what is the best HTPC cum media server for this setup?

[adatrao]

Hi All,
Can some one help me with the best HTPC for the completing the chain:

1. Onkyo TX NR 818,
   
2. Oppo BDP 103D,
   
3. Panasonic 65" ST50 plasma TV
   
4. SVS 7.1 Ultra series speakers with PC 13 ultra.
5. Harmony 650 remote

Want the HTPC/media server to connect seamlessly and control using the Harmony 650 remote or a iPhone.
Movie and audio (painstakingly) ripped collection is around 8 TB.

Should I build one and do the software part through Assasin HTPC (http://www.assassinhtpc.com/configurations.php)?
or should I buy one HTPC/media server like say what Assassin HTPC sells (http://www.assassinhtpc.com/media_servers.php)
I have a laptop as well with i7 processor with HDMI 1.4 port in it - any good way of using it?


Thanks.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

HTPC and Seamlessly are typically oxymorons. But in general best HTPC is nvidia Shield TV
Either use with Plex (it supports both server/client on same hardware)
You should be able to control it with both iphone apps, or your harmony remote using IR
https://support.myharmony.com/en-hu/harmony-experience-with-nvidia-shield

 

[panteragstk]

HTPC and Seamlessly are typically oxymorons. But in general best HTPC is nvidia Shield TV
Either use with Plex (it supports both server/client on same hardware)
You should be able to control it with both iphone apps, or your harmony remote using IR
https://support.myharmony.com/en-hu/harmony-experience-with-nvidia-shield

I do this exact setup except my Shield TV is just for playback. I've got a Plex server on unRAID in my office closet.

I use the Harmony Companion and it works great.

If you don't go the Android TV route you can get a mini PC that are now very affordable and powerful. The most popular being the Intel NUC. I've got an old Foxconn with AMD Brazoz (E-350) that worked very well for many years.

The most important part of an HTPC (that is used 99% for video/audio playback) is to be sure you get a videocard that can handle all of the decoding duties. Most modern CPUs can depending on whether or not they've got a built in video chip, but standalone video cards have worked better for me personally.

What software are you wanting your HTPC to run?