HTPC "my way" - Suggestions?

[NobleKain]

Here's what I want to do... some of which are "basic" functions, others are a bit more complex.

I wanna build an HTPC setup. It must support HDTV recording, and dual tuner capabilities. Additionally, it must have surround sound output.

I want to rip all my DVDs to it (or to another file server, preferably to it though),and be able to access it as a catalog. I have a ton of DVDs so it will need to support multiple terabytes.

Additionally, the interface is extremely important. I want it to be slick, and easy to use. I am a computer programmer, but my wife has very basic computer skills, so it must be very very easy to use.

I am WILLING to use a central File Server for my DVDs and music, so feel free to offer the most ideal setup. Potentially, I plan on building additional, "smaller scale" HTPCs to use in other rooms, so central access to movies/pics/music might not be a bad idea, though obviously the main HTPC could function as a central storage too.

Finally, I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE the software (whatever it is) to allow for a web interface that I could expose to the internet so I could schedule recording remotely (much like TiVo's service). I have my own web servers so this is feasible. Even if the software just has an API I can code to to make my own "web portal" I'm OK with that too.

So to sum up requirements:

• Supports HDTV (with HDMI output)

• Supports Dual Tuning

• Supports High quality audio

• Allows for mass storage of DVDs/Music/Pics

• Slick interface, and EASY to use.

• Web Interface, or API to control recording scheduling

 

[nsafreak]

Well here's a rather important detail you forgot to put in, cost. Or is cost no object?

 

[The Boston Dangler]

you're a little broad in your descriptions of your needs.

http://www.avsforum.com/
http://www.pcalchemy.com/

do you want an htpc case? if so, i highly recommend silverstone. many will include the imon display and remote. the imon media software is included, but not necessary.

Text i don't like it, and i simply double click a file to play it, instead of going through another gui. however, you may find it to your liking, or provides a function you're looking for. i use foobar2000 and mpc-hc, but you may want to look at VLC. girder might help you, too. others will say "just use windows media center." it has the best interface and performance, but i hate its DRM and proprietary nature, and may not provide all the function you want.

for dual tuners, you'll need 2 cards. this has been difficult in the past. what are you recording? OTA, sat/cable box output, cable direct?

for storage, you're looking at 6 available SATA plugs on a motherboard, max. 1 goes to a DVD drive, another to C. that leaves 4 drives for media, without using an expansion card. i do not suggest a raid array. wd has some highly rated 1TB drives for a decent price at newegg.

video output is a no-brainer. for audio, are you using a reciever or amp? if so, the on-board audio will have a digital output supporting multi-channel audio playback.

i don't think a discrete video card is needed. unless someone else thinks it won't perform well for blu-ray playback, i suggest an AMD chip on an ATI 780 or later board

 

[erwos]

If by "tune HDTV" you mean "tune encrypted QAM", you don't really have much choice - go to Dell and buy an XPS 420 with the (expensive) dual ATI Digital TV Tuners. It'll do everything you want with Media Center (which, BTW, has a wonderful DVD Library feature).