A-100 vs A-110

rbelisle · 2008-09-08, 03:41 PM

Just wondering if you require the A-110 to get audio through the HDMI cable? I am thinking of ordering a PCH and not sure if I'm ok with just the 100 or require the 110?

Ray

***sub*** · 2008-09-08, 04:29 PM

You can get most sound through the HDMI cable on the A-100. I thinks only a couple of the newer DTS audio formats (DTS HD-MA etc) that require HDMI 1.3 as used in the A-110.

mvallevand · 2008-09-08, 09:07 PM

(Wrong sub-forum) In addition to higher levels of DTS audio, the A110 will apparently be licensed to support DTS to PCM conversion which means you would be able to listen to DTS audio even if you don't have a DTS receiver, as is the case with AC3 audio. DTS is typically not found in MKV or DVD files and not in recorded content.

If you are planning on connecting hard disk, the other plus is the SATA connection which are often cheaper and possibly quieter than IDE. Using an internal hard disk is very much optional with GBPVR, I am predicating everything I do and request from Syabas on share access only.

Martin

ilovejedd · 2008-09-08, 10:52 PM

Aside from the audio, SATA connection and USB slave mode, are there any other differences between the A100 and A110 model?

From what I can see, the primary draw of the A110 is SATA HDD support. Given that GB-PVR is done via share access and that's pretty much all I'll be using it for, is there any benefit to buying the more expensive A110?

The Popcorn Hour will be used to replace old Philips DVD players. Initially, they'll be connected to old CRT TV's, which will eventually be replaced by flat panels. They won't be connected to a home theater set-up, either, as I'll be using an HTPC for that.

Thanks!

mvallevand · 2008-09-08, 11:23 PM

I thought sub and I answered that. Given that I don't have one the only thing I can other thing I can add is that I think PCH 802.11n adapter hidden in the back would look better.

However I would never recommend their wifi at this point even for DVD playing, the performance on the A100 is just not up to it.

Martin

ilovejedd · 2008-09-09, 12:23 AM

Cool, guess I'll stick with the A100 and save myself the 80 bucks. Smile

steveum · 2008-09-09, 03:54 PM

I think the 110 has a front USB and a real power switch. These are probably not worth the extra $, but I know I would have liked the power switch.

martint123 · 2008-09-09, 08:13 PM

I think you mean 'rear' USB socket? Much more nicer!

I've found I don't need the power cycle that much anymore.
Mine still freezes every couple of days, but I now telnet in from a PDA and reboot it!
So the basics of the thing are still running, it's just not responsive to the remote.

mvallevand · 2008-09-09, 10:18 PM

There are front and rear USB ports. That is the one weakness, for my current favourite NMT the hdx1000. I will still stand by my earlier comment that the best NMT hasn't been built yet.

As for the power switch without a hard disk It is really of little value on embedded systems. People make such a big deal about them and ignore the fact that most of the electronics in their house are on when even though the switch is off. Most of these don't even turn off the ac adapter which consumes most of the power.

One other consideration is there is a possibility that mvpmcx2 won't support these properly if a command line option is required to enable DTS.

Martin

rbelisle · 2008-09-10, 01:26 AM

Martin,

You said "One other consideration is there is a possibility that mvpmcx2 won't support these properly if a command line option is required to enable DTS."

Are you referring to the A-110 or ANY PCH product? I'm not sure what you mean by NMT, can you clarify?