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<blockquote data-quote="Ruud" data-source="post: 305127" data-attributes="member: 10538"><p>Hi Kesar, thanks for your post. Good to hear that my DIY machine inspired you.</p><p>I will go thru your questions one by one, and I will add to my first posts 2 sections: 1 stating the things that I would do again (the positive ones), 2 'second time around': what would I change due to new (technical) insights.</p><p></p><p>Here we go.....</p><p></p><p></p><p>Positive of using the 7" touchscreen in clone mode is that you need no additional software: everything that you see on your TV, you see also on your touchscreen -> no maintenance needed (as in additional software that turns your additional screen in one with only menus etc.)</p><p>Downside can best be experienced by trying to use MP with a one button mouse (use only the left click button of your mouse). -> normal scrolling menus cannot be used (they fly up and down and selecting what you need feels like a Russian roulette. So you have to switch to the basic home screen (xface won't work because here also the basic home rotates....) Basic input works, but what I miss is (in random order) volume, mute, context menu. So for starting a movie / radio I use the touchscreen but when it comes to more I always use the combination of touchscreen and remote (this is actually lightning fast). </p><p></p><p></p><p>None so far, other then that people that visit think I try to sell train tickets.... hence the title 'tickets please' LOL</p><p>well okay: CPU is not (yet) up to par with HD content, but that will change when there will be usable decoders that properly use my Video card.</p><p>General problem: computer hardware is not well known for it's high fidelity: there is interference via the cabling on the amplifier (humming sound). Yesterday I stumbled upon and purchased a 'Ground Loop Isolator': when I receive it I will post back my findings.</p><p>Ground loop noise is also a common problem in the DJ scene as they use more and more laptops connected to their amplifiers...</p><p></p><p></p><p>Good question: I had several designs (on paper) but ended up with this one. Main reason for this design is the touchscreen: it is on the perfect hight and angle to be used very easilly. Sometimes I see HTPC cases with build in (front) 7" screens, but these will only work (don't shoot me: just my opinion) when the screen can be tilted or the case is placed on a higher level (I don't fancy kneeling down for every action <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> probably age related <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> )</p><p>You mention functional and ergonomic, but don't forget technical (mainly the inside of the case: heat, airflow, cabling length, connecting / disconnecting appliances etc.)</p><p>No advise other then to give it your best shot (and the do it again after having a visionary dream about it hahahaha)</p><p></p><p></p><p>My advise: keep it simple! what is must have, what is nice to have? making concessions to your design because you want to connect something once a year.... I only have one input in the case (on the back side): power cable and switch (with fuse): this because I want to be able to simply switch of the power without pulling the plug or opening the case. All other cables run via the bottom of the case (these never need to be plugged or unplugged) for me the amount of work of making for all these cables nice connectors on the outside of the case does not weigh against the actual usage benefits. Using a old computer case is a good idea as you can hide this with your new case and it will save you a lot of work (although that is also part of the hobby)</p><p></p><p></p><p>I have no experience with iMON pilot management, further go the 'passive' route but think of your 'airflow'. Do you have an other PC that has a DVD drive or universal card readers: can you use these to put the content via your network on your HTPC?</p><p></p><p>I have tried wireless, but this was always a disappointment. I am using now a wired connection, but also have good experience with a power plug (Ethernet via your power supply cabling) -> this gives appr. the same performance as Wireless (speed) but without the 'variable' speed.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Looking forward to your reply / thoughts</p><p>kind regards.</p><p>Ruud.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ruud, post: 305127, member: 10538"] Hi Kesar, thanks for your post. Good to hear that my DIY machine inspired you. I will go thru your questions one by one, and I will add to my first posts 2 sections: 1 stating the things that I would do again (the positive ones), 2 'second time around': what would I change due to new (technical) insights. Here we go..... Positive of using the 7" touchscreen in clone mode is that you need no additional software: everything that you see on your TV, you see also on your touchscreen -> no maintenance needed (as in additional software that turns your additional screen in one with only menus etc.) Downside can best be experienced by trying to use MP with a one button mouse (use only the left click button of your mouse). -> normal scrolling menus cannot be used (they fly up and down and selecting what you need feels like a Russian roulette. So you have to switch to the basic home screen (xface won't work because here also the basic home rotates....) Basic input works, but what I miss is (in random order) volume, mute, context menu. So for starting a movie / radio I use the touchscreen but when it comes to more I always use the combination of touchscreen and remote (this is actually lightning fast). None so far, other then that people that visit think I try to sell train tickets.... hence the title 'tickets please' LOL well okay: CPU is not (yet) up to par with HD content, but that will change when there will be usable decoders that properly use my Video card. General problem: computer hardware is not well known for it's high fidelity: there is interference via the cabling on the amplifier (humming sound). Yesterday I stumbled upon and purchased a 'Ground Loop Isolator': when I receive it I will post back my findings. Ground loop noise is also a common problem in the DJ scene as they use more and more laptops connected to their amplifiers... Good question: I had several designs (on paper) but ended up with this one. Main reason for this design is the touchscreen: it is on the perfect hight and angle to be used very easilly. Sometimes I see HTPC cases with build in (front) 7" screens, but these will only work (don't shoot me: just my opinion) when the screen can be tilted or the case is placed on a higher level (I don't fancy kneeling down for every action ;) probably age related ;) ) You mention functional and ergonomic, but don't forget technical (mainly the inside of the case: heat, airflow, cabling length, connecting / disconnecting appliances etc.) No advise other then to give it your best shot (and the do it again after having a visionary dream about it hahahaha) My advise: keep it simple! what is must have, what is nice to have? making concessions to your design because you want to connect something once a year.... I only have one input in the case (on the back side): power cable and switch (with fuse): this because I want to be able to simply switch of the power without pulling the plug or opening the case. All other cables run via the bottom of the case (these never need to be plugged or unplugged) for me the amount of work of making for all these cables nice connectors on the outside of the case does not weigh against the actual usage benefits. Using a old computer case is a good idea as you can hide this with your new case and it will save you a lot of work (although that is also part of the hobby) I have no experience with iMON pilot management, further go the 'passive' route but think of your 'airflow'. Do you have an other PC that has a DVD drive or universal card readers: can you use these to put the content via your network on your HTPC? I have tried wireless, but this was always a disappointment. I am using now a wired connection, but also have good experience with a power plug (Ethernet via your power supply cabling) -> this gives appr. the same performance as Wireless (speed) but without the 'variable' speed. Looking forward to your reply / thoughts kind regards. Ruud. [/QUOTE]
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