NetTop for home theater system

Artashes

Artashes

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If anyone understands home theater setups well enough... I would like to buy my parents a gift - a nettop/miniPC for their home theater system. However, I know very little about the subject. Here is the setup they have (sorry if the information is too raw - that's all I was able to find):

PANASONIC TH50PH10UK - Plasma Monitor - 50 Inch - 1366x768
DENON AVR 3808 AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER
BOSTON XB8 POWERED SUB 200W 12PO
SPEAKERCRAFT SOUND SYSTEM


THE BIG IDEA: The idea is to install this Mini PC (a dedicated Internet high speed line exists) and connect it to the big screen so they can use it in a familiar setting (Windows preferred) and listen to sound through the sound system/speakers currently in place.

USAGE: I know their usage is going to be strictly to watch some TV programming streamed online. This is NOT for any games, NOT for media work, NOT for playing CD/DVD (they have dedicated equipment for that). Their technical operating skill is not advanced, so it really needs to be a solution that would be simple in operation - turn on and use.

URGENCY: I am a bit late on holiday shopping (again!), so I have very limited time to make the decision. I was trying to research/read reviews of mini PCs full time in the past couple of days and came out with few brands: Acer, Zotac, CompuLab, Shuttle. But the more I read the more I get confused which is better or correct solution... should I be only looking at systems with HDMI output? Is Atom processor sufficient for the task? What cables will I need to buy extra? Etc, etc. As you can see, I am totally lost at this point. And I wouldn't want to order something and then be stuck with the hardware.


I did consider those package-type solutions, and I don't like them as much. My parents are not really into rending DVDs or on-demand movies, so I don't see them spending more money on that, especially with several premium movie channels they already have as part of their package.

I also forgot to mention that I am in Canada, so Vudu, Hulu, and many others are out of question - service is not available here.

I'd rather get an actual PC-like performance device with a familiar GUI that will allow them to watch ethnic Internet-based TV on the big screen they are subscribers off, and also give everyone a chance to browse certain sites, view media content from time to time, facebook together, etc.

Earlier today I was looking at these:
http://www.directdial.com/PT.SCX02.030.html
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5406482&CatId=2313 (no OS, which will be pain to install myself)
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5367165&CatId=2313 (no HDMI though!!)

After a couple of outside recommendations, I looked at Dell Zino HD, which looks (no doubt) hot:
http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/pro...px/inspiron-zino-hd?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1

However, I think that after almost 3 full time days of researching and shopping around I think I am finally narrowing down the choice between: Dell Zino HD and Asrock (http://www.asrock.com/nettop/index.asp)... Asrock offers great configuration, I think. Also beats Dell on price. BUT, the three key factors: PROCESSOR, MEMORY and GRAPHICS remain questionable for me.

One runs on Intel Atom - another on AMD
One runs ATI Radeon graphics - another NVIDIA ION

Which ones are better?? I totally cornered myself with all this chaotic search.
 
I might have some help in the form of an identical although a slightly more technical solution that currently (today) and tomorrow evening I’m working on for a client of ours. We have a webdesign, hosting and now physical installation arrangement with the client with a similar request namely the following in short:

  • House refurb
  • Complete network installation (cat7) - Wireless setup (N draft)
  • 4x new N draft laptops
  • 4X large TVs (30”, 30”, 40”, 50”)
  • Integrated house speakers and amplifier (server 2U rack mounted)
  • And to tie the lot together a HP Mediasmart home server (1tb)

The client has a more complex version of your situation granted however with the same end goal and we have looked at nettops to run the larger 50” living room machine streaming directly from the home server (easy – practically one click setup.. I’ll put my name to it... ignore the word server :)) I currently have an atom running (hp mini) netbook running happily on a 23” HD LG though as its limited ram and integrated graphics cards at 50” the resolution would probably be low and its likely to struggle badly.

As such from my point of view the processor really won’t cause much of a change its the graphics card if you intend to support larger resolutions and screens as most integrated graphics cards and especially those in smaller netbooks, nettops or notebooks aren’t designed to power that size of display.

Personally looking at what you have shown, id pick the dell not for the fact its dell, certainly not that as currently I’ve had an additional month added to two recent orders due to their suppliers and delays however its more for the named graphics cards which performance wise will support higher resolutions and run within respectable tolerances for heat (sound) and not be running at 110% 100% of its usage time.

HDMI is a bonus, but only if you use high quality cables.. everyone expects a massive difference however buying the best car and using bricks for tyres won’t get you anywhere, same applies for cables unfortunately.

Personally the summary would be an atom would be more than enough, the nvidia card looking at the specs again is more than powerful enough and supports HDMI as well as DVI-D,DP and VGA though the ATI is more than equally matched, ram wise 1 or 2 GB is sufficient for windows 7 starter (currently run the entire office, CS4, Visual Developer PRO etc on the netbook perfectly with those specs) and hard drive really depends on the expected usage.

Sidenote - HP also do a series of very popular nettops though the name slips me.
 
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csn-uk said:
Personally looking at what you have shown, id pick the dell not for the fact its dell, certainly not that as currently I’ve had an additional month added to two recent orders due to their suppliers and delays however its more for the named graphics cards which performance wise will support higher resolutions and run within respectable tolerances for heat (sound) and not be running at 110% 100% of its usage time. HDMI is a bonus, but only if you use high quality cables.. everyone expects a massive difference however buying the best car and using bricks for tyres won’t get you anywhere, same applies for cables unfortunately.
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I am looking back and forth at Dell Zino and ASRock, and kill me, but I just don't see why Dell should be chosen over ASRock. I agree that Dell (as well as HP) looks sexy and all and you can pick a color of case's top panel (seems more like marketing "talk"), but as far as I am concerned, this unit will be stored in the stand and you won't be looking at it.

ASRock has certainly no popular brand name, but only because of that you can win based on pricing, assuming similar configuration. For me, I am just trying to compare at this point: Intel Atom vs AMD and ATI Radeon vs. NVIDIA ION.


EDIT: Didn't see your updated post. :)
 
csn-uk said:
Personally the summary would be an atom would be more than enough, the nvidia card looking at the specs again is more than powerful enough and supports HDMI as well as DVI-D,DP and VGA though the ATI is more than equally matched, ram wise 1 or 2 GB is sufficient for windows 7 starter (currently run the entire office, CS4, Visual Developer PRO etc on the netbook perfectly with those specs) and hard drive really depends on the expected usage.
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Very interesting input. I think I am leaning toward one of these:
http://www.asrock.com/nettop/index.asp for these points:
- Atom 330
- 2 GB RAM default
- HDMI
- NVIDIA
- Price! Try building same setups with Dell and it will cost more
http://www.directcanada.com/category/?minorcatid=1860&vendorid=1052

What would be your pick for the job?
 
i did notice the
Note: Below specifications may differ from areas and change without notice. Please check the specific specifications with your local dealers.
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Computer |
However the http://www.asrock.com/nettop/overview.asp?Model=ION 330 was the one to get my attention, clearly with windows 7 starter personally but again im not sure how home premium will perform on an atom with 1/2gb ram. or the HT wth remote as you posted. Though if win7 isent included then im not sure if win7 starter is available publicly so potentially call in the order and ask at the time as there is a substantial difference between starter and home premium for example arround £67 for home premium which is much a much more bloated and resource intensive version than starter.

Remote ? | Personally id doubt the remote will work as a pointer device as such the HT for the extra on the price would probably not be worth it as such a wireless mouse would suffice. Meaning personally id choose the following and the standard 20330.

  • Logitech MX Revolution or Logitech AIR, both these are mice however the MX is a surface (laser) mouse and the AIR is practically a Wii remote though highly accurate. Both adopt 30metre ranges, extreme charge times and long battery life’s (30days continual, 1hour rough charge time). The point with these is that the MX will be cheaper however requires a reasonable surface, the Air requires no surface however the price can be very high for the AIR supplier dependant as can the MX so look around.

Plan B and possibly the best option

  • Logitech diNovo Edge although the more expensive of the mice with those that iv quickly shown, it does sport an accurate touch disk with mice buttons (identical to a laptop but easily customisable sensitivity) , volume, media controls (although programmable with setpoint as per the mice) windows media centre button and many other helpful options. As well as a 90day battery and 60 meter range, charges in 2hours roughly.

    Looks nice in the stand (charger) and it is really as thin as it looks... very tough as well being made out of a single sheet of steal, the keys are very much like a laptop also (one that’s commonly asked)

All of the above I currently use and obviously own as such I can more or less agree with the times Logitech state as I can’t remember the last time I charged the keyboard for example. all of which use LI-Ion batteries :) and interferance and responce time wise at 2.4GHz im yet to notice any issue even with other weaker and more powerfull wireless equiptment at close range.

Summary | Just looked at your prices and at roughly half for us (CAD to GBP) I’m not sure I can think of anything cheaper with those specs but the above would be something to take into consideration if no OS is provided... certainly check about starter as home premium as per most windows systems is bloated where as starter is cut back though not entirely sure it has media centre though I’m sure it could be added or would not be an issue. Again for the extra $70 ish id deffently look into the above to suggestions as I doubt they will want to be sat near the screen with a keyboard and mouse to set things up.

if you need a quicker answer on anything above or related feel free email me at charlie [at] csn-uk [dot] net :)
 
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csn-uk said:
However the http://www.asrock.com/nettop/overview.asp?Model=ION 330 was the one to get my attention, clearly with windows 7 starter personally but again im not sure how home premium will perform on an atom with 1/2gb ram. or the HT wth remote as you posted. Though if win7 isent included then im not sure if win7 starter is available publicly so potentially call in the order and ask at the time as there is a substantial difference between starter and home premium for example arround £67 for home premium which is much a much more bloated and resource intensive version than starter.
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Hey Charlie, thanks for great feedback.

Actually, today I made the choice and ordered the most basic setup and the model that has been gaining a lot of attention: ASRock ION 330. In fact, I emailed ASRock support with some questions I could not understand and had a response back within 30 mins (another plus to them).

I spoke with at least 2 other users of this machine and read the reviews - I am yet to hear consistently and dramatically bad reviews. The two other people who received their units loaded Windows 7 and they could not have been happier. Win 7 only requires 512 MB of RAM, so you have PLENTY for any other tasks, which in my case will be limited to surfing only.

I figured: my parents don't need a BluRay (they barely have any DVDs...), so the BD series were out (still has DVD-RW drive), and even if they do need one at a later time, new good quality equipment can be purchased. WiFi is out because a dedicated Internet line was pulled for the HT setup. They also hate remotes (the HT series come with them) and if there is a keyboard with a mouse - pretty much gives them the familiar setting in the first place.

The amazing thing about ASRock nettops is how rich those little beasts are with the right tools. Additionally, their instant boot software (loads in 4 seconds!), easy to use overclocking tool will sure come in handy. And it is silent! Noise level classified to less than library noise.

COST: My order for ASRock ION 330 (which is the most basic setup). Will run me $530 Canadian dollars (with Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM edition, shipping, taxes, etc). I built the same system with Dell Zino HD and it came to $630 Canadian dollars. Huge savings, an OS that's not bloated with other nonsense software.

Will be waiting impatiently.

EDIT: I am yet to understand the benefit of utilization of SPDIF port - I think its definitely a huge plus to ASRock setup, but not sure how yet. :D
 
OK, so my nettop has arrived. BUT, as I mentioned above, it has no OS installed. So my question to everyone who has ever installed an OS on an empty system - what are the steps that I have to take? The guide does not explain this very well.

I purchased the Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edition. There is also a CD with drivers that came with the mini PC.

If someone can shed some light, sure would appreciate it!
 
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