23" Gateway All-in-1 Touch PC, Splashtop & D2 Pad Android Tablet = My Juke

[mike boss]

My man cave (wife cave...soon to be baby cave) is done and I love it.
Pictures posted HERE! somewhere in the projects thread.
http://imgur.com/a/i4WD2#0


I've never stopped wanting a Jukebox, or some cool way of showcasing/displaying/playing my music. The old me (with infinate space) wanted a traditional jukebox, then a touchscreen custom jukebox (for which I purchased 4 touchscreens). HOWEVER....... the space is done, space is limited, and really I can't fit anymore items!

I've never stopped loving Uncle T's Jukebox program, I know it isn't readily available, but I still have it configured on a PC with a custom skin I had created.

This got me to thinking (the point of this thread, sorry for the ramble) ......................

- Could I use a program like Uncle T's jukebox on a tablet ?The program itself is touchscreen friendly, and even if it wasn't it should work.

- With the Wi-Fi on the tablet the program should be able to access my content stored on a different PC. I can't see any reason why this would not be the case.

- Now I guess most important, or what I think would be super cool. Would I be able using Bluetooth to send the music to my existing audio system (should it be Bluetooth compatible) ?

As I said I've never given up on the dream of having something cool to gain access to my music.
I thought if this could work this could be really cool, and multi function. Watching my video collection on the tablet would be neat, not as great as on my big screen, but getting the audio to go from the tablet to my audio system would be amazing. I would still have that cool graphic element of a Jukebox that I love. But I'd be able to keep my music where it is, and enjoy the perks of wireless.

EDIT - I should add, please forgive the premature nature of the post. I'm sure lots of this info is available...I just haven't done my homework. As this idea came to me (@ work) I thought I'd post. I know portable Bluetooth speakers are available that work with iPhones. I just want something more grand, using my existing 5.1 set up. I have no issues replacing my audio receiver if needed.

EDIT - Changed title to reflect software change. I'm open to anything that works and looks good!

Thanks all

[Peja]

I think there are a few different types of receivers that should get you to do what you want.  While I don't have time to research all of them for you, I have always been partial to Onkyo.  Great features and quality for cheap prices.  A lot of the receivers are even coming with network connectivity.  So you could go through your network to play music that may be stored on a different computer.

Here is a cheap Onkyo home theater....there are many different models but this will just show you the features you are looking for:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR616-7-2-Channel-Certified-Receiver/dp/B0077V88W2#productDescription

Here is an optional bluetooth receiver for it:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-UBT-1-Bluetooth-USB-Adapter/dp/B008CX2A2I

And here is a wireless lan for onkyo receivers:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-UWF-1-Wireless-LAN-Adapter/dp/B004WR125O

Onkyo app:  (not sure of all the features)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/onkyo-remote/id417695144?mt=8

Now I would probably use the wireless lan card instead of the bluetooth as bluetooth is limited on distance while wireless doesn't usually have those limitations in a home enviroment. 

Remember, these are all just suggestions and I am not sure if that receiver will accept the adapters so do your due diligence and find out which model of receivers those work with.  After that, you should be good. 

Not sure if this exactly what you are looking for but should get you started.

Good Luck.

[mike boss]

I appreciate the info. I actually just got home and I'm in homework mode.
Something dawned on me however............can't believe I overlooked it.............but tablets (unless a Windows tablet I'm guessing) use specific software.
Be it Apple for iPads, or Android for others. So Uncle T's program being a Windows application wouldn't work.

Tons of options for getting the audio to my AV set up (and cheap also!) :

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4712.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=Wireless+Stereo+Bluetooth+Audio+Receiver+For+iPod+iPhone+MP3+MP4+PC+Music+Player&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[mike boss]

A quick search of the Android.com site reveals nothing with "JUKEBOX" found.
Blackberry has some apps that require some other software to be installed, but no screen shots.
Part of the major appeal of Uncle T's (for me), and I'm sure this could be true of many other programs was (A) The cover art and (B) the ability to see the entire album contents and easily select your tracks.

I loved scrolling over to my Jay Z section, having "X" many albums on screen at the one time, seeing all the song titles, click click click...........DONE!
I want this usability.

[Peja]

I appreciate the info. I actually just got home and I'm in homework mode.
Something dawned on me however............can't believe I overlooked it.............but tablets (unless a Windows tablet I'm guessing) use specific software.
Be it Apple for iPads, or Android for others. So Uncle T's program being a Windows application wouldn't work.

Tons of options for getting the audio to my AV set up (and cheap also!) :

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4712.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=Wireless+Stereo+Bluetooth+Audio+Receiver+For+iPod+iPhone+MP3+MP4+PC+Music+Player&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Good to see you are finding stuff.  Remember, iPad bluetooth distances are about 30ft.  I'm not an apple guy but is there an app that emulates windows programs like there is on the mac desktop/macbook?  Not sure if the mobile OS allows for stuff like that. 

You have a great setup in your basement.  I'm definitely jealous.  With all of that nice equipment, how about putting together a cheap media server computer and use a program like logmein to control the music?  That way you can still use the Uncle T on your ipad.

[mike boss]

Thank you for the info.

I'm open to options. When I did my set up I connected an extra HDMI wire on the equipment side (one side AV equipment, the other side Video Game consoles), it was for my laptop.  I have a rather nice HP Entertainment Series laptop with HDMI out, and was using XBMC. I found I had issues with XBMC showing items in my library that I didn't actually have. It was a real P.I.T.A !

I picked up a Rocketfish "smart wire" connection kit (which I love), I installed "Samsung All Share" on my PC and now I can stream my data through my XBOX 360 and Bluray player. BUT ..........even with all this I'm so "hooked" on the idea of picking up a tablet, seeing this really cool screen with album art, selecting my playlist and streaming through my system.

The challenge.........and the homework continue !

[mike boss]

Here is the project I abandoned, you will see the custom skin I had created for Uncle T's jukebox.

http://www.thebossbox.blogspot.ca/

[egosbar]

easy solution i think , use your existing computer and use logmein remote software to link your computer to your tablet  , its how i control my juke when im outside in the bbq area its the best juke remote on the market lol  , it just remotely controls your computer

depending on how hard and loud you listen to your music use an amp to suit , i chose an emotiva amp , excellent for the price , i spent a lot more on my speakers which is where you should spend i think double what your amp costs at least but it depends on your listening tastes

or just use active speakers

[mike boss]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.......and keep it coming !
I'm really looking to make this project work.
I have some extra PayPal funds from doing layouts and rather than buy sneakers (cause lord knows I need no more sneakers........my wife would agree!) I thought I could work on this.

For myself this is something I feel I mostly want to utilize in my downstaris space, so the limitations of Bluetooth dont matter in this instance. Infact for $10/15 to purchase the Bluetooth receiver I wouldn't mind even getting a second for outdoors. I do have a couple of wireless outdoor speakers that operate the same way a cordless phone would. ANYWAY.........

I think where I am most stuck is the cosmetics. I really want this to look cool. I'll look more into "logmein" tonight when I get home. If I could use something like that was an inexpensive tablet that would be aces! However, as I said I'm stuck on cosmetics. What I loved with Uncle T's (and I'm sure it rings true of many other programs) was that you see your CD cover art on the left, then on the right the contents of the album. So easy to select your tunes and go! I want the same usability and something that has the same cosmetic feel.

EDIT - I should add, I use MP3Gain (which I love) as a means to normalize all my audio files. Helps with the volume issues you might have with various MP3's from various sources.

[Peja]

Just a quick run down of logmein if you haven't used it before.  It is super simple to install and has a nice interface.  I am an IT guy for my company and use it everyday to log into various sites.  It is free for the home pc (unless you want the paid version that you can transfer files, print, hear the audio etc) but you shouldn't need that.  There is a small cost, I think $30 or so for the ipad/android version. 

When you log in to your remote computer from your ipad it will have your tool bar along the top and on the sides, however, if you hit the maximize button your whole ipad screen will mirror your pc screen so your uncle T juke interface will look exactly how it would on your pc. 

Hope this helps....if you have any questions about logmein, let me know.

[mike boss]

@ Peja

Thank you.
That sounds like it is indeed what I'd like/need.
I should add I'm open to any great software (for the Jukebox) if anyone has one they would like to suggest.

This sounds really cool. I think I'll move forward and order  the BlueTooth receiver tonight when I get in. Not to mention start looking for a tablet.

"Logmein" should work with a Blackberry Playbook ? (the free version)

EDIT - Stupid question/ I'm leaning toward a Playbook really just based on the price. I need to install "logmein" on both the tablet and PC ?

[Peja]

From what I can gather from reading this post is that they currently only support android/iOS tablets. 
 http://community.logmein.com/t5/Ignition/Blackberry-Playbook-Support/td-p/60510/page/6

But people have used their playbook and blackberry phone in sync to get it to work. 

If you went the logmein route, you will put the free version on your media pc.  On your tablet, you would install logmein ignition on the tablet.  Ignition is the name of the android/iOS version of logmein.  This has a cost of $30. 

Do you have a tablet as of yet?  If you are leaning towards a playbook based on price and the 7" version, I would wait to see what the next generation Nexus 7 has to offer when google announces it in their I/O conference in the middle of May.  They are usually around the $199 price as well and has more of a community support for apps.  But if you are sold on the playbook, it may make things a bit more difficult for you. 



As for installing on both computers....its a yes and no answer.  When working with just pc's, you only install the logmein software on the computer you want to control.  In your case it would be your juke pc.  Now usually, you would just go to the logmein website, sign in, and control that computer from your browser, so you don't install anything on the computer you are controlling from.  But with the mobile version, they charge for it, so yes you would have to install the app on your android or iOS system.  One time fee of $30. 

As for other juke programs, egosbar and I are messing around with touchjams right now and also etouch is a good program.  I haven't tried every juke program on the net, but these 2 seem to be the best I can find right now. 

Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.  I would just wait on ordering the bluetooth receiver as of right now because the tablet you buy may not even use bluetooth....so just wait until you decide on a tablet.  Preferably one that is compatible with logmein, if that is the route you think you want to go.


Here is a picture of my desktop at home as I am dialed into the computer from work.  As you can see, the only thing on my screen is the full screen mode of my home desktop.  The thin grey line at the top, is a drop down menu that allows for functions such as , minimize, ctl alt del, lock keyboard, blank screen, etc.  So if you have your juke program running in full screen mode, and then have your logmein running in fullscreen mode through the tablet, all you will see is the juke interface which is what I think you are going for. 

You are also allowed 10 free accounts through Logmein, used to be more but they are putting the kabosh on that.  So if you have other computers around your house, you can control them all through your tablet.

[mike boss]

From what I can gather from reading this post is that they currently only support android/iOS tablets. 
 http://community.logmein.com/t5/Ignition/Blackberry-Playbook-Support/td-p/60510/page/6

--- Awesome I will read this now !

But people have used their playbook and blackberry phone in sync to get it to work. 

If you went the logmein route, you will put the free version on your media pc.  On your tablet, you would install logmein ignition on the tablet.  Ignition is the name of the android/iOS version of logmein.  This has a cost of $30. 

-- $30 aint so bad if it does what I want. I'd gladly pay the money.

Do you have a tablet as of yet?  If you are leaning towards a playbook based on price and the 7" version, I would wait to see what the next generation Nexus 7 has to offer when google announces it in their I/O conference in the middle of May.  They are usually around the $199 price as well and has more of a community support for apps.  But if you are sold on the playbook, it may make things a bit more difficult for you. 

-- No tablet yet, as I said price was the main motivation, but I'm open. If Android is the way to go, that is the route I'd take.



As for installing on both computers....its a yes and no answer.  When working with just pc's, you only install the logmein software on the computer you want to control.  In your case it would be your juke pc.  Now usually, you would just go to the logmein website, sign in, and control that computer from your browser, so you don't install anything on the computer you are controlling from.  But with the mobile version, they charge for it, so yes you would have to install the app on your android or iOS system.  One time fee of $30. 

As for other juke programs, egosbar and I are messing around with touchjams right now and also etouch is a good program.  I haven't tried every juke program on the net, but these 2 seem to be the best I can find right now. 

-- I'm going to look into these tonight, again I thank you. Your info and advice have been awesome !


Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.  I would just wait on ordering the bluetooth receiver as of right now because the tablet you buy may not even use bluetooth....so just wait until you decide on a tablet.  Preferably one that is compatible with logmein, if that is the route you think you want to go.


Here is a picture of my desktop at home as I am dialed into the computer from work.  As you can see, the only thing on my screen is the full screen mode of my home desktop.  The thin grey line at the top, is a drop down menu that allows for functions such as , minimize, ctl alt del, lock keyboard, blank screen, etc.  So if you have your juke program running in full screen mode, and then have your logmein running in fullscreen mode through the tablet, all you will see is the juke interface which is what I think you are going for. 

You are also allowed 10 free accounts through Logmein, used to be more but they are putting the kabosh on that.  So if you have other computers around your house, you can control them all through your tablet.

[mike boss]

I'm looking forward to going home and checking out the above mentioned programs.
I like doing homework like this.
BTW if anyone has a video of a set up like what is mentioned I'd love to see.

The man cave is always changing, things come in, things go out....... well they dont go out !
Things come in ! But this would be one HELLA cool project.

Really wanna make this a reality.

[drventure]

You have plenty of space for a jukebox in that coffee table, Mike! 

I think Peja's solution would likely work best, put together a headless unit in a small form factor case, you can park it in the cabinet right next to your audio gear, direct line out into your amp, no bluetooth necessary.

Then remote into it via Logmein, or VNC or whatever from your tablet. Set the resolution on the box to match your tablet and you can get things setup as close as possible without having to do it all through your tablet.

You might want video out if you want to "see" the ui on that tv, or if you want to see slideshows or visualizations while your music plays, but that's a different issue.

[Peja]

drventure has a great idea as well.  Instead of logmein, you could possibly use vnc as well.  Looks like that program might be free and you would just use the vnc client instead of having to login to a website.  I haven't used vnc in ages and don't even know about the tablet app but I do see there is one.  You can always try that one first and go from there.

I agree with what he said, make it a nice home theater pc case and hook it directly into your amp.  Depending on your amp, some like the onkyo I posted even have apps for them, which I think you may be able to control the inputs on it.  So if your amp was set on game or cable, but you wanted it to go to music, you could switch it all from the tablet, without having to get up out of your chair.


To be honest, once I get my juke and everything up and running, I will look at the newer generations of tablets and probably do something along the lines of what you are doing.  My amp and computer will be in the basement but I would like to control it from outside or upstairs with speakers going throughout the house. 

[Space Fractal]

Uncle T's jukebox is wrote in Visual Basic 6 (as im are aware of), so no, its will never work on iPad or ported to that, its require to been reprogrammed from scrath. Howover the could old plugin system could remote the thing, but im have no plans to do that. Alternative you could require using a VPN for it, so you could control a Windows machine using iPad. Here Uncle T's Jukebox might works quite nice, due its not very much heach directX based (unlike my own).

[mike boss]

So many great options, so much info to process.
The above posted blog of a project long long ago is dead.
I've actually thrown out the gutted stereo and I'm still trying locally to dump the ELO touchscreens (well sell, not dump!).
Prior I had wanted to build a HTPC for streaming, and using for XBMC. The shelving unit could actually accommodate such a build, however I went for what I thought was a better, easier solution and  the SMART WIRE connection. Off topic (sorta), but locally I have a source the does "console alterations" and with the passing of Bill C11 (this could be Canada specific) it made illegal the breaking of digital locks. These guys stopped doing such "alterations." Even myself my downloading has been reduced drastically.

My existing set up at home consists of one main PC, often where I would put the music on, use MP3 gain, fix any titles, add art, etc then move to an external HDD.
The drive was going to be used in connection with another PC, the sold purpose of which was to use with Uncle T's. I actually have this PC set up, configured, and stored as the project never saw the light. I did however keep the music collection on my main PC, the external HDD, and I picked up (and love) a Western Digital "My Book" with the "auto back up." I love this, I've mirrored my Jukebox HDD on this WD drive, and every time I add a file,album,new art, whatever it is automatically stored on the WD HDD.  I still need to move it to the Jukebox HDD, but I'm ok with that. I had always envisioned a drive I could move around or bring where needed.

I like the idea as mentioned by drventure also, but I think a simple tablet solution and Bluetooth would be good as my receiver is older, Technics SADX 940.
If possible I'd like to keep using it and not upgrade until I really must !

For some reason I'm so stuck on the "Wow factor" (Storage Wars ripoff!) of having this Bluetooth connectivity and visual awe of running this off a tablet.

[mike boss]

I should add, locally at this outlet type store you can get a Andriod tablet cheap :

http://www.factorydirect.ca/Categories/30/Tablets___E-Readers/Android_Tablets

I'd like to keep my equipment where it is, but perhaps I could hide something somewhere.
My man cave is in the basement (as pictured in the link above) and my main PC upstairs in the home office.
The bulk of the music collection is kept upstairs. That was the huge plus (should it have worked), was keeping the PC as is, allowing the tablet to see the PC, call on the program/media then the tablet send it out via Bluetooth.

Perhaps I need to look more into the VPN stuff. Perhaps I can find a solution where things remain where they are.

[egosbar]

@ Peja

Thank you.
That sounds like it is indeed what I'd like/need.
I should add I'm open to any great software (for the Jukebox) if anyone has one they would like to suggest.

This sounds really cool. I think I'll move forward and order  the BlueTooth receiver tonight when I get in. Not to mention start looking for a tablet.

"Logmein" should work with a Blackberry Playbook ? (the free version)

EDIT - Stupid question/ I'm leaning toward a Playbook really just based on the price. I need to install "logmein" on both the tablet and PC ?

try touchjams it has a seven day full trial period , i really want this program to continue developing because i believe it to be the best on the market , so more buyers more improvements

[drventure]

but I think a simple tablet solution and Bluetooth would be good as my receiver is older, Technics SADX 940.
If possible I'd like to keep using it and not upgrade until I really must !

Not sure I follow. Just about every mobo out now has line audio out, and with a 3.5mm to rca jack cable, you can connect the PC directly to an audio amp. no bluetooth required.

Again, we're talking about the tablet "controlling" the jukebox software that actually +runs+ on a normal PC somewhere. The juke software is +not+ actually running on your tablet, so there's no need to stream any audio from the tablet to your home audio system. Besides, a wired connection from PC to amp will sound way better, that's virtually guaranteed.

[egosbar]

also i used to use mp3 gain but have gone to media monkey for tagging my music , very easy and very very good and free too

[mike boss]

but I think a simple tablet solution and Bluetooth would be good as my receiver is older, Technics SADX 940.
If possible I'd like to keep using it and not upgrade until I really must !

Not sure I follow. Just about every mobo out now has line audio out, and with a 3.5mm to rca jack cable, you can connect the PC directly to an audio amp. no bluetooth required.

Again, we're talking about the tablet "controlling" the jukebox software that actually +runs+ on a normal PC somewhere. The juke software is +not+ actually running on your tablet, so there's no need to stream any audio from the tablet to your home audio system. Besides, a wired connection from PC to amp will sound way better, that's virtually guaranteed.

Sorry, I should have elaborated. I've used quite often for various projects I've done a 3.5mm to RCA adapter to hook up items to audio receivers. In fact in my house at this very time I have such a connection upstairs on my main floor for my old MP3 player using an existing All in One Audio system I have. The same type of connection is also used in my man cave connected to an iPod dock.

So I fully understand what  your talking about, it's just that I'd rather not hook up a PC downstairs (if I can avoid it).

But you know what, reading this over I fully get what your saying drventure. It took me a bit (I'm slow)..... the software is on the PC, the tablet just controls the PC. My upstairs PC doesn't have Bluetooth! I wonder if two receivers would be an option ?

Again so much to take in.

[8BitMonk]

I found AlbumPlayer to be the best juke software I could find for the PC. It's definitely the most aesthetically appealing and there are several skins including a couple that are touch screen specific. I've since abandoned storing music altogether and gone the streaming route but I really liked AP when I used it and can highly recommend it. http://www.albumplayer.com

[drventure]

I see what you're saying about streaming now, you already have a pc, it's just not downstairs. No worries, in that case a BT pair would probably work decently (or just a loooong audio cord and a few holes 

+1 on album player. Really nice skins and works very well with a touchscreen. I use it in my Antigue radio juke.

[mike boss]

Cool ! A pair of Bluetooth adapter is cheap, like $20 !
So I'll do my homework to make sure two would work.
Then its just a matter (I guess) of finding a good VNC option (free would work!) and a tablet that would work with it.
I'm open to any good looking Jukebox program, again won't complain with FREE !

[drventure]

The mediaMonkey website seemed to imply you can build touchscreen friendly skins for it, but I didn't see any.

AlbumPlayer is definitely targeted to touchscreens.

I've used JRiver MediaCenter for years, but it most certainly DOES NOT work with touchscreens too well. Home theater remotes, it's great with, but not touchscreens.

[mike boss]

Soooo........ as I do some homework on this, this is where I'm at.

I'm looking on eBay for a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver.
My PC is Windows Vista and not Bluetooth, so I need to be able to send the audio to destination "X."
With that said I need the receiver, that is easy to find. Tons of receiver options online.

I'm thinking I'll stick with Uncle T's jukebox. I like it and I've gotten a ton better with Photoshop since I originally skinned it prior.
I think graphically I can produce a nice looking skin !

So now to do more homework on (A) what kind of tablet to get (B) and what to use to make sure the tablet can control the PC.

[mike boss]

I've found some really cool fonts that would work really well with the Jukebox skin.
Giving me the ability to create better buttons.

http://www.dafont.com/buttons-switches.font?fpp=50
http://www.dafont.com/ll-record.font?fpp=50
http://www.dafont.com/arrows-tfb.font?fpp=50
http://www.dafont.com/simpledirectionarrows.font?fpp=50
http://www.dafont.com/pointers.font?fpp=50
http://www.dafont.com/pizzadude-bullets.font?fpp=50

[egosbar]

Soooo........ as I do some homework on this, this is where I'm at.

I'm looking on eBay for a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver.
My PC is Windows Vista and not Bluetooth, so I need to be able to send the audio to destination "X."
With that said I need the receiver, that is easy to find. Tons of receiver options online.

I'm thinking I'll stick with Uncle T's jukebox. I like it and I've gotten a ton better with Photoshop since I originally skinned it prior.
I think graphically I can produce a nice looking skin !

So now to do more homework on (A) what kind of tablet to get (B) and what to use to make sure the tablet can control the PC.

can you do a nice square and rectange chrome button with photoshop  that i can use on touchjams skin

[mike boss]

I can probably help you out with a button.
Email me at vibefx@gmail.com .
I'll see how I can help.

Now off to do more homework............ well work, I'm @ work now.

Thanks again all.

I have a lot of info and research to do. Trying to find the most simple solution to get the outcome I want. There is a part of me now that thinks it may just be better to use one of the existing PC's I have and see if I can hide it.

Not sure if its in the pictures of my "Man Cave" but on the AV side I have my DVD collection stored in binders on the bottom shelf. Each binder is like 400 + DVD's. Anyway...if I can fit a PC behind  that, keep it out of site that could be an idea. I have the "Powerline" hooked up, so I would have the network interaction. I can then as drventure said easily wire the audio right into my existing audio. Then I would not need a tablet with Bluetooth.

I'll need to mess around more at home.

EDIT - TabTunez will come in 2014! I know this !

[Peja]

Personally I would buy a home theater pc case that looks sexy and show it off on the shelves.  I would also hook it up to the tv as a secondary monitor.  That way when people ask what that thing is, you can tell them its your pc hooked up to the tv/tablet and get that wow factor. 

Tons of good looking cases, some smaller than the xbox.  You could easily sit it on top or underneath of the dvd/bluray player in that picture.   

Check out this link......computer cases have come a long way and now a lot of them look like they belong on an a/v rack...which they do. http://www.newegg.com/HTPC-Media-Center-Cases/SubCategory/ID-690

Peja

[mike boss]

Thanks for posting the link, I'll take a look when I get in tonight.
With a HTPC case do you need "special" parts, or would they still be your standard PC part ?
It's no doubt an interesting route to take.

I'd love to get this project done for under $300 if I could, that would be ideal.

I'm hoping that Uncle T's software responds well through the tablet. I know the software itself is touchscreen friendly, but a small, widescreen format might not work that well. However I could always use a stylus perhaps ?

Any thoughts on this ?

[Peja]

No a HTPC case is just like a normal case but usually smaller.  So a smaller form factor motherboard and cards are usually needed.  However, some of the HTPC are still good looking and can accommodate the bigger ATX boards.  If you are going with your previous computer's internal parts, you will need to figure out which size mobo you have and go from there.  Newegg's links on the left hand side will all you to sort by atx, micro-atx etc etc.   

You should have no problem finding a case that will fit your current parts.  The only thing I would maybe recommend is upgrading your sound card if it is just an older pc onboard card.  You will get better clarity out of it if audio quality is really important to you.  Especially if your amp and speakers are quality. 

But I don't see any reason why you couldn't get it done for under 300.  A lot of those cases are under 100 and that leaves you will 200 for a tablet.  And with the newer nexus 7 tablets going to be priced around 199, you should be good.  At least thats what the first generation were priced at.  I think Staples carries the original nexus 7 so go play around with it and see if you like it.

[mike boss]

Im in Canada, just east of Toronto, Ajax actually.
But most of the Big Box stores exist here, Futureshop, Best Buy, Staples, Source, etc.
I'm super excited for this, I think this could be really cool.

Again I thank you guys for the info, some great advice.
Actully drV, your info is starting to seem the best.
Housing the PC in the basement I can probably use a less expesnive tablet (w/o Bluetooth) and just use my existing Wi-Fi. Using the "Powerline" I can hard wire the PC which would give a better, faster connection to the upstairs PC where the music is. (Pending size of the PC I could possibly keep the music downstairs..this all remains to be seen)

I guess one of the only things I'll need to be really aware of is the tablet and can I get a VNC program ?

Only other thing, and could be minor, but how will Uncle T's look  widscreen, and how will it function on a small screen ? But I'm really at this point sold on good ol Uncle T's. Using it prior I like how it works, it's free, and when it was last updated supported a ton of formats.
I'm confident I can do an awesome skin.

[drventure]

I don't know anything about UncleT Juke, but I'd imagine that if you can skin it to a specific resolution, then it'd be trivial to construct a skin that will have buttons appropriately sized for your Tablet. You might not get all the buttons available on the skin, but surely everything that'd be necessary would fit. Looking forward to your progress on this, as I've been contemplating a similar setup.

Oh hell. Just checked and there's at least a half dozen VNC clients for Windows Phone 7/8 (I've got an older HTC7 but it's been a great phone).

That idea might be closer than I was thinking.....

[mike boss]

I'm excited to keep working on this, forming ideas, and finalizing a concept/direction to go.

[mike boss]

My brain isn't working right now. Creative juices not flowing.
I don't know (and for some reason can't find my EXE file for Uncle T's) if the skin could be customized to a certain resolution. Off memory I'd say no, it couldn't be.
I created a skin before with a textured background that featured a gradient fade to white, this way the buttons appear border less. For some reason I like the look with no border. You can see in the sample I've attached. For version 2.0 I'm toying with a textured background of "brushed steel" , however in this case the buttons will have the border look. So it's really finding colors that work, etc.

I don't wanna ramble but I'd like to make a nice clean layout. I just started to mess around, I'm sure this will take on many lives.

Image 1  - original layout
Image 2 - new layout

I'm toying with the name "Tab Touch" or "Soundwave" using a stylized A & V (play symbol) and doing a stylized E using the shuffle symbol.
Anyway more to come !

[mike boss]

Homework and research will continue when I get home tonight.
I'll be getting Uncle T's installed tonight also, and possibly "fresh eyes" will help me to create a kick azz skin !

Soooo..... In general...........

VPN would be a better route to take than LOGMEIN ?

As far as tablets go, ANDRIOD vs. BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK vs. iPAD ?
ANDROID - decent support, cheap in cost, should work well with windows ?

Wi-Fi vs. BLUETOOTH
(now I know this depends on the equipemnt)
WI-FI - allows me to use existing equipment, and for the most part a less expensive tablet.
(as the tablet wont need to have BLUETOOTH)

Lastly the PC.
I'm leaning towards XP as the operating system, I know the Uncle T's works with XP.
I'm not sure if it would be supported on a newer OS.
Seems the best thing I can do is have the PC on site (IE - in the Man Cave!)
Would allow for a direct connection into my existing audio set up, and even allow me to stream videos and play on my TV.

[Peja]

Well if it was me.......I would go with an android tablet using vnc to control the PC.  Since we KNOW logmein will work, try the various free vnc programs before you buy something.  You may get what you are looking for right away.  I would stay away from playbook for now.  I know RIM is making a small come back but compared to android, the support just isn't there.  I used to be a blackberry guy and sometimes miss it but am android for now and will continue in the near future.  Also, I know you are set on using Uncle T's program so hopefully you can make a decent looking skin.  The background and layout isn't bad but the buttons on it look very windows-ish.  I much prefer touchjams or etouch, but that is just my preference.

XP should be fine for your set up.

My setup WILL be the following as soon as I get my juke up and running:

HTPC in a closet which will have a usb/dvi cable to 24" or 27" touchscreen monitor.  Hooked up to hdmi on that monitor will be a wireless hdmi receiver that will also be hooked up to my upstairs receiver.  That way I can watch tv on my monitor when not in juke mode.  I have used the actiontec wireless hdmi kit and it works great.  1080p with no problems.  Amp in closet will also run all the speakers throughout the house, garage, outside.

Also I will have a tablet being able to control the HTPC for when I am upstairs or outside.  All of this will be through the wireless modem.  No need for bluetooth as it just costs more money and has limitations.  Although I will probably end up using logmein for my tablet just because I will use it for work as well.  If I didn't use it for work, I would probably use a vnc solution.