![]() Other sources would be optical discs which would be handled by the HTPC BluRay player and of course digital video files stored on MediaServer8. Ideally, I’d like to retire this device as the PC should be able to playback all of this content.Īnd that’s it. I also have a Squeezebox with SPDIF out which I use for playing back audio stored on MediaServer8 as well as Spotify streaming content. This has 5.1 analog outputs plus, interestingly, an additional pair of stereo analog outs, which apparently have higher-quality circuitry. The only real external source I have is the aforementioned multi-format deck that plays DVD-A / SACD. To do this, I need to work out the best way of getting sources into the HTPC, finding the best playback software and pushing everything out to an amplifier. So, I’d like to look at removing the receiver from the picture (or relegating it to use as an amplifier only pending replacement with a proper power-amp). It also doesn’t support DVD-A or SACD, I have a standalone Pioneer deck for those formats. It doesn’t support modern audio codecs such as DTS-HD and the like. This supports DVD/BluRay playback, outputting bitstream audio via SPDIF to the receiver and pictures to an ancient Sony CRT projector. Right now, the system is run from a virtual HTPC in MediaServer8. So far, in my Home Theatre I’ve been using HTPC front ends like Plex, XBMC and, more recently, MediaPortal. I decided to look at the HTPC as it would require the least up-front investment and I can determine if it all works with current equipment b before investing in speakers & amps. ![]() That being the case, I need to purchase a stand-alone AV processor or seriously look at using the HTPC as processor. Now, I’m hankering after a speaker upgrade and whatever I go for will likely need more power than a 7-channel receiver can provide, so I’m thinking separates. but it’s always been a stop-gap solution as I think about a receiver upgrade or something else. This hasn’t bothered me too much as I’ve always had a HTPC to look after playback etc. It’s 7x100W channels have served me well in my HT but it’s very old in terms of format support, connectivity etc. I’ve been living with my old school (analog) Pioneer VSX-D2011 receiver for well over 10 years now.
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