HTPC Question and Advice Needed

[Jackhamr60504]

I just purchased that employee deal through Intel. I already have a desktop case that I spray painted black.

Here are the specs so far:
P4 2.533 ghz
Intel Mainboard
30gb hard drive - I have it laying around, I will get a larger one soon, but my server already has 100gb free of raid-5 storage.

I plan on using the machine for Tivo-like functions, playing mp3s, playing DVD, video editing from my DV camcorder, and occational gaming. I will be using a 27" Samsung TV through composite video jacks as the only monitor. Here are my questions:

1. Will 256mb of PC2700 be enough or should I with 512. I know video editing will appreciate the extra, but how about the rest?

2. Which capture card should I go with? I am torn between the ATI AIW 7500 and the Hauppauge 250. I was all set with the ATI until I saw that only cards with hardware encoders are supported by Windows MCE. I am being optimistic that they will be selling that separately down the road. If I go with the Hauppauge, I already have a GF4 Ti-4200 that has TV-Out that I can use.

3. What PVR software is the best? I know that the cards do come bundled with some, but there is a bunch more out there as well. Any experience?

4. I also plan on getting a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for controls. I am not too worried about whether the video card comes with a remote as I already have a irman and a nice universal remote that I will use.

5. I will puchase a Pioneer 106-s. Any comments on that DVD drive?

As always, thanks in advance for your help.

Edited because 5.33ghz cpus are not out yet

 

[codehack2]

Originally posted by: Jackhamr60504
I just purchased that employee deal through Intel. I already have a desktop case that I spray painted black.

Here are the specs so far:
P4 5.33 ghz
Intel Mainboard
30gb hard drive - I have it laying around, I will get a larger one soon, but my server already has 100gb free of raid-5 storage.

I plan on using the machine for Tivo-like functions, playing mp3s, playing DVD, video editing from my DV camcorder, and occational gaming. I will be using a 27" Samsung TV through composite video jacks as the only monitor. Here are my questions:

1. Will 256mb of PC2700 be enough or should I with 512. I know video editing will appreciate the extra, but how about the rest?

2. Which capture card should I go with? I am torn between the ATI AIW 7500 and the Hauppauge 250. I was all set with the ATI until I saw that only cards with hardware encoders are supported by Windows MCE. I am being optimistic that they will be selling that separately down the road. If I go with the Hauppauge, I already have a GF4 Ti-4200 that has TV-Out that I can use.

3. What PVR software is the best? I know that the cards do come bundled with some, but there is a bunch more out there as well. Any experience?

4. I also plan on getting a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for controls. I am not too worried about whether the video card comes with a remote as I already have a irman and a nice universal remote that I will use.

5. I will puchase a Pioneer 106-s. Any comments on that DVD drive?

As always, thanks in advance for your help.

1) I'd add 512... If you choose a HTPC interface program, you will appreciate the extra mem.

2) Either will be fine. You have more than enough CPU to do software MPEG encoding with the ATI AIW, but if you already have the GF4 4200, I'd go with the add in card. Keep in mind though... that card only does hard MPEG encoding. When your editing MPEG, it's still all CPU bound.

3) Try Showshifter. Great TIVO like interface. I've tried it and liked it. If you go with it, you'll want the extra memory.

4) Might want to try the new blue tooth combo's from MS. They have a pretty good range, at a price premium mind you.

5) Great Drive. I've got 2 of them and love them.

Good Luck,
CH2