Recommendation for Projector + Chromecast + Mini PC + Webcam + Skype Setup suggestions ?

• 

  voltagex on 02/01/2018 - 14:41

  Either a NUC or an Xbox One (original or S) with a Kinect.

  • 

    victorngel on 03/01/2018 - 10:45

    Would you recommend a Minix as it seems almost the same price point as a NUC ?

    Kinect - probably not this stage since the kids are too young to play it

    • 

      voltagex on 04/01/2018 - 10:20

      The Kinect adaptor has been discontinued and is commanding crazy prices on eBay (so you'd want the One, not the One S). I didn't mean the One for gaming, I meant it for Skype - it's one of the best camera / mic combos I've ever used

      I wouldn't recommend any Android TV box.

• 

  manshrew on 02/01/2018 - 14:53

  +4

  What sort of things do you want suggestions for?
  * PC - The easy solution for me would be a NUC. If you're only going to use it for Skype, you shouldn't need to go above the basic Celeron version.
  It has HDMI output for your projector (up to 4k, but you'll probably only use 1080p), 2 front and 2 rear USB ports and an infrared port on the front if you want to use it.
  There are downsides of the basic NUC (for example, the storage is pretty average), and there are cheaper options, so do your research before you buy.

  • Webcam - Yes there are cheap ones that will do 720p, and there are expensive ones that will do 4k. Just get something in the mid range as skype won't do 4k at the moment (720p will be fine for most uses, 1080p of course being optimal). I like Logitech, but they can be quite expensive.

  • Projector and Screen - Here is another point where there is huge differences in price, depending on how you'll end up using it.
    Before anything else, figure out what size screen you want and your throw distance, plug it in to an online calculator and make sure it's possible. Most sizes can be done, but some things are a bit harder and cost a lot more. There are plenty of websites that let you sort through projectors that suit your needs.
    Again, probably go with something that does 1080p at 16:9 aspect ratio.
    You can buy a cheap screen on ebay for under $100 that will do the job for most people and have an electronic motor, cheaper screens might not be motorised, but do the same job. More expensive branded screens do look a bit better, but for skype it won't matter that much.
    If you want to mount the projector, take that into consideration when you're doing your calculations. Cheap mounts can be had for under $30, but make sure they'll fit your projector.

  There are also stores that you can go to to check out displays, but of course you'll pay a premium to buy from them and have them install it.

  Distance Calculator - http://www.epson.com.au/distance_calculator/index.html
  Projector Comparison website example - http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm

  • 

    victorngel on 03/01/2018 - 10:43

    Thanks for the links ! never would have considered that

    Its mostly just for video calls overseas, playing a few videos on youtube or ABC for the kids and perhaps songs
    I think I still have a Logitech C530 in my laptop bag so I might use that

    Not too concerned about storage since most of the stuff I can pull form a portable hard drive.

    Definitely has to be running windows as I've found android to be too much of a hassle especially when an update comes around and apps stop working !

    Would you recommend a Minix as it seems almost the same price point as a NUC ?

    • 

      scrimshaw on 03/01/2018 - 10:48

      which minix are you talking about? There are 8 models on the website.

      Two of them are Atom-based solutions using Cherry Trail CPU's. They are not on same level as NUC's.

      • 

        victorngel on 03/01/2018 - 15:22

        What about the MINIX NEO Z64 ? That's windows based

        https://www.gearbest.com/tv-box/pp_142908.html?

      • 

        scrimshaw on 03/01/2018 - 16:01

        It'll do the job fine but the hardware is pretty outdated, the CPU is kinda slow and it is from overseas, meaning you have no warranty.

        It's also expensive too — It is more expensive than the Intel Compute Stick, and the Compute Stick is not even on sale.

        I'd rather buying something locally. If you want something from Overseas maybe look into the Vorke mini PC's

    • 

      manshrew on 03/01/2018 - 12:42

      As Scrimshaw said, the processors available in the NUC's are generally better than the Atom processor in the Minix.
      If they're around the same price, I'd definitely still go with the NUC.