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Home Theatre PC

S

seismik

Senior member
I am thinking of building a home theatre system instead of buying a traditional system. But I'm wondering what the best video option is for it... something like an ATI All In Wonder x600 Pro? Ideally it would be nice to have the sytem with a video card that offers an HDTV tuner to it's 3D capabilities. Is there such a card? Can't figure out if the X600 Pro supports that or not.

I've decided on a Ahantix case (http://www.ahanix.com/ahanix_product.asp?pid=8) and I'll put in a P4 775 motherboard, gig of RAM, 160+GB harddrive... but haven't settled on many of the specifics. If anyone has built one of these systems please post some tips for what you went with and where you would go differently.

Thanks,

seis
 
Depends on what you'll be doing with the system. If you're just going to be watching TV, you don't really need a high-end video card. Just get any cheap passivly cooled card and grab a TV Tuner, as to which one, I couldn't help you. If you're going to be gaming, then grab a nice gaming card (a 6800GT should be fine, considering you'll probably be playing at 1280x720) and a TV tuner as well.

I've built my system in a SilverStone LC-03 case, similar to yours, and it's a great case.

As for the HDTV, the only ATI card with HDTV is the HDTV Wonder, which does not have a video card, and requires a antenna to get HDTV programming. Theres another card, the Fusion 5 I believe, that lets you use QAM, which is a cable from th wall for your HDTV, but often times it is encrypted, so theres no way to tell if it'll work.
 
I'm building soon with a SilverStone LC-03 case. Probably going as high end as I can for $2000, X2, 7800 GT(X), 2GB DDR, etc. I'm building one super HTPC to be my main PC to go with my new 37" 1920x1080 LCD. You can see what is in my sig now, I will probably only use the PVR250 and Audigy 2 ZS from the two other computers.
 
seismik, what are you using for a display/sound?

When you say "building a home theatre system instead of buying a traditional system" what do you mean? A traditional computer or a traditional sound system?
 
I'm gonna hafta do some heavy research I think on everything -- like depending on the motherboard I get, will the integrated sound be good enough for home theatre!!

When I said not a traditional system I meant traditional sound system - go PC instead of receiver. My current rig would still be my primary PC for gaming, but I can't in good conscience build something without at least adequete 3D capabilities. Have to draw a line somewhere. I want HDTV capability but I don't know much about it yet - the receivers my cable company sell you are $450 or so and it would be nice to be able to avoid that by buying a capable HDTV video or tuner card - but only if they're cheaper I guess. I dunno, like I said a lot to figure out. But the purpose of the post is to get some ideas from you guys that have done it already so I know start figuring out some of the details that haven't occured to me yet.

seis
 
You're planning to access and store a lot of media on the computer itself, right? It's a shame to have a computer just work as a tuner and DVD player.

What parts of the system do you already have or are planning to get (speakers, power amplifier, TV ...)? Do you already have some specific chain of components in mind, and if so, what? (If not, definitely plan it out, it helps a lot with choosing where to put your money; if you don't know what I mean, ask and I'll be happy to clarify.)
 
Originally posted by: seismik
I'm gonna hafta do some heavy research I think on everything -- like depending on the motherboard I get, will the integrated sound be good enough for home theatre!!

When I said not a traditional system I meant traditional sound system - go PC instead of receiver. My current rig would still be my primary PC for gaming, but I can't in good conscience build something without at least adequete 3D capabilities. Have to draw a line somewhere. I want HDTV capability but I don't know much about it yet - the receivers my cable company sell you are $450 or so and it would be nice to be able to avoid that by buying a capable HDTV video or tuner card - but only if they're cheaper I guess. I dunno, like I said a lot to figure out. But the purpose of the post is to get some ideas from you guys that have done it already so I know start figuring out some of the details that haven't occured to me yet.

seis
Click to expand...

Unless the computer is the only thing you're planning to hook up ever, I suggest getting a receiver anyway.

You can get away with a computer and then just an amp if you're sure that's the only source you're going to be using, but if you might add some other things later on, you're going to be screwed if you only have an amp and nothing to switch inputs.
 
Originally posted by: Astrallite
I think he means HDTV receiver, not a/v receiver.
Click to expand...

Oh, I guess the "sound system" term that I see I introduced is what I was confused on.

I guess my point still stands though if he plans on hooking up more than just a computer to a sound system that isn't comptuer speakers.
 
Well... I have a 36" Grand Wega Sony that can do HD. And a cheap Sony Surround Sound system with a receiver. But my thought was more to hook up a computer that I would use to play DVDs, surf the web and other easy stuff via a wireless keyboard/mouse, and if possible integrate a HDTV receiver as a video card so I don't have to buy the one my cable company is selling. If I wanted to do just that, what are your recommendations?

Further I thought I might like to actually use the PC and an Audigy 2 for my surround system, I'm not sure how that sort of rig would compare to what I currently have.

And even further down the road if I really liked the system I thought I might upgrade to a gaming quality video card, but that will depend on what I actually end up using it for.
 
As for the sound, it really depends on what you're hooking up the Audigy2 to.

If you're going to use its digital output (or a digital output from a cheaper card for DVDs) then it should be the same signal going to your receiver for sound as any DVD player.
 
Originally posted by: seismik
I'm gonna hafta do some heavy research I think on everything -- like depending on the motherboard I get, will the integrated sound be good enough for home theatre!!

When I said not a traditional system I meant traditional sound system - go PC instead of receiver. My current rig would still be my primary PC for gaming, but I can't in good conscience build something without at least adequete 3D capabilities. Have to draw a line somewhere. I want HDTV capability but I don't know much about it yet - the receivers my cable company sell you are $450 or so and it would be nice to be able to avoid that by buying a capable HDTV video or tuner card - but only if they're cheaper I guess. I dunno, like I said a lot to figure out. But the purpose of the post is to get some ideas from you guys that have done it already so I know start figuring out some of the details that haven't occured to me yet.

seis
Click to expand...

Oh god I will burn your house down if you go with integrated sound. Please, by all that is good, do NOT get integrated sound.

You need good speakers first of all. Get the Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 system. They are absolutely the best speakers you can buy for computers. I have a set myself and there is no superior to Klipsch. Some people say Logitech is just as good. Logitech is about marketing and good looks. And one more thing, don't try and connect your Sony home theater up to your computer, the results will not be pleasant.

As for the sound card, if you can wait, please do. Wait for Creative Labs' new line of cards, the X-Fi line. They again are the absolute best right now. Try comparing the specs of the X-Fi line to the now obsolete Audigy line. If I am correct I think the X-Fi has more transistors on its processor than a CPU, though that is somewhat overkill. That simply equates the possibility to play something like a hundred mp3s all at once. Though you might need a golden ear to pick out a particular song playing.

Anyways, my advice to you.

Do not go cheap on the sound card or the speakers. And of course you should know that you should get a set of 16 gauge cables for your speakers from Monster Cable or something. The 22 gauge speaker cables that come with most computer speakers are utterly ridiculous.

Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1
Sound Blaster X-Fi line of sound cards

 
Originally posted by: lordsaytor
Originally posted by: seismik
I'm gonna hafta do some heavy research I think on everything -- like depending on the motherboard I get, will the integrated sound be good enough for home theatre!!

When I said not a traditional system I meant traditional sound system - go PC instead of receiver. My current rig would still be my primary PC for gaming, but I can't in good conscience build something without at least adequete 3D capabilities. Have to draw a line somewhere. I want HDTV capability but I don't know much about it yet - the receivers my cable company sell you are $450 or so and it would be nice to be able to avoid that by buying a capable HDTV video or tuner card - but only if they're cheaper I guess. I dunno, like I said a lot to figure out. But the purpose of the post is to get some ideas from you guys that have done it already so I know start figuring out some of the details that haven't occured to me yet.

seis
Click to expand...

Oh god I will burn your house down if you go with integrated sound. Please, by all that is good, do NOT get integrated sound.

You need good speakers first of all. Get the Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 system. They are absolutely the best speakers you can buy for computers. I have a set myself and there is no superior to Klipsch. Some people say Logitech is just as good. Logitech is about marketing and good looks. And one more thing, don't try and connect your Sony home theater up to your computer, the results will not be pleasant.

As for the sound card, if you can wait, please do. Wait for Creative Labs' new line of cards, the X-Fi line. They again are the absolute best right now. Try comparing the specs of the X-Fi line to the now obsolete Audigy line. If I am correct I think the X-Fi has more transistors on its processor than a CPU, though that is somewhat overkill. That simply equates the possibility to play something like a hundred mp3s all at once. Though you might need a golden ear to pick out a particular song playing.

Anyways, my advice to you.

Do not go cheap on the sound card or the speakers. And of course you should know that you should get a set of 16 gauge cables for your speakers from Monster Cable or something. The 22 gauge speaker cables that come with most computer speakers are utterly ridiculous.

Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1
Sound Blaster X-Fi line of sound cards
Click to expand...

Ahhhhh!

How about skip computer speakers and get a real set?

Don't waste your money trying to get your Klipsch to sound better with monstercable.

I'm going to bed before I get upset.
 
jbl plz...check out the e60s, or if you dont want a sub right away, the e80s or e100s

i just got two e60s for my room AND THEY SOUND AMAZING!! 🙂
 
Does your Grand Wega have a DVI input connection? I have a Samsung DLP (50") that I run off my PC via DVI, and it looks great. Not sure it would look so good if I had to use the S-video connection. I'm also using a NF2 mb with soundstorm which allows me to connect to my AV receiver with a single optical connector, and I don't have to switch inputs to get DD5.1. Works very well. Just wish they made soundstorm for a more up to date chipset.:brokenheart:
 
Originally posted by: WebDude
Does your Grand Wega have a DVI input connection? I have a Samsung DLP (50") that I run off my PC via DVI, and it looks great. Not sure it would look so good if I had to use the S-video connection. I'm also using a NF2 mb with soundstorm which allows me to connect to my AV receiver with a single optical connector, and I don't have to switch inputs to get DD5.1. Works very well. Just wish they made soundstorm for a more up to date chipset.:brokenheart:
Click to expand...

You can get a DDL soundcard now.
 
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Ahhhhh!

How about skip computer speakers and get a real set?

Don't waste your money trying to get your Klipsch to sound better with monstercable.

I'm going to bed before I get upset.
Click to expand...

OKay he's got a point. There really is no need to get monster cable. They're just good at marketing. You can get any 16-gauge cables from anywhere and you'll be fine.

But seriously, a set of of the Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 is fairly cheap nowadays, especially off ebay if you can trust it. Just don't get Logitech just cuz the box looks nicer.

 
Originally posted by: lordsaytor
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Ahhhhh!

How about skip computer speakers and get a real set?

Don't waste your money trying to get your Klipsch to sound better with monstercable.

I'm going to bed before I get upset.
Click to expand...

OKay he's got a point. There really is no need to get monster cable. They're just good at marketing. You can get any 16-gauge cables from anywhere and you'll be fine.

But seriously, a set of of the Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 is fairly cheap nowadays, especially off ebay if you can trust it. Just don't get Logitech just cuz the box looks nicer.
Click to expand...

Why are you set on 16 gauge? Is that the max the Klipsch can handle on their connectors?

Depending on length of the run, he might need thicker or 16 gauge could be overkill.

I agree about not buying speakers based on the box, but who does that? 😛
My own speakers came in some plain cardboard boxes so I'm glad I didn't base it off that 😉

Why shouldn't he connect up his existing HT by the way?

Where did you get your X-Fi info?
The power of the processor = playing 100 mp3s at once? 😕
X-Fi = absolute best?
 
Yoyoyo. I think seismik no longer reads this thread.
And I got the info on X-fi from Tom's Hardware guide.

And no I'm not set on 16 gauge, I just recommend that over the included 22 gauge wires that come with most computer speakers.
 
I'm building a new main system. I will be converting my present one over to MS MCE2005, moving it across the (living)room
and integrating it with my A/V system.
(*) Items I will have to buy. Maybe peeking at my homework will give you some ideas. 🙂
O/S: *Microsoft Media Centre 2005 OEM (XP Pro SP2)
CASE: Lian-Li PC-6089 Aluminum mid-tower case w/4case fans
PSU: *Seasonic S12-600(SS-600HT Active PFC) 600W ATX PSU
TV TUNER/REMOTE CONTROL: *Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB2 MCE- kit
(Kit includes WinTV-PVR-USB2 device & MS Media Player Remote Control etc)
Model 99016
VIDEO CARD: ATI Radeon 9800 XT 256MB AGP retail
*Special DVI-I to YPrPb Adapter (Purple, P/N 151-V01093) for
use with the Radeon 9800 series.
TV OUT: S-video to 36" Sony Wega XBR-400 NTSC
AUDIO: *BlueGears/HDA X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Digital Sound Card
Mfg Part Number: HDA-DXM7110 S/PDIF optical OUT to Denon
AVR-3802 7x110W based HT System.
NETWORK: Alcatel Speed Touch Home external ADSL modem to D-Link
Express EtherNetwork DI-604 Router to motherboard on-board Intel
LAN [Intel 82562ET PHY/RJ45 port](networked to System #1 Windows
XP Pro SP2).
MOTHERBOARD: Asus P4T533-C s478/i850e
CPU: P4 2.8GHz/533MHz FSB retail
MEMORY: 1GB (4x256MB) OCZ PC1066 RIMMs
CONTROLLER CARD #1: Promise Ultra133 TX2 PCI
HDDs: *2 x 300GB DiamondMax 10 ATA/133 16MB buffer Model 6B300R0
CONTROLLER CARD #2: OrangeLink FireWire 800/1394b (1394a + b) PCI card
EXTERNAL HDD: 250GB Maxtor One Touch External Ultra ATA-133 7200 RPM
HDD [1394a]
DRIVE BAY COOLER: *CoolerMaster Cooldrive 3 Aluminum Bay Cooler
BURNER: *BenQ 16X DL DVD+/-RW with LightScribe Technology - Retail Bundle
Black DW1625-0C4
FDD: *Who cares ? black
KEYBOARD/MOUSE: *Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite For BLUETOOTH
cordless Keyboard & Mouse M54-00013
CASE: Lian-Li PC-6089 Aluminum mid-tower case w/4case fans
etc

Happy trailz,
 
Originally posted by: McPudd
I'm building a new main system. I will be converting my present one over to MS MCE2005, moving it across the (living)room
and integrating it with my A/V system.
(*) Items I will have to buy. Maybe peeking at my homework will give you some ideas. 🙂
O/S: *Microsoft Media Centre 2005 OEM (XP Pro SP2)
CASE: Lian-Li PC-6089 Aluminum mid-tower case w/4case fans
PSU: *Seasonic S12-600(SS-600HT Active PFC) 600W ATX PSU
TV TUNER/REMOTE CONTROL: *Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB2 MCE- kit
(Kit includes WinTV-PVR-USB2 device & MS Media Player Remote Control etc)
Model 99016
VIDEO CARD: ATI Radeon 9800 XT 256MB AGP retail
*Special DVI-I to YPrPb Adapter (Purple, P/N 151-V01093) for
use with the Radeon 9800 series.
TV OUT: S-video to 36" Sony Wega XBR-400 NTSC
AUDIO: *BlueGears/HDA X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Digital Sound Card
Mfg Part Number: HDA-DXM7110 S/PDIF optical OUT to Denon
AVR-3802 7x110W based HT System.
NETWORK: Alcatel Speed Touch Home external ADSL modem to D-Link
Express EtherNetwork DI-604 Router to motherboard on-board Intel
LAN [Intel 82562ET PHY/RJ45 port](networked to System #1 Windows
XP Pro SP2).
MOTHERBOARD: Asus P4T533-C s478/i850e
CPU: P4 2.8GHz/533MHz FSB retail
MEMORY: 1GB (4x256MB) OCZ PC1066 RIMMs
CONTROLLER CARD #1: Promise Ultra133 TX2 PCI
HDDs: *2 x 300GB DiamondMax 10 ATA/133 16MB buffer Model 6B300R0
CONTROLLER CARD #2: OrangeLink FireWire 800/1394b (1394a + b) PCI card
EXTERNAL HDD: 250GB Maxtor One Touch External Ultra ATA-133 7200 RPM
HDD [1394a]
DRIVE BAY COOLER: *CoolerMaster Cooldrive 3 Aluminum Bay Cooler
BURNER: *BenQ 16X DL DVD+/-RW with LightScribe Technology - Retail Bundle
Black DW1625-0C4
FDD: *Who cares ? black
KEYBOARD/MOUSE: *Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite For BLUETOOTH
cordless Keyboard & Mouse M54-00013
CASE: Lian-Li PC-6089 Aluminum mid-tower case w/4case fans
etc

Happy trailz,
Click to expand...

I don't see your speakers/sub on the list?
 
"I don't see your speakers/sub on the list? "
Home Theatre System
RECEIVER: Denon AVR-3802 7x110W DD/DTS ES/ DPL II [connections]
TV: Sony 36" Wega XBR KV-36XBR400 NTSC 1080i/480p/480i [Component, S-video,
analog audio]
SPEAKER FRONTS: Cerwin-Vega DX-9(4-8 ohm);1x15";2x6?;1x1";
Sens102dB(1W @1m)
SPEAKER CENTRE: Paradigm CC-200(6 ohm);2x5 1/2";1x3/4";
Sens 92dB (1W @1m)
SPEAKER SIDES: C.Vega E-Series2 E-712;1 x12?;1x5 ¼?;dome twtr;
Sens98dB (2.83V/ 1m)
SPEAKER REARS: Cerwin-Vega R-26(4-8 ohm);1x12";1x2.5";
Sensitivity: 96dB (1W @1m)
DVD PLAYER: Denon DVD-2800 progressive scan DVD Player [Component, S-video,
Optical and analog audio]
VCR: JVC HM-HDS1U HDD/S-VHS [S-video, analog audio]
SATELLITE RECEIVER: Bell ExpressVu Model 6000 HDTV receiver w/Dual LNB
[Component, S-video, Optical and analog audio]
CABLE TV SERVICE: (Analog Basic + Extended + FM) [Cable coax FM antenna,
analog audio]
COMPUTER VIDEO: System2 ATI Radeon 9800 XT 256MB AGP retail [Component,
S-video]
COMPUTER AUDIO: System2 BlueGears/HDA X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Digital Sound
Card [Optical]
System1 BlueGears/HDA X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Digital Sound
Card [Optical]

I don't use a sub.
With 2x15" and 4x12" CVs on the floor, a sub would be silly.

Happy trailz,
 
Originally posted by: McPudd
"I don't see your speakers/sub on the list? "
Home Theatre System
RECEIVER: Denon AVR-3802 7x110W DD/DTS ES/ DPL II [connections]
TV: Sony 36" Wega XBR KV-36XBR400 NTSC 1080i/480p/480i [Component, S-video,
analog audio]
SPEAKER FRONTS: Cerwin-Vega DX-9(4-8 ohm);1x15";2x6?;1x1";
Sens102dB(1W @1m)
SPEAKER CENTRE: Paradigm CC-200(6 ohm);2x5 1/2";1x3/4";
Sens 92dB (1W @1m)
SPEAKER SIDES: C.Vega E-Series2 E-712;1 x12?;1x5 ¼?;dome twtr;
Sens98dB (2.83V/ 1m)
SPEAKER REARS: Cerwin-Vega R-26(4-8 ohm);1x12";1x2.5";
Sensitivity: 96dB (1W @1m)
DVD PLAYER: Denon DVD-2800 progressive scan DVD Player [Component, S-video,
Optical and analog audio]
VCR: JVC HM-HDS1U HDD/S-VHS [S-video, analog audio]
SATELLITE RECEIVER: Bell ExpressVu Model 6000 HDTV receiver w/Dual LNB
[Component, S-video, Optical and analog audio]
CABLE TV SERVICE: (Analog Basic + Extended + FM) [Cable coax FM antenna,
analog audio]
COMPUTER VIDEO: System2 ATI Radeon 9800 XT 256MB AGP retail [Component,
S-video]
COMPUTER AUDIO: System2 BlueGears/HDA X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Digital Sound
Card [Optical]
System1 BlueGears/HDA X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Digital Sound
Card [Optical]

I don't use a sub.
With 2x15" and 4x12" CVs on the floor, a sub would be silly.

Happy trailz,
Click to expand...

Get those front three matched up 😉
 
"Get those front three matched up "

Well that was deliberate since Centre is mostly voice and I like how Paradigm handles that range.
When it comes to music (I don't bother with MP3) on CD audio discs, I always switch to 2 channel stereo.
I tend to listen to audio as the producer intended. Virtually all of my CDs were intended for mono or 2 channel stereo.
ie If I load Abbey Road, I want to listen to it as George Martin and the Beatles decided was best. 2 channel stereo.
I don't presume to know better than they and tart it up with some form of surround.
For movies and TV I also want whatever audio is intended.

I'm looking at the Mystique card mostly because 1) It isn't from Creative and 2) It has both optical and coax S/PDIF OUTs
and not to convert sound to surround where not warranted.

Works for me!

Happy trailz,
 
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