HTPC vs PS3 as a media center.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by caliminius

Since I'd assume both systems would be hooked up to a TV, anything beyond 1080p is a moot point.



I don't think there's currently a residential internet connection that would max out 802.11g wireless so until that time the HTPC and PS3 are tied when it comes to internet speeds.



Plethora of various interface for web browsers, picture views, music players, etc. (sort of kills the convenience and ease of use factors)


To me the biggest advantage of a HTPC is:
1.) It's a PC and can therefore do all the things a PC could do: play games, web browse, email, instant message, music, movies, etc.

To me the biggest disadvantage of a HTPC is:
1.) It's a PC and therefore suffers all the same issues a PC has: hardware and software incompatibilities, numerous updates from numerous sources to keep it running its best, uneven support especially if user built, etc.

Good post! I actually don't use my wireless for my HTPC since my router is located close to my HTPC I use my gigabit lan connection - A lot faster than wireless. Since I'm an A+ Technician and computer nerd anyway - the upkeep issues are not a problem. My system is stable with BD and I love it!

P.S.A few lucky people have there HTPC's connect to WQXGA monitors and projectors, so beyond 1080p becomes a factor.

[Entertainment72]

Ok, I have one major question for you HTPC users, what operating system are you using?

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

Ok, I have one major question for you HTPC users, what operating system are you using?

windows 95

[dadkins]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

Ok, I have one major question for you HTPC users, what operating system are you using?

XP MCE and Vista Home Premium.

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by supersix4

windows 95

oh thank goodness!

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by dadkins

XP MCE and Vista Home Premium.

my condolences..

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

oh thank goodness!

lol ahh the good old days

[dadkins]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

my condolences..

LOL!
Yeah, too bad they work great, huh?
They also work great when I go and sit on the patio.

EDIT: Vista is kinda fragile though...

[brett_day]

Originally Posted by camper

My mistake, I stand corrected

That is pretty awesome that they let you do that then, does it have to be a sony HDD or can it be one you get anywhere?

~Camper

it can be any 2.5" harddrive you want! Does not have to be a sony branded! it is awesome! I have a western digital scorpio in mine! it really is unheard of for a company to allow you to alter equipment without voiding a warranty.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Kyzer the Medic

I have both a very nice PC and the PS3. The biggest factor for me really was the asthetics of the home theater. The PC case just does not fit in with the rest of the audio equipment whereas the PS3 does. Also, when I am playing WOW or surfing the net, or even playing Crysis, I actually find that I enjoy sittting at the desk with the mouse and keyboard more than I do with a wireless keyboard on the coffee table or lap board. Another reason for the PS3 is when I buy a game, I know that all I have to do is pop it in and it will work for me just like it will for everyone else. With the PC there are always differances in drivers, video cards, sound cards, monitors etc. I honestly can't remember playing a game that looks exactly on my PC the way it does on a friends. The best solution would be to have both and keep the PC seperate, if you had to choose one the PS3 will play games and blurays just as good as your PC, if not better, and you will save yourself about what $800 or so ? thats alot of movies and games..

The PC will out perform the PS3 with SD DVD and will perform just as well with BD (or HD-DVD and WMV-HD's). As far as asthetics are concerned, there are a lot of PC cases that don't look like PC cases - it fits the rest of my gear. There are some that look like Classe' gear or Aragon - nothing looks like a PS3. If I had to choose one - I would choose the PC because I'm a tweaker - trying to get the very last drop of performance out of something and I like to stretch the boundaries. Can't do that with the PS3. HTPC's have given 5,000.00 scalers fits. But you do have a point on just putting a game in and it works. By the way HTPC's are also Profile 2.0 (along with the PS3) and those analog outs come in handy!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

Ok, I have one major question for you HTPC users, what operating system are you using?

I've used XP Pro, Vista (finally working right after SP1) and I have friends that actually use Linux for scaling (SD DVD, OTA/SAT stuff) and dual boot to XP/Vista for Blu.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by supersix4

windows 95

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by prerich

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I laugh to, but the funniest part about it.. like the PS3, it works

Wait a sec, be right back.. I honestly am using Vista Business and am having to restart now.. brb.

[Sonny]

I think it comes down to preference, & what your "REALLY GOING TO USE". Alot of crap has tons of features, what do you like? Do you use every single thing your Ps3 can do? What about your HTPC? I've found my fit

[prerich]

Originally Posted by dadkins

LOL!
Yeah, too bad they work great, huh?
They also work great when I go and sit on the patio.

EDIT: Vista is kinda fragile though...

Never had a problem out of XP Pro - Had problems with Vista Home Premium before SP1 no problems since and I'm actually starting to like Vista

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

I laugh to, but the funniest part about it.. like the PS3, it works

Wait a sec, be right back.. I honestly am using Vista Business and am having to restart now.. brb.

So does my HTPC - its my work horse. Editing audio with Cool Edit Pro/Adobe Audition 3, Wavelab ect. Editing photos with Adobe Photoshop, Editing movies, creating 5.1 mixes, internet, games, movies (SD,BD,HD-DVD,DivX HD,WMV-HD you name it - it will play it) ect. and the list goes on and on

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Sonny

I think it comes down to preference, & what your "REALLY GOING TO USE". Alot of crap has tons of features, what do you like? Do you use every single thing your Ps3 can do? What about your HTPC? I've found my fit

Great post - exactly the real point! PS3 can't do everything - HTPC can do more but do you need it (it does generally cost more also). Do you like to tinker? Are you a performance nut? Do you like convienence better and just plug it in? Each has its place in this world. I've found my fit also It's all about peference

This thread wasn't an attempt to convert people to HTPC. It doesn't work well for everyone. This thread was an attempt to let people see that an HTPC can do a lot of things and is very flexible - like the PS3 and to the ultimate tweeker - you might find it to be a good "fit"

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

I laugh to, but the funniest part about it.. like the PS3, it works

Wait a sec, be right back.. I honestly am using Vista Business and am having to restart now.. brb.

Uhhh....why are you using Vista Business for HTPC operations? Home Premium or Ultimate are the way to go for Media Center applications (or good ole' XP Pro).

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by prerich

Uhhh....why are you using Vista Business for HTPC operations? Home Premium or Ultimate are the way to go for Media Center applications (or good ole' XP Pro).

, I'm not using it for HTPC operations, I don't even have an HTPC. I have a PS3 why would I want an HTPC. I use Vista Business on my business laptop until the mac book pro comes.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by brett_day

which is why you get an extended warranty for $50.....the failure rate of the ps3 is like 2 % dude...where as a pc's is far...far higher.....and yeah you're right you can repair a PC for free but the new part will cost you.....prices coming down or not...still extra $$$ your throwing at that PC

Buy a ps3 and get a 1 year warranty (or an extended 3 year warranty for $50) and sony will fix the ps3 for free or with the extended warranty get a new one from the store where you purchased it....build a pc yourself and have no warranty

My PC has ran for years and it doesn't fail. I didn't buy any extended warranties - don't need them. Cost for the parts is peanuts (and my processors are all warrantied for three years)!!!! My motherboards are ususally open box items. What I do "throw into my PC" is usually because I get the upgrade itch - not because of necessity but just because I can. It's not just a machine to me - its also a hobby. If I had the PS3 I would have to wait for the PS4 for better performance. My friend (MCSE certified ) has now built 3 HTPC's for his home - were they more expensive than his PS3, yes (but he's got that type of money ) does he like the performance better....YES! He's a tweeker like me - money is not the issue with us, its what can we make it do. He's happy that he came over my house for a demo - watched Cars SD DVD and was fooled that it was HD. (Now the BD is much better but he was so emersed in the sound and the 106 inch picture - he didn't notice). Found out it was my PC, and in a week he had three. He's going to regulate the PS3 to gaming duties on his 50 inch and let big HTPC take charge of the Movie theater 96 inch projector. We love the modular approach (Just like some people love separates better than receivers). Money for parts is not an issue with techie people, we have our ways .