Enter to Win: Roomate HTPC from VidaBox!

[CharlyD]

HTPC's to date do not offer a complete or scalable solution. They do not integrate well with current HD sources (e.g. cable, satellite or even new HD disk formats). HTPC-based systems generally do not allow easy inclusion of external sources. Adding a game console to my home entertainment system, for example, would be through A/V inputs on the receiver completely bypassing the HTPC. I also have a hard time with the PC part of HTPC. I can't imagine doing spreadsheets or even responding to my email on my entertainment system.

 

[Tomorrow]

I've been dying to try one. Sadly, I have no dinero.

 

[Rik]

I'm most afraid of lack of support. The idea of a HTPC is really appealing to me, but I would hate to spend that kind of money and not be able to work the thing properly. I got burned by Denon, their components come with huge manuels that nobody can figure out. I finally just gave up on the manuels and figured things out by trial and error. A HTPC seems a lot more complicated to me than a receiver. I don't think trial and error will work.

 

[Slats]

Other - Noise. I don't want a noisy fan disturbing my movies/music. I've gone to great lengths to isolate my listening room from the rest of the house.

 

[Grendel]

Crashes

I guess my biggest concern is the stability of the system. Windows in any form up through the years has not been the most stable system for me and allowing that into a home theatre setup is not something that really excites me. My dvd player right now does not crash...ever. I do like a lot of the other features involved with an HTPC wich is why I'm interested, but stability + cost of the unitl keeps me watching from the outside.

 

[Thunder18]

I suppose my main reservations have always been expense and space. I've priced them out and they seem quite expensive, much more so than a standard desktop pc when you're adding items like dual HDTV tuner cards and surround sound capable sound cards as well as large hard drives to be able to store everything. Plus, I guess would have to seriously consider removing my stand-alone dvd player from my current set-up.

 

[fteixeira]

Stability and cost are a big reasons I have not plunged into the HTPC world. I also agree with many folks here... that HDCP compatiblity is key. I believe that the major video card manufacturers have announced plans for HDCP-compliant cards and HDMI output ports.

To be honest, I have toyed with idea of taking one of my older computers and building an HTPC... just to see the possiblities. If it crashes, oh well, I was just toying around. However, I would need MS Media Center software and a new video card, investments that I really do not want to make right now.

 

[rushwj]

I say price not because it's overpriced, only that it's a lot of money for some services that are provided by other components in my system. It's a good thing to have if you've got the extra cash, but i'd rather upgrade other items first.

 

[jthomp27]

Lack of Support

I am worried about a lack of support - I may need to add hardware to the HTPC and would be worried that I may not get the type of support that I would need (as in live support by someone that understands the HTPC and Home Theater terminology/needs)

 

[Hans]

Well for me there are several issues, all mentionned....

1- My ignorance: I admit I don't know much about the benefits of your product vs. plugging my current laptop or any other computer in my HT.

2- Price: Do I feel better with 1500$ in my pockets, or a HTPC?... The price seems a bit high when I (and most people in this hobby...) already have a good computer, DVD player, DVR. That's a very expensive proposition for a component that seems to offer nothing new, really.

3- Integration: I hate computer glitches, bugs, software problems, etc, etc. It absolutely kills my day. I want nothing to do with it, especially when I'm relaxing with my toys (HT)....

4- Noise: I'd be concerned about that too since I'm already using a front projector.

Don't get me wrong, the concept is really great, but I prefer to wait and see. I want to see the real benefits of HTPC versus whats already in my HT.

 

[westcott]

Other. Lack of HTPC compliance, no HDMI, unstable or slow OS, lousy DVD software for quality video, noise, heat, and lack of cohesive component control via remote.

 

[billnchristy]

Other-

If I could download the content and watch it as I see fit I would be ok with the idea.

I have tried the streaming movie thing and when you are dealing with a large, high quality file it is very hard to get a consistant stream, I dont like distortion, jitter or pauses in movies or music so it makes it hard to swallow.

 

[279BLUE]

Am planning on building a HTPC when I have the $$. I really have no reservations about getting one. Have built 3 computers in the past & as soon as I have the funds an HTPC is next. Gotta play Battlefield on the 60"!

 

[kmcolli]

Htpc

I have a Media Center/HTPC and find it troublesome. Software is unreliable video output can be difficult to manage, and lack of good hdtv support. I also fear hard drives will go bad and resulting in lost data, unless a ridiculous amount of money is spent for a raid solution.

 

[Martiad3]

Contest question: What reservations have you had about purchasing a HTPC/Media Center system? What has stopped your from getting one? Explain your choices and add any other reasons not listed on the poll.

Main reason that I've never gotten one is that I have not gotten an HDTV yet. Once I do get mine, I've thought of converting my current computer to handle the task of an HTPC.

 

[Haoleb]

Havent spent much (ok any) time looking at HTPC's, reminds me of some computer running with fans going and stuff. The only thing that would be nice is to have acess to all my mp3's through my stereo but i wont pay 1k for it. Im not as much into HT stuff, I have other things Id rather spend money on if I had any.

 

[thescrub]

No cablecard support.

 

[gellor]

First, cost. Lots of places seem to think that they can double the price of a computer by calling it an HTPC. Second, access to HD content. Not just recordable off of satellite/cable, but also from next-gen formats.

 

[Josuah]

I have a few issues with a HTPC.

1) Existing software players, including with hardware support, don't do as good a job at video filtering as top-end hardware players. I have color and timing issues with MPlayer and VLC.

2) Computers are noisy.

3) I won't support Windows as a regular platform in my home. Macs and Linux only. So Windows-based HTPCs are not appealing to me.

4) Ripping DVDs is still illegal, despite being a fair-use. I would want to rip all my DVDs to non-disc-images, and maintain good navigation features.

5) The only remote software supported for Mac movie playback seems to be bluetooth on my phone. I can only do IR easily to iTunes.

 

[waystevens]

This is simply a luxury that is not in my budget.