HTPC Build ? A Few questions

[DannJonnes]

HTPC Build ? A Few questions
Hardware questions



I?m looking to build a HTPC for my home entertainment center. This HTPC will be used mainly to store my CD collection, play movies (DVD/divX), and record/watch TV. Now, I have read a lot on the subject and I think I have picked out a good hardware setup but I still have a few questions regarding some of my choices along with some software questions as well.

• Will using my onboard audio from my Mobo affect the quality of my sound?
  Since I am not looking to game, would my onboard video affect the quality of viewing TV/Movies?
  I am a bit confused about TV/HDTV tuners. Is there a card that supports both TV and HDTV? Would just a HDTV tuner work or would I want both? Since I am looking to watch and record video what would the best setup be?
  HD-DVD drives, will these be something I would want to invest in the future once they are released? Or Blue-Ray?

As for my software questions:

• What are your views on xlobby ?
  Would waiting for the WMC edition of Vista be worth while?
  or should I just get 2005 WMC?

Here is what I am looking at for a hardware setup, suggestions welcomed!

• Case: Origen Ae-x15e
  - Note: This case comes with an IR remote
  Mobo: AOpen i915GMm-HFS
  - Note: I am going to use onboard audio
  - Note: I am going to use onboard video
  CPU: Intel Celeron M
  RAM: GeIL Value 1GB
  HD: 2x 300GB (7200rpm)
  PS: Antec SmartPower SP-500
  TV Tuner: ???

Thanks for all the help! I look forward to your replies.

 

[InlineFour]

welcome to the boards.

Will using my onboard audio from my Mobo affect the quality of my sound?

it depends if you're using digital or analog out. digital will sound the same. analog will be different depending on what sound card you have.

Since I am not looking to game, would my onboard video affect the quality of viewing TV/Movies?

no, modern onboard video is very efficient, however, most motherboards don't come with onboard video. the ones that do are usually budget motherboards.

I am a bit confused about TV/HDTV tuners. Is there a card that supports both TV and HDTV? Would just a HDTV tuner work or would I want both? Since I am looking to watch and record video what would the best setup be?

although i've only had experience with analog tv, i'm pretty sure a hdtv card will also support analog signal. a lot of people like the ati hdtv tuner. you can watch and record at the same time only if it's the same channel. otherwise, you'll need a tuner card that supports dual inputs.

HD-DVD drives, will these be something I would want to invest in the future once they are released? Or Blue-Ray?

only time will tell.

Would waiting for the WMC edition of Vista be worth while?
or should I just get 2005 WMC?

the question is, can you wait? vista isn't due to come out until late 2007. in my oppion, you should just get media center 2005 and not wait.

Case: Origen Ae-x15e
- Note: This case comes with an IR remote
Mobo: AOpen i915GMm-HFS
- Note: I am going to use onboard audio
- Note: I am going to use onboard video
CPU: Intel Celeron M
RAM: GeIL Value 1GB
HD: 2x 300GB (7200rpm)
PS: Antec SmartPower SP-500
TV Tuner: ???

the price of that motherboard is way too expensive at $266. you're better off with getting a seperate video card like a nvidia 6200.

which model celeron? i'd highly recomend you getting an athlon 64 rather than a celeron.

ati hdtv. there aren't really that many hdtv cards available at the moment, but this is one of the best.

give us a budget and we can probably piece together a better htpc.

 

[greenmaji]

core duo..
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=91792&page=20



Aopen bords will be on the market very soon..

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: greenmaji
core duo..
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=91792&page=20



Aopen bords will be on the market very soon..

looking at the parts he listed, i don't think his budget would cover a core duo setup.

 

[greenmaji]

yea.. it would take another $200 or so..

 

[DannJonnes]

I am okay with the price of the motherboard since 1. I am using the onboard audio and 2. I wont need a video card. That alone will save me money .. right?
As for the onboard audio http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/06/21/the_next_generation_of_cool/page8.html Im not sure about this .. does this seem okay?
Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. Keep it coming! =)

 

[chuckywang]

ATI HDTV Wonder has two inputs, one for HDTV and one for analog.

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: DannJonnes
I am okay with the price of the motherboard since 1. I am using the onboard audio and 2. I wont need a video card. That alone will save me money .. right?

nope, nvidia 6200 for $30 AR + asus a8n for $156 = $186 and will smoke aopen's onboard video. you'll have to switch to amd though. i'd recomend an athlon 64 according to your budget.

 

[imported_ST]

my suggestion for you:

- case : zalman hd160 (larger fans, better airflow, great layout)
- mobo: nforce 4 6150 based (integrated hdtv accelerated gpu)
- processor: s939 venice based (any)
- ps: seasonic 350w (u don't need much power with your system)
- tuner: dvinco fusion 5 lite

 

[Continuity28]

Originally posted by: ST
my suggestion for you:

- case : zalman hd160 (larger fans, better airflow, great layout)
- mobo: nforce 4 6150 based (integrated hdtv accelerated gpu)
- processor: s939 venice based (any)
- ps: seasonic 350w (u don't need much power with your system)
- tuner: dvinco fusion 5 lite

Where can one buy that Zalman case online?

EDIT: Also, I doubt there's any 6150 motherboards out that can do S/PDIF in and out at the same time...

 

[imported_ST]

Originally posted by: Continuity28

Originally posted by: ST
my suggestion for you:

- case : zalman hd160 (larger fans, better airflow, great layout)
- mobo: nforce 4 6150 based (integrated hdtv accelerated gpu)
- processor: s939 venice based (any)
- ps: seasonic 350w (u don't need much power with your system)
- tuner: dvinco fusion 5 lite

Where can one buy that Zalman case online?

EDIT: Also, I doubt there's any 6150 motherboards out that can do S/PDIF in and out at the same time...

buy it here: http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=fe883cb0dec174f8bb40bb113d26d113

why do u need spidf input?

 

[Continuity28]

Originally posted by: ST

Originally posted by: Continuity28

Originally posted by: ST
my suggestion for you:

- case : zalman hd160 (larger fans, better airflow, great layout)
- mobo: nforce 4 6150 based (integrated hdtv accelerated gpu)
- processor: s939 venice based (any)
- ps: seasonic 350w (u don't need much power with your system)
- tuner: dvinco fusion 5 lite

Where can one buy that Zalman case online?

EDIT: Also, I doubt there's any 6150 motherboards out that can do S/PDIF in and out at the same time...

buy it here: http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p...sCsid=fe883cb0dec174f8bb40bb113d26d113

why do u need spidf input?

Laserdisc player has digital out, I might want to transfer all my movies off of laserdisc and onto DVD or something, as I don't know when my player may have problems, and if I can find another good cheap laserdisc player by that time...

I wouldn't mind paying more for a discrete sound card that can do it or a motherboard with high quality onboard sound... I know my DFI motherboard has S/PDIF in and out, but the sound chip isn't high quality, it's an ALC850... I was thinking more along the lines of 880 or 882 etc. Or 6xx that isn't 650.