20 Apr 09 Low cost home theater and music system
This guide will walk you through a low cost home theater system using VortexBox. We will lis t what equipment was used and why we selected it. The A/V receiver we use in this example can be replaced with any A/V receiver and speaker combination. Just make sure the receiver has an S/PDIF connection for audio in.
Shopping list
Router – TRENDnet TEW-633GR – Very inexpensive, high speed works well with streaming audio. Includes a 4 port Gigabit Ethernet switch
Buy the TEW-633GR at the VortexBox Store
Server/NAS – VortexBox appliance – Inexpensive, works well and can easly be configured to use an S/PDIF digital audio connection.
Buy the VortexBox appliance at the VortexBox Store
USB to S/PDIF converter – This will allow the VortexBox to send audio Directlly to your A/V reciver. the Audio is sent in a Digital for and Converted to Analog using your A/V receivers DAC. This will create very high quality audio.
Buy a Turtle Beach USB to S/PDIF converter at the VortexBox Store
A/V receiver – We chose the Onkyo TX-SR507 Home Theater Receiver because it’s low cost and high quality with good sound output for the money.
Buy a Onkyo TX-SR507 5.1-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver at the VortexBox Store
Speakers – The Klipsch HD 500 have acrisp clean sound and are a good deal for the money.
Buy Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 speaker set at the VortexBox Store
iPod touch – An iPod touch makes a great remote for VortexBox you will need to buy the iPeng remote software
Buy iPeng software for iPod touch
1. First hook up your router and get it working with your cable modem or DSL router. You can use your own router if you want. We chose the Trendnet because it has high throughput, Gigabit Ethernet and N wireless.
2. Next connect ypur VortexBox appliance to your to your router using the provided Ethernet cable. A hardwired connection will provide fast throughput for your VortexBox /NAS
3. Plug the Turtle Beach USB converter into the back of your VortexBox. Use a optical cable to connect it to your receiver. Reboot your VortexBox so it can audio detect your USB to S/PDIF converter.
4. Connect your speakers to your A/V receiver.
5. Configure your A/V receiver so the optical input is used for the CD player setting. The VortexBox will act as your CD player.
6. Load the iPeng software on your iPod
7. Power on everything and get ready to test. The iPeng software will find the VortexBox and allow you to controll it. Make sure you select the VortexBox (USB) player from iPeng player list. Then select and song and play it!
