simple set-up for a HDDVD/BluRay combo drive

eoinf · 22-09-2009 10:52AM #1

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 · 30-09-2009 12:43AM

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 · 05-10-2009 12:50AM

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 · 05-10-2009 01:32PM

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 · 11-10-2009 06:47PM

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 · 28-10-2009 05:33PM

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.

simple set-up for a HDDVD/BluRay combo drive

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