If I want to watch HD video online (youtube, Hulu, Netflix, QT Trailers, etc.) what is the most important system component? RAM? Vid Card?
I'm currently trying to watch stuff via an ASUS EeePc 1000H with 2GB of RAM and a wifi connection, but it's not working well and I'm constantly having to lower the video quality of my stream. So, I guess that also brings up another question...Is it possible to do this with a WiFi connection, or should I run some Cat5(6) cable to the TV area?
Also, does the system setup differ if you're running a Mac or PC? i.e. do you need less processor but more RAM for one or the other?
I want to get a small box to put in my cabinet that the TV sits on and want to spend less than $600 if possible. Is that possible? Can anyone call out the absolute minimum system requirements for HD video? Can anyone call out a pre-made system that would work for this purpose that meets my price target?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$3 Answers
If you can, run cable. Wifi is great: for surfing the net. For media intensive applications its "flaky-ness" is a hassle. Wifi is great in principle, but a dropped connection at the wrong time is VERY annoying, especially in the middle of a great action sequence.
For HD video, I've found that processor and video card to be my most important aspects. I had a gateway Athlon 3500+ single core with only 1GB of ram and a Radeon X1600 video and I was getting quite a bit of video stuttering on online video. Bump up the same maching to a X2 (dual core) 3800+ and another gig of ram with the same video card and it's smooth as butter.
*******important********* the above is referring to online streaming video, if you're gonna put that connection in your living room anyways, get a TV tuner card, but if you're going low end, make sure the card is a hardware encoder. PVR 150 and up are good cards, but if you want HD they sell those too at significantly more...
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$There is a great podcast on setting up a home media streaming server at the link.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
For the CPU, it should be at least a Core 2 Duo. They're not too expensive anymore.
For the RAM, 2GB is pretty standard and it would be fine. More is always better. Always.
The video card is very important. It should be at least a GeForce 9500 GT which is pretty inexpensive and pretty good.
In general, Mac OS X runs more efficiently than does Windows (XP or Vista) so RAM requirements would need to be a little higher for Windows, but really it's pretty much the same across the board.
If you can get a system with the above specs, HD video should be no problem and inexpensive. If you could one-up any of the specs, go for it.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
So, I'm not sure if I follow, you doubled your system RAM but also upgraded your processor....You think the processor was the bigger help?
I agree with johnsonaaron. CPU is number one, graphics card number two (since this isn't local 1080p stuff, but streamed via Flash). Definitely go dual core.
Running over Wifi is your choice, based on if you've had stability problems in the past or not. I'd say that if your connection at home hasn't really ever dropped (and no one puts a new router in next door) then you're fine with the conveniences and speed of Wifi.
Yes, absolutely think the processor made the biggest difference. I never hit over 50% ram usage. I almost regret spending the money.
And I mean Happauge PVR 150 on the tuner.