Desktops: Cheapest Media Center
Cheapest Media Center
by flicknstock - 2/26/09 11:40 AMSo I have a nice setup for my media center and my friend comes along and wants something similar, but really really cheap.
I've got him to where he basically just wants to be able to watch Hulu and Netflix (and any other streaming site). I've been looking to build something and looking at refurbished models, but wanted to throw the challenge out to find me the cheapest system that can do these basic tasks.
The basic requirements are:
Stream Hulu and Netflix
HD - small one, so nothing too expensive is necessary
Video - going to output to HDTV
OS - would need to have XP or Vista (since linux doesn't do netflix)
One wonders why . . .
by Coryphaeus - 2/26/09 6:30 PM In reply to: Cheapest Media Center by flicknstockHDTV. With a simple system, HD cannot come into play.
My setup:
HP/Compaq Evo, 2.2 GHz P4 with a Gig of RAM running XP Pro, 65 bucks on eBay. Added a wireless N card (to connect to my NAS where my downloaded movies are stored) and a DVD burner, swapped the 20 Gig HD for an 80. Total investment, less than two hundred bucks. Connected to my Sony 55" SXRD via the D-sub/VGA connector.
Great refurbs here (I have or have had at least 8) http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/default/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=2576395&storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1
good thought
by flicknstock - 3/2/09 6:06 AM In reply to: One wonders why . . . by CoryphaeusI didn't know about the ibm site, it looks to fulfill my requirements. My friend will also appreciate the cheapness too.
Thanks
suggestion
by ramarc - 2/27/09 8:45 AM In reply to: Cheapest Media Center by flicknstock$350 asus nova p20, basically a laptop without a screen. dvi out and could handle streamed hd content.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856110088
watching shows on a tv connected to computer
by bikeboy272 - 3/1/09 8:30 AM In reply to: Cheapest Media Center by flicknstockhi, wanted some info on how to hook up computer to tv and still be able to play on computer while watching shows on tv that come from online sites. any help would be great. have hp a6230n pavillion pc thanks
connecting pavilion PC to TV
by Mister_Do - 3/3/09 4:08 PM In reply to: watching shows on a tv connected to computer by bikeboy272Hi bikeboy272,
Does your TV have a VGA or SPDIF connection? Depending on the TV type, it's actually pretty easy to use your PC with your TV. My setup at home is a Pavilion with Vista connected to my 47inch LCD TV and from here I can use media center to record my DirecTV and at the same time surf the internet, go to youtube, hulu, etc.
Here is a link to your product specifications: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01153857&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN
All you have to do is connect the PC to the TV through any available ports and then set the TV channel or input type to correlate with port you are connected to. For example, in my setup, I'm connected to the TV using VGA. When I want to watch Media Center, I switch the input on the TV to RGB. Then my TV just acts like my computer monitor, and if I want to watch "regular" TV, I switch to the TV setting. I even have my Wii and PS3 connected to this TV. It's all just a matter or the TV having the same ports as your video devices that you want to connect to it.
This HP monitor setup document may help with some of your questions as well: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph03739&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=3548196
Let me know how it goes or if you have other questions.
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