New toy: Asrock ION 330 (1 Viewer)

[Songok]

Hi Gixxer,

I dont understand spanish but that looks like intel integrated graphics? Am i correct?
One of the main reasons i got the 330 was for the nvidia ion graphics which hardware decode high definition files if you install the correct codec. this takes all the pressure off the cpu which means the system stays cool, quiet and low power consumption.
This hardware decoding is not possible with the mobo you listed.
However, it is possible to build a htpc cheaper than the asrock that will use hardware decoding, you just need to select a mobo with an integrated nvidia ion graphics chip.

 

[Gixxer]

Hi Gixxer,

I dont understand spanish but that looks like intel integrated graphics? Am i correct?
One of the main reasons i got the 330 was for the nvidia ion graphics which hardware decode high definition files if you install the correct codec. this takes all the pressure off the cpu which means the system stays cool, quiet and low power consumption.
This hardware decoding is not possible with the mobo you listed.
However, it is possible to build a htpc cheaper than the asrock that will use hardware decoding, you just need to select a mobo with an integrated nvidia ion graphics chip.

Thanks for that info.

Actually the system above was "build" in 5 min. not paying much attention.

what I wanted to know is if the asrock has any particular thing which makes it better than a per-parts systems.

For example the nvidia ion graphics is a key point. thanks for pointing it out.

from your last line I get my answer, thanks alot. I just dont know if I will be able to get it here in spain for a got price and from a trusty site. so just i was asking in case i had to build a similar system myself

thanks

 

[Domini0n]

Hi,

I'm looking to maybe buy this Asrock machine to replace my Popcorn Hour C-200, which I will return next thing on Monday. Really, do not buy a Popcorn Hour it is crap!

My question is, what is a good IR receiver that I can connect to this Asrock think, preferably something small that I can build into the casing. There are some USB IR receiver, but the once I saw where all large and intended to be used externally. Is there a USB 8 pin connector on the ION motherboard?

I sold my beautiful OrigenAE S14V last week, because I thought it was to big, heavy and used to much energy. I then bought me a Popcorn Hour C-200 which comes with only beta firmware and crappy HTML interface, which requires manually updating of the movie database for covers and backdrops. Therefor I am strongly thinking of returning to my trusted MP community with a nice Asrock ION330 machine. At my work I can get these things rather cheap, so that makes it even more interesting.

Hope anyone has a good solution for me. I use a Harmony 555 btw and want it to be used only as an MCE remote. I would like to know one last thing... is it possible to power the Asrock ION330 on by remote when using a USB IR? I read that there might be an option in the BIOS to enable powerON by USB? Can anyone confirm this option and that it works?

Greatings,
Domini0n

 

[Domini0n]

Anyone know any good USB IR Receivers that work well with MP?

 

[Gixxer]

Anyone know any good USB IR Receivers that work well with MP?

I use this one, works very good and its cheap.

Philips - Multimedia Remote Control SRM5100/10 - 5000 series - Remote controls - Accessories

 

[jonaskp]

I use the Microsoft MCE one, that comes bundled with their MCE remote. Works excellent, and is easy to setup with MP. Your also sure that there is always drivers that work.

It's not at all small like you asked for in the first post, but I don't find it an issue. I have it lying on the foot of my Black Samsung TV and I dont notice it anymore.
Another Feature I really like is the IR blaster that is built in. Makes it possible for me to have my PC turn on my tv and select the correct input, without me doing anything.

 

[godballe]

Mce Remote

I use the Microsoft MCE one, that comes bundled with their MCE remote. Works excellent, and is easy to setup with MP. Your also sure that there is always drivers that work.

Do anyone know if mptray work with Windows 7? I miss the functionality to start MP when I press the Green button on my MCE Remote.

 

[Gixxer]

so everyone with this box has manage to play HD content using hardware acceleration?

Being the exact same system everyone can buy...would be interesting to see a mini guide on how to set HD hardware acceleration.

I have seen that it has not enough power to play HD from CPU so want to make sure I will be able to set it up correctly.

 

[jonaskp]

Its true, you have to configure it properly, in order to utilize the Hardware Acceleration. This is done with the right Codecs.

I use SAF, which is a custom codec pack that a user from this forum, Hoborg, has put together.
It will use Hardware acceleration on almost everything.
I play my Blu-ray Rips (1080p, no compression) with around 15-20% CPU usage.

 

[Domini0n]

I tested this unit at my work and using the MPC-HC codecs - included in the SAF pack - it had no problems playing a full HD movie.

Thanks for the link to the USB IR Receiver, I use a Harmony and wanted to buy me the Philips OVU4120 which I suspect will work nicely.

Greetings,
Domini0n