Media center spec

[ali825]

hi ya,
my dad want me to build him a media centre downstairs in the living and he want to get an idea for what the price will be, i was thinking of using Antec Fusion HTPC Case, the requirement for the spec will be it must be able to play 1080p/1080i resolution, it must have a dual tuner tv, i will need a operating system i was thing Windows Vista Home Premium not sure between 32 and 64, i was thinking i could use there media centre program or may be try media portal not sure tho but would like to try both. I do not want to use liux or myth tv for the reason my dad want to plug an ipod in to the centre and just want everything simple.

i would like hdmi connection as this seem to be the standard tv connection, if I’m right also does
hdmi though a computer play the sound thought it as well, or would i need another wire
i was thinking of either having 2 500gb hard drives or 1 750gb depending on the heat or sound

not sure able the graphic card something quite with power to do hd tho must be quiet, i thought 2gb of ram because of vista and also my dad want the computer to be a media server for his hi-fi so i was thinking of getting a Squeezebox Wireless Network Music Player, so the computer will alway on.

Im trying to do it for £700 or so but the less the better i hope everything can be reach within this budgit, o ye it need a wireless card or usb one as will be streaming and internet

Thx so much for all the help

ali

 

[kevpuk]

Antec Fusion is a great MCE case - had one myself until recently

Dual tuner such as Hauppauge Nova-T Dual is good, as is Terratec Cinergy 2400i DT...have used both with no issue

Would stick to 32-bit Vista unless you are planning on using more than 3GB RAM - 64-bit can be awkward, especially with drivers......and software incompatibilities.....

Latest ATI cards allow HDMI output with sound taken straight from a S/PDIF source on compatible motherbaords....a 2600 would likely be a good choice for MCE use as it also has the hardware H.264 etc. enhancements....

Anywho, some food for thought

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Streaming over wireless with an HTPC is rather obnoxious. The little drops in connectivity that merely annoy in day-to-day use are total show-stoppers when you're trying to watch a program or film.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

This would be a good start:

Add to it the OS and tuner/DVB cards of your choice. I have this motherboard and I'm most impressed. I use the onboard graphics but I don't think it'd have the guts to run 1080p and it doesn't have HDMI out. However, it does have pretty much everything else. I included that processor as a reference, really. You should shop around and find an ADA3800CUBOX, the 35W version of the X2 3800+. Mine quite literally runs cool to the touch at 100% load whilst running Folding@Home. It's an excellent choice for a quiet, cool HTPC rig.