Mini PC as HTPC

[all4dom 101]

Just looking for feedback from anyone who is using emby theater on a mini PC. I know @RanmaCanadawas telling me the n100 or n150 should be good & will play all the audio & video codecs. Im looking to maybe getting one black friday, if I can get something for around 200 & am looking at how people's experience who use it has been. @rbjtechwould like your input also as both both of you are very knowledgeable with this stuff.

Thanks

Dom

 

[rbjtech 5282]

Any of the latest Intel CPU's with built in GPU will play the latest h264.h265 and AV1 videos without issues.   I don't personally use a mini-PC for playback, but do know the Emby PC Client is very capable and will direct play the vast majority of content - I'm not 100% on the status of HDR/Dolby Vision though - so others would need to comment on that.

[all4dom 101]

I believe the minis with windows do hdr but not sure about dolby vision. Thanks for responding. 

[RanmaCanada 494]

6 hours ago, all4dom said:

I believe the minis with windows do hdr but not sure about dolby vision. Thanks for responding. 

They should. DolbyVision was added in windows update. I know my systems that never did DV before, can now do DV. Both my Intel laptop will do DV on an external TV and my desktop with my 3080. My laptop is my Emby server, so it's an i5-1235u. For reference, my TV is DolbyVision capable (TCL 617 series, yes it's ancient), just windows never let me do it prior to this update.

I have tested with Profile 4, Profile 5, Profile 7 FEL,(TV defaults to HDR because TV can't play it) Profile 7 MEL, Profile 8 (TV defaults to HDR because TV can't play it). There are test videos that are freely available.

https://kodi.wiki/view/Samples

DolbyVision is a pain in the rear, and with DolbyVision II on the way, it will just get worse. You can currently get an N100 system for about $120-$130 USD on amazon.com currently

[all4dom 101]

Is the geekom air 12 lite mini pc intel processor twin lake n150? AI said it would play all audio & video codecs. I can get it for 179. Was hoping for a little cheaper so not sure maybe wait til black friday.

[RanmaCanada 494]

20 hours ago, all4dom said:

Is the geekom air 12 lite mini pc intel processor twin lake n150? AI said it would play all audio & video codecs. I can get it for 179. Was hoping for a little cheaper so not sure maybe wait til black friday.

Never, ever trust AI as it's garbage. If you're a Prime member they have this one for $150. If you're using windows, here is a spread sheet I found from reddit that has what profiles windows can play and how to do a bunch of stuff if your display is not recognized, like mine is not. Found it on reddit. Turns out Windows will not play Profile 7. If DolbyVision is important, and most people demand Profile 7 as it's "True DV", Windows is not what you want, nor is Intel going to do it. It's still a mess.

 

[all4dom 101]

My tv is a samsung without dolby vision & I may get another tv for downstairs, probably a samsung so I can.live without dolby vision. I have very few movies with dolby vision i think. The one you showed me is cheaper so thank you. Im going to watch this. As a always thanks @RanmaCanada