Can a Raspberry Pi Serve as a HTPC?

[AudiocRaver]

When my Music Server PC went up in smoke last fall, I decided to replace it with a Raspberry Pi.

Before I discuss my results, has anyone else tried the same? With what results?

 

[billrobbo]

I haven't tried it although I have seen an article about it with links to the required software. Possibly on theregister.com
I will dig around and see if i can find it.

I also know the Raspberry Pi site has a "How to" page located here.

 

[Michael Boeker]

JRiver sells a complete software package for only $40 for Raspberry Pi that includes JRiver and Rasbian Linux. This turns any Raspberry Pi into an HTPC. They plan to sell the complete Raspberry Pi 3 Model B soon.
http://jriver.com/Id/

 

[Sonnie Parker]

That's the little tiny box you had at my house... wasn't big as a minute. I won't tell.

 

[AudiocRaver]

Yessir, I have done it successfully. I started with Kodi (XBMC) just to see if a free implementation would work. It does beautifully. I have run MP4 movies (Bluray resolution, if I remember correctly), 24-48, 24-96, 24-192 stereo wav or flac, 24-48 5.1 wav or flac, 24-96 5.1 wav or flac, there is even a plugin for streaming from Tidal.. I intend to try the jRiver product one of these days - it is on my project list.

So far, I have only used the HDMI output, so I have no experience with the DAC products that are available. I have ordered a digital out card, for optical and coax output.