Wanting to build HTPC ... Where to start

[Krueger81]

Hello,

I would like to start building a HTPC. I currently have dish network that I would like to use for recording also I would like to be able to receive orver the AIR HDTV broadcasts that I can then hook into my TV with DVI-HDMI converter.

Where do I need to start looking?

Thanks
Phil

 

[The Linuxator]

Go to newegg.com and pick yourself :

1- a case suitable for a HTPC
2-pick up windows media center oem copy
3-ger yourself an HDTV ati tv tuner for optimal resolution, it comes with remote software and tuner
4-pick a big harddrive enough for your recording / editing needs.
5- get a nice dual layer NEC drive so that you can play,and copy DVDs and CD-R
6- get yourself 1 gig of PC-3200 memory it's so cheap nowadays
7-get a deascent silent powersupply
8- get a basic graphics card perhaps an ATI PCI-e one and make sure that it is compatible with windows media center
9-get a micro-atx mobo and make sure if it comes with an integrated gpu that the integrated one is compatible with Windows MCE , if so then skip step 8
10- pick an AMD 64 3000+
11-Enjoy the show :beer:

 

[imported_ST]

Originally posted by: The Linuxator
Go to newegg.com and pick yourself :

1- a case suitable for a HTPC
2-pick up windows media center oem copy
3-ger yourself an HDTV ati tv tuner for optimal resolution, it comes with remote software and tuner
4-pick a big harddrive enough for your recording / editing needs.
5- get a nice dual layer NEC drive so that you can play,and copy DVDs and CD-R
6- get yourself 1 gig of PC-3200 memory it's so cheap nowadays
7-get a deascent silent powersupply
8- get a basic graphics card perhaps an ATI PCI-e one and make sure that it is compatible with windows media center
9-get a micro-atx mobo and make sure if it comes with an integrated gpu that the integrated one is compatible with Windows MCE , if so then skip step 8
10- pick an AMD 64 3000+
11-Enjoy the show :beer:

err not quite...

- go to PC ALchemy and figure out which case and configuration you want (VFD, uATX, touchscreen TV, etc.)

- ATI Wonder works good with the hacked drivers, but Dvico Fusion 5 or others have actual hardware acceleeration for decoding. NOte this is keeping in mind you'll use MCE2005, for which you should also pick up the remote IR base and controller.

- You cannot beat the picture quality with Nvidia cards in video playback presently. Combine this with the Purevideo enchancements makes for a wonderous picture with FFDshow or others. My recommendation is to get a 7800GT since it has HD spatial temporal deinterlacing for HDVT 1080i playback. See Firing Squad HTPC Guide for more info on this.

Otherwise the rest is really up to you. Check out that Firing Squad link and/or also go to HTPCnews Forums if you need further assistance.

 

[jevans64]

If you want quick and dirty, you could just slap a tuner card ( Dvico Fusion 5 ) in your existing PC as long as you have a decent video card and big hard drive. I am currently using a Shuttle system as a HTPC. If you want to go dedicated HTPC, Siverstone makes some REALLY nice cases that look really nice in a component rack. You chould be able to pick one up for around $200. Use the PC Alchemy link above to start selecting components.

 

[jammur21]

I second the HTPCnews and PC Alcameny links.

 

[royce]

get a shuttle from newegg or ebay, then get processor, and the HD, ram, drives from hot deals here

 

[imported_OrSin]

7800 Video for HTPC is over kill. $350+ when onboard video will do.
I say wait for the New NV boards and getting a graphic card all together.

If you already have a system, you will need 9800 ATi or a 6600 NV to connect to HDTV easily. If you get lower card you will have to set up setting thought power strip and it just not worth it to me.

IMO, MCE is over rated. I perfer XP pro and just get the right software and equipment.
MCE can't join a domain and that limiting to me.

 

[piasabird]

One thing Win MCE 2005 has is support for 2 tv tuners. However, if you dont want that then one OS is as good as the next. A 2 Monitor or one monitor and one TV interface might be nice. A lot just depends how much money you want to spend and what you plan on using the box for. Do you want a VCR looking case or a regular case to sit on your desktop?

Beware of small cases with bad cooling.

A-open sells a nice Pentium-M SFF that would probably be great. It runs cooler has integrated video and is really nice. Maybe a motherboard with the NForce Intel version would work better.

If you use All AMD/ATI, then you might want to use an older AGP ATI All-In-Wonder setup.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102345

These 9600 All-In-Wonder's came with a remote control for just a little over $120.00

To get HDTV you really need a separate TV Tuner Card to get a good price.

 

[stlcardinals]

If you are considering MCE, check out The Green Button. IF you do decide to go with it, stay away from the all in wonder cards, they do not like MCE all to well. You would be better off getting one of the cards with the ATI 550 chipset.

 

[Carnage4]

PM for ya

 

[Liver]

You have a lot of good places to start. Another one is AVSForum. However, the best place to start is having a budget for everything. Speakers, display, components, computer, cables, software, and etc. The stuff adds up quick and there is always something better.

Liver

 

[imported_ST]

Originally posted by: OrSin
7800 Video for HTPC is over kill. $350+ when onboard video will do.
I say wait for the New NV boards and getting a graphic card all together.

If you already have a system, you will need 9800 ATi or a 6600 NV to connect to HDTV easily. If you get lower card you will have to set up setting thought power strip and it just not worth it to me.

IMO, MCE is over rated. I perfer XP pro and just get the right software and equipment.
MCE can't join a domain and that limiting to me.

ever try to watch or replay 1080i hdtv broadcasts at 1920x1080 resolutions? you're gonna need all the horsepower you can get. combine this with the fact that deinterlacing is the most important component you can have for image quality, and you'll appreciate that the 7800gt/gtx cards are the only ones that can do Hi Def temporal spatial deinterlacing will make those who want REAL HDTV broadcasts, demand it.

 

[barok22000]

I've tried setting one of these HTPC up with a shuttle and MCE, the one nuisance I noticed is that with satelite TV's you need to use the sattelite remote, then switch back to the MCE remote again. Though two is certainly better than the four I have in the family room.