HTPC vs Standalone BD (Pros & Cons)

[jappler]

I've been doing alot of reading and thinking before I dive into one of the above choices (HTPC or standalone BD), so I figured I'd come up with my own list of pros/cons and ask for input if I missed anything.

A HTPC would provide many more options in terms of video playback (DivX, x264, pretty much anything) but is limited when it comes to audio (no DTS-HD/MA or TrueHD capabilities as far as I know?)

A Standalone BD player would work right outta the box, little setup, but limited in its ability and upgradability.

Anyone who has gone thru the same dilemma wish to help me out with some advice?

[kpkelley]

IMO, now is not the time for pc blu-ray playback.

Still too many issues with hd audio and slow updates for new movie releases. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to play that movie you just picked up.

You can find many 1.1 players for under $200 dollars now, you just have to be willing to search them out. Then, you can upgrade to an htpc when the conditions are right. I'm waiting and then going to pick one up from Velocity micro with dual cablecard tuners.

[cathexist]

I'm waiting to receive my first PC BD drive...I wanted to get it mostly for data backup...but also to be able to watch my bd's upstairs...I'm wondering how well it will work, guess we'll find out soon enough. I'm curious as to see how it would look compared to my PS3.

[danay82]

I have a HTPC and been able to play everything that has come out so far to this date.

The load time is really quick, but you also don't want a lot of programs running in the background for you get some jerkyness going on once in awhile when the movie is playing.

I've run my audio cables out as multi-channel from the computer into the Receiver. The computer iteself decodes the Audio Codecs.

*Hint* If you plan on using your Standard Computer LCD Monitor (not a LCD TV) thats not HDCP complaint, then just get a DVI to VGA converter and hook the monitor up that way for playback. Cost no more thatn 5 bucks and usually comes with the graphics card.

[dadkins]

Two BD VAIO laptops.
Will play anything I throw at them.
HDMI on both so connecting to a HT/HDTV is single cord.

Portable and they even run on batteries.
This one has a 1440x900 display - it was "less expensive".
The AR190G has a 1920x1200 display - it WAS expensive.

Updates are software updates, that's it!

[Obiit]

I am moving over to a standalone from a HTPC. This is purely a sound based choice (as video quality on my display units will be the same).

To get full HD audio codecs out of a HTPC you will need one of the new Asus HDAV1.3 or Auzentech X-Fi HomeTheatre 7.1 sound cards. They are linked in with specific software players (Arcsoft and Cyberlink respectively). As i don't like X-Fi's (based on Creatives chipsets) and Arcsoft TotalMediatheatre doesn't work with my system this was the decision maker. Cyberlink's collaboration with Moovie didn't help.

As for pricing i would need analogue out and that means extra boards and brings the cost for just the sound card to about £200. You can get a standalone for £300 that does the job without the hassle of linked software and hardware (and other idiosyncrasy's!!).

You will need updates for both systems so that isn't an issue.

I will have both running (as yes there are other media types out there ) but for blu-ray it will be a standalone.

[wostertag]

The new HD video cards also handle 7.1 audio (output as PCM over hdmi).