New Link HTPC

[HomeyFour]

I am very excited about a new HTPC setup that I just finished ordering on Newegg!

I picked up this as a MB/CPU:
ZOTAC IONITX-D-E Intel Atom N330 Dual Core 1.6 GHz 441 NVIDIA ION Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Retail

and this cheapie, but tiny, case:
Winsis Wi-02 Black SGCC / ABS Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 200W Power Supply - Retail .

Although the current Link PC I have setup to run this is working fine, I'm tired of having an ugly PC case sitting on my bedroom floor. This thing should mount perfectly on a small shelf above my wall-mounted TV!

[Nick Burns]

I'm seriously considering getting this $200 nettop, since all I would need to do is install Link. It would definitely be an improvement over the 'small' PC I have set up now.

[bdlee420]

Any update on this? How did it work?

[ZetaVu]

The zotac seems like the better deal, dual core processor vs single, the asus only has 1gb memory (not sure if its expandable), and if you have extra hard drives (or memory) sitting around even better.

Either way, let me know how these work out (or whatever you get). I'm interested in any ion based nettop (DIY or complete) specifically if it handles H.264 HD DVR files.

Looking around this looks more like the equivalent Asus system, add the hard drive ($40) and memory ($80) and peripherals ($20) and your about there. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883103234

[RenegadeELEN]

I'm currently using the ASrock 330 as a link and I am very happy with it.

Unfortunately, as it has been reported in other threads, it does not handle the h.264 HD-PVR files when playing them back in BeyondTV. Now, in my tests I was able to playback these same files just fine from within Media Center using a decoder (MPC-HC) that used hardware acceleration. I suspect that BeyondTV's h.264 decoder and the Arcsoft decoder when using it from within BeyondTV that they don't fully do hardware acceleration.

So the only way you can get smooth playback is to have a CPU that can pick up the slack and even a Dual Core Atom that is overclocked (I tried) won't do.

[HomeyFour]

Originally Posted by bdlee420

Any update on this? How did it work?

Just got the case today, installed Windows 7 and I am in business. It plays back anything that I can through at it with BTV, including h.264/HD-PVR content. I haven't tried Blu-Ray on it just yet though. It has an NVIDIA ION chipset, not the Intel 945 (I think) that some folks are having problems with h.264. Plus, I have the PureVideo decoder as well.

I like it - the case and system is SO small. My only gripe is the power supply fan is (relatively) noisy - I might have to do something about that!

[LionRed]

Wild..I was just thinking of picking up two netbooks. One for travel and up to 14hrs of battery life. And one as a HTPC.

Then perhaps sell off my HTPC parts (I currently use). After seeing how well the netbook performs. Pick up the second one.

[RenegadeELEN]

Originally Posted by HomeyFour

..... including h.264/HD-PVR content. I haven't tried Blu-Ray on it just yet though. It has an NVIDIA ION chipset, not the Intel 945 (I think) that some folks are having problems with h.264.

I'm glad you are having better luck with the HD-PVR content. The Asrock 330 I have is an ION based system and the few others that I have read about having problems were with the ION based systems. I do know Blu-Rays work. They do on my system.

[fsdeeefe]

bookmarked and b back l8er, bro, :-)

[ZetaVu]

Ok, arcsoft has hardware acceleration but only works with btv in xp, so if you have vista or W7 it won't work (and of course they have no plans to fix it). The Asrock 330 realistically should have the same specs as the Zotac (Atom 330, Ion, unless the ions are different) so maybe W7 and vista behave differently (are you using vista with the Asrock?)

So far the Zotac with a different power supply sounds sweet, how much memory did you put on it?

[RenegadeELEN]

Originally Posted by ZetaVu

...(are you using vista with the Asrock?)

Yes right now I am using Vista but I have the free upgrade to Windows 7 so I was going to try it out. I didn't know about the hardware acceleration only in XP for the Arcsoft decoder. Very interesting.

[HomeyFour]

Originally Posted by ZetaVu

So far the Zotac with a different power supply sounds sweet, how much memory did you put on it?

I threw in 2 gigs of RAM. I'm not sure how easy it will be to get a different p/s or fan for my mini-ITX case, but thats my only gripe.

Actually, now that I think about it, I have a 2nd gripe. For some doggone reason, the "O"ption button on my firefly mini isn't doing anything on this box. I'm sure its a goof on my end I just need to clear up.

[Wolfie351]

I'm very surprised and jealous that you're able to play HD-PVR files on an ION 330 without hardware acceleration (Vista/7). I'm thinking this will be the exception to the rule though for anyone else who is thinking about going this route. Perhaps the Zotac bios is overclocking the Atom by default? That's the only thing I can think of. What decoders are you using in the playback settings in BTV? I've tried everything to get my Acer AspireRevo to play h.264 with Win 7.

[ZetaVu]

Could also be the video settings on the H.264 files, are they default or did you boost up the bitrate? Last I tried on my machine BTV did not have HW acceleration with the arcsoft decoder and BTV, but on a dual core atom maybe you are ok.

[HomeyFour]

Originally Posted by Wolfie351

I'm very surprised and jealous that you're able to play HD-PVR files on an ION 330 without hardware acceleration (Vista/7). I'm thinking this will be the exception to the rule though for anyone else who is thinking about going this route. Perhaps the Zotac bios is overclocking the Atom by default? That's the only thing I can think of. What decoders are you using in the playback settings in BTV? I've tried everything to get my Acer AspireRevo to play h.264 with Win 7.

I am using the Nvidia Pureview decoder, and the Arcsoft decoder for H.264. I also have whatever the latest ION drivers are...