HTPC fun

VLSmooth · Post by **VLSmooth** » Fri Aug 22, 2003 12:10 am

Okay, my home theater PC idea has hit a snag. I don't know if I brought this up before or not, but controlling a PC in the bedroom from your living room couch is a pain.

I've already thought of using an IR remote, but that has a few problems.

First off, there's line of sight. The cables for most IR receivers I've seen are less than two feet long, if that even. I got the amusing recommendation to use a mirror on my bedroom door. Although ghetto and 1337 at the same time, I know the novelty will run out quickly when I can't get the correct angle most of the time. Secondly, the (crappy) one I saw was $40. Bah.

My more reasonable alternative is to get a 10 foot or so USB extension cable (~$30) and take advantage of my 6 foot USB keyboard cable with built-in USB hub for my mouse. Although not wireless, I'd have full control from the living room.

My third alternative is to get both the USB extension cable AND IR remote. The receiver would then be able to sit in the living room on the floor beside my tv (or on top of whatever box I can find). This would run $70.

Note that the first three options still require me to go back and forth to my bedroom to set it up initially since I can't see my monitor from the living room. This means I can't move windows on the monitor, or even make the hdtv the primary display since the display properties window would show up on the monitor. Yes, I've tried.

I foresee one more alternative; replacing the Matrox G200 in my old server with a new TV-out capable video card, but that may or may not work. This would entail finding a card with suitable TV-out quality. Also, since a P2-400 can't cut it, I'd be using this box, connected to the hdtv, to vnc (not remote desktop, since that logs you out) into my bedroom system, which is also connected to my hdtv, then switch inputs appropriately. This would allow me to use my extra ps2 keyboard on the computer already in the living room.

Any thoughts, suggestions, off the wall commentary?

Post by **Jonathan** » Fri Aug 22, 2003 2:09 am

I need a damn map just to keep track of your network topology.

Move your HTPC to your damn living room. Why on earth isn't it there in the first place? Are you trying to dual-purpose this machine as a gaming machine? If so, well, that's screwage, I'd say. Move your desk into the living room, I guess. What do you want with a computer in your bedroom, anyway?

Peijen · Post by **Peijen** » Fri Aug 22, 2003 2:26 am

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/default.asp

Alan · Post by **Alan** » Fri Aug 22, 2003 4:05 pm

I agree, move your computer to your living room. You're living alone aren't you?

Post by **Jonathan** » Fri Aug 22, 2003 4:57 pm

Think of it this way. No one ever slept with a grown man who keeps his computer in the bedroom.

VLSmooth · Post by **VLSmooth** » Sat Aug 23, 2003 10:59 am

Regarding network topology, this apartment blueprint might help.

I'm currently using the rightmost bedroom, closest to the front door, with the one door bathroom. My main/new computer (radeon 9500/9800 w/tv out, four 120gb drives+disconnected dvd-rom) and desk is situated in the bottom left of the room with my bed in the bottom right, both against the bay window. My router is located ~1 feet from the door.

The TV is in the living room opposite the fireplace, which I blocked with my couch since I'm not going to use it anyway. Next to the TV, toward the bedroom door, I have two computers, my old trusty P2-400 system (matrox g200, 120gb raid 0 array+cd-rw), and my semi-functional Athlon XP 1600+ (radeon 7200, 120gb+60gb drives+dvd-r/rw).

I currently have a 12 foot svideo cable running from my main computer to the tv in the living room. The actual box is located as close to the bedroom door as possible, which is limited by the length of my monitor cable. Luckily, using my front USB ports I can barely get my keyboard and mouse far enough to see the TV, but the keyboard definitely can't reach the couch.

Hmm, I'm also thinking about logitech's RF keyboards/mice. Although I usually dislike battery-operated devices (see laziness) this might be the best way to go. Any comments on those? (iirc, Bob used them)

Btw, is there somewhere private (tied to private discussion) I can upload apartment pictures to?
iirc = if I remember correctly

VLSmooth · Post by **VLSmooth** » Sat Aug 23, 2003 11:04 am

As for putting my computer in the other bedroom, I'm still hoping to get a roommate. As for putting my computer in the living room, it gets obtrusive, since it'd either block my bedroom door, or the TV, or the front door. This is primarily since my computer desk is a really nice solid oak dining table. Without the extension leaves, it's already ~6 feet wide and ~4 feet deep.
Of course, the bottom line reason is that I'm lazy and like everything to be within reach, especially my computer which also serves as an alarm clock (I may buy one someday...)

VLSmooth · Post by **VLSmooth** » Sat Aug 23, 2003 11:05 am

Oh, and regarding why I'm posting at ~6 am, I actually passed out at ~9 pm yesterday after work which was after soccer. I really should get back in shape. (nah)

VLSmooth · Post by **VLSmooth** » Sat Aug 23, 2003 11:30 am

Alan wrote:I agree, move your computer to your living room. You're living alone aren't you?

Yes, I'm living alone, but putting the main computer in the living room would be a pain (see previous post). Well, 2 of 3 are already in the living room, at least that's a start.

Dwindlehop wrote:Think of it this way. No one ever slept with a grown man who keeps his computer in the bedroom.

Hmm, sounds like a challenge (or at least a Dave deterrent, w00t)

quantus · Post by **quantus** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 7:42 am

I'm thinking you should make your computer a terminal server instead of just remote desktopping. This way you can have multiple log-ins even on the same username. Just a thought of course.