For those looking for a PC to run RowPro on

[markwallace101]

Hey all,

Brand new to the rowing gig but just got my Model D/32" TV/RowPro setup finished and I wanted to let folks know that the Intel Compute Stick (2nd gen model #STK1AW32SC) works well for using RowPro. At least the 4.3 version of it, I'm not ready to play around with the preview for 5.0 yet.

Rowing alone I get about 45 fps using Directx9 with live water, anti-aliasing turned all the way up and having V-sync turned off. I ran some of the demos to test it and the framerate drops to about 12fps when the multi-person/multi-scull races are playing, but it's still watchable. Watching the single-person/4 scull demo, I get about 35 fps so it should work well if I'm ever rowing with folks online.

So while it's not stellar performance, it's certainly good enough for me and at $139 from Amazon, it's wayyyyy cheaper than building my own small PC rig for it. Plus Intel makes an Android (maybe IOS also?) app that let's you use your phone or tablet as a remote keyboard/mouse combo. So as long as the stick is booted up, I can just use my phone to interact with the stick.



Regards,


Mark

[bnz]

That is an interesting solution. I just recently finished my setup as well and went for the pricier Windows tablet Asus T300 Chi (it's a model that is on sale at the moment as a new model is around the corner). I'm very satisfied with that though. I didn't measure any frame rates, but it has worked perfectly with 8 lane online races.

[Carl Watts]

Nice set-up. Recently put a 43" Sony on the wall and a decent size TV really adds to the rowing experience.

Have tried V5.0 on my office PC. Graphics appear unchanged at this stage. Looks like your local time has been added to the GMT start time so it makes this alot clearer. Also the whole Online is easier to access, I suspect in the long term it will be the only option. Not really any point in having RowPro if your not going to row Online, you can set-up a quick row if you want to row by yourself but its still online.

[markwallace101]

Recently put a 43" Sony on the wall and a decent size TV really adds to the rowing experience.

After getting the 32" installed, I realized how small that actually is from across the room, so I think your 43" would have been a better choice. Now I just have to figure out how to convince the wife that we need an upgrade already.

[Carl Watts]

32" is pretty good if the front your rower is almost touching the wall its mounted on. Funny thing is I have a 32" in the bedroom and its fine for watching a late night movie from way across the other side of the room but the difference with RowPro is you really need to be able to see the text, especially the stuff in the graphics area and its not that big on the screen even on a 43". A 50" or 55" would be even better but too expensive for a smart Android TV at present. Eventually I can put the 65" lounge TV up on the wall when the 4K 75" or even 80" comes down in price The RowPro graphics need to also improve a lot before that happens, still way too pixelated even in Full HD.