My ignorance with media centres...

[V|per]

OK, i am fairly adept with PC's and overclocking etc etc, but the one area i really have no experience in, is media rigs...

Now i have all the components for one (case/psu/cpu/cooler/ram/hdd) But i want the pc to be connected to the TV so that it uses the TV's sound and display (ie, change chanel to pc chanel, pc works on tv instead of using monitor and speakers)

Also, would it be possible to get a decent set of speakers and use these instead of the TV's speakers?

FYI, the motherboard is the MSI K9VGM-V (i suppose this is a 'spec me a gfx card' question really, but thought general hardware would be more appropriate)

Cheers guys...

 

[Seft]

For the question: Yes, although you'd need to turn the speakers off when you changed back to the TV (or mute the PC).

 

[squiffy]

First off you need to send video and audio to the TV and/or speakers.

So at least S-Video to the TV. Or to the av amplifier, then S-Video routing from av amp to TV.
Same for audio, digital or analogue out from soundcard to av amplifer. Or just into TV if you don't have a audio system.

Then you need remote control and IR receiver.
Next is HTPC front end, checkout Media Portal.
Also need to spend time getting all video and audio files to work under Media Portal.

FFDSHOW
DVD software
Possibly directshow codecs, depending what audio/video files, and if FFDSHOW doesn't support it. I had to use FFDSHOW, Theatretek, Ogg/MPC/Flac directshow filters.

 

[V|per]

Why would i need an ir remote and receiver, and why would i need any other software other than windows? and i am not using media centre, just standard xp pro with audio and video to a TV (basically i have no room, and i cant set a pc up, i dont want to game, so all i want is a gfx card that will allow me to use my TV as a monitor)

 

[squiffy]

Unless you're sat in front of your mouse and keyboard, you'll need to control onscreen somehow. For a HTPC or occasional HTPC you'll want to use a remote. It's rubbish using Windows Explorer, if family is using it.

If the PC is other side of the room pretty rubbish going over to the desk and using keyboard and mouse! I use a HTPC and it's great.

Media Portal is free. You don't need Media Centre, Media Portal install on Home and Pro.