Minimum requirements for a music HTPC system?

vox

Im new to all this. I want to make a system that is able to store and play Flac and Mp3 music files. I think my best option is to build somthing. Ideally I would like it to act as a HiFi separate that can hook up to an amp. I would like a mini lcd or somthing to browse the files (If there is such a thing). Has anyone any ideas for somthing like this? Cheers.

vox

Sorry for all the questions but one more. What are the advanteges of building a HTPC system when i could get a pretty decent Tower PC for alot less money?

SouperComputer

well, specs wise, a PII will be enough to playback music.

Need some more info:

Is this to be multiroom with a server backend stored elsewhere or are you looking for a single-point juke box kind of unit.

You have a myriad of options.

One would be using slimdevices software and hardware. Basically a PII or PIII computer that stores your MP3's then you can use their hardware as clients. The whole setup can be controlled via a web interface and you could also use an older tablet laptop as a client.

If you want an all-in one unit, you can again use low spec hardware and utilise software such as:

http://www.thepcjukebox.com/home.htm
http://audiosoft.net/
Or indeed the free slimserver will do this too.

What are the advanteges of building a HTPC system when i could get a pretty decent Tower PC for alot less money?

In your case, none whatsoever.

aidan_walsh

SouperComputer wrote:

In your case, none whatsoever.

Outside of aesthetics

SouperComputer

aidan_walsh wrote:

Outside of aesthetics

well, im assuming the server/client route. Throw the server in the attic/basement/utility room/garage or whatnot.

vox

Nice one thanks for the answers. I will just go the PC route for now.

What is the best option for getting the music through to a set of decent Hi-Fi speakers. It would be great if I could control the Volume, Track selection and browsing through one remote control. Is it possible to get a soundcard that will drive HiFi speakers and preserve decent quality?

SouperComputer

OK, so you plan just using one computer that will store and play all of your music correct?

It could be done via remote alright. It depends on the spec of the computer, moreso to do with the OS that supports the remote rather thank playback itself. Using windows MCE would proabably be the handist route, along with Microsoft's Remote.

You can use this remote on XP (IE home or Pro) as well, although it is not officially supported. I think I have the drivers here, holler if you need them. Using XP, you could install Media Portal for this purpose. Im not sure how the aformnetioned jukebox software in my first post works (ejukebox etrc) with a remote, so if you are considering using the software, shoot them a mail. To be honest, Media Portal can be a bit sluggish and if you just plan playing music, id probably avoid it.

You can also go the Linux route and use Geexbox. The remote might be a bit trickier to setup, but there is plenty of documentation about. Its light, fast and under constant development.

Lastly, you could also grab a chipped (Original) Xbox for 50-70e, install XBMC and use the remote with that instead of a full-blown PC.

Soundcard wise, if your amp supports SPDIF (Optical Digital) then any soundcard, even onboard will suffice. IIRC the Xbox has optical digital too. Failing that, any card in the Audigy range will provide very acceptable results.

Personally, id be leaning towards the Xbox approach, a crystal one would look decent and not kill the bank AC. The fan can be a bit noisy, but it may well be quieter than the PC you have in mind for it. If you do fill whatever drive you have in there, you can always map it to a network share at a later date. The Xbox DVD remote works fine with XBMC, so theres another potiental issue resolved.

HTH

subway

if its music only then a pc is masive overkill.

get an ipod and dock or a squeezebox http://www.slimdevices.com/

vox

subway wrote:

if its music only then a pc is masive overkill.

get an ipod and dock or a squeezebox http://www.slimdevices.com/

I'd love to do that but Ipods are terrible sound quality wise. I am using the FLAC lossless codec files which preserve the quality of the music and find a suitable way to get it into some quality floof standing speakers. Also i want a storage capacity of 100-200gb. I dont think Ipods play flac files, I know iAudio do though. I came across the squeezebox but does it have an internal hard drive or do you need a PC for it anyway?

SouperComputer

squeezebox is a network client. IE, you need a computer running the free slimserver software to use it. That said, again a PII will do, throw it in the attic and add as many HD's as you wish. It does support FLAC however, along with many other codecs. Its designed with audiophiles in mind.

vox

great stuff, thanks mr. computer...