Need help choosing HTPC

[chenw]

Hey all,

I am currently in the market for a HTPC to go with a 4k TV, this is what I would like to do with it:

1. Being able to play H.265 video files and Netflix 4k streams as flawlessly as possible, this is a main priority. Playing UHD BR is a very minor plus.

2. Powerful enough to run emulators, up to probably PS2/Dreamcast era (not much of an issue I imagine, since even a potato can run them).

3. Has to be small enough that it's almost invisible or easy to hide.

4. Has HDMI 2.0 to go with my TV

I had thought about building an ITX case for this purpose, but the box is still too large and conspicuous, so I was looking around for solutions, going from RetroPie (on a Raspberry Pi 3) to a ready made lunch box sized computer.

Right now, I have my eyes set on the i7 Intel NUC, Specifically NUC6i7KYK model, because it comes with Iris Pro 580, and that iGPU seems to be more powerful than anything else available of similar size. All other brands are either working on Intel HD 620 (which I don' think is anywhere near as powerful), GTX 930M (ditto) or older models.

Is there anything else I have missed? The NUC is a little on the pricey side, but I will buy one if nothing else is availble.

Thanks!

 

[getochkn]

4K netflix is pretty scarce on PC right now. Currently it only works with the Microsoft Edge Browser and 7th gen Kaby Lake CPU's only, so that NUC wouldn't work.

Most smart TV's which are 4K have a built in Netflix app and it's the easiest way to get 4K netflix. Next is 4K chromecast ultra.

I much rather be able to search using my TV remote than the edge browser for Netflix as well.

 

[chenw]

That I did not know about 4k Netflix, I automatically assumed that PC would have been the first place 4k netflix were being offered, not last place.

I don't particularly like my TV's built in system because it's really slow navigating through the menus, my family actually ended up attaching a wired mouse to it because it was so slow.

Just checked Netflix's website, they apparently has an windows 10 app that can play 4k videos, so I might be able to work around the edge requirement, but the 7th gen CPU requirement is a shocker, but I guess I have to shelve it until the equivalent i7 comes out (nowhere in sight though).

Edit: also seems a bit odd that ALL of the free browsers only support up to 720p from netflix, even though chrome can play 1080p youtube videos. Conspiracy theories incoming?

 

[getochkn]

Nor do you get surround sound in the browsers either. I can watch in Chrome and only get 720p, stereo sound through my AVR, or send that same chrome stream to my chromecast through the same AVR, and get 1080p and dolby 5.1 surround. Netflix integration into any HTPC is really hard. The netflix app for windows doesn't work with a remote, so you have to pull out a keyboard/mouse just to use it or hacks. You can integrate into Kodi, but it relies on a full screen browser, so no 1080/surround. Most android boxes aren't netflix certified, so only 720p again. And they're not remote friendly either.

Another product ruined by over DRM. They are so picky over what can play a HD stream, that they alienate ton's of legit users, and as usual, all their 4K content has already been hacked anyways, and legit users suffer.

 

[chenw]

I don't mind the KB/M so much, since I already have plans to use K400 wireless keyboard w/ touchpad anyway. The remote our LG 4k TV is slow enough that we actually bothered to install a wired mouse to the TV directly, so I have no plans to use remote here. Plus this HTPC will double up as web browser (should the immediate need arise) and Emulation station anyway.

Netflix isn't leaving much room for plausible explanation for the lack of 4k streaming options elsewhere though, all of the free browsers universally get 720p only, but Edge exclusively gets 1080p (the app I can understand, at least it's designed that way from the start), and 4k requires Kaby lake? This is actually THE first time I have seen any specific generation of processor of any sort to be specifically required for any media content. At least I will use Netflix's services for now because there are absolutely no contractual obligations, unlike with a lot of cable TV options.

Does the App support surround when streaming though? As long as I have at least THAT, I think it'll be adequate, if far from ideal.

 

[getochkn]

I can't remember. I gave up and now just chromecast it. lol. $40, get HD and 5.1 I think I got 5.1 with the app, but again, I forget because I don't remember if it did true pass through or not. If I get a chance, I'll install it again.

The thing too that I gather is that it need the Kaby Lake GPU for whatever copy protection reasons, so I'm curious if you did pair it with a discrete video card, if you wouldn't get 4K. So pointless in alienating users.

 

[chenw]

I can't remember. I gave up and now just chromecast it. lol. $40, get HD and 5.1 I think I got 5.1 with the app, but again, I forget because I don't remember if it did true pass through or not. If I get a chance, I'll install it again.

The thing too that I gather is that it need the Kaby Lake GPU for whatever copy protection reasons, so I'm curious if you did pair it with a discrete video card, if you wouldn't get 4K. So pointless in alienating users.

I initially didn't, I wanted to use a 6th Gen i7 Intel NUC, figured that the iGPU was powerful enough on its own and it is ready made, and also for its portability if the need arises.

Then I discovered I needed Kaby Lake, and none of the currently available NUCs had what I felt was a powerful enough iGPU. So I am going to go with a proper HTPC build, and I will be using a GTX 970 I have lying around when I upgraded to a 1080 (paired with a G4560 and a SilverStone Raven case).

It works out to be cheaper and more customisable, but I have to sacrifice portability and settle for some conspicuousness.