• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Trying to build a new machine for my HDTV Entertainment Center

S

sir2002

Junior Member
Basically I am coming to you guys for opinion on what is going to be the best system that I can build that will do gaming, play DVDs, play DVD-RIPs, play MP3s, and of course the whole internet thingy. I would like to stay within $1500 - $1700.

The whole idea of this machine is to plug it up to my Sony HDTV and use the HDTV as my monitor for gaming and movies. Basically what I really need a suggestion on is which mobo would I need for an Athlon XP and I plan on getting 1GB of DDR RAM along with a huge hard-drive (something like 250GB at least) and then a DVD-ROM. I plan on getting an HDTV card to be able to watch HiDef.

The other suggestion I need is for a video card. I would like something that I could display onto the TV.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

SRoye_98
 
Yes, your TV will need a DVI input. Choose between these two video cards which support HD:
1. ATI's 9x00 family (SMOOTHVISION)
2. Nvidia's GeForce4 Ti or better (HD-Playback, no fancy name here but does the job, I have one)

Have fun!
 
Go Check AVS Forum, and look into the HTPC forum. I use an AIW 9700, and it works well for gaming desktop and video duties. Also Digital Connection is offering the MyHD ATSC tuner card for $259 while they phase it out for a new model. I use it for tuning in the OTA HD broadcasts, works very well. I like the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe for the MB because it has decent sound, excellent sound if you use the digital output to a reciever, although there are a few good NForce2 boards depending on the features you need.

Check the connectivety you require for your TV and go from there. AVS forum is the spot for real info.
 
Originally posted by: rbV5
Go Check AVS Forum, and look into the HTPC forum. I use an AIW 9700, and it works well for gaming desktop and video duties. Also Digital Connection is offering the MyHD ATSC tuner card for $259 while they phase it out for a new model. I use it for tuning in the OTA HD broadcasts, works very well. I like the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe for the MB because it has decent sound, excellent sound if you use the digital output to a reciever, although there are a few good NForce2 boards depending on the features you need.

Check the connectivety you require for your TV and go from there. AVS forum is the spot for real info.
Click to expand...

Come to think of it you can get a Radeon 9500 Pro AIW too for about $100 less...
 
When I called the Sony Service Department they told me that if I were to plug anything besides an HDTV Encoder into the DVI plug that it wouldn't work. Are you guys sure that if I were to plug in a good video card to the DVI plug that it would work just fine without much overscan.

Also what resolutions are you guys running at? I hear that 1024 by 768 is a good resolution for the HDTV. Do you run Power Strip? And how does the refresh rate work out with this type of configuration.;


Also I appreciate all the replies that you guys have given me.


SRoye_98
 
You will definately want an ATI card (9500 or 9700) and Powerstrip to create custom resolutions. One resolution to your monitor and usually an unsupported resolution to the TV. Check out a very nice "Custom Resolution for HDTV /HTPC Radeon" thread at AVSforum. The ATI card is much better more efficient then Nvidia in this department.

I don't know about Gosharks comments on TV DVI being different. Most TV's and Projectors that I know of have a DVI connection that works just fine with DVI output from a video card. It's just trying to find the right resolution that both your tv and video card will handle. You might have to go into your service menu to adjust for overscan though. This is common on tube tv's.

When Sony said what they did, is to cover their ass. They don't support some customer made HTPC. Neither do video card manufacturers, hence the need for powerstrip. Sony does have what's called DVI-HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) on some of their models. This might pose a problem, but I think they've already got a work around.

But I would definately go to AVSforum and go to the Home Theater Computers section. There is a good couple of months of reading.

I would really start considering other options then DVI though for your connection (Besides the cables being expensive and not very good at longer distances.) You might be limited in the near future on what resolutions you will be able to output. For instance if you buy ATI's own component out adapter, it will limit you to 480P, which ruins the whole reason to do a good HTPC. If you have VGA input on your TV, then use that. There won't be a way for manufacturers to limit you on your output.

 
I'd rethink your CPU choice for a home entertainment rig. If you're gonna do any media encoding, you'd be better off with a P4.
 
ok

some cards have a TV output, such as ATI 9700 AIW, get one of those and you pretty much guarantee that you can plug it into the TV. on the otehr hand, if the video card does NOT specifically have a TV Out, then the DVI is different and set for monitors only and wont work.

one thing i must point out to you though.

one time i did taht a few years back because i was working in software development and we needed to tape the software as we tested it. in an office environment is ok, but at home it just isnt practical. in fact i have an ATI 9700 pro AIW and i deeply regret buying it. just too many cables, too long, too messy and not worth the trouble. also the extra drivers for all those unnecessary things such as TV tuner, vid capture, remote control, etc, do cause drama during instalation and later on too no matter what anyone says or how perfect rig they think they got.

i ddi recently purchase a refurbrished 21" LCD from NEC for about $600 and i am very happy with it. runs a lot better then a regular CRT monitor and of course it is infinetly better for your eyes since it doesnt put out anywhere near the heat/radiation that a CRT does.

 
some cards have a TV output, such as ATI 9700 AIW, get one of those and you pretty much guarantee that you can plug it into the TV. on the otehr hand, if the video card does NOT specifically have a TV Out, then the DVI is different and set for monitors only and wont work.
Click to expand...

You are not going to get HDTV through the TV out on video cards. The DVI will work. Where are you people getting your information that DVI out of a video card won't work with DVI input of a TV or Projector. No it won't work right out of the bat, but that's what powerstrip is for so you can select the correct timings and resolutions.


BTW sir2002, get the fastest processor you can get. Once you get into improving you DVD image you will need it. Look for threads on Zoomplayer/ Theatertek and ffdshow.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top