simple set-up for a HDDVD/BluRay combo drive

eoinf

Hi

I have a load of HD-DVD's that i used to play back on my 360 but that drive has kicked the bucket , i dont want to bin the disks or replace them with Blu-Ray's . I was thinking of builing up a HTPC.

What is the basic set-up i would need to build around this drive (HD-DVD/BluRay Combo drive)

If possible something small and quiet.

Is there anything specific i need to look out for , any recommendations would be appreciated.

Cheers

EF

Biro

I've had problems using PowerDVD for playback, the Arcsoft home theatre software is much better. Only used trial versions of both. Tried on both Vista and Windows 7 RC.

Mr McBoatface

Hi Eoinf , I was in a similar situation around this time last year so I know your pain !!! First off I would recommend the LG GGC-H20L drive for a HTPC : http://www.advancetec.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww.advancetec.co.uk%2f&WD=h20l%20ggc&PN=blu_ray_readers_writers.html%23a1382#a1382. I've got two of them, one each on my HTPC's , but the software is sh*t so I'd agree with Biro and recommend Arcsoft Total Media. Powerdvd dropped HD-DVD support on their current software. Arcsoft gives a much better playback experience in my opinion too.

Regarding the rest of your setup A dual core cpu is required . I'd recommend AMD low powered cpu 65 watt : http://www.advancetec.co.uk/acatalog/AM3_Athlon_II_X2_240_processor.html . You'll need a nice cpu cooler to replace the stock cooler, try and get one running a less than 18dB , Coolermaster vortex should do http://www.advancetec.co.uk/acatalog/Cooler_Master_Vortex_752_RR-CCH-P912-GP.html. If you go with AMD you'll have much better selection on motherboards with on board HDMI ports .

What else : 200 gig hard drive , 2 gig of DDR PC6400 on XP or 4 gig on Vista.

OS : I use XP with Media Portal but that's down to preference . By the way Arcsoft Total media player can integrate into Media Portal and also into the MCE menu on Vista too.

If small and quiet is what you want get a Shuttle HTPC or something like that. It might be best to build a HTPC based around a Micro ATX board like the GA-MA785GM-UD2H http://www.advancetec.co.uk/acatalog/Gigabyte_GAMA785GMUD2H_motherboard.html , that will give you more options to add to and upgrade than a shuttle HTPC.

Hope this helps but to be honest if you only reason for building a HTPC is for HD DVD playback you could just get a replacement xbox drive and save alot of hassle, time and money. In the mean time keep a eye on adverts.ie for HTPC's , you could save a few quid there with a ready made system. I should be posting one for sale there over the next week or two.

eoinf

the hd dvd is just a side issue , i was looking at building up a HTPC anyway to get BluRay playback, along with a load of stuff i have in MPEG4/MP3/AVI/MKV/Etc.

My PC is a few years old too so i was going to replace that anyway.

I stumpled upon a ASRock Ion anyone any opioninons on this. while im not bad at buildiong and upgrading PC's i might just avoid the hassle and get a one box solution.

slave1

I have a 2.0 dual core pentium/Vista ultimate running a dual HDDVD/BR drive, no issues whatsoever, get the 4 gig if you like but you don't need the extra 2gig.

Do-more

Hi Folks, I have the LG HD DVD/Blueray combo drive and currently use it with the bundled OEM version of PowerDVD which supports both HD-DVD and Blueray on Vista.

I'm thinking of upgrading the OS to Windows 7 (as I have a spare licence) but don't want to lose the ability to play both HD-DVD and Bluerays.

Is anyone using the LG combo drive with Win 7? And if so what software are you running? Are there any free solutions?

Cheers

D-M.