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Tiny Integrated Home Theater PC w/Display

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the home-brew-still-sweet dept.

Mark J. Foster writes "After searching for a solution that would let me control my home theater PC without disturbing the video to the projector, I finally decided to roll my own. I've integrated a Shuttle SS40G, with a Xenarc 700Y RGB-interfaced 800x480 TFT widescreen LCD: The fully-integrated package looks like this. For full details, check out my 'Special Edition' Shuttle 40G." This machine reminds me of the "lunchbox" style of PCs, but this one's got a much smaller footprint. Excellent mod.

120 comments

  1. How odd. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why would one put the LCD under a layer of plexiglass? That must be impossible to read from any significant distance...

    1. Re:How odd. by mjpaci · · Score: 2

      Look at the size of the LCD, it's a pain to read from almost any distance.

      --Mike

    2. Re:How odd. by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

      The material is called Acrylite GP, and it is optically flawless to the naked eye, with very high light transmissivity. Viewability from a distance is obviously an issue due to the size of the panel, but the image is crystal-clear!

      Good Luck!
      MarkF

    3. Re:How odd. by SkankhodBeeblebrox · · Score: 1

      I would assume the LCD is under the 'plexiglas' so that it can't be damaged/scratched?

    4. Re:How odd. by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1, Informative

      Hi, SB! You, you've nailed it. That's one reason why I chose not to use a touchscreen. The other is that I prefer the clean appearance of the system when the panel is turned off - the monitor essentially disappears!

      Have Fun!
      MarkF

    5. Re:How odd. by t · · Score: 1
      How is the glare on that material? Don't you get glare from the lcd itself too? Perhaps a hood would solve all glare problems, in addition to making it seem brighter.

      I think what would be cool is a hinge so that you put it on your desk and adjust the angle for better viewing.

      Nice job, you must be entirely neglecting your day job today. :)

      t.

    6. Re:How odd. by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

      Hi, t!

      Interestingly enough, I don't have any glare problems except when I'm trying to take pictures! Since the material is completely flat, and since all my room lights are higher than the machine, there isn't any glare. I can see reflections of the desk, but it hasn't been objectionable. In fact, I didn't even think about it until you asked!

      [As far as work goes, I'm fortunate that I have some flexibility. However, I had to write a major report, as well as support the forum, so it wound up being a 20 hour day!]

      Cheers!
      MarkF

  2. Microwave! by EuroChild · · Score: 4, Funny

    You'd want to be careful that you didn't get this confused with your microwave... although both would look great if you put a dvd in 'em and turned them on 'high'.

    --
    Does this make my brain look big?
  3. expensive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    with the first meaningfull post...

    I've recently installed a permanant computer/10.4"lcd in my car and I know that those lcds don't come cheap and usually the smaller they get, the more expensive beucase there is a smaller demand. While that looks like a sweet setup, I can think of 10 things that would be a better use for that display if I shelled out the cash to get one.

    1. Re:expensive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      would one of your 10 be a new crack pipe?

  4. Can you imagine... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...a Mosix cluster of these?

    1. Re:Can you imagine... by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1, Troll

      That would be very cool - the perfect way to build a Pixar render farm!

      Cheers!
      MarkF

  5. Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by Boss,+Pointy+Haired · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...last night, and the movie got to a really quiet romantic scene.

    I think the guy was about to propose, but I was startled by an almighty BONG and a 3 foot by 1 foot modal dialog box covering most of the screen politely informing me that a newer version of Windows Media Player was available.

    Microsoft: Don't do that.

    1. Re:Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by seinman · · Score: 1

      ever tried un-checking "automatically check for updates" in your preferences?

    2. Re:Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by cyborch · · Score: 1

      The point is that default preferences should be sensible, and not pop up dialogs while playing a movie (for gods sake).

    3. Re:Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      but I was startled by an almighty BONG

      Now i've been startled after an almighty bong, but never by one.....

    4. Re:Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by AugstWest · · Score: 2

      The exact opposite happens, of course.

      You fire up Media Player, start watching a movie, get a minute or two into it an dBAM:

      "There is a newer version of Windows Media Player. Would you like to download it now?"

    5. Re:Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by cylcyl · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yeah... Microsoft BONG! What do you want to smoke today?

    6. Re:Settled down in front of my Home Theatre PC... by Alien+Being · · Score: 2

      1 lap to go and the field is door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper. These online racers really know how to get around this place. They're swapping positions in every turn. Who's gonna win is anobody's guess. Here they come, out of turn 4. It's neck and neck, the fans are on their feet!

      Wait a second. something happened to the leader. He just wrecked the whole field.

      What happened out there Dale? Did you cut a tire?

      Nah, just a popup.

  6. Video Projector, PC, DVD, and... by huge · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ... one thing to rule them all ...

    --
    -- Reality checks don't bounce.
  7. Tiny is the new big. by wackybrit · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In 1989, Andy Warhol said 'Tiny is the new big.' I'm inclined to agree.

    In today's society it's not what you've got, it's what you've not got and not having a 60" plasma TV with surround sound but having a 8" with two tinny speakers is what we're all aiming for.

    I applaud you, Sir. Your device looks like a cross between a 1950's kitchen appliance, a miniaturized techno fridge, and a Mac Cube, and would be at home in any quiche eating Pascal programmer or Mac user's home.

    --
    mogorific carpentry experiments
    1. Re:Tiny is the new big. by MartyC · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I think you've missed something The tiny screen is just for controlling the DVD playback while he sends the full movie picture to a projector for full massive movie viewing.

      --
      -- "Sponges grow in the ocean. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen."
    2. Re:Tiny is the new big. by phunhippy · · Score: 2

      In today's society it's not what you've got, it's what you've not got and not having a 60" plasma TV with surround sound but having a 8" with two tinny speakers is what we're all aiming for.

      See here sir, I do believe you are wrong with this one.. but close... Ya See.. While i find the little shuttle modified box and excellent MOD, & would love to have one/build one as it has a nice form factor..
      There is also somthing to be said for a 60" inch flatscreen and nice 6.1 surround sound system with extremely rich sound.
      It basically depends on the use.. Sometimes Bigger is Better.. sometimes not...(ok make comments on that one guys)

      We can have the best of bothworlds and this MOD shows off the best of the little world for sure.. Still no way i'm gutting apart my ss51 thoe.. i love that thing!

    3. Re:Tiny is the new big. by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1, Informative

      Hi, WackyBrit!

      It is truly an odd juxtaposition: one screen 7", one screen 122". The asymmetry leads one to occasional flights of fancy: is it possible that our primary preference is neither the small nor the large, but that instead we quest passionately to escape the median, the middle, the mundane?

      Whatever that was all about, this is a fun little toy!

      Cheers1
      MarkF

    4. Re:Tiny is the new big. by wackybrit · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      That is actually a bloody good point. Small is cool. Big is cool. But normal.. well, that's just normal and boring.

      Then again, I can't see anyone showing off about having a 2 inch penis, so perhaps you're not right after all. Or is there a short penis fetish in Japan or something?

      --
      mogorific carpentry experiments
    5. Re:Tiny is the new big. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Or to quote Will Farrell during an otherwise unmemorable SNL sketch:

      Big is this years small.

    6. Re:Tiny is the new big. by kin_korn_karn · · Score: 1, Flamebait
      Or is there a short penis fetish in Japan or something?

      Well, that would explain why they still reproduce..
    7. Re:Tiny is the new big. by Wireless+Joe · · Score: 1

      One small nit; Warhol died February 22, 1987 after gall bladder surgery.

    8. Re:Tiny is the new big. by Catbeller · · Score: 2

      Actually, he states you can watch a movie on the LCD -- and shows a snapshot of the Shuttle actually showing a Columbia Pictures image.

      It echos out to a larger display as well.

      Well, this guy outdid me. I was just going to put an LED display in the floppy drive opening on my Shuttle. Darn. Now I have to get competitive.

    9. Re:Tiny is the new big. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      actually there is one here in america, it just isn't advertised that much.

  8. I can see it now . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    . An Beowulf cluster as a video wall
    . . . .
    . .
    Sorry , , ,

  9. Why??? by Qbertino · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The screen looks cool, the shuttle case looks cool. Why go through all the fuss? I doubt the space gained is relevant.

    For a homemade it's quite ok though.

    --
    We suffer more in our imagination than in reality. - Seneca
    1. Re:Why??? by Mark+Foster · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Hi, QB!

      You caught me! OK, another major reason I built this was for fun - for stress relief! Having said that, I've found the integrated display so valuable for full-time monitoring of my (remotely located)) home Linux server that I haven't been able to convince myself to move this off the breakfast counter and into the home theater! I guess I'll just have to build another one!

      Have Fun!
      MarkF

    2. Re:Why??? by Zathrus · · Score: 2

      Great job Mark -- just finished browsing the thread, and as an AVS member you should know how much hifi geeks will spend for cool equipment. If you were able to make a profit selling these at $2k then I bet they'd sell very well indeed.

      As always the limiting factor is the interface. None of the HTPC's I've seen yet have the simplicity of design that most other AV electronics do. And while a HTPC can easily replace most of a home theater setup, trying to make it usable for anyone else seems an insurmountable challenge (and yes, I have a Pronto).

    3. Re:Why??? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hi, Zathrus!

      Thank you very much, and kudos to you for the well-written, informative posts on HTPC!

      Best Wishes!
      MarkF

  10. Home theatre mod from MaximumPC by WickywiK · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I was at the library the other night going through some past issues of MaximumPC and ran across a great do-it-yourself article on building a home theater unit. They used a rack-mount case complete with a dvd burner and RAID to create a kickass PVR that is accessible via remote. I wasn't able to find the article online. Anyone know of any similar setups?

    1. Re:Home theatre mod from MaximumPC by Hast · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Seems like a typical thing a bad magazine would do. Elegance is not throwing hardware on the problem until it's "solved". Why would I want RAID in a PVR? Why would I want a DVD-R in a PVR? What I'd want is a small unit (preferably fanless) with a DVD reader (possibly) and a HDD for caching. And a network connection.

      The DVD recorder is in your workstation. The HDD RAID is in a fileserver.

      E.g. put a small Via EPICA MB in a box. Put a HDD and DVD reader in there as well. Hook it up to your LAN and store what you want on it. Take it with you to your neighbour and play the movies there. Take it with you to a party and use it as a small MP3/OGG jukebox.

    2. Re:Home theatre mod from MaximumPC by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      your missing the point!

      how the hell do you think people amass entire seasons of futurama onto their hard disks before they put divx compression on to it? RAID would be the ULTIMATE solution for storing thousands of hours of high quality video at the fastest damn rate. its called VIDEO CAPTURING

      thus, recording dozens of GIGABYTES is helluva lot easier on DVDRs than CDs. your really not thinking through the PVRs solution beyond MP3s.

    3. Re:Home theatre mod from MaximumPC by Hast · · Score: 1

      No, you're just failing to see my point.

      Instead of putting all those things into a glorified VCR I decide to put a network connection in the PVR and then use my other computers for burning or storage.

      When it comes to capturing you'll need high speed disks. Most current PVRs solve that by adding hardware encoders instead. That way the demands on the HDD's are much more sane and you don't need to go with RAID and complex solutions like it.

      And personally I'd rather see dedicated capture boxes in the basement than having one by each TV. That way the PVRs are still quiet and small, just the way they should be.

  11. Mini-ITX by e8johan · · Score: 2

    I'd go for a Mini ITX with the screen. This would yeild an even smaller solution.

    1. Re:Mini-ITX by schwatoo · · Score: 1

      Yeah but the shuttle has 2 PCI slots and an AGP slot.

      --
      I have trouble with passwords among other things.
  12. Great by mccalli · · Score: 1
    This is entirely pointless - a laptop would be far more practical.

    So what? Sometimes I don't care about practicality either - I love it. The thing is simply cool.

    Cheers,
    Ian
    (still awaiting Shuttle's SN40 release...)

    1. Re:Great by RedX · · Score: 3, Informative

      I've not seen many laptops that would make a good HTPC. A desktop PC with AGP and PCI ports is just more flexible for this type of thing and likely cheaper too, although the cost gap is probably a lot closer in this case with the added LCD display.

    2. Re:Great by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

      Hi, Ian!

      After the great compliment [Thanks!], I'm hesitant to disagree with you, but...

      For many folks, aesthetics and appearance are a big issue in their home theater. I don't want a notebook's keyboard sitting in my rack, so this form factor (to me at least), is truly better suited for the mission (with or without the mod!).

      As RedX suggests, the ability to add in a PCI-based HDTV card such as the MyHD is crucial, as well, which is why I use the Shuttle to begin with!

      Cheers!
      MarkF

  13. building appliances by jdfekete · · Score: 2, Funny

    I am currently building something similar with a mini-itx system.
    However, in this case, I would have done the end program on a PDA like a Sony CLIE because the PC box is cumbersome and displaying big arrows can be done on a small 320x320 display as well. The PDA should talk to some device with its IR so the barebone PC could be used for that, but without any display!

    After several years of failed tentatives in home integration, I believe these applicances are going to solve the problem. Still, we need Lego to provide a "homestorm" box to build these appliances more easily!

    1. Re:building appliances by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would love to build a small, quite server/NAT box from a mini-itx board, but I want it to look like a stereo component (A tuner, or a Pro Logic amp to be specific. Basically, a flat panel on the front with no more than two buttons...)

      Does anyone know where I could get a decent stereo style case for this? Preferably a decent metal one with an aluminium finish.

      Before anyone says it, yes I am well aware I could buy one from Ebay and strip it out, but the decent looking ones are almost all working units, and expensive, or the broken & cheap ones are ugly (Walnut panels?! Black plastic and smoked plexiglass?! ARGH!)

  14. touch by powerline22 · · Score: 1

    I was just wondering: Why didn't you use the touchscreen model from Xenarc? It would make much more sense to do it that way.

    1. Re:touch by Mark+Foster · · Score: 3, Informative

      Hi, Touch!

      It's something I considered, but ultimately not to go with the touch screen for several reasons:

      1) The Acrylite GP protects the LCD

      2) I use a remote control, so I don't need the touchscreen

      3) I don't want fingerprints on my screen

      4) It looks cooler! When power management kicks in and the display power turns off, the TFT panel essentially disappears under normal room light; it's just a smooth black cube.

      Having said all that, a touchscreen version could make a lot of sense!

      Best Wishes!
      MarkF

  15. Mirror of pictures by yknott · · Score: 3, Interesting

    View my mirror of the pictures here

    1. Re:Mirror of pictures by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe I'm being incredibly stupid, but I see no link to any mirror of the pictures.

      And if I'm not being incredibly stupid, why the f*ck did this get modded up to a 2??

    2. Re:Mirror of pictures by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      OK, I am being incredily stupid. Never mind.

    3. Re:Mirror of pictures by paulcammish · · Score: 1

      You might want to include a link to the pictures, next time... :)

    4. Re:Mirror of pictures by yknott · · Score: 2

      Sorry about that.. It didnt take my post as HTML Here's the link to the mirror of the pictures: www.waikontt.com/shuttle.asp

    5. Re:Mirror of pictures by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let me guess, you are a faggot?

  16. Call me picky but... by goldspider · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...there seems something very wrong with associating the word "tiny" with a "home theater".

    --
    "Ask not what your country can do for you." --John F. Kennedy
    1. Re:Call me picky but... by hitzroth · · Score: 1

      Well... you do have to fit it inside the house, right? So, "tiny" is relative. In this case it means "smaller than a bread truck."

      --
      In mathematics, one does not understand things, one merely gets used to them.
      --VonNeumann
  17. Wow. by Raetsel · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The pictures I'm referring to come from ftp://ftp.talix.com/pub/screenshots/shuttle -- Mark J. Foster's FTP site. (Oooo, I'm evil for posting that address... hey, at least I didn't make it a link!)

    Mark, that thing is gorgeous!!! I love the idea, I've been thinking about small screens, just not quite like what you've put together. Bravo, well done, extraordinary work!

    (Shuttle ought to hire you to build these for them to show off / auction off at trade shows!)

    One thing I noticed, though... in ftp://ftp.talix.com/pub/screenshots/shuttle/Shuttl eBack.jpg the pile of power cables (I think there might be a power brick in there for the (external) monitor?), cords, and assorted connectors (don't forget the power strip, too!) is almost half the size of the computer itself!

    Ouch.

    Next project -- integrate a wireless keyboard & mouse, single-cable connection for the external monitor that includes power, video and audio, and a single power supply that will drive everything. (Yeah, I know, sorta like a Mac with their combined video/USB connection. Hey, I never claimed it was an original idea.)

    --

    "...America's great minds of today, teaching America's great minds of tomorrow. Poor bastards." -- A Beautiful Min
    1. Re:Wow. by Mark+Foster · · Score: 5, Informative

      Hi, Raetsel!

      Thank you very much! The cords indeed do have to go; that's one of the many reasons that this is still a work in progress (I just got the system to this stage this weekend). The power bricks you see are actually for my telephone gear, not for the monitor - the monitor power supply is fully integrated into the system, along with the switches and LEDs from both the motherboard and from the monitor. For what it's worth, the 7 switches along the bottom (from left to right) are: Monitor Power, Monitor Menu, Monitor Select, Monitor Adjust +, Monitor Adjust -, System Reset, and System Power.

      Thank you again!

      Cheers!
      MarkF

  18. What's that toilet paper doing there??? by Hunden · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... yeah, yeah, I know... _No one_ would build a unit like this without having a real purpose.

    This gotta beat watching Pr0n on a phone!

    1. Re:What's that toilet paper doing there??? by CuriousKangaroo · · Score: 1

      I believe that is a PAPER TOWEL dispenser. Not toilet paper.

    2. Re:What's that toilet paper doing there??? by sharkey · · Score: 2

      I believe that is a PAPER TOWEL dispenser. Not toilet paper.

      Hey, there's room in this world for people with all different ass sizes. Maybe he needs to use paper towels? CowboyNeal in disguise?

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  19. Why oh why do I have to see that picture every day by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Please mod this shit down, I have my threshold at 1 for a reason, this isn't really the way I like to start my day. Nasty ass man, bleh.

  20. Toliet Paper?!?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is this his bathroom computer. did anyone notice the toliet paper roll hanging down next to the box?!? I think everyone needs a computer free bathroom.

    1. Re:Toliet Paper?!?! by mjpaci · · Score: 2

      Those were paper towels. It must've been on his kitchen counter, NOT his bathroom.

      --Mike

  21. Why? by CreatorOfSmallTruths · · Score: 0

    The question is why would anyone like to have one machine controling everything.
    In my expirience the more things controled from the center the more problems it will create to try and get a hold of each one.

    ... I had a long thing here explaining everything, but why bore you? ...

    1. Re:Why? by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

      Without my HTPC and the Girder automation program, I'd need [b]8[/b] remote controls. I'm sure an octopus wouldn't mind, but I do!

    2. Re:Why? by Zathrus · · Score: 5, Informative

      The question is why would anyone like to have one machine controling everything

      Because it's more efficient?

      A well designed HTPC can replace a CD changer, a DVD player, a pre-amp, tuner, a TiVo, and a scaler/deinterlacer. And even if you buy the cheapest AV equipment and the most expensive computer equipment you'll come out ahead on the HTPC side.

      Not to mention that you have all of that in one box the size of a desktop computer.

      The biggest problem remains the interface -- you can do a lot with programmable remote controls, but it's still not as simple or reliable as components. Probably the biggest issue is the feedback component. A pre-amp may have a simple LCD saying "CD" or "Tuner", but HTPC's tend to use Windows interfaces which are more intrusive and nearly impossible to use without some kind of video output.

      Of course, you gain a lot of flexibility - you can do anything with the HTPC you can do with a regular computer - but try explaining how to watch TV to a visiting relative (heck, my mom had enough problems with the TiVo when I was on my honeymoon).

      As usual, the hardware side of things has been conquered first. Now work has to be done on the usability. And doing things like integrating a small LCD screen onto the system does a lot toward that goal.

    3. Re:Why? by CreatorOfSmallTruths · · Score: 1, Interesting

      - but try explaining how to watch TV to a visiting relative

      You said it. but I get the point, its nice to have one thing to govern everything.
      The only problem I can see here is that using a PC for that might hinder the functionality of the computer (to some degree).

    4. Re:Why? by Zathrus · · Score: 2

      Generally you have a dedicated HTPC and don't try to use it for general computing tasks. Partially to reduce the chances of something getting screwed up on the HTPC, partially because it is a PITA to use as a regular PC (a lot of HTPC's don't have a monitor other than the primary theater display hooked up; using Quicken on a 8 foot diagonal screen is a bit absurd).

      But just think about playing UT2k3 or Doom3 on that same 8 foot screen with full dolby digital surround.

    5. Re:Why? by CreatorOfSmallTruths · · Score: 0

      But just think about playing UT2k3 or Doom3 on that same 8 foot screen with full dolby digital surround.
      So basically , you are *very* rich, right ?

    6. Re:Why? by Zathrus · · Score: 2

      No... in fact I don't have a real HT setup yet, for a variety of reasons.

      But a 8' screen with a dolby digital setup can cost under $5000. It won't be top notch and I personally wouldn't settle for it, but it's not an utterly absurd price either.

      We're not talking plasma screen here or anything - a used LCD projector can be had for $2-3k (maybe less), a screen is a couple hundred, and you can find cheapo receivers and speaker setups for under a grand.

      For about $10k you can get a much better projector and a better sound setup. For about $15k you can get a way better projector (a very nice DLP or DILA setup), and an very good sound setup.

      As with all things, it's merely a question of what you want to spend your money on.

    7. Re:Why? by Jeff+DeMaagd · · Score: 2

      I totally agree.

      I didn't think about integrating so many different functions into one HTPC, but I guess it can be done. I wouldn't run any analog sound through a PC though, the "SR" type links on the other devices can probably be controlled through the PC.

      I did buy a darn nice NEC XGA LCD presentation projector refurbed for $2200. It happens to be pretty bright, I get a 11' diagonal screen and I can still turn on a light if I need to. I think one can get a _very_ nice HT setup for $5000 easy if you stick to the basic in terms of functionality and still keep up quality that is hard to rival.

      The hard to rival part is quite true for me as I even know some people that have a TV/VCR combo where the screen was as wide as the VHS slot.

  22. Where? by Nonac · · Score: 2, Interesting

    In a living room setup, where do you put this? If you put it in an entertainment center, you won't be able to read the display from the seating area. Do you put it on a table near the seating and run cables across the floor to the projector?

    1. Re:Where? by biglig2 · · Score: 2

      Well, perhaps it's not a hardship that you can't see it from the seating area. The idea is that during the movey you get up, go to the entertainment centre, and make the adjustments without having to keep running abck far enough to be able to read the dialog boxes ;-)

      Kinda like dual displaying PowerPoint (I'm a windows shop, get over it) on a laptop so the presenter can see what is going on without having to crane his neck round.

      Except of course, the idea is that it is incrdibly cool. Reading thru the forums, one thing caught my eye - when the screensaver kicks in and blanks the LCD, you can't tell there's a screen there at all - it just looks like a shiny cube, until you touch the mouse.

      Of course, the builder does make laptop prototypes for a living, so YMMV if you try it yourself. ;-)

      --
      ~~~~~ BigLig2? You mean there's another one of me?
    2. Re:Where? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, in MY case, the projector is by the seating area. If you were to place it there, the cable run wouldn't be long at all and you'd have instant control if you just wanted to lean over and adjust something.

    3. Re:Where? by Mark+Foster · · Score: 3, Informative

      Hi, Biglig2!

      For me, the A/V rack is right next to where I sit, and the projector is about 15' behind me.

      One thing I do have to say: I'm definitely not a prototype builder! I used to head up several different portable computer engineering teams, but personally I'm pretty much a klutz mechanically. This is actually the first PC I've ever modified!

      Thanks for the kudos!

      Have Fun!
      MarkF

    4. Re:Where? by MentlFlos · · Score: 1
      Geez, this is the first PC you ever modified? First PC I ever modified was cutting out some fan covers for better airflow. It looked like ASS, but it worked. (I've gotten better now :)

      That thing looks GREAT. I would love to try my hand at one too... but it runs into the same problems as most other projects I would like to start. I have no $ or reason to start.

      Modding for the sake of modding sure is cool, but after a while it just gets... well, boring. Plus, once you are done and over the "high" from a successful mod you need to find something else to hack apart and put back together :). (I did this with my i-opened-it. I got it all done and it was like "now what?")

      Again tho... beautiful mod. Very well done.

      -paul

  23. How about an x session from a handheld or tablet? by Nonac · · Score: 1

    What if instead of the small display, you used an x session (or terminal server for windows) to control the playback? That way, you can have the shortest cable possible between the cpu and the projector and still be able to control it from anywhere (assuming you have 802.11).

    I don't know of a way to control playback from a seperate session, but there is probably a simple way to do it.

  24. Re:Old news=Slashdot news? by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

    It hasn't been around that long. I just finished it to this stage early Sunday morning...

  25. Re:How about an x session from a handheld or table by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1, Informative

    Hi, Nonac!

    That works, too! I'm also playing with an iPAQ (MS - sorry) and a great package called NetRemote that lets you use that as a remote control via the iPAQ's built-in BlueTooth. If that works out, the display on the HTPC unit will primarily be for information purposes, displaying current song/title/artist/movie, etc.

    Cheers!
    MarkF

  26. Offtopic (kinda) Shuttle boot on lan by IceFox · · Score: 2
    I have been thinking of getting one of the shuttle computers and having them boot off of my lan grab linux, nfs the drive etc. In essence make it a terminal. The reason I love them so much is that they are very small, compact, can run with a C3 cpu (thus 1 less fan and even less noise) and have slots for a CD-ROM and Floppy. So my remote terminal could have a local cdrom and floppy (which I have dozens lying around). Most remote terminals cost about the same, but have no spot of cdrom or floppy (or any expandability for that matter. But doing some searching last night I wasn't able to find any information of anyone else doing that with the shuttle computer.


    Does anyone know of anyone who made one of there shuttle computers bootonlan?

    -Benjamin Meyer

    --
    Do you changes clothes while making the "chee-chee-cha-cha-choh" transformation sound?
  27. Nice mod, dumb idea. by Pop+n'+Fresh · · Score: 1

    You can get a Philips Pronto IR remote with a color touchscreen for far less than this guy spent on this thing, that would have let him control every IR device in the house. I'm all for hacking for hacking's sake, but no need to reinvent the wheel. Of course, if he just wanted a new PC and the HT control-thing was just an afterthought, then bravo.

    --
    *This page intentionally left pointless*
    1. Re:Nice mod, dumb idea. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unless I'm mistaken, the PC is also acting as the DVD player not just a remote...

    2. Re:Nice mod, dumb idea. by iainl · · Score: 1

      Its doing rather a lot more than acting as a remote control; that is his DVD player.

      More to the point, its (as far as I can see) not acting as the remote control for anything at the same time as its DVD player duties. Its basically a hack to get a HTPC that doesn't leave you with an ugly on-screen display and sits nicely under the projector, unlike most HTPCs.

      Why use a HTPC? Because a Radeon card playing back through a VGA or digital video out gives at picture quality through his projector that he would need to fork out at least 10 times as much to achieve with a Farjouda line doubler.

      --
      "I Know You Are But What Am I?"
    3. Re:Nice mod, dumb idea. by Pop+n'+Fresh · · Score: 1

      Ah, OK. The article suggested that it was just how he *controlled* his home theater. I confess I didn't read his site in-depth, though I did peruse the message boards.

      --
      *This page intentionally left pointless*
  28. Re: Power cords by Raetsel · · Score: 2

    Mark,

    Sorry, didn't mean to imply any of those cords were for the built-in monitor. I saw how you powered that one (very slick!), and read the whole thread (as it existed a couple hours ago) on the Sudhian Forums.

    I was referring to your large, stand-alone LCD. I installed an 18" Viewsonic a couple months ago and it was powered through an external inline brick -- I couldn't tell if your large LCD had one or not.

    The computers I build are generally a little larger than yours, although I did pair a SS50 with that Viewsonic LCD. With the trend for powering peripherals from a single connection (USB-powered Zip drives, Firewire-recharging iPods), perhaps manufacturers will get their act together and figure out how to drive external LCDs from the main computer's power supply. Add to that audio and USB connections, and all you need is a single cable (likely with several connectors at the computer end). Heck, most panels max out at ~100 watts (or so), easily available from most current full-size power supplies.

    --

    "...America's great minds of today, teaching America's great minds of tomorrow. Poor bastards." -- A Beautiful Min
  29. What good is it without a remote? by (H)elix1 · · Score: 2

    I'm working on a home theater project myself, and have a Remote Control on the way.

    I've seen the mod on the web, however, and it was a clever hack. Slashdotted now, but the flat pannel monitor had a goofy resolution he worked around with drivers. It would work if you did LAN parties... but I would rather pipe svideo (or a dvi out) to something that gave me a bigger picture for watching movies.

    Course, the point of modding is usually because you can (grin)

    --
    +++ UGUCAUCGUAUUUCU
  30. Problem is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    These (newer) Shuttle models run on P4's and Athlon XPs. Not really dumb terminal material.

    I don't know if they have any older versions though.

  31. For your next trick... by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 2

    For your next trick, replace the LCD screen with an LCD touchpad, put a wireless video solution in place, then mount the touchpad right beside your viewing area. :-)

    --
    Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
  32. Time spent by morie · · Score: 2
    Not only did he build the mod, he also replied to almost every single post!!!

    Must be a slashdot record for the highest percentage of posts on a single story...

    --
    Sig (appended to the end of comments I post, 54 chars)
  33. Re: Power cords by Pfhor · · Score: 2

    Apple does this with the ADC (Apple Desktop Connector). It is a standard developed by IBM a while ago.

    It runs power, DVI, and usb over one cable to the monitor. The only problem is that the video card has to have a 24v connector on it also (i believe) to power the display. For people who don't have an Apple video card in their mac, or a pc, there are companies that sell an external powersupply that you run DVI + USB to, and then plug the ADC cable on the other side. I guess that is the closest you could get, unless gainward et all start designing video cards with ADC connectors and PSU adapters to power the display.

  34. Big Deal by BlackHawk-666 · · Score: 1

    So he's plugged a monitor into a PC and it's small. So what? Why is this considered newsworthy on SlashDot? A laptop would have made a better mini cinema.

    --
    All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
    1. Re:Big Deal by Abreu · · Score: 2

      The small lcd monitor is for displaying play status, not for viewing the movie... thats what the proyector's for

      --
      No sig for the moment.
    2. Re:Big Deal by Vanguard(DC) · · Score: 0

      uhh, he also did much more than "plugging the LCD in"... he gutted the LCD entirely, and rerouted each switch to a custom PCB...

      next time read his writeup before your ignorance flows out in waves... ./vanguard

      --
      "I think, therefore I get paid."
  35. look at this image insted by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    this one

    i can't belive they are proud of it..

  36. Re: Power cords by Raetsel · · Score: 2

    Well, you know, that Mac connector was my inspiration (along with their beautiful cinema displays!) and I hope that connection scheme catches on. I'm not holding my breath, though.

    ATI's Radeon 9700 draws so much power it requires a separate power connector. (The Radeon 8500DV has a power connector too, but that's for supplying power to the FireWire port.) I think one of the Voodoo cards did the same thing? At any rate, high power consumption on a video card is nothing new -- why not pass some through to the monitor as well. ATX power supplies have a +12 and a -12 line... there's your 24v potential.

    • It'll make LCDs (cheaper | easier) to manufacture, since they can leave out a more complicated power supply.

    • It'll make me happier (at least from an aesthetic perspective), since I'll have less clutter on my desk.

      Now that I think about it more, the monitor will come on when the computer is powered up -- another nice, damn easy feature. Yes, modern monitors have a power-save mode, but they still draw quite a bit of current while "saving power."

    • It'll make Grandma (or Grandpa, who has to install the newfangled thing!) happier, due to easier and more obvious installation.
    Oh, the hell with it. I'll just buy a Mac -- OS 10.2 looks really nice, I love their huge LCDs... all that's stopping me is the lack of a winning lottery ticket. (Since I view lotteries as a 'tax on stupid', I guess that's not happening.)
    --

    "...America's great minds of today, teaching America's great minds of tomorrow. Poor bastards." -- A Beautiful Min
  37. Re:Nice mod, dumb comment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    The point is modding. Doing it yourself. Getting off that fat lazy ass and making something. Not getting off your fat lazy ass and buying something. Why do people even bother posting if they don't like the story. Just go to the next story and save this for the people who DO care.

  38. The way it should be done by notanatheist · · Score: 1

    That internal LCD is certainly not a critical as having a remote!! Grab yourself the SS51G, add a Radeon 8500 AIW which INCLUDES a remote and you're set for far more fun. You can do TV, DVD, and gaming on the same little cube!! Use a little Samba so I can grab my mp3s, load a playlist, and it's a perfect computer for the bedroom. That's all for my mini-rant. Thanks.

  39. Extended desktop? Re:Mini-ITX by phorm · · Score: 2

    GeForce4 (or multi-out video card). Extended desktop. Main video for DVD's goes out via S-Video. I can't afford the projector (I assume he paid lots for this, unless somebody knows a cheap solution), but the video goes to the TV, and the controls,etc are all on my monitor. With a wireless mouse this would be nicer still. It's still a lot cheaper than a special LCD though.

    Oh, and just because a card has TV-out, doesn't mean it has extended desktop. Another shot at ATI, for their "feature rich" All-in-wonder card that would only clone, not extend, my desktop).

    If anyone knows a cheaper solution to making your own projection system... THEN I'll be listening eagerly.

    Would you like to supersize that deathmatch? - phorm

  40. Warhol . . . by rodentia · · Score: 2

    was mocking the fashion demi-mondain slogan ____ is the new ____ and the play of substitution that constitutes fashion. If you give a bit of thought, I think you'll agree that Andy was not saying anything in particular about big or tiny.

    --
    illegitimii non ingravare
    1. Re:Warhol . . . by alienmole · · Score: 2
      If you give a bit of thought, I think you'll agree that Andy was not saying anything in particular about big or tiny.

      Hmmm... Regardless of Warhol's intent, it's easy to come up with a perfectly sensible interpretation of "tiny is the new big". Back before the eighties, big projects ruled: the moon landing, huge buildings, huge bridges. The expression "this is big" is rooted in this kind of mentality. But there seemed to come a time when we ran out of such noticeable big projects, or they became passe, and at about the same time electronics began causing things to shrink. Tiny things became fashionable. Some useful item that had been shrunk significantly was exciting, "big" news. Tiny had become the new big.

      If Warhol intended to come up with a ridiculous statement in order to mock fashions, he would have needed to do better than that. But perhaps he was being subtle, or perhaps he was simply ahead of his time, and tiny didn't become the new big until after 1989. I don't really remember.

  41. I wonder... by Polo · · Score: 2

    I wonder how LOUD this thing is...

    I have a shuttle sv24 and it's really loud. I started peeking and poking inside, and it turns out it's the internal power supply that makes all the noise.

    I wonder how loud the other shuttle models are...

    1. Re:I wonder... by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

      Hi, Polo!

      The SS40G/SS50G are quieter than the SV24, and many folks replace the stock fans with Panaflo fans to make them even quieter. It isn't a particularly complex task, but it works quite well to quiet things down. As was shown in the internals shots on the website that I referenced, I've also installed a cheesy looking, but quite effective modification to quiet the Seagate Barracuda IV hard disk (which is also highly recommended - until the Barracuda V ships, this is the quietest hard disk on the market).

      That's one of the main reasons why I highly recommend the SS40G. It's quiet out of the box, and with a bit of work, you can make it _really_ quiet! For an ideal HTPC machine, I can't wait for the SN41, which adds a real-time Dolby Digital encoder, thanks to its nForce 2 chipset, yielding full-time 100% digital sound.

      Have Fun!
      MarkF

  42. TV-Tuner by ProzacGod · · Score: 1

    Though the shuttle has limited expansion slots, it would be kinda nice to have maybe a TV-Tuner display for one of the screens. I know that sounds wierd but.

    you could watch a DVD on the big screen, and the news on the little screen and if it comes up with something you like, swap applications DVD plays on little screen while the TV is moved to the big.. hmm .

    You could call it.. um .. picture next to picture.. heh (I must be drunk that sounds retarted)

    -Prozac can heal the mind but friends may mend the soul.

    1. Re:TV-Tuner by Mark+Foster · · Score: 1

      Hi, ProzacGod!

      Not weird at all! On the AVS Forum, one of the hot topics has always been adding a tuner or video input card to your system. This is particularly useful due to DScaler. This program, developed by users from the AVS Forum, is a freeware digital image processing program that converts a plain-old NTSC signal into an excellent progressive scan image for viewing on high-res displays.

      More recently, adding an HDTV tuner card is the "in" thing. If you haven't seen HDTV, you haven't experienced home theater! Even on that tiny little display, you'd get a far more detailed, crisper, and color saturated image than you can see on even high-end NTSC TVs (though the LCD itself would be a limiting factor for color reproduction).

      It works, and looks great!

      Best Regards!
      MarkF

  43. What about using cheaper PDA's screens? by liranz · · Score: 1
    This is a great idea. The only problem that I have with this piece of HW is that price of the LCD screen.

    If all I need is the ability to control the HTPC while there is a large screen that outputs the real DVD image, then using a PDA touch screen might be a good idea. Buying a PDA replacement digitizer/screen at GetHighTech is 60$ for B/W Palm Vx and 75$ for Color Palm130M (100$ for the 515).

    These digitizers are of high quality, and instead of just showing the desktop and pointing with the mouse, one can draw buttons on the display, and touch it!!! In this case, there is no need for other buttons on the computers, just create a program that performs all the actions from the touch screen printed buttons.

    This can build the ultimate HTPC, since there is no need for keyboard or mouse. We just have to create programs that control the digitizer, and choose what you want to do (like the interface of the new copy-machines that lets you control everything from different "tabs" on the touchscreen.

    It could be a nice OS project, that will give Linux another edge (since nobody will have to know what OS powers the HTPC, the regular MS-Windows interface will not matter!). Serious people that want to build HTPCs will choose Linux.

    Is it doable?

    Liran.

  44. IPaq PDA screen would be a better choice. by liranz · · Score: 1
    I thought a bit more about the topic, and IPaq is better. Costs only 65$ to replace, and it does not have the "Graffiti(TM)" area at the bottom of the digitizer/screen.

    I should have thought about it before sending the first comment, sorry...

    Liran.

  45. Re: Power cords by Pfhor · · Score: 2

    Dude, just buy a mac screen.

    and a DViAtor (i believe is its name) or just search around some mac sites. It does the power and everything seperately, so atleast it would be off the desk. (and who really cares about the clutter behind the computer, its not like i got back there too often, that is what front ports are for).

  46. Re: Mac screens & clutter by Raetsel · · Score: 2

    • "Dude, just buy a mac screen."
    "Dude," no.

    The LCD panels are beautiful, the housings... well, I don't like 'em. Apple has implemented a great idea, but I'll be buying my LCD from Viewsonic or IBM.

    • "...and a DViAtor..."
    Okay, I'm trying to cut down on cables, clutter, etc., and the solution is another external box? Nope, not going to happen. Another reason not to buy an Apple LCD for a PC.
    • "...who really cares about the clutter behind the computer..."
    In Mark Foster's particular case (his pictures which inspired my original post), the computer is sitting on his breakfast counter. (In another of his posts, it sounds like it's going to stay there!) From what I see in his pictures, it looks very similar to a counter in one of my old apartments. It's open on both sides -- there's no "back." Neat is very important in a place like that.
    --

    "...America's great minds of today, teaching America's great minds of tomorrow. Poor bastards." -- A Beautiful Min
  47. MINI PC by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    These babies from http://www.paysan.co.uk or
    http://www.atoz-ezgo.com.tw/products.htm

    or powerful enough and small enough to hide anywher in your house.

    Not bad for £199

  48. Last Post! by alpg · · Score: 1

    A novice of the temple once approached the Chief Priest with a
    question.
    "Master, does Emacs have the Buddha nature?" the novice asked.
    The Chief Priest had been in the temple for many years and could be
    relied upon to know these things. He thought for several minutes before
    replying.
    "I don't see why not. It's got bloody well everything else."
    With that, the Chief Priest went to lunch. The novice suddenly
    achieved enlightenment, several years later.

    Commentary:

    His Master is kind,
    Answering his FAQ quickly,
    With thought and sarcasm.

    - this post brought to you by the Automated Last Post Generator...