Video Components for an HTPC?

[GTaudiophile]

I am thinking anout an HTPC/File Server.

I am thinking about a new ASUS P965 motherboard with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and 1GB of DDR2 667 RAM running Windows XP MCE. It will also have two 750GB harddrives in RAID 1 so the machine can also act as a file server on the network.

Now, I want to output the signal via HDMI, yes? There is only videocard out there that does this, the Sapphire X1600PRO/HDMI.

Questions:

Is this videocard capable of outputting a 1080P signal to a 40"+ LCD HDTV with 1080P HDMI input?

And what about signal input to the HTPC? Can someone recommend an HDTV Tuner card that accepts signals as high as 1080P? (Assuming that will be an actual broadcast standard.) A remote of course would also be nice to have. On-board MPEG2 decoding is also good have, yes?

Once I figure out how to manage all the video, I guess I just need an HD-DVD+Blu-Ray Reader/Writer Hybrid. Any idea when those will be out AND cost < $100.00?

The idea is to have a machine that does the following...

1) Partition/File server for backup of other machines on home network (RAID 1 will allow backup for the backup).
2) Partition/File server for MP3 collection and picture collection.
3) TiVo Functionality/Partition for recorded TV shows/movies.
4) HTPC capable of outputting music via S/PDIF out to receiver.
5) HTPC capable of playing DVDs/HD-DVDs/Blu-Ray discs and outputting 1080P signal to HDTV and DD/DTS receiver via HDMI/SPDIF.
6) HTPC capable of simply being my HDTV, HD cable signal comes in and goes right out to TV. Fit for channel surfing.

This is my plan...but I realize this plan may take a while to be realized. I know those HD-DVD/BR hyprid drives are a long-time coming.

 

[spyral]

The only Blue ray reader writer Ive seen from Sony on newegg and costs $700. Dun think theyre gonna get in the $100 range anytime soon

 

[stu1811]

DVI=HDMI without audio. Then run audio from your sound card. Any relatively new video card will have no problem outputting 1080i. Core 2 Duo may be overkill, other people might know more, but I dont think you need that much power.
Pickup the October issue of Maximum PC. There is a guide of how to build a HTPC.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Don't I need to output 1080P to get the latest and greatest?

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Don't I need to output 1080P to get the latest and greatest?

Any relatively new video card should also output 1080p without issue.

I also want a combo HDDVD/BR reader/writer drive under $100, but I also know not to expect such a thing in the next 2-3 years 😛

Edit: I'm still not sure how the whole HDCP thing is shaping up (as far as whether or not a video card today with HDMI out will really be usable for "protected" HD content in the future). Also, about your last point (wanting to use the HTPC as your HD cable receiver), Vista should support CableCard for that sort of thing but I've read that it will only be available in prebuilt OEM PC's, not just a USB2.0 reader you'd pick up from Newegg or anything...

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Don't I need to output 1080P to get the latest and greatest?

Any relatively new video card should also output 1080p without issue.

I also want a combo HDDVD/BR reader/writer drive under $100, but I also know not to expect such a thing in the next 2-3 years 😛

Then I guess this thread is pointless for another 2-3 years 😛

 

[GTaudiophile]

But am I foolish to think that someday I can build a HTPC that does all of this and does it well?

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
But am I foolish to think that someday I can build a HTPC that does all of this and does it well?

No, I'd like to do the same thing in a few years actually. I don't know how well the MCE implementation in Vista is going to work, but it is supposed to be able to do everything that you listed, as far as I know.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
But am I foolish to think that someday I can build a HTPC that does all of this and does it well?

No, I'd like to do the same thing in a few years actually. I don't know how well the MCE implementation in Vista is going to work, but it is supposed to be able to do everything that you listed, as far as I know.

Good to know. Just seems like there are a lot of standards that need ironing out. HDMI/HDCP...720P/1080P...Blu-Ray/HD-DVD...

Just too early for what I want to do I guess.