HTPC vs PS3 as a media center. - Blu-ray Forum

prerich · 05-19-2008, 01:07 PM

I here all of the advantages of the PS3 over standalones, and for the most part - the PS3 has a feature advantage over standalones (not a PQ and AQ advantage). I would like to start a discussion about the adavantages and disadvantages of a well built HTPC vs a PS3. HTPC'rs and PS3'rs start chiming in and we will compare these two machines to each other. I'll start first:

HTPC advantages

1. Can be repaired and built by the owner
2. Analog audio outs for older receivers
3. Better upscaling abilities - HTPC'rs have been doing this for years
4. Can play games at Extreme HD levels - and at ultra high refresh rates
5. DVD-A
6. Burn, rip, catalog, ect media files.
7. Watch HDTV programing and on some - and record cable box channels via firewire (not sure if DirectTV includes a firewire port).
8. Upgradable by the user.
9. Faster Load times than the PS3 on a quality HTPC.
10. IR remote controlable
11. Storage space
12. Can play exclusive PC games (but can't play PS3 games)
13. Can play BD,HD-DVD,WMV-HD, DivX, DivX-HD, and downloadable content
14. Home security and monitoring system.

HTPC disadvantages

1. No SACD - but thats also Sony proprietary and all PS3's are not SACD capable either.
2. Generally cost more (only for PS3 40 gig version if you get an 80 gig I coudl build an HTPC for less that would be faster).
3.Can't play PS3 Games (see number 12 above)
4. Needs software program and they can be buggy - (I've had no problems with WinDVD 9 Plus BD yet - has happily played every BD I own).
5. Current software downres TrueHD and DTS HD Master from 48/24 to 48/16 (but many titles are 48/16 already) - Newer program updates are taking care of this problem.

supersix4 · 05-19-2008, 01:19 PM

should point out that 12 and 4 will cost alot, if not more than a ps3 in some cases. cant use a 8400/8600 series to run a game like crysis in "extreme hd".

Entertainment72 · 05-19-2008, 01:27 PM

Pardon my ignorance, so with an HTPC you connect it to your HDTV? So in theory you use your HTPC as the actual player.. where do you keep it at.. below the TV etc?

prerich · 05-19-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

Pardon my ignorance, so with an HTPC you connect it to your HDTV? So in theory you use your HTPC as the actual player.. where do you keep it at.. below the TV etc?

My HTPC is connected to my HDTV and my projector via HDMI. (I could have connected via vga also). I keep it in my rack

My case is a rack mounted HTPC case (I have a lot of equipment). My mouse and keyboard are wireless and are located on my coffee table.

Oh... and yes, it is my actually player.

pseudomaniac · 05-19-2008, 01:36 PM

True Media PC Vs Playstation.

Prioritize.

If games is your top priority - get the PS3.
If movies is your top priority - decide if you'd rather have a real surfing / browsing / media storage box or if those are secondary.

Movie Playback - ones probably as good as the other, except upgrading the drive on the Media PC is going to be much easier.

The Media PC is going to be the larger investment. (from the owner of a homemade media pc)

prerich · 05-19-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseudomaniac

True Media PC Vs Playstation.

Prioritize.

If games is your top priority - get the PS3.
If movies is your top priority - decide if you'd rather have a real surfing / browsing / media storage box or if those are secondary.

Movie Playback - ones probably as good as the other, except upgrading the drive on the Media PC is going to be much easier.

The Media PC is going to be the larger investment. (from the owner of a homemade media pc)

This is true - it will be the larger investment, but I believe it pays for itself in the long run. After the intitial layout - the cost of repair is minimal if you know how to do it yourself. It's almost like pay me now (HTPC) or pay me later (PS3), but somebody's gonna get paid

!

As far as gaming goes - I think it all depends on what games you are into. It's already been said that you can't beat the PC for gaming experience and feel (that's why Microsoft gave a handicap to people that played HALO3 with the XBox 360 on the same server as PC people - the Xbox people couldn't keep up - so they made the xbox shoot with pinpoint accuracy).

Good post

supersix4 · 05-19-2008, 01:42 PM

I really wouldnt consider the 9600 series "extreme HD"

http://www.overclockersclub.com/revi..._9600_gt/7.htm

based on those tests its having trouble beating or coming close to the 8800gt on 1920x1200 (not even including the 8800gtx/high 9 series exc.)

I think your right about alot of the htpc points but gaming is gonna add heavy to the cost's if you want to have a real quality gaming experience + you have to add in while the ps3 will be set to run the games coming out in 2+ years pc's just can't offer that...

but your right you can make some great htpc's for little price, but a pro for a less expensive system couldn't be gaming if your not willing to spend the $$$.

prerich · 05-19-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supersix4

I really wouldnt consider the 9600 series "extreme HD"

http://www.overclockersclub.com/revi..._9600_gt/7.htm

based on those tests its having trouble beating or coming close to the 8800gt on 1920x1200 (not even including the 8800gtx/high 9 series exc.)

I think your right about alot of the htpc points but gaming is gonna add heavy to the cost's if you want to have a real quality gaming experience + you have to add in while the ps3 will be set to run the games coming out in 2+ years pc's just can't offer that...

but your right you can make some great htpc's for little price, but a pro for a less expensive system couldn't be gaming if your not willing to spend the $$$.

I'll give you that one

I have a friend with the new 9800 in his HTPC with a quad core processor - this thing screams!!!!! I almost cried!

brett_day · 05-19-2008, 01:58 PM

Advantages of PS3 as a Media Center

1.Cheaper than a quality HTPC
2.Much more reliable and Stable than Any PC
3.One of the best Blu Ray Drives in the business
4.Remote play with the PSP
5.Wireless media streaming from a non HTPC, means a big hd is not required
6.TV shows to be coming to PSN in near future
7.Can use wireless controller sony bluetooth remote for blu ray
8.HD gaming without needing to spend upwards of $600 for an sli or crossfire set up
9.World exclusive games such as GT5, Metal Gear Solid 4
10.Upscaling dvd player to 1080p
11.Built in wireless for net connection
12.Good web browser, picture viewer and music player
13.Supports HDMI v.1.3 out of the box
14.No BSOD.....Ever
15.No software or Driver incompatability issues.
16.True Lossless Audio Support
17.Can use Linux, which imho is far better than any M$ OS
18.Cell Processor Baby!
19.No adware, Spyware. Viruses or Trojans

prerich · 05-19-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett_day

Advantages of PS3 as a Media Center

1.Cheaper than a quality HTPC
2.Much more reliable and Stable than Any PC
3.One of the best Blu Ray Drives in the business
4.Remote play with the PSP
5.Wireless media streaming from a non HTPC, means a big hd is not required
6.TV shows to be coming to PSN in near future
7.Can use wireless controller sony bluetooth remote for blu ray
8.HD gaming without needing to spend upwards of $600 for an sli or crossfire set up
9.World exclusive games such as GT5, Metal Gear Solid 4
10.Upscaling dvd player to 1080p
11.Built in wireless for net connection
12.Good web browser, picture viewer and music player
13.Supports HDMI v.1.3 out of the box
14.No BSOD.....Ever
15.No software or Driver incompatability issues.
16.True Lossless Audio Support
17.Can use Linux, which imho is far better than any M$ OS
18.Cell Processor Baby!

#5. You can mediastream without loading the content to your HTPC
#6. Tv shows already available with HTPC no advantage here - HTPC already has it - actually Advantage HTPC.
#7 Wireless remote or keyboard (I have both) Sony Bluetooth - not an advantage
#8 PS3 can't do extreme HD AT 1920X1200 lets not talk 2560x1600
#9 Both platforms have exclusive games - moot point they cancel each other out
#10 PC is the best upscaler - everything out of a PC is progressive scan - scaling beyond 1080p is possible advantage htpc.
#11 Same with HTPC and faster internet connection is possible. Advantage HTPC
#12. Best webbrowser, picture viewer and editor, music editor,player - advantage HTPC
#17. HTPC can use Linux, Umbutu - dual boot ect - advantage HTPC
#18 Cell processor is designed mainly as a server processor not a desktop/HTPC processor - dual cores and don't even mention quads can and have killed the Cell (albeit - it is a good processor - handles physics calculations great).

Five of your "advantages" actually belong to the HTPC platform - but you do make good points about other things.

ps3andlovinit · 05-19-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett_day

Advantages of PS3 as a Media Center

8.HD gaming without needing to spend upwards of $600 for an sli or crossfire set up

On-line gaming is free for everyone in the family .. vs pay per account per game for lots of (most?) PC gaming.

maxmcleod · 05-20-2008, 02:23 PM

1.Cheaper than a quality HTPC True, ill give you that
2.Much more reliable and Stable than Any PC not if you know what your doing, can be just as stable
3.One of the best Blu Ray Drives in the businessin your opinion... personally, i like the fact that I can pause minimize my movie, surf imdb.com find out who the hell a particular actor is, realize its matt damon, and return to my movie...
4.Remote play with the PSP doesn't this require a sony tv for its other features? and can't you just rip your movies video to the psp anyway???? my friend puts movies on his psp all the time sans PS3
5.Wireless media streaming from a non HTPC, means a big hd is not requiredmedia extenders? maybe im confused on this one
6.TV shows to be coming to PSN in near future available through torrents, websites, and oh, from your cable connection for years
7.Can use wireless controller sony bluetooth remote for blu ray wireless keyboard/mouse as well has IR remotes that do it all even control your mouse if you want to be lazy
8.HD gaming without needing to spend upwards of $600 for an sli or crossfire set up i spent 60 bucks on my video card, and people that have a ps3 see my gaming and think it looks just as good... not sure why you have to max everything out, except to prove a point
9.World exclusive games such as GT5, Metal Gear Solid 4 got me there, but there is something about PC games that consoles can't compete... oh yeah keyboard and mouse (personal preference)
10.Upscaling dvd player to 1080p software upconvert/upscale/upsample (whatever you want ot call it) looks better than most standalones
11.Built in wireless for net connection do i even need to say this one... PCs been doing it for years
12.Good web browser, picture viewer and music player Much better web browser, better photo organization not to mention the ability to use online photo printing services any time you want, and your choice of music library management(itunes, zune, etc...) not to mention, i have my music/pictures backed up on raid, does ps3 do that?
13.Supports HDMI v.1.3 out of the box don't need it with my setup yet no HD audio receiver
14.No BSOD.....Ever Never had one... how does that feel?
15.No software or Driver incompatability issues. Once settled, and you know the problem, not much of an issue...
16.True Lossless Audio Support soon, but see #13
17.Can use Linux, which imho is far better than any M$ OS Personal preference, I prefer MS Vista has been very kind to me
18.Cell Processor Baby! eehhh its not going to make my blurays any prettier... so what's the point...
19.No adware, Spyware. Viruses or Trojans that's because you can't run any extra programs... which is still my htpc reigns supreme imho

I wanted to add, the PS3 only has 1 maybe 2 games i would play... the HTPC I have a library of games spanning back to the 80s that I could potentially play, oregon trail anyone? maybe some duke nukem?? fallout even?

dadkins · 05-19-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

Pardon my ignorance, so with an HTPC you connect it to your HDTV? So in theory you use your HTPC as the actual player.. where do you keep it at.. below the TV etc?

I have two laptops that are media centers and have Blu-ray drives.
A laptop and a HDMI cord of ~10 foot length makes it quite capable

Yes! IR Remote as well.

Any HTPC can be connected by cable or even wirelessly($$$) from another room.
Sony even has a HTPC that was designed for the entertainment center:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665296592

Let me cruise through NewEgg and I can build a freakin monster HTPC!

As for the HTPC placement, anywhere really - next to the TV, under it, depending on what case you choose... decorate it with a plant like a piece of furniture and get a 25' HDMI cable.

prerich · 05-19-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dadkins

I have two laptops that are media centers and have Blu-ray drives.
A laptop and a HDMI cord of ~10 foot length makes it quite capable

Yes! IR Remote as well.

Any HTPC can be connected by cable or even wirelessly($$$) from another room.
Sony even has a HTPC that was designed for the entertainment center:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665296592

Let me cruise through NewEgg and I can build a freakin monster HTPC!

As for the HTPC placement, anywhere really - next to the TV, under it, depending on what case you choose... decorate it with a plant like a piece of furniture and get a 25' HDMI cable.

Ohhhh....so you're a Newegge'r also

? That's my main spot!!!

dadkins · 05-19-2008, 01:50 PM

Hell Yes!
Turn me loose there... STAND BACK!
I'll be melting NASA in a couple days! LOL!

prerich · 05-19-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supersix4

should point out that 12 and 4 will cost alot, if not more than a ps3 in some cases. cant use a 8400/8600 series to run a game like crysis in "extreme hd".

10-4 but the new 9600's will run Crysis. There not as expensive as the 8800'/9800's.

Good points! This is the type of stuff that I'm looking for - PS3 people chime in also

The Seventh Taylor · 05-19-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prerich

1. No SACD - but thats also Sony proprietary and all PS3's are not SACD capable either.

Correction. SACD isn't Sony-proprietary, at least not any more Sony-proprietary than Red Book CD.

prerich · 05-20-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Seventh Taylor

Correction. SACD isn't Sony-proprietary, at least not any more Sony-proprietary than Red Book CD.

When I said that it was proprietary - (bad choice of words) I really meant that you have to have a SACD player to do it - not universally available on all machines. DVD-A is available to all PC's with a dvd drive (VLC media player - freeware, will decode DVD-A) currently there is no software for SACD you must have a SACD player. I hope this clears up my reasoning

.

blu-backer · 05-19-2008, 08:45 PM

As some have already noted, a "decent" HTPC can have quite a bit more functionality and expandability, but at a definite premium in price. I've been in IT for quite a while and can build a pretty good machine, but no way I can come close to the price of a 40GB PS3. I suppose I could try to do it with bare minimum parts, but I wouldn't want one with sub-par performance.

Srsly, if someone is already jonesin' to drop a couple of thousand dollars into an HTPC, a $400 PS3 is probably not too expensive to get. Why not get both? You may find yourself using the PS3 more than the HTPC.

BTW, I like Microsoft. I've been working with their stuff since MS-DOS. I'm very comfortable with their operating systems. But in this case, the PS3 is the easiest and most cost effective way to enjoy Blu-Ray and other multimedia goodness.

supersix4 · 05-19-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blu-backer

As some have already noted, a "decent" HTPC can have quite a bit more functionality and expandability, but at a definite premium in price. I've been in IT for quite a while and can build a pretty good machine, but no way I can come close to the price of a 40GB PS3. I suppose I could try to do it with bare minimum parts, but I wouldn't want one with sub-par performance.

Srsly, if someone is already jonesin' to drop a couple of thousand dollars into an HTPC, a $400 PS3 is probably not too expensive to get. Why not get both? You may find yourself using the PS3 more than the HTPC.

right on, as it seems to have been well established neither is the end all be all of providing media and they can both coexist

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05-19-2008, 01:07 PM	#1
prerich Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Home Theater Gallery:50 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	HTPC vs PS3 as a media center. I here all of the advantages of the PS3 over standalones, and for the most part - the PS3 has a feature advantage over standalones (not a PQ and AQ advantage). I would like to start a discussion about the adavantages and disadvantages of a well built HTPC vs a PS3. HTPC'rs and PS3'rs start chiming in and we will compare these two machines to each other. I'll start first: HTPC advantages 1. Can be repaired and built by the owner 2. Analog audio outs for older receivers 3. Better upscaling abilities - HTPC'rs have been doing this for years 4. Can play games at Extreme HD levels - and at ultra high refresh rates 5. DVD-A 6. Burn, rip, catalog, ect media files. 7. Watch HDTV programing and on some - and record cable box channels via firewire (not sure if DirectTV includes a firewire port). 8. Upgradable by the user. 9. Faster Load times than the PS3 on a quality HTPC. 10. IR remote controlable 11. Storage space 12. Can play exclusive PC games (but can't play PS3 games) 13. Can play BD,HD-DVD,WMV-HD, DivX, DivX-HD, and downloadable content 14. Home security and monitoring system. HTPC disadvantages 1. No SACD - but thats also Sony proprietary and all PS3's are not SACD capable either. 2. Generally cost more (only for PS3 40 gig version if you get an 80 gig I coudl build an HTPC for less that would be faster). 3.Can't play PS3 Games (see number 12 above) 4. Needs software program and they can be buggy - (I've had no problems with WinDVD 9 Plus BD yet - has happily played every BD I own). 5. Current software downres TrueHD and DTS HD Master from 48/24 to 48/16 (but many titles are 48/16 already) - Newer program updates are taking care of this problem.

05-19-2008, 01:19 PM	#2
supersix4 Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Blu-ray collection:572 Blu-ray reviews: 53 Trading Score:3	should point out that 12 and 4 will cost alot, if not more than a ps3 in some cases. cant use a 8400/8600 series to run a game like crysis in "extreme hd".

05-19-2008, 01:27 PM	#3
Entertainment72 Special Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Fort Myers, FL Blu-ray collection:44 Blu-ray reviews:1	Pardon my ignorance, so with an HTPC you connect it to your HDTV? So in theory you use your HTPC as the actual player.. where do you keep it at.. below the TV etc?

05-19-2008, 01:36 PM	#5
pseudomaniac Member Member since:May 2008 Location:Cincinnati	True Media PC Vs Playstation. Prioritize. If games is your top priority - get the PS3. If movies is your top priority - decide if you'd rather have a real surfing / browsing / media storage box or if those are secondary. Movie Playback - ones probably as good as the other, except upgrading the drive on the Media PC is going to be much easier. The Media PC is going to be the larger investment. (from the owner of a homemade media pc)

05-19-2008, 01:42 PM	#7
supersix4 Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Blu-ray collection:572 Blu-ray reviews: 53 Trading Score:3	I really wouldnt consider the 9600 series "extreme HD" http://www.overclockersclub.com/revi..._9600_gt/7.htm based on those tests its having trouble beating or coming close to the 8800gt on 1920x1200 (not even including the 8800gtx/high 9 series exc.) I think your right about alot of the htpc points but gaming is gonna add heavy to the cost's if you want to have a real quality gaming experience + you have to add in while the ps3 will be set to run the games coming out in 2+ years pc's just can't offer that... but your right you can make some great htpc's for little price, but a pro for a less expensive system couldn't be gaming if your not willing to spend the $$$.

05-19-2008, 01:58 PM	#9
brett_day Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Moore, Oklahoma Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:45 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	Advantages of PS3 as a Media Center 1.Cheaper than a quality HTPC 2.Much more reliable and Stable than Any PC 3.One of the best Blu Ray Drives in the business 4.Remote play with the PSP 5.Wireless media streaming from a non HTPC, means a big hd is not required 6.TV shows to be coming to PSN in near future 7.Can use wireless controller sony bluetooth remote for blu ray 8.HD gaming without needing to spend upwards of $600 for an sli or crossfire set up 9.World exclusive games such as GT5, Metal Gear Solid 4 10.Upscaling dvd player to 1080p 11.Built in wireless for net connection 12.Good web browser, picture viewer and music player 13.Supports HDMI v.1.3 out of the box 14.No BSOD.....Ever 15.No software or Driver incompatability issues. 16.True Lossless Audio Support 17.Can use Linux, which imho is far better than any M$ OS 18.Cell Processor Baby! 19.No adware, Spyware. Viruses or Trojans Last edited by brett_day; 05-19-2008 at 02:06 PM.

05-20-2008, 02:23 PM	#12
maxmcleod Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Blu-ray collection:147 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:4	1.Cheaper than a quality HTPC True, ill give you that 2.Much more reliable and Stable than Any PC not if you know what your doing, can be just as stable 3.One of the best Blu Ray Drives in the businessin your opinion... personally, i like the fact that I can pause minimize my movie, surf imdb.com find out who the hell a particular actor is, realize its matt damon, and return to my movie... 4.Remote play with the PSP doesn't this require a sony tv for its other features? and can't you just rip your movies video to the psp anyway???? my friend puts movies on his psp all the time sans PS3 5.Wireless media streaming from a non HTPC, means a big hd is not requiredmedia extenders? maybe im confused on this one 6.TV shows to be coming to PSN in near future available through torrents, websites, and oh, from your cable connection for years 7.Can use wireless controller sony bluetooth remote for blu ray wireless keyboard/mouse as well has IR remotes that do it all even control your mouse if you want to be lazy 8.HD gaming without needing to spend upwards of $600 for an sli or crossfire set up i spent 60 bucks on my video card, and people that have a ps3 see my gaming and think it looks just as good... not sure why you have to max everything out, except to prove a point 9.World exclusive games such as GT5, Metal Gear Solid 4 got me there, but there is something about PC games that consoles can't compete... oh yeah keyboard and mouse (personal preference) 10.Upscaling dvd player to 1080p software upconvert/upscale/upsample (whatever you want ot call it) looks better than most standalones 11.Built in wireless for net connection do i even need to say this one... PCs been doing it for years 12.Good web browser, picture viewer and music player Much better web browser, better photo organization not to mention the ability to use online photo printing services any time you want, and your choice of music library management(itunes, zune, etc...) not to mention, i have my music/pictures backed up on raid, does ps3 do that? 13.Supports HDMI v.1.3 out of the box don't need it with my setup yet no HD audio receiver 14.No BSOD.....Ever Never had one... how does that feel? 15.No software or Driver incompatability issues. Once settled, and you know the problem, not much of an issue... 16.True Lossless Audio Support soon, but see #13 17.Can use Linux, which imho is far better than any M$ OS Personal preference, I prefer MS Vista has been very kind to me 18.Cell Processor Baby! eehhh its not going to make my blurays any prettier... so what's the point... 19.No adware, Spyware. Viruses or Trojans that's because you can't run any extra programs... which is still my htpc reigns supreme imho I wanted to add, the PS3 only has 1 maybe 2 games i would play... the HTPC I have a library of games spanning back to the 80s that I could potentially play, oregon trail anyone? maybe some duke nukem?? fallout even?

05-19-2008, 01:50 PM	#15
dadkins Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Hercules, CA Blu-ray collection:35 Blu-ray reviews:2	Hell Yes! Turn me loose there... STAND BACK! I'll be melting NASA in a couple days! LOL!

05-19-2008, 08:45 PM	#19
blu-backer Senior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Blu-ray collection:118	As some have already noted, a "decent" HTPC can have quite a bit more functionality and expandability, but at a definite premium in price. I've been in IT for quite a while and can build a pretty good machine, but no way I can come close to the price of a 40GB PS3. I suppose I could try to do it with bare minimum parts, but I wouldn't want one with sub-par performance. Srsly, if someone is already jonesin' to drop a couple of thousand dollars into an HTPC, a $400 PS3 is probably not too expensive to get. Why not get both? You may find yourself using the PS3 more than the HTPC. BTW, I like Microsoft. I've been working with their stuff since MS-DOS. I'm very comfortable with their operating systems. But in this case, the PS3 is the easiest and most cost effective way to enjoy Blu-Ray and other multimedia goodness.

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