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ARCTIC updates MC001-E HTPC with latest XBMC “Frodo”

by Mark Tyson on 6 February 2013, 14:45

Tags: Arctic, PC

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qabshz

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ARCTIC has informed us that its svelte, passively-cooled MC001-E Home Theatre PC (HTPC) is now going to come pre-installed with the latest XBMC 12 (Frodo) and Openelec Linux software. This software-upgraded version of the MC001-E HTPC, known as the MC001-XBMC-(EU), packing a 1TB drive, is also on a half-price special offer right now direct from ARCTIC for €199.00.

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ARCTIC’s sales blurb describes the MC001-XBMC as a “full-system media centre (which) fulfils all your home entertainment needs”. Furthermore the system is based upon the latest edition of XBMC 12 (Frodo), is ready-to-use and should be able to play virtually “all popular audio and video formats in HD 1080p” straight from the box.

The ARCTIC MC001-XBMC has the following key specifications:

CPU

Dual Core Intel Atom D525 (1.8GHz)

Graphics

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5430, 512MB GDDR3

Chipset

Intel NM10

Storage

1TB 5400RPM 2.5-inch HDD, DVD-RW 24x ODD

Memory (RAM)

2GB DDR3 1333MHz

Connectivity

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio I/O jack x 6 (7.1 OUT x 4, LINE IN x 1, Mic x 1), SPDIF port/optical x 1, VGA port x 1, HDTV interface x 1 (HDTV cable included), Ethernet RJ45 port x 1, USB 2.0 port x 5, DC power jack x 1 + Front Panel IR receiver x 1, USB 3.0 port x 2, 3.5mm stereo I/O jack x 2 (Headphone, Mic), 4-in-1 memory card reader x 1

+ Optional TV Tuner

Audio

Onboard analog stereo high-definition audio (ALC892)

7.1- Dolby True HD or DTS HD Master Audio (HDMI)

Dimensions

w/o stand: 143 L x 40 W x 266 H mm, 3.1Kg

OS

XMBC 12, OpenELEC 3.0

Also ARCTIC offer a standard 2 year guarantee.

If you are unfamiliar with the XBMC media centre system check below for a brief overview of this popular HTPC hub software.

Using the functionality built into the latest XBMC software and the ports and connectivity on offer from the MC001-XBMC-(EU) you will be able to utilise this living room friendly PC to:

  • Watch and record TV programs via the TV tuner
  • Stream music from other smart connected devices to the HTPC
  • Listen to live internet radio stations
  • Use your smartphone/tablet as a smart remote for the XMBC software
  • Use this HTPC as a NAS device
  • And play files in these formats; MP3, M4A, AAC, WAV, WMA, MP4, WMV, AVI, MKV, RM/RMVB, DiVX, H264, ALAC, FLAC, OGG and more

Barebones versions

For further flexibility ARCTIC offer barebones versions of the MC001-E HTPC, which of course you will have to configure with software for yourself. If the cheaper prices or DIY configurability appeal to you there are two barebones versions of the MC001-E HTPC available from Amazon.de right now for €99.95, or the same barebones HTPC including a slimline 24x DVD-RW drive fitted costs €119.95. Both of these barebones kits do include a DVB-T tuner but you will need to add your own DDR3 SO-DIMM and choice of 2.5-inch disk drive.



HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

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Finally, a fully passive htpc at a decent price :)
Looks fantastic, great price. Went to buy two of them after reading this article and I gave up. The payment process with that stupid stupid stupid Skrill/moneybookers is just not worth the hassle involved.

Let me give you the example, added two to shopping cart, no problem, went to purchase - can't do so without an account with Skrill. Ok, make the Skrill/moneybookers account, go back to pay. No, can't do that until I've sent a couple of Euro via my bank account (WHAT!?!) to my moneybookers/Skrill and then wait 5 days for that to be approved. Oh wait, I can't then purchase with my credit card because I HAVE TO VERIFY MY ADDRESS via waiting on a letter then entering in a code form that !?!?! NNNNNNNNNNFFFFFFFFF !!!!!!!

Jesus Christ, just use paypal or let me buy direct with my credit card. Skrill/moneybookers will turn more customers away from your website than anything else. Would love to have bought two of them but I'm just not bothered now after all that messing about, all I wanted to do was give you my money, here take my money… No ? You don't want my money ? What ???

Anyway, nice article as always, love Hexus.
Did you try using Amazon.de?
It is very pretty, would need to lie horizontal not vertically for my system. Good price, but atom does not cut it for me.

Also yet to get Frodo working with all media on a NAS. No doubt I will get there, there is probably some scripting or command prompt work needed