HTPC Questions

[Trunks9486]

I am thinking of building one as a present to my mother and i have a few questions related to htpcs in general.

1. Can i connect one in a standard PAL normal CRT tv? Old technology. Not sure about the inputs of the TV right now but i am sure it supports SCART with full RGB and Composite, possibly S-Video as well.

2. Is the software simple to use? As i said it is intended to be used by my parents/mother who are not really very comfortable with PCs but can handle programming VCRs with no problem and can handle basic and easy to use GUIs.

3. The functions required would be to record from the TV directly and save to Hard Drive, DVD burning ability as DVD video to be used on normal stand alone DVD players. Playback from Hard Disk as well as external sources of data.

4. Is there an easy, wireless method of controlling the HTPC to do said "standard" tasks without using a keaboard+mouse?

Any thoughts? Any other things i should be aware about that you dont think i am?

 

[mdjmcnally]

I would just buy a normal DVD Hard Disk Recorder. (certainly what doing for my parents, no way am I supporting a HTPC for anyone else) Unless you are comfortable with having to keep fixing it yourself afterwards but to answer the questions.

1. Most graphics cards have an svideo out that can hook upto a CRT. On my Sony 25" I am less then impressed with the image though.

2. Most of the software can now be run via a remote, however you need to invest time in learning the quirks as none of them is perfect. Also will take a fair bit of time to customise to how you want.

3. Pretty much all of them can do. The DVD burning can be a bit suspect though. Better to use an external DVD software in my opinion.

4. Can do most of the operation running by Remote, however you can't abandon the keyboard and mouse as most if not all still require some keyboard/mouse work at times.

 

[Janesy B]

I would just buy a normal DVD Hard Disk Recorder.

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