Using laptop as HTPC

NewApproach

Not sure if this is the right forum, so mods please move if necessary.

I have an unused laptop with some psu issues at the moment, it has good specs tho. Assuming the power issues can be fixed, would it be possible to sort of turn it into a HTPC? I mean could you install whatever OS and other software is necessary and use it like a HTPC?
At the minute it is just sitting there collecting dust, so I'd be happy enough to make it a little project of mine if ye think it's possible/worthwhile. I have no idea what is involved though. FWIW it has a large HD, HDMI and Bluray. When the psu went on it I got insurance money for a new laptop so didn't think to do anything with it since then.

Thanks

Skerries

i'd be worried about it burning out from being on all the time, maybe buy one of those usb fan coolers for it?

Voodu Child

XBMC is popular. Link

If you've already got a Windows install then you can just run XBMC as an application. Not sure if it supports Bluray playback though.

If you don't have a working Windows install then there is XBMC Live which is a stripped-down Linux OS that boots straight into the XBMC environment.

I agree that you'd need to consider the cooling aspect. If you're putting it in a cabinet under the TV, make sure its got plenty of space for the vents etc, and definitely not an enclosed space. You'd also probably want some kind of wireless keyboard or media remote.

Khannie

Laptop should be fine for a HTPC. Has it got hardware accelerated video playback? That would make a big difference in the heat stakes.

NewApproach

Skerries wrote: »

i'd be worried about it burning out from being on all the time, maybe buy one of those usb fan coolers for it?

Yeah that would probably be a good idea, it used get hot with normal use anyway.

Voodu Child wrote: »

XBMC is popular. Link

If you've already got a Windows install then you can just run XBMC as an application. Not sure if it supports Bluray playback though.

If you don't have a working Windows install then there is XBMC Live which is a stripped-down Linux OS that boots straight into the XBMC environment.

I agree that you'd need to consider the cooling aspect. If you're putting it in a cabinet under the TV, make sure its got plenty of space for the vents etc, and definitely not an enclosed space. You'd also probably want some kind of wireless keyboard or media remote.

In view of the fact I will only be using it for HTPC, could I remove Vista and just put on XMBC Live? Any benefit to this?

A wireless keyboard/remote would be necessary yeah. It has a bluetooth remote at the minute for music/powerpoint, but it wouldn't have the functionality of a full remote.

Khannie wrote: »

Laptop should be fine for a HTPC. Has it got hardware accelerated video playback? That would make a big difference in the heat stakes.

I'm not sure if it has that or not, how would I find out? It is a Dell M1530 laptop, and IIRC it has an nVidia 8600gt mobile.

Voodu Child

NewApproach wrote: »

In view of the fact I will only be using it for HTPC, could I remove Vista and just put on XMBC Live? Any benefit to this?

If you already have Windows then wouldnt bother with XBMC Live. The benefit of XBMC Live would probably be quicker boot time and less backround resources, but tbh its much easier getting things set up under Windows, you've got all your drivers already etc. And I presume you have a Bluray player on Windows (PowerDVD or similar), whereas playing Blurays working on Linux isn't easy.

I'm not sure if it has that or not, how would I find out? It is a Dell M1530 laptop, and IIRC it has an nVidia 8600gt mobile.

8600M supports video acceleration, works fine in XBMC. Its under the DXVA option, I think it is enabled by default in the latest version of XBMC.

Note that Nvidia GPUs of that era have some reliability issues, the cooler you can keep it the longer it will last. So maybe GPU acceleration is not the best option for you. If you've a decent dual-core it will handle video fine.

NewApproach

Voodu Child wrote: »

If you already have Windows then wouldnt bother with XBMC Live. The benefit of XBMC Live would probably be quicker boot time and less backround resources, but tbh its much easier getting things set up under Windows, you've got all your drivers already etc. And I presume you have a Bluray player on Windows (PowerDVD or similar), whereas playing Blurays working on Linux isn't easy.

I think it has power DVD or equivilant, but if not I can get it.

Voodu Child wrote: »

8600M supports video acceleration, works fine in XBMC. Its under the DXVA option, I think it is enabled by default in the latest version of XBMC.

Note that Nvidia GPUs of that era have some reliability issues, the cooler you can keep it the longer it will last. So maybe GPU acceleration is not the best option for you. If you've a decent dual-core it will handle video fine.

I'm well aware of the GPU issues, hopefully it will hold out.


So it looks like this could work. Other than a cooling fan thing, XBMC, and a remote, is there anything else I would need?

Skerries

NewApproach wrote: »

So it looks like this could work. Other than a cooling fan thing, XBMC, and a remote, is there anything else I would need?

a giant porn collection

kdobey

You should really try windows media Center which is included with windows vista before you go off and wipe it. It really is quite excellent and you have the advantages if having a pc connected to your tv. You can try that out then go the whole xbmc route if you feel the need.

If something other then the external power block is dead and you think its a power problem internal to the case the I'd say your chance of economically fixing it is fairly low (which would be why the insurance paid out on it).

Other then that a htpc rocks, you'll never go back! To make it really useful you may want to get a few USB tuners maybe analog or dvb-t or Dvb-s depending on your requirements.

NewApproach

kdobey wrote: »

You should really try windows media Center which is included with windows vista before you go off and wipe it. It really is quite excellent and you have the advantages if having a pc connected to your tv. You can try that out then go the whole xbmc route if you feel the need.

I've never used it before but I might give it a try soon.

kdobey wrote: »

If something other then the external power block is dead and you think its a power problem internal to the case the I'd say your chance of economically fixing it is fairly low (which would be why the insurance paid out on it).

Yeah obviously the whole idea is depending on this tbh. I think it is the power jack which is gone, and froma bit of research online it seems a new one woul dhave to be soldered onto the motherboard.

BenEadir

Hi Guys,

I have a similar situation to the OP.

I've a HP Pavilion dv2000 Entertainment PC laptop sitting around unused. It has an Intel Core 2 CPU T5200 1.6Ghz and 1GB of Ram.

I don't know much about the HTPC possibilities (I'll start reading up) but was thinking that if I add a cheap 1TB external drive and XBMC it could be used to download online content, store the content and play the content to my Panasonic Vierra HD and Jamo 5.1 surround sound system via my Onkyo amp. Am I on the right track?

The first challenge I have is that the Laptop doesn't have a HDMI slot so perhaps I'm buggered before I start? It has 2 USB slots, an S-Video slot and an old style 15 pin external Monitor slot. How could I connect this to my TV?

Remote control wise I can use the Android XBMC app so I guess if I can make a good connection between the laptop and the TV I should have a basic set-up for watching stored content?

Or am I better off not even starting to make this work and just buy a media box like the Boxee Box or should I try to make this laptop into a home made Boxee Box? What's the difference between Boxee and XBMC software?

I'm terrified that with a little knowledge in this area I'll get sucked into it all together!!!

Cheers,

Ben

BenEadir

BenEadir wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I have a similar situation to the OP.

I've a HP Pavilion dv2000 Entertainment PC laptop sitting around unused. It has an Intel Core 2 CPU T5200 1.6Ghz and 1GB of Ram.

I don't know much about the HTPC possibilities (I'll start reading up) but was thinking that if I add a cheap 1TB external drive and XBMC it could be used to download online content, store the content and play the content to my Panasonic Vierra HD and Jamo 5.1 surround sound system via my Onkyo amp. Am I on the right track?

The first challenge I have is that the Laptop doesn't have a HDMI slot so perhaps I'm buggered before I start? It has 2 USB slots, an S-Video slot and an old style 15 pin external Monitor slot. How could I connect this to my TV?

Remote control wise I can use the Android XBMC app so I guess if I can make a good connection between the laptop and the TV I should have a basic set-up for watching stored content?

Or am I better off not even starting to make this work and just buy a media box like the Boxee Box or should I try to make this laptop into a home made Boxee Box? What's the difference between Boxee and XBMC software?

I'm terrified that with a little knowledge in this area I'll get sucked into it all together!!!

Cheers,

Ben

Anyone????