Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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I know everyone thinks the PS3 is the best thing since sliced bread. However, I might be able to acquire PC parts more economically. What is the prevailing opinion on the viability of hardware and usability of the software to play Blu-Ray via a PC? Must I have Vista? Thanks for your wisdom
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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If you gave up beer for a few months, you could have yourself a PS3 at a discount...
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
But life wouldn't be worth living.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 43
buff
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buff
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 43 |
Is there a way to get the HD audio formats from a htpc?
Do they make a card that outputs HD video and sound through HDMI in a single output?
I imagine the hardware requirements for blue ray playback are preety steep although pc parts are pretty cheap these days.
M80,VP150,QS8,ERD-1,XPA-2,XPA-5,UMC-10,PS3,XBOX360,Dish VIP622,PB13 Ultra,Panasonic PT-AE3000U
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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The way to do it is binge for a whole week, then you'll be good going without for a month or so. It will taste sooo good when you resume after the PS3 is in your possession.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
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If its HDMI passthrough there will be no penalty. The most recent video cards do onboard hardware decoding so again, there is no processor penalty.
I havn't done any reading on this in a couple of months, so I don't know what the state of affairs is for HDMI 1.3 either for video cards or players.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786 |
Tom, I'm a little out of date on hardware and software players for bluray. Last time I checked a month ago the only player I could find was the older hp (I think) HD-DVD/Bluray combo player at around $200. I doubt it will handle HDMI 1.3.
A quick search on someplace like avforums will probably give you an answer.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,056
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,056 |
In order to get that Blu Ray player to work on your PC, be prepared to drop some coin on a pretty decent graphics card, most of which won't pass the audio at all. Processing capabilities are a different issue entirely. On the audio side, I suppose you could get a card to send the PCM stream out to your receiver to decode, but that's pure speculation. I bet that there is an audio card that can either do that, or decode the Blu Ray signal internally and pass it via multi-channel outs.
For my money, I think you're better off with the turn key stand alone player or a PS3. All that hardware (not to mention software compatibility issues and no tech support) to buy makes me concerned - and I looked into this option a couple of months back before deciding to go the stand alone player route.
Also consider that, if you buy a stand alone player today - get one cheap, try eBay - you can always hustle that one to a second TV when the players get cheaper and better.
Just seems like a bigger headache than its worth.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Have a look at this card for your sound needs.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
Stop being a tight ass and just buy a damn player Tommy.....
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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He can use his tight ass to turn coal into a diamond, sell the diamond, and then buy a player.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786 |
Nice link Ken. ASUS, with assistance from C-Media and ArcSoft, has been able to adhere to the PAPS and AACS content schemes without having to downmix the audio sources Its the damn copy protection schemes that are causing all the problems! I didn't look at the price of that card, but I bet its not cheap.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
He can use his tight ass to turn coal into a diamond, sell the diamond, and then buy a player. I duno....The clarity might be a bit dirty.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,056
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,056 |
No word yet on the price of the ASUS card, but it will run you at least $100 according to online consensus projections. Couple that with a software suite to run the system, the drive, the upgraded video card (assuming you don't have one of course) and a faster processor with more ram (again, assuming your rig is underpowered like mine), and the budget is blown.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854 |
Tom - I went down that path (looking to do an HTPC), but once I started adding things up, including software and then factored in the aggravation of having to work a PC into the mix AND keep it problem free, the PS3 became a no brainer.
BTW - Walmart has a PS3 deal going right now. Buy one for $399 and get a $100 gift card (= BluRay discs??)
Have a couple of extra beers tonight and practice your groveling. Then beg Mrs. Tuttle for a PS3.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
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Posts: 8,488 |
Ahem. The compression capabilities of my posterior notwithstanding, Ken seems to be the only one here who is actually "helping". I am lucky enough to have a periodic allocation of funds from my employer to spend on things like computer equipment. So, my question really relates to how I can best leverage that resource rather than how I can best acquire BD capabilities. I did quite a bit of reading at AVS, and it appears that you can't get the new audio formats from a PC yet. However, since my receiver doesn't have HDMI switching, the point is moot at the moment. I'd be content to build to full capability while enjoying the 1080p picture and DD EX. It's all part of my master plan. Bwahahahahaha!!
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,056
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,056 |
Don't take the audio side for granted. I did, thinking that my eyes were much more sensitive than my ears, and also more prone to recognizing 'errors' in the video than my ear were to picking up parts of the audio track that were lacking.
After diving into Blu Ray, though, I am appreciating the enhanced audio as much as I am appreciating the video quality. The sound is so rich and full, it's hard to explain. Imaging is superb. I no longer hear my speakers. I just hear sound eminating from space. It's gorgeous.
If you're so flush with cash, why not do both? You can send any leftover funds to a small account I keep off shore.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
You just don't want me to be happy, do you? You're just like that bastard JP. Any my kids.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
Ya, sounds like you need to just suck it up and buy the player....AND a new audio processor. The Capt is definitely right. The improvement in sound is pretty much guaranteed on all the disks. PQ is hit and miss with some of the older films.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
PS3!!!
And for me to promote buying anything from Sony, I have to really believe it's worth it.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
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Your getting to be as anoying as the M80 twins.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I've been trying to get a store to toss in a PS3 with a new flat screen purchase, no takers yet but I am sure around Christmas time the deal will be made, if not out right offered as a special bonus.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
Your getting to be as anoying as the M80 twins. Me? I think that was only my 2nd or 3rd PS3 plug ever.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1 |
Your getting to be as anoying as the M80 twins. Me? I think that was only my 2nd or 3rd PS3 plug ever. We're gonna have to count this as a plug, too!
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
. . .
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786 |
No image, just a red x. Are the PS3 police finally catching up with you?
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
Hmm' I can see the animated image of a smiley face slapping himself on the forehead. You must be using a Macbook or something. heh heh, let's get all the fires lit!!!
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471 |
*pokes voodoo doll of Tom in crotch*
Tom, the employer would not go for the PS3, eh?
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471 |
The compression capabilities of my posterior notwithstanding, Ken seems to be the only one here who is actually "helping". I'm just here for comic relief. I gave up helping long ago. P.S. Don't tell my patients that.
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471 |
I know it's time to go get the next patient when the impatient coughing in the waiting room reaches 80 dB...
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1 |
Did you get that reading from your Surly Patient Level meter?
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Blu-Ray HTPC Drives
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
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SPL, ah, clever as always...
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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