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<blockquote data-quote="willybeamish" data-source="post: 246374" data-attributes="member: 70510">SO i have been toying with HTPC's for the last few months , i didnt want to have to resort to a full blown PC . But the only way to play and manipulate HD .mkv files it is the only reasonable way to go . I will list the options i tried below before resorting my current Rig. I also want to keep this simple and dont want to use on the fly transcoding software. All of my opinions and biases are based upon my use of XBMC for a hacked XBOX. I want to find something that is as easy to use and as fast . all being Played on Sharp Aquos LCD 42&quot; 120hzNote: all methods are streaming from a Linnux Based NAS gigabit LAN Xbox ( w/XBMC ) - wont play .mkv HDXbox360&nbsp; - willy only play a Divx or Xvid using 3rd party streaming software no .mkv PS3 ( Native O/S ) - will stream .MP4 with 3rd party software not .mkv (really wished it played .mkv , very nice interface)PS3 ( Yellow Dog) -&nbsp; Ran like a dog&nbsp; -&nbsp; wouldnt even play divxPS3 ( XUbuntu) -&nbsp; Ran better than YD still not up to par.AMD 1800+ w/ ATI X1650 AGP Video 1 GIG DDR GLAN - Ran like crap , wouldnt play 1080p P4 2.4 w/ATI 1650 AGP Video 1 GIG DDR GLAN&nbsp; -&nbsp; Ran Better Stuttered On 1080p SO at this point I&nbsp; was disappointed and built an HTPC on the cheap with new stuff opposed to stuff lying around the shop.Intel Core 2 Duo 4500EAsus VM-DO 2 x 1024 DDR 2 800 36 GIG Raptor LG 16X DVD-RWAti 3650 512 PCI-XApevia Q-PackWindows XP Pro SP2 MP V0.2.3.0 My conclusions so far are as Follows. Pros - This machine will handle anything I throw at it , super quick . It work 100X better than the two previous PC's. Cons - I get fine horizontal lines somethimes playing hd .mkv files&nbsp; I think it is the video card. Gonna sawp to NVDIA &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; - I can't get the Audio to play over HDMI , I have tried pretty much everything I would say this solutions is great for Media Portal and runs like a dream except for the video issues which I will solve eventually, WMP11 also has same lines so I know its a hard ware issue.I havent got My harmony 1000 to work with it , but its on my list. I have attached the pic for my budget HTPC, I am testing all this before I finish my HT Room.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="willybeamish, post: 246374, member: 70510"] SO i have been toying with HTPC's for the last few months , i didnt want to have to resort to a full blown PC . But the only way to play and manipulate HD .mkv files it is the only reasonable way to go . I will list the options i tried below before resorting my current Rig. I also want to keep this simple and dont want to use on the fly transcoding software. All of my opinions and biases are based upon my use of XBMC for a hacked XBOX. I want to find something that is as easy to use and as fast . all being Played on Sharp Aquos LCD 42" 120hz Note: all methods are streaming from a Linnux Based NAS gigabit LAN Xbox ( w/XBMC ) - wont play .mkv HD Xbox360 - willy only play a Divx or Xvid using 3rd party streaming software no .mkv PS3 ( Native O/S ) - will stream .MP4 with 3rd party software not .mkv (really wished it played .mkv , very nice interface) PS3 ( Yellow Dog) - Ran like a dog - wouldnt even play divx PS3 ( XUbuntu) - Ran better than YD still not up to par. AMD 1800+ w/ ATI X1650 AGP Video 1 GIG DDR GLAN - Ran like crap , wouldnt play 1080p P4 2.4 w/ATI 1650 AGP Video 1 GIG DDR GLAN - Ran Better Stuttered On 1080p SO at this point I was disappointed and built an HTPC on the cheap with new stuff opposed to stuff lying around the shop. Intel Core 2 Duo 4500E Asus VM-DO 2 x 1024 DDR 2 800 36 GIG Raptor LG 16X DVD-RW Ati 3650 512 PCI-X Apevia Q-Pack Windows XP Pro SP2 MP V0.2.3.0 My conclusions so far are as Follows. Pros - This machine will handle anything I throw at it , super quick . It work 100X better than the two previous PC's. Cons - I get fine horizontal lines somethimes playing hd .mkv files I think it is the video card. Gonna sawp to NVDIA - I can't get the Audio to play over HDMI , I have tried pretty much everything I would say this solutions is great for Media Portal and runs like a dream except for the video issues which I will solve eventually, WMP11 also has same lines so I know its a hard ware issue. I havent got My harmony 1000 to work with it , but its on my list. I have attached the pic for my budget HTPC, I am testing all this before I finish my HT Room. [/QUOTE]

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