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Freedom Kira:
Taking this to the PMs for the sake of staying on-topic here. Check your inbox.
Stsin:
--- Quote from: jbsoum on August 21, 2011, 08:40:36 PM ---Personally, I wouldn't recommend XBMC unless you plan on running some kind of client/server setup. Judging from the fact that you are using a laptop for this, I would guess this isn't the case.
Why are you using WDTV?
Hooking your laptop directly to your TV is the best option, and people have made good recommendations for the proper wiring.
As for software, I highly recommend MediaPortal and the MyAnime2 plugin for it.
http://www.team-mediaportal.com/ <--mediaportal
http://www.otakumm.com/ <--MyAnime2
There's a post on this forum called Otaku Media Manager where this plugin is discussed.
Also, in terms of remote vs. mouse & keyboard, I prefer a remote.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121002 <-- this remote is relatively cheap, and works without any serious setup. There are colored buttons at the bottom of the page that let you switch between subtitle and audio tracks.
If you want to go this route and would like more assistance setting it up, feel free to ask.
--- End quote ---
This is the way to do it, if take your anime seriously.
Recognizes and organizes files by doing an md5 hashcheck with AniDB. No need to rename like some Media Centers require. Automatically gets cover and background art with full descriptions. Variety of skins and views to choose from. Does so much more that is specific to anime that no other solution offers. Check that link out.
Using a retired system makes this setup free. If don't have a spare PC, use the money that would have been spent on a WDTV, Popcorn Hour, etc. to help upgrade. Never worry about Hi10 and other future play-ability problems as you can select which codecs to use.
While it's best to use a dedicated PC, my friend uses it with his laptop. Reading the anime over the WiFi network..no need for externals. I have TBs of anime spread on multiple drives and could be spread all over the network with no problems.
kitamesume:
^ so long as they stick to making the codecs/filters efficient and not a resource hog like madvr... then sure you wouldn't need a massive upgrade for like 5-10years. (they`ll start rolling out 2560p someday)
halfelite:
--- Quote from: Stsin on September 06, 2011, 01:14:41 PM ---
This is the way to do it, if take your anime seriously.
Recognizes and organizes files by doing an md5 hashcheck with AniDB. No need to rename like some Media Centers require. Automatically gets cover and background art with full descriptions. Variety of skins and views to choose from. Does so much more that is specific to anime that no other solution offers. Check that link out.
Using a retired system makes this setup free. If don't have a spare PC, use the money that would have been spent on a WDTV, Popcorn Hour, etc. to help upgrade. Never worry about Hi10 and other future play-ability problems as you can select which codecs to use.
While it's best to use a dedicated PC, my friend uses it with his laptop. Reading the anime over the WiFi network..no need for externals. I have TBs of anime spread on multiple drives and could be spread all over the network with no problems.
--- End quote ---
PCH has the same exact skin for eversion called evstreamed only part that is lacking is the crc/md5 check into anidb they are working on it, So for now either have to use nfo or rename to match tvdb.
This debate can can go on forever but there is no one solution fits every ones needs, I have had many of htpc. been doing this for years even built a recent one for the fun of it to test out the ion2 setup, But I need something that looks nice that matches my room setup and an htpc usually sticks out like a sore thumb and is loud, Takes more energy then a stand alone, And does not have a high WAF. Nor does it support HD audio, Thats why I keep saying if you are in it for only Anime htpc is a winner if you start to branch out getting into 1:1 bluray backups with full menus, HD Audio then you need to move past the HTPC as it wont give what you need anymore.
There is a time and a place for each system You just have to figure out what your needs are and go from there.
On that note everyone should work on adding more information for anime so we all benefit to thetvdb.com its missing a lot of ep information for some of the older series and a few images, and if you are good with photoshop http://fanart.tv/ needs a lot of images.
Stsin:
Can select which audio codec to use, which should suffice for most audio needs that a PC can offer. The hash checking is what makes this stand out. Added over 3TB of anime the last few months as I was converting my collection to HD. The ease of organizing it all, not having to rename a single file, made it an enjoyable experience. But it offers much more if check the link out. From seeing all the seiyus involved and which shows they took part in your anime collection, to viewing a shows relations with other anime. It even shows the fansub group.
But true, if I were to want 1:1 bluray rips of non-anime, this might not be the best. Also HTPC's can be loud. But can the CPH access over the network? Otherwise, all those bluray rips would require a lot of external drives, which would defeat the purpose of having a small quiet footprint. My next HTPC will be my current system, using the built in GPU (which I currently don't use) and may even downclock the CPU for less heat and less need for fans...while accessing my huge video collection from a server. It will be quiet. Smaller case too, if I wanted.
As for MadVR, I can do without. It's great for upscaling old small resolutions, but as we are starting to use 720p and 1080p sources it's superb rendering is less needed. I tried it awhile and it sometimes crashes when I do a lot of seeking, plus it feeling less responsive.
Using FFDShow adds a lot of flexibility. The simple deband filter does wonders, in which all anime viewers should have on by default. With it being able to use AviSynth, there's much you can do with post processing. For example, adding a script to interpolate it to 60 fps in real time for smooth animation, similar to what is offered with 120hz TVs. (click to show/hide)http://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=3557786&postcount=199
Don't need to install all that the post suggests. Works with CCCP installation.
While it has a soap opera effect with live action, it can give a more 3D effect with animation.Can also use the GPU's drivers for post processing, like sharpening and noise reduction.
In otherwords, can't get more flexibility and features than with a PC.
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