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I'm lazy, even though I have the parts for a htpc, I just mirror my desktop using a Chromecast if I want to access anything on the PC. I don't have movies saved locally though, so I don't stream anything like that through it.
I may eventually get around to the htpc, but its far down the list at this point.
Root a FireTV. They are like $85 now. The hardware is fantastic. Root it and you can run XBMC (the best) all while having any streaming service you want. It plays anything I throw at it (I do local media only 95% of the time)...
Honestly with how it performs, I wouldn't even recommend an Intel NUC or custom HTPC at this point. 85$ + root and you're perfect.
Not sure of the Chromecasts capabilities. But the FireTV is 100% 1080P Dolby (DTS/True-HD as well)...
Rooted opens up the door for emulators too. Gaming is pretty damn good too. And it will accept just about any consoles controllers (I use Wii controllers).
Last edited by maharajamd; 10-01-2014 at 03:33 PM.
Not sure of the Chromecasts capabilities. But the FireTV is 100% 1080P Dolby (DTS/True-HD as well)...
Rooted opens up the door for emulators too. Gaming is pretty damn good too. And it will accept just about any consoles controllers (I use Wii controllers).
Other than downloading Blu rays is there a service that offers that audio?
Service? Like Hulu, Netflix, Prime, etc? Doubtful. I believe they are mostly multi-channel AC3. Which the FireTV can handle just fine...
I mostly grab 1080P DTS bluray rips. Aiming for the 8-12GB range. If the movie warrants better audio, like say Gravity or Transformers or something, then I will grab it in HD audio. That drastically changes the file size though. I'm usually happy with plain jane DTS.
Yes if it's a movie I love and have buy that has nasty audio I will buy the Blu Ray for the True HD/DTS-HD. I really don't buy/rent DVD's so I'll either watch on Netflix, HBO Go, etc if available or rent the BD via Redbox. I don't really d/l and rip Blu Rays
My basement. All the speakers are Klipsch, receiver is Yamaha, DVD player and TV are Samsung. 60" TV, 12" 650 watt sub, 2 8" tower speakers, 2 6" tower speakers, and a 5 1/4" center channel speaker.
So finally have finished part one of my home theater setup for the time being. Part two will have to wait a while.
Current Setup:
Samsung F8500 64in Plasma
Yamaha RX-A1040 Receiver
Panamax MR4300
Xbox360
XboxOne
Definitive Technology BP-8060ST Towers
Definitive Technology CS-8060HD Center Channel
No name in ceiling rears that were in the house when I bought it.
Only just received the towers today and love them. Sound even better than when I heard them in the store.
Part two hopefully will happen later this year and finish off the system. Need to get bet in ceiling rears as I really don't have room for speaker stands. It won't be optimal but should be better than what I have now. Also want to pick up a subwoofer or two even though the towers have 10in woofers in them.
Yes. That will be phase two. I will be upgrading them to Definitive Technology as well just not exactly sure what model. They have several different options. Some square models that are like in ceiling surrounds as well as just some better in ceiling coaxial speakers. Not sure what I will go with but I will be researching them over the coming months.
Need to also decide if I want to go with one or two subs. The room is prewired for one which is in a strange location left of the fireplace. With my room setup that will put it out in the open with nothing else around it and also narrow the walk way.
The subs should be powered so the sub wire should be a basic shielded RCA. I'd be surprised if they tacked down the in-ceiling wire. If so, 16 isn't all that bad for rears if you're just driving a small woofer and tweeter. The distance from the ceiling to the amp looks to be about 25 ft, which is in spec if you left them.
Some after some playing around this evening with the levels for each speaker I was able to set the rears to +4db and get them to actually be heard. Sometimes probably more than they should. I will continue to play with them but they might work for the time being for rear fill.
+4db just to hear it.. ouch.. what's the output setting on the amp? I know some setting cut some of the center / rear amplitude to give a desired response, but the setup has to match, otherwise it's more than likely undesired.
10-01-2014, 01:44 PM
