Noob HTPC questions

[KLC]

I got a new Samsung 52" LCD TV. We don't have cable, no intention of getting it. We have a bluray player and an antenna.

I have an unused copy of Vista Home Premium and I just found out about its Media Center capabilities. So, I've started researching building an HTPC. I've got a few basic questions that don't involve the actual build. I'm comfortable with DIY computers but I know little about home theater pcs.

I want to use the pc for DVR, blu ray player and wireless internet access, no gaming. I'm sure these questions are pretty basic but I need to understand what I can use the HTPC for.

1. If I get a motherboard with built in graphics and HDMI do I connect the HDMI from the mb to the TV? Will that allow me to use the TV as the monitor?

2. If I get a case like the Antec NSK2430 versus the Antec Fusion do I understand correctly that the only difference is the IR remote connection? Does this mean that without the IR I would have to use a keyboard/mouse to navigate and with the IR I can use a remote to navigate?

3. can I install a wireless card in the pc and get internet access on the TV?

4. with a bluray drive in the pc will it work the same as a dedicated blu ray player?

Thanks for any help, including links to more info if you have them.

 

[Chapbass]

#2 im not familiar with.

#3 definitely.

#4 with the correct software, yes.


as far as #1, I'm not sure if this is still true (been out of the htpc market for a while), but if youre going to be playing HD formats (blu ray, etc), then you probably want to offload some of that to a graphics card. I know the midrange nvidia and ati cards are solid for HD decoding. Someone chime in, though, if the new procs and mainboards can handle 1080p video just fine.

 

[KLC]

thanks for the help. What software is needed to use the blu ray drive like a dedicated player?