- Jan 13, 2009
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In the past year Ive built myself a gaming desktop and a Windows Home Server. Ive got the itch to put another system together, and now Id like to build a Home Theater PC if the price is right.
I want my HTPC to be capable of the following: multiple-tuner DVR, Blu-ray/DVD playback, light gaming machine, and web browser.
Ive already got a dual-tuner DVR (rented from my cable company) but its hard drive capacity is hardly impressive. The other issue with it is the two tuners. Sure, 95% of the time having two tuners is plenty, but sometimes I really wish I had more (3-4).
My HTPC would have to have all the ease-of-use of my current DVR: which Im pretty sure Windows Media Center 7 does. Id want access to ALL of my channels that I pay for (digital TV, with all the channel tiers and HDTV). The only thing Id be ok losing would be OnDemand.
My current DVR and stand-alone Blu-ray player are connected via HDMI to my 5.1 receiver, and then to a 52 1080p LCD TV. Id like the HTPC use HDMI out to maintain my current setup, but replace those two devices.
My budget is $500-$800, but Im VERY flexible with that especially if a HTPC would allow me to stop paying for the DVR I currently have.
Please recommend me a build. Thanks!
I want my HTPC to be capable of the following: multiple-tuner DVR, Blu-ray/DVD playback, light gaming machine, and web browser.
Ive already got a dual-tuner DVR (rented from my cable company) but its hard drive capacity is hardly impressive. The other issue with it is the two tuners. Sure, 95% of the time having two tuners is plenty, but sometimes I really wish I had more (3-4).
My HTPC would have to have all the ease-of-use of my current DVR: which Im pretty sure Windows Media Center 7 does. Id want access to ALL of my channels that I pay for (digital TV, with all the channel tiers and HDTV). The only thing Id be ok losing would be OnDemand.
My current DVR and stand-alone Blu-ray player are connected via HDMI to my 5.1 receiver, and then to a 52 1080p LCD TV. Id like the HTPC use HDMI out to maintain my current setup, but replace those two devices.
My budget is $500-$800, but Im VERY flexible with that especially if a HTPC would allow me to stop paying for the DVR I currently have.
Please recommend me a build. Thanks!