Is a Home Theater PC Worth It in 2020?
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- Today I'll be revisiting my InWin B1 HTPC build and comparing it to some much less expensive 4K streaming devices like the Roku TV and the Amazon Fire TV. Which will come out on top?
InWin B1 Build - • InWin B1 Mini-ITX Case...
Original HTPC Build - • Super Tiny, Super Budg...
Hisense 65-Inch Class R6090G Roku 4K UHD Smart TV - amzn.to/3jhFZ51
Roku Streaming Stick+ - amzn.to/2QGwVdX
Amazon Fire TV 4K - amzn.to/2Qvji12
Original HTPC Build (Affiliate)
InWin B1 - amzn.to/2Yzg3tK
Noctua NH-l9a (Cromax) - amzn.to/32v7cKF
Noctua NH -l9a (Brown) - amzn.to/2EDfWX6
Ryzen 5 3200G (2400G is basically EOL) - amzn.to/31xyZuJ
ASRock B450 Gaming-ITX/AC - amzn.to/3hz90IS
Sabrent Rocket 256GB NVME M.2 SSD - amzn.to/3hsA9xf
Corsair LPX DDR4 3200Mhz 16 GB - amzn.to/3aZn2RK
Timecodes:
0:00 - Opening
0:30 - introduction
1:45 - HTPC Overview
4:10 - 4K Streaming Requirements
6:14 - Roku Smart TV Overview
7:50 - Amazon Fire TV 4K Overview
9:00 - Conclusion
9:56 - Alternative HTPC Builds
10:48 - Closing
Find me on Social Media
Twitter: @elevatedsystems1
Facebook: / elevatedsyst. .
Instagram: / elevatedsys
Contact Me: CJ@elevatedsystems.tech
Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com 
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With the PC you can block ads. I hate ads.
I'm looking at HTPC ideas right now since consoles are sold out. Thanks for all the info, especially about HDCP support and app playback!
Glad I could help!
In addition to consoles being hard to come by, so too are new graphics cards. If you can snag a Ryzen APU with Vega graphics to sate your gaming needs, that will likely be your most practical option. If you want more graphics horsepower a year down the line when the market is better, you can add a graphics card then, provided you have chosen a case with room for it. All the best of luck with the project.
Can't lie I love my htpc. It's been a great way to give my older hardware extra life like my old gtx 960. Also it's awesome to have for streaming your steam games to your living room. But for this use case I can totally dig it. Though I do love being able to run my first Gen "Light pack" and running the latest versions of kodi.
OMG, literally just came here now since my old 960 is doing all but nothing for the past 2.5 years - aim to use it for the same purpose. Any pointers on what kind of components and specs I'll need? No pressure ofc, it's just it's the same GPU that you have
@@alexsantimano6443 Hey! I am happy to help and hope you are having fun building your HTPC. I’m not sure if this advice works for everyone but it has been a rule of thumb for me since building a PC can turn into a black hole of cash.
One of my rules is to keep the cost if possible at 25 to30% of the Top costs of my main rig. I had an Intel Core i7-4790K - Core i7 4th Gen Devil's Canyon that I was going to reuse but needed some cash so I sold it on “sell my gpu” for a few bucks as the motherboard for that chip seems to be dying.
Right now I am pairing my 960 with an Intel Core i3-2105 - Core i3 2nd Gen Sandy Bridge Dual-Core 3.1. (bought this in 2012). It does the job fine and runs windows 10 with no issues on only 8GB of RAM. Since upgrading my TV to the LG C1 I have seriously thought about making some upgrades to my HTPC as this chip is pretty long in the tooth at this point.
My mindset with building a HTPC for me means leaning in on the “Theater” part so I use a Blu Ray drive and watch all of my DVD and Blurays on the system as It’s is a great way to get around region locks for foreign films. If you are planning to use your HTPC for your DVD/ Bluray collection then I would also recommend looking at processors only up to Intel’s 9th gen series as Intel announced this year that their new chips (10th and up will not support 4K bluray).
So if you have a 960 kicking around and not much money you could def go with a i7-4790K and that would work great for most games and you can always stream a super demanding title from your main rig. The big thing is reusing your old hard ware so if you don’t have the motherboard that supports an i7-4790K you may as well upgrade to the 8th or 9th gen CPU as those will get you better performance and at some point you can slot in a 20 series card that will pair well with those processors. I don’t use AMD so I would not be able to speak on those parts but you could also get great value there as well. If you can reuse your 960 but don’t have a motherboard or processor you should be able to get a Z390 board for under $100 bucks that supports DDR4 and the processor for under or around $100 bucks if you hunt on eBay, Newegg or craigslist. Ultimately you want to challenge yourself to make a kickass HTPC with spending as little as you can so if you already have a motherboard and CPU lying around that can net you some savings. The Devils Canyon one I had is pretty old so you may have something much newer at home already. If you do just spend cash on making sure you have 32GB or RAM and a new case that will look good in your Home Theather console area.
Hope this this is helpful. Not a pro but I can’t afford to spend much on big rigs so this mindset has worked well for me and it’s great to reuse old parts rather than just throwing them away after investing so much hard earned cash. All the best!
Dang. Was hoping to consolidate my PS4, laptop, and Alexa fire cube… and build a dedicated HTPC… but looks like no….. thanks for the honesty and homework you did!
If you watch a lot downloaded content, an HTPC is the best way to watch it. I watch a ton of downloaded 4K video files on my PC that either struggle to play on streaming devices, or just won't play at all.
I agree with this assessment overall. If I just want something for streaming services...then use a streaming device. My son is being enrolled in online school permanently (he thrived in it during COVID), so we are building a PC for the living room, and he can do his classes on the 55 inch TV in the living room. Might look at doubling it as an HTPC since I hate the fire TV interface (that's what is in there now)...and don't necessarily need all my content to be in 4k wile streaming. We also have a lot of blu-rays that we could play in it for the 4k. Thanks for the informative video!
I've gone through a few solutions. For the past few years I've ended up relying on my Smart TVs - Samsung Tizen, then Android TV in my Philips. Fine solutions for the most part, however the apps themselves are often just a bit buggy. Plex on my Android TV, for example, has a zoom setting bug which still hasn't been fixed, and will often buffer eternally when trying to play back over my gigabit network for no logical reason. The RUclips app also features no way to block ads.
I've recently built an HTPC using some old desktop components in a mATX case and I couldn't be happier. I've tweaked the Windows UI and am using an IR receiver so it honestly feels like an AV Appliance, but with support for a bluetooth keyboard/trackpad if needed, and with full PC features. The only downside for me at the moment is that my AVR is only 1080p, despite my TV being 4K. I could route the HTPC directly into the TV then use the ARC for audio, but that just seems messy, and requires my TV be on for any audio from the HTPC to work. In all fairness 99% of my content is 1080p or lower, so no real issue.
Great review man! I am putting together an ultra budget htpc with extra stuff I have kicking around. The main reason I wanted to build one was for using with a VPN so I can get some of that sweet American Netflix. Haha subbed!
You can set up a network VPN to cover every device on your home network with a Raspberry Pi. There are plenty of good tutorials on RUclips.
Hi.
Is the fire stuck kapable of delivering DDT hd ma, dolby true hd, and atmos in plex?
Adrian
Recording OTA broadcasts is a good reason for a HTPC since they don't transmit 4K yet. I was about to update my 7 year old HTPC build thinking I just needed a new graphics card until I saw your video and realized I'd need a new MB and CPU as well. I'll keep recording OTA with my silicon dust tuner and use a smart tv for streaming 4K. Thanks for the education!
I recently built an htpc from old pc parts I had. Love it! I'm using mine to watch my collection of 4k rips and bluray discs plus to show off my wedding photography and videography to clients. I'm also using my htpc to watch streaming content. Netflix streams in 4k and others in 1080p which I'm ok with that. All this content looks so good and I much prefer the htpc then using smart tv apps. Accessing my content is so much faster than using smart apps. As far as Plex I have no use for that. I don't watch my content on other tvs or PCs...just in my living room.
I would t spend my money to build an htpc, but it’s a good way to use an old pc
That's exactly what I used to do until the streaming devices came out.
Another GREAT video! Keep on your great channel!
Thanks, Will do!
Awesome video, Thanks for the info!
You bet!
Very informative video - thank you! Especially for the honesty regarding streaming services and the HDCP headaches.
Quite sad an HTPC isn't the one-stop-DIY-solution for everything regarding personal media consumption anymore.
Oh well, maybe someday the streaming services / digital rights holders will relax their stance on PC (yeah, who am I kidding).
@Elevated Systems I am running a wide screen 32 inch monitor with a display port and hdmi . is their a build guide for the htpc that I can use and modified if needed
This system will work fine for that display as the Asrock Fatal1ty motherboard has both HDMI and display port outputs.
Indeed, in the past I've used my older desktops as HTPC's. However, after I purchased my first Roku Ultra, I never looked back. Certainly, some may argue that the application is still viable, but in my case as an experienced builder, with two powerful PC's and state-of-the-art AV equipment; I would respectfully disagree.
I always wanted a HTPC but it was only worth using for plex. I can stream plex from my computer or use the firestick on Tv for it. It is kind of like me throwing away my tuner cards. They were not digital so they just are out of date. Things are going in a different direction.
I agree, its best build, good for streaming and enjoy, no need to argue. CJ is best.
Great video man
Thanks!
Still use my HTPC. Also gaming on it.
I build a lot of ITX motherboard systems, and with ASROCK's z690m-itx/ax you get up to 8k, and that built-in video is OK for any game. Same style cooler as yours here, with the new vented top (new option, or you can buy in manufacturer's website in "parts" section) this baby cools fine for a 65w CPU. (6 or 10 core intel)
So. You run plex, as do I . I'm looking to put an old box next to my tv just to play movies. I can put JRiver on it directly into the tv and receiver and get better control and playback than I can running plex as I get right now
I don't stream that much but I have a lot of movies on my hdd.
Thoughts?
I don't think I've ever used JRiver but if it works better for you then go for it.
Nice informative video on the actual user aspects of the options. There are far too many videos that focus in on the specs and benchmarks and such.
Tip for u bro, if you want to improve your videos then put a little work into improving your speech cadence. It would make your vids more watchable in series. Cheers!
Glad it was helpful, and thanks, I continue to work on my speech everyday, the weird cadence is part of overcoming my stutter.
can you explain more detail about re-encoding @7:30. thanks in advance.
I use Handbrake to re-encode my x264 .mp4 digital video files to x265. I have a video on how I do it with my RUclips footage but it works the same for basically any video file. ruclips.net/video/Q98GPAQ_iYE/видео.html
I guess most people are probably OK with just renting media, but I still prefer to own mine. I can watch it whenever I want, at whatever resolution I want, and even if my internet service is interrupted (which has happened multiple times). Plus, you can pick up good DVDs and Blu-Rays for just a few bucks at pawn shops and thrift stores, so now is the perfect time to hoard media. I could cancel all my subscriptions right now and it would be years before I'd have to watch something twice.
i have android tv its ok but if i want to watch a movie throw ..... means on the web browser i can not because them such websites are full of adds and none of the browsers i could find on android tv have addblocker or lets me add a addblocker
My issue with my smart TV is the lack of audio out options (only HDMI and optical) which doesn't work with my 15 year old receiver. I'm trying to find options for convenient alternatives, but it seems like I'll just have to replace the receiver with one that accepts HDMI. Thanks for the video
You can get a digital to analog converter to convert the optical audio output to RCA or composite for input into your older receiver. You can usually find these for under $20 on Amazon.
What about the picture quality of any streamer vs htpc with hi end GPU.
Any modern CPU is easily able to process a 4K video, there's no need for a dedicated graphics card for that. The most common reason for poor streaming video quality is a poor network/internet connection.
i have a crazy idea for htpc kinda. it would be a huge endeavor, but it comes down to using a shield tv or something for the front end and ease of use. but have the pc right there to play the games and deal with bigger stuff. but i want to toggle the input and bam your playing the game directly off of the pc. if you could get your pc to do this stuff you could use virtual machines and just run google tv on the pc...
i have an idea to put a laptop mobo into a ps2 or og xbox. and also put a shield into into it. i7 8th gen and newer with idk 20xx or 30xx and intel igpu... use the shield to upscale but probably not idk lol.
HTPC's are pretty fun tbh. I've got an older Gateway All-in-one that I put OpenELEC on and it runs Kodi beautifully even though it's just a 2nd gen Core i3 with 6 gigs of RAM. I also dual-boot it with Batocera Linux and even run some older games on it, it actually fits nicely on my bedroom desk. It's honestly a good use for older iMacs and such.
You truly make a point
Htps get the best when you have good thx sound card with prebuilt amp.. That more cheap than any av receiver
Audio works usually better outside the pc case...
What about Mac OS? Do hackintosh PC's have 4k streaming ability besides Netflix? Like Hbo max and prime video?
Mac is worse, a mac device needs a T2 security chip to stream 4k. I don't have much experience with Mac but I did just read that this week.
@@ElevatedSystems thanks for the info, I'll do some more research and comment back
Macs can't do Pass-through audio either for lossless codecs which is a bummer.
My own 3400g htpc has seen no use since I switched to an internet/tv provider who bundled an Apple TV 4K with their subscription....
It’s a shame but your video is all too true and I’m even closer now to selling it for parts and upgrade my gaming rig instead.
Sounds like a solid plan.
Wow wow, its soooper, CJ. Please suggest should I purchase a 32inch monitor or an android TV to connect my New PC. Are TV okay for PC use and streaming.
Depending on the size the pixel density of a TV isn't usually great for use as a PC monitor. I'd go with a dedicated monitor especially for reading and writing text.
@@ElevatedSystems Thanks buddy, you are really great, so 32 inch monitor, which will be the best in budget and good, first for transcription, then game, then movie streaming.
@@ElevatedSystems Dear CJ, please suggest, which the best monitor of 32 inches to go with in 200 to 250 USD, in INR 15,000 to 18000.
@@Vaseem_opai Check this one out: amzn.to/32FASVC
It's only 1440P but unless you do something like 4k video editing 1440P is all you really need.
If you are gaming you'll want a pc monitor for faster response times in general
That is Doom Annihilation, Doom Eternal is the new game and most importantly, is actually good.
Although good video, I was wanting to build a HTPC for better streaming so your information was very valuable.
Did I say Doom Eternal lol, oops. I actually didn't watch the movie I just figured I probably wouldn't get hit with a copyright claim for showing a piece of it.
@@ElevatedSystems Good point, I doubt anyone would want to claim it.
An HTPC might be a good use for old hardware after an upgrade
What am I missing? I don't understand why he cant watch stuff in 4K with an htpc that has hdcp 2.2.
I can watch all the 4K content I want locally, but, the only streaming service that has a web or PC based app that provided 4k content is Netflix.
Because the services don’t allow it.
If you want all that with a 4k uhd bluray player then an Intel system is the way to go, AMD don't support sgx....
My newly built htpc less than £600 (about $800) is now my lossless music player with storage for all my music along with ripper and CD player direct into my music amp... its also my bluray player with full 4k uhd with into my home theatre amp for surround sound...
Can't do all that with a $50 roku
What HTPC case did you go with?
I like your intro alot fsr
I dunno... these days gaming falls under "home theater" as well. Practically everyone games, and they appreciate nice seating (a couch) with plenty of room for friends, just like a theater. They want good picture quality, and good sound too. I'd say that gaming easily falls under home theater these days. The only difference is that you're interacting, not sitting still and watching. Everything else is all the exact same as regular home theater wants and needs.
True but at last count over 73% of US households have modern consoles (Xbox/PS4/Switch) as part of their home theater setup for gaming, not a PC. The vast majority of HTPC's are primarily used for High Fidelity audio/video applications, and that number continues to drop as streaming devices become more sophisticated, prevalent, and inexpensive. The Roku and Xbox are in the living room and the gaming PC's reside in the Office/Bedroom's of most homes. That doesn't mean there's not a niche for a good gaming/HTPC, it's just, that niche is shrinking.
@@ElevatedSystems It may shrink, but it'll always be prevalent. You've got way more options on a PC, as the video highlights. Choose your OS, run any software, etc. It's probably the thing for enthusiasts who want to fine tune. The uninitiated will be fine on their corporate console and streaming devices.
Hey all im a noob at this but i have always wanted an all in one simplified htpc for maxed Resolution for emu 4k gaming 4k movies 4k streaming and vr with an easy use interface like xbmc kodi launchbox
I wanna use
Amd ryzen 5 3600
Msi gef rtx 3080
Pioneer bdr 209
On a asus rog b550 f gaming mb
Storage and case im still trying to figure out not sure what to do
idk still pretty new any tips or suggestions for me
Hmm. I can watch 4k on Netflix on my PC. And every streaming app I use. Like I had the Ryzen 2200g for two years before just upgrading and never had a issue watching 4k on a 4k monitor. I gamed at 900p and 1080p and watched my shows in 4k. Maybe it was because the TV you were using.
@BigJohnWM There is a difference between watching content on a 4K display and watching 4k content. a 1080P or 720P image will fill a 4K display but it's still not 4K resolution. Currently only Netflix, RUclips and some HBO Max content is supported on PC. Vudu also has some limited HDX content if using MS Edge. Disney +, Hulu, Prime Video, ESPN +, Apple TV do not support 4K on PC or Mac.
With streaming boxes and smart TV’s you never get true4k in the streaming. Most streaming uploading and due to server ping.
Most streaming boxes are limited to 50Mbps cap.
Just buy a HP 600G1, slap 16GB ram, and a RTX A2000 and get true guaranteed 2K and4K video playback.
For those considering building one, as of April 2021, Intel's 11th-Gen Rocket Lake CPUs are out. The i5's have the new "Xe" graphics, or UHD 750, which is replacing the UHD 630 graphics they've used for ages. The i3's DO NOT have it. So, either get an i5-11400 or 11500, or wait for the 12-Gen Alder Lake i3 CPUs, which will be all new on a 10nm manufacturing process.
I'm testing the new Xe IGPU right now, comparing to the new(ish) AMD 7nm Vega IGPU. Video should be up Sunday.
@@ElevatedSystems Awesome, I'll be sure to check it out :)
I agree 100%, no reason to use an HTPC unless to want to game or do extensive web browsing on the tv
Spot on!
Not forget about samsung or lg smartphones having DEX or desktop mode, just plugin usb C to hdmi.and ready to play anything anywhere))
True, and my Son can Airplay his iPad directly to our TV.
You dont need HDCP support for ripped 4k movies. I rip my 4k blu rays and want it in my TV via HTPC.
I know, the Doom movie I demonstrate in the video is a ripped 4K movie.
Rip my 4k blu rays... is that code speak for downloading 4k blu ray torrents these days?
@@RofIStomper Rip means to put your 4k blu ray into a blu ray drive attached to your pc/htpc, and 'rip' the file from the disc onto your hard drive. You then playback the video from the file you got from the disc whenever you want. You can then leave all your discs in some closet somewhere and not have to dig through them again.
I keep looking into htpcs, but I have a console that supports 4k, so I don't really need one.
damn....I feel like this was a Roku/Amazon info-mercial. PC may not be the best for the streaming of all this "smart app" crap but PC has alot of functionality. I just put a 16tb hard drive in my old gen one PC with Kodi as a media center and about 3800 movies with plenty of room to spare. prob will install Pluto....plex and a few other apps for added content. I like the sticks but they have such limited space on them.
I have a 32TB Unraid server with a Plex docker running that streams across my home network to the Plex app on my smart TV. You should look at turning that old PC into a home server (Unraid, Proxmox. TrueNAS), that will give you a ton more functionality.
Streaming is the only usecase where a HTPC is really bad. I just don't like the thought of being dependant towards media companies like netflix or spotify, also especially for TV shows the content just isn't that interesting.
For someone who downloads media a PC is still the way to go.
Also it's just about the flexibility, you can watch a movie. You can stream RUclips without typing something in with onscreen keyboards. You can play games, you can use it to watch holiday pictures with the whole family, you can listen to your music. With some TV reciever like a dreambox you can even watch TV over your network. All in a matter of seconds.
This is something you can technically do with a Smart TV, but it is just way more complicated. 99% of the time when I use the TV the input is my PC, just because it is the most comfortable, fastest and most flexible option.
I have an LG tv with web os and don't really miss my old HTPC anymore
Use Libreelec
PC is the only way to do it right . I surprised you have ask the topic, just as analog is the only true sound.
We can't use the smart TV because we need to use the data on our phone. Our wifi has bandwidth limits. We need to be able to download movies in free bandwidth time at night. Only win 10 can do this.
If you want the power of a HTPC in a roku i use a nvidia sheild
htpc all the way with dedicated graphics card with tv card and sat card stream play games record live tv or sat
htpc just dose more and no relations like those cheap tv boxes plus plays more formates than tv boxes plus uhd
plus serve to and divide an you get work
DID HE SAID CONVERSION TO X264? THAT MEANS COMPRESSION. THE WORD COMPRESSION IS A SIN IN THE HTPC COMMUNITY.
My Plex library is almost 2500 files deep, there is no way I'm buying the storage that would be required to hold that in an uncompressed lossless format. Besides, regardless of how I store it, Plex transcodes it to x264 to stream it to most of the popular streaming devices anyway, which is what I was talking about.
honestly get a nvidia shield and call it a day
LOL Plex is mostly for pirates isn't it?
It is to play local media...and has its own (legal) streaming service through Crackle. It can also DVR and store recording from your OTA channels you get through an antenna. Pirates might use it to play their illegally downloaded movies, but Plex...by itself...is just a player fro media files that has some other bells and whistles. I used Plex at the school I used to work IT at to play and store training videos the district made.
Why pay for all those streaming services when you can stream them through many different file sharing legal sites for free. You can even download them in full HD and Atmos. Use a VPN and a good PC with core i5/AMD 5+, 500 SDD +, 8 RAM +, HDMI 1.4 +, Graphics card UHD 630 +. This way you get a full fledge PC. DO NOT BUY A HTPC!
There is no such thing as legal file sharing when the files are copyrighted content. If you are downloading content like a show or movie for free, that is piracy that is piracy and it is definitely illegal.
terrible case. not blowing out. took off the top cover and the CPU temperature dropped by 30-40 degrees. no perforation of the glass can be made because it is knee. the case stands without glass. design mistake definitely. did not understand why the cooler runs at maximum
You must not know about KODI yet.
I used KODI way back when it was Xbox Media Center. Now I use Plex because it's integrated into more platforms.
What accent is this. Serious question.
I'm originally from New York.
Will you sell my your HTPC please
Sorry the components are bieng used in other builds.
I don't know if you're editing weird or talking like that. But it seems off. Other than that good video..
HDCP = High Definition Copyright Protection . should know that if you make this content
I do know you are wrong. www.digital-cp.com/about_dcp
Sorry but your full of shit about 4k content...using htpc's sence 2008.Currently using an Alienware x51 i5 8gb ram and samsung 256gb pro ssd and upgraded founders edition gtx1060 6gb nividia graphics card and I run everything in 4k even 50 gig 4k raw files.... tv is an LG 4k 75". btw the pc is from 2014... I also do steam gaming and using it as an emby server for the whole house .have a great day.
You must have missed the intro to this video because you just described a gaming PC connected to a TV not an HTPC. Also please share how you stream services other then Netflix in 4K from a PC. I'd like to possibly make a video about it if I can make it work.
The cut and spliced audio is fucking terrible. Write a script, if you can’t follow it fluidly, get a new hobby.