HTPC Spec help

[scottman]

First off sorry for another HTPC thread!

I've used the search for HTPC and have gone through 100's of threads and I am getting more confused with what spec to really have in my HTPC.

I will not be using the HTPC for any gaming, it will just be used for Blu-ray > movies > TV (SKYHD too) > music > picture play back

I have found the software I will be using on the HTPC and I have tested it all out on my PC. I will use Mediaportal with PowerDVD playing up scaled dvd content and blu-ray. I dont want to have to use a keyboard or mouse at all and I just want to use a remote (case remote or this one: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/4708&cl=gb,en unless anyone can find a cheaper one that looks the nuts as £350 is a lot for a remote), also need it to be hooked up to a wireless network for updates and VNC for another computer.

I have done a list of parts but if anyone could point me in a better direction for performace / cost ratio it would be much appreciated. I just need a case (pref a slim line case like: http://www.zalman.com/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?Idx=370 or if anyone can suggest a better case)

Corsair Extreme X32 32gb SSHD (just for the operating system Windows 7 home)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-003-CS

Western Digital Black 1TB HD
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-226-WD

OcUK brushed aluminium Blu-ray Drive
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-004-OP&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=314

Intel i3
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-317-IN

Ocz platinum 4gb ram
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-177-OC

Asus P7H55 M pro mobo
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-382-AS

I just need a CPU cooler, tv card and wireless card

I have been studying this for a while and its giving me headaches lol.

 

[scottman]

what other cpu and motherboard would people recommend for a HTPC? Never going to play games, just need 250 dvd's sticking on a HD (prob ISO format), music, and HD TV

 

[scottman]

Well i searched google, and some has managed to encrypt there Sky+ on to there tv via a card reader.

http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/...wing-card-has-been-out-my-sky-box-months.html

What board and cpu would you suggest just for playback?

 

[scottman]

Right, i've finally got a list.

I decided to knock the i3 on the head as I think this would be way to much for DVD/Blu-ray watching, tv, music & photos.

Im not sure if to get the Asus M4A785TD-M Evo AMD 785G or the Asus M4A785TD-V Evo AMD 785G mobo.
Otherwise anyone suggest an alternative spec?

 

[scottman]

right, i've changed the Blu-ray to a slot read only drive.
I've picked the Antec Fusion remote black in the end, just need a good dual tv card now, i've seen on the forums somewhere that the compro is not that good? can anyone spec me a good tv card that works with mediaportal?