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Lone Cloud
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Building dedicated home theater system

Well I've never done it before, but I'm building one. Got a case that's not a tower that will fit in my rack. Cool look. Aluminum, display, volume knob

The motherboard is one that has all kinds of outputs like HDMI and DVI. Advertised that it will work with and amplify graphic card output. 1080p claims on box.

Got AMD Phenom II chip, 4 mb RAM ( both installed without problems) and need only reader/writer and hard disk. Have maybe 60 % of the wires connected. After I get the storage and writer in, then I'll install the ATI 4670 card and my TT 3200 S-2 card

Since I am completely new at this, I have put batteries in my smoke detectors and have gotten a brand new fire extinguisher and kept it within reach at all times.

It's a maze of wires, that's for sure. It'll hopefully be a good dedicated home theater computer system when it's done. I didn't go completely top of the line on the chip or the RAM because I am figuring it won't have any of the standard programs usually found in off the rack pcs.

If it works, and I don't burn my house down, I think it'll last a good long while,
and i think i'll be able to upgrade the chip and the RAM to extend its liife

I hope it works well with my Sony vw60 projector system. As long as there's no flame and smoke involved
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L
Lone Cloud
Well it appears I somehow got XP to install. Then I put in my ATI graphics card and got a blank screen.

What I did was set everything to "fail safe defaults, except the "boot from disk" order in the BIOS, which I set for CD first in sequence. I don''t know why XP was able to partition the hard drive this time, but it did.

Then installed graphics card hardware and was hoping to get a "found new hardware" box , but instead I got a blank screen. Took card out and the XP screen came back on . The power supply is 380 watts which the guys at Frys assure me is enough for what I want to do, although some of the info in the manuals says otherwise. Tonight I'll try installing the graphics card software first, then the card again and see what happens. I have at least two other cards to install in it, and maybe three - tt 3200, sound and maybe wireless .

If it turns out to be the power supply, this time I'm not going to bring back the entire setup. I'm just going to pop for a higher rated power supply.

Well this build is going slower than expected, but it it moving forward.
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gillham
gillham
Lone Cloud said:
Well it appears I somehow got XP to install. Then I put in my ATI graphics card and got a blank screen.
Click to expand...

You're plugged into the ATI or the onboard? Check the BIOS for a "init display first" setting that PCI or AGP generally. If it is PCI it should init the addin board first so you should not see anything on the builtin once you have the addin installed. You might have a "dual display mode" option as well that if enabled would let the addin and builtin work at the same time. I think that is what it is for anyway, I haven't tried that on my board that has the option.

Make sure you connected a molex "hard drive power cable" to the video card, most (all?) newer cards require that for enough power to operate.
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L
Lone Cloud
Thanks gillham!

That was it. the card now produces the display via a dvi (hdmi enabled) port. By the way, no molex connector on this card.

Both the card I installed and the on board graphics are ATI and both are "crossfire" enabled, meaning they work together if the settings are right.

I have installed the TT3200 also and have installed DVBviewer as well, but not Transedit or the others quite yet.

Thanks again.
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L
Lone Cloud
Getting close.

Got the graphics card installed and then went to the BIOS and enabled the "crossfire" function of the motherboard graphics, which is also ATI (3200).
For those settings it is required that the display be set for the motherboard and not the card graphics. That is OK, since the motherboard has all the same ports and then some (HDMI for instance) . Now we'll see if it all works together as advertised.

I will have to see if I need to hook up separate audio to my HT receiver or if it will work through HDMI. If I have to go separate, I think I'll try the optical connector.

Also installed Transedit and the transponders.

The only problem I seem to be having is the system seems to shut down after it sits there for awhile without inputs. I end up having to do a hard shutdown to get it back up. I'm guessing that can be set in the BIOS

I am wondering about one thing - even though the Sonicview module I have in that unit is a "hack board" it does enable true FTA Mpeg 4. I was going to hook up this HTPC build through the Sonicview "loop out" port, but that port is in use by the aforementioned module.

Anyone have thoughts about how I might keep my Sonicview HD receiver in use and hooking up to my new HTPC, without disabling the module?

Thanks again guys. Your input has been invaluable for a geek in training like me.
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L
Lone Cloud
You know, I'm really beginning to envy people who can just badabing bada boom set up a system like the one I'm doing. For me it'salmost painfully slow and plodding.

I have hooked my TT3200 via the Sonicview "loop out" and have tried scanning with Transedit. Nothing found after three or so tries. Tonight I'll try to bypass the loop out altogether .

I am really interested in how to get the freeware codecs for now for S-2, 4.2.2, h264 and whatever else I need. If someone could name them for me and indicate the websites where I can find them, I would be eternally grateful.

I think I'm now in the getting near done phase.

I have to admit, I'll be happy when I can actually install it in my rack and stash the boxes I have littered everywhere

I hope it's not too much more to get the stuff I've been wanting. I do have a bit of pride in my accomplishment thus far. With my ten thumbs and backward mindset, I could have shorted out the neighborhood, or dropped the thing on my foot.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

New Apple TV 4K released, plus other Apple Home devices.

Apple has finally released their Apple TV 4K with built-in Siri and a microphone so it can respond to your queries even if you don't have the remote. It also increases in price, to $299. I had been planning on updating my current Apple TV 4K streamers, but that's $600 for the two of them, and that's a pass at this point.

At $299, it had better come with 256 GB of Storage, Gigabit (or better) Ethernet, the latest HDMI tech and standards, and one year of free Apple One. But it probably won't…
www.apple.com

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K. New Siri AI and hands-free control. Stunning picture and immersive HomePod surround sound. Works with your Apple and smart home devices.
www.apple.com
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Ronnie-
Ronnie-
Meh. The 4Ks I have will do everything that these do that I need them to do.


Which that's most tech these days for anything released the last four to five years.


It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.
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navychop
navychop
Ronnie- said:
It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.
Click to expand...

Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.
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navychop
navychop
Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?
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KAB
KAB
navychop said:
Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?
Click to expand...
Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!
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slow_poke_pete
navychop said:
Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.
Click to expand...
they all do that anyways.. ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade.. :what. apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
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ncted
ncted
slow_poke_pete said:
ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade
Click to expand...
No. Makes me wonder if that is Apple or the carrier. I am on pre-paid, so I never get "an upgrade." I still have my old iPhone 11 Pro as a second line, and it runs iOS 27 just fine. My iPhone Air, which is still a current model, doesn't really seem that much faster in regular use. It is better in other ways, and worse in some ways than the 11 Pro (size), but performance really isn't a big differentiator, especially since I replaced the battery in the 11 Pro. If I had gotten enough storage when I originally bought the 11 Pro, it could still be my primary device with no issues.
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ncted
ncted
KAB said:
Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!
Click to expand...
Yeah, they boot up a bit slower than Roku, but the OS does a lot more, so it makes sense. How often are you booting them up that is a differentiator? Aside from OS updates, mine are on all the time. I will say the ATV4K is generally quicker than the Roku Ultras I have, when it comes to launching apps and responsiveness, not that the Roku is sluggish.
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navychop
navychop
slow_poke_pete said:
apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
Click to expand...

What software? For iPhones? I tried to buy some image s/w IN THE APPLE STORE! They had none, and could not offer ANY s/w for iPhones
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

This Week in Space 232

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Edq2eavsQ


Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Space 232
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oRVxjGm0qtE


Direct YouTube Link - Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV

Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyF_RH1m0mc


Direct YouTube Link - Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

The Apple HomeView

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0k5iT-OlpdE


Direct YouTube Link - The Apple HomeView
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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osu1991
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

Frisco King - Paramount Plus


View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy


December 18, 2026 Paramount plus
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
osu1991 said:

View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy


December 18, 2026 Paramount plus
Click to expand...

Another Tulsa King spin off.🙄
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Howard Simmons said:
Another Tulsa King spin off.🙄
Click to expand...
But.....if you like Tulsa King....looks like you would probably like this as well. I don't mind spin-offs as long as they don't involve a sassy niece who moves from the big city :rolleyes:
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T
Therm
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?
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Juan
Juan
Not alot of dish customers any more
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Foxbat
Foxbat
I'm not a big fan of the new layout, especially on my Apple TV. It used to look like the old Guide layout on the Hopper 3, but they changed parts of that, too.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
I really dislike change for the sake of change
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TheRatPatrol
TheRatPatrol
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

NCIS

Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Jimbo
Jimbo said:

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share
Click to expand...

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
Jimbo said:
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?
Click to expand...
Tony as the director.🙄
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Howard Simmons said:
Tony as the director.🙄
Click to expand...
Would you rather have LaRoche ???
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dfergie
dfergie
I liked this episode and a toned down Tony...
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
Jimbo said:
Would you rather have LaRoche ???
Click to expand...
No. Bring in someone new.🤔 Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Howard Simmons said:
No. Bring in someone new.🤔 Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
Click to expand...
I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk

Trailer for new Jim Caviezel movie Ghost Soldier

Might be worth a watch when it comes out. Looks like typical big corp against the little guy movie BUT....there is a reason this plot type is so oft repeated, it draws audiences.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-f9OGsKHd4
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dishstaller
dishstaller
BTW, I noticed right after I posted this that someone else had already mentioned it....sorry for the duplicate thread. Still looking forward to seeing the movie.
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meStevo
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk

Project Hail Mary

If you're going try to read / listen to the book (can't recommend the audio book enough) before this comes out, I'd avoid trailers.

Trailer below, spoiling it to make sure you read the above bold message first. The book / audio book are fantastic. Go into this blind if you can IMO!


View: https://youtu.be/m08TxIsFTRI



Kind of disappointed at how much they show. A lot still to see, but man, some good reveals in the book that are just served up here.
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meStevo
meStevo
I've seen it twice. Can't recommend the audio book enough, Ray Porter's performance is amazing and there's so much more in the book than the movie.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
"Project Hail Mary" should be on Prime Video starting Friday, July 3.
www.ign.com

'It Is Time Go!' — Project Hail Mary Is Officially Coming to Prime Video

Amazon has confirmed that Project Hail Mary will be coming to Prime Video.
www.ign.com www.ign.com
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klang
Forgot to comment. I did watch when it first came out on MGM. I enjoyed it a lot. I think reading the book made it easier to watch. Several friends commented it was a little hard to follow.
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TRG
TRG
"astrophage". I read the book but didn't see the film yet.
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Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
Foxbat said:
"Project Hail Mary" should be on Prime Video starting Friday, July 3.
www.ign.com

'It Is Time Go!' — Project Hail Mary Is Officially Coming to Prime Video

Amazon has confirmed that Project Hail Mary will be coming to Prime Video.
www.ign.com www.ign.com
Click to expand...
That's what I will be watching this weekend.🤗
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K
klang
Kindle book on sale for $2.99 today at Amazon.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
meStevo said:
.........there's so much more in the book than the movie.
Click to expand...
I agree. That can go for pretty much any book vs movie. Back when I was single I would read any Stephen King or John Grisham book I could get my hands on. When you read a book you make up the scenes and characters in your mind.....the movie version always disappoints.
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