimented with many RC mice but I have now found one that works so well I have ended my search and buy this mouse exclusively. I have now purchased over 50. It has a better range than any of my Bluetooth devices. It requires no software. Is quite accurate on a 1080p screen. It uses only a single AA battery. Works on any OS. AND only costs $4 !! I figure these mice are throw away items if they get dirty or begin to malfunction. These mice work on a variety of materials like a magazine or even your pant leg. I use it in bed to watch movies as it works on my blankets. I can also carry it beyond the view of the monitor and still control the media playback.
On the downside each unit is paired with its own transceiver do not confuse them a mouse and its transceiver must be paired. Therefor you must plug in the transceiver for each mouse unlike Bluetooth which allows many devices to be handled by one transceiver. Its a lot flatter feeling than most mice takes a little getting used to. The biggest drawback is they must be ordered from China which takes about 6 weeks. Hint only order three at a time as large orders are flagged by customs making things really slow.
Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth Devices
I have only recently started experimenting with Bluetooth. I have now used four different mice, two keyboards, two headphones, and used two transceivers
Transceivers
Transceivers
My Netbooks have Blutooth hardware but my desktop machines required the addition of a Bluetooth transceiver. Initially I purchased 3 Trendnet transceivers. After using these for a month or so with a lot of difficulty I decided to try a Startech transceiver. The Trendnet transceiver was very difficult to get paired and dropped connections frequently. The "Blue Soleil" software I found to be confusing often displaying what I needed off screen. The interface has a lot of eye candy that is a barrier to functionality. The Startech device installed with out problem and I have been using it for about a month now and have never had to adjust it since then. Its software is more tightly linked to Windows and has no independent GUI like the Trendnet device. Software that you don't notice is a good thing and it seems a lot of my problems have disappeared since installing the Startech device.
Update: 2017.01.11 HDMI cables
Update: 2017.01.11 HDMI cables
I had a 30' HDMI cable connected to my HDTV that I used for testing HTPC's I recently thought I had a HDMI problem with a machine I was testing and after much frustration I diagnosed the problem being attributable to this long cable as a 6' cable worked fine. In general a HTPC should be within 6' of the HDTV to avoid any problems.
Keyboards
Keyboards
I have many types of Wireless keyboards but forwarned keep a wired keyboard handy as sooner or later you are going to need it.
Virtual Keyboard
Virtual Keyboard
Keyboards are a real inconvenience in the HTPC environment although sometimes a necessity. The MS defaults have fonts so small they cannot be read from normal HDTV viewing distances so I have created this Virtual Keyboard to collect a string from the user. I use the same interface anytime I need to collect a string like searches, file saves, text inserts etc. This interface first written three years ago has gone through many changes and I still intend more but it almost eliminates the need for a keyboard in MPprogs\MPdir.exe
Logitech K810 Bluetooth keyboard
Logitech K810 Bluetooth keyboard
I have been using a Logitech K810 Bluetooth keyboard now for several months as my primary input device. The K810 can be paired with up to three computers and is easily switched between machines using FN - F1, F2, F3. The key spacing is about the same as my Netbook and I am getting used to that format. This keyboard is back lighted with various off/on options. I leave the K810 turned on all the time with back light and the battery lasts over two weeks. I have tried several keyboards with track pads and I do not recommend them as many one hand mouse inputs requires two hands on the track pad some things easily done with the mouse can not be done at all with the track pad. For mouse functions I highly recommend the RC mouse above.
Cons: On the downside you must remember that Bluetooth devices are not available until Windows loads and installs its drivers therefor a wired keyboard will be necessary for editing the BIOS for example.
Also at $90 it is a little pricey.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAB274K88314&cm_re=k810-_-23-126-320-_-Product
Note: If you are a programmer, using Vis2015 and CTRL-F5 to compile, there is a problem with the default settings for this hardware. It will not compile until you disable the automatic FN key in the software. Took me days to figure this out because you have to download the software from the internet to be able to change this setting. You would think that a $90 piece of hardware would have an install disk. This is one of my favorite keyboards to type on but the fact that "Bluetooth" does not work on a KVM switch precludes its use in my office environment. I would buy an equivalent device with RC rather than "Bluetooth" as I really like typing on it. I am presently using it on my HTPC where I use keyboard infrequently as our HTPC software allows most operations by mouse alone using the virtual keyboard above..
Startech HDMI 4 port KVM switch
Startech HDMI 4 port KVM switch
Really nice. Allows a data drive to be connected to several machines and used to transfer files. 3 USB 3.0 Ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports.
Pros:
In my office I do a lot of media processing and often have 3-4 machines running simultaneously. I have 2 desktop machines and several laptops that are frequently connected through this device running simultaneously, I am running all of these with a single RC mouse and RC keyboard and displaying the HDMI to a 30" monitor. The machines can be selected by pressing CTRL + CTRL + 1, 2, 3, or 4. The HDMI display is definitely superior to VGA for media. I have however heard some complaints about text rendering but I have found no problem. Switching between desktops does not molest the icon positions as several KMV's I have used in the past often did. It is really nice to be able to use my netbooks with non track pad mouse and normal keyboard. On each machine I have a different desktop back color so I am reminded which machine is in use currently.
Cons:
Many RC devices do not work
Blue tooth does not work
Price is intimidating $300+
Other Thoughts: I am using a Logitech K360 RC keyboard several others did not work. K235 works also
cheap $4 RC mouse from Dealextreme has better range and performance than Bluetooth.
HTPC low cost machine 2017
HTPC low cost machine 2017
My son had introduced me to the Raspberry Pi which I experimented with significantly. The basic Pi is only $40 so this seemed like a low cost way to give media capability to a HDTV. The actual cost however to get to multi media capability drove the cost to over $200 which is still reasonable. I spent a lot of time with Python but was never able to develop anything equivalent to MPprogs. I decided to try and build a C# machine with the primary criteria being cost. Here is that machine being used at my sons house total cost $125 ( used old Win7 activation). Our high end builds are now over $600 (see above).
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