Quick HTPC questions

Randell

Randell

Randell

Associate
Joined
22 Jan 2003
Posts
720
Having seen what Theatertek and ffdshow can acheive, I'm convinced that a HTPC is the way forward.

However as a short term measure it struck me that my games PC is next to the wall in the sitting room where the TV/DVD etc is, and there are already two holes in the wall for the sky+ cable run just behind my pc. So my questions are;

1. Do I have to install Windows MCE to use a remote to control Theatertek from the sitting room? As I have Sky+ I wasn't after using an HTPC as a PVR so if WMCE isn't a must I'd be happy!

2. Is rewiring a DVI/HDMI cable very hard as I dont think the connector on on HDMI or DVI cable would fit through the sky cable holes!

3. Any news on whether MS will allow video via Media Connect as I have an Xbox360?
 
1. No, there are lots of remote 'solutions' you can use, I was controlling Theatertek through a Winfast TV card remote though in the end decided I preferred a wireless keyboard (with built in mouse)

2. Probably, could always use component connection which is standard on most decent graphics cards now. HDMI is a pretty small connector..

3. You need MCE to play video files unfortunately
 
Thanks Shimmyhill - another few clarifications please.

1. Would I have to at least buy a TV card then? Would the Xbox 360 remote work?

2. I dont want to change my current graphics card - 6800GT - it has DVI or VGA output, how would I convert that to component? I guess I coudl fit an HDMI cable through, if I wodened the holes a bit.

3. I know that is the current case, do you think that is cast in stone?
 
1. No, I just used that as an example, like I said there are lots of different ways for integrating a remote, you can use the MCE one for instance

2. Buy a component dongle, they're under £10

3. No idea
 
Ok thanks chaps.

pinkaardvark - the 360 is in the living room, the PC isn't, though if the PC is connected to the TV, then it doesn't mater I agree. However I don't have an HDTV yet and streaming video via the 360 would be a lot simpler in soem cases. Obviously the whole point of Theatertek and ffdshow would be lost, it was just a general question :)
 
Randell said:
Ok thanks chaps.

pinkaardvark - the 360 is in the living room, the PC isn't, though if the PC is connected to the TV, then it doesn't mater I agree. However I don't have an HDTV yet and streaming video via the 360 would be a lot simpler in soem cases. Obviously the whole point of Theatertek and ffdshow would be lost, it was just a general question :)
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Yeah I asked as one of the great benefits of a HTPC is being able to browse the web and other stuff through your TV, obviously a HDTV with a decent PC resolution helps this. But with this in mind it then kinda makes the 360 extender purpose useless. I can only see it being of benefit if you did have a HTPC and then had the 360 in a bedroom etc where you wanted to stream the content to.
 
mm I was initially going to get an upscaling DVD player or hoped to use the 360 as an upscaling DVD player and also use the 360 to stream any HD video content from my normal PC - however these recent posts about Theatertek and ffdshow have pointed me in another direction.
 
Randell said:
mm I was initially going to get an upscaling DVD player or hoped to use the 360 as an upscaling DVD player and also use the 360 to stream any HD video content from my normal PC - however these recent posts about Theatertek and ffdshow have pointed me in another direction.
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Ah you didn't ask that but if you had your answer would have been and is. Xbox 360 does not upscale.
 
aah yes I knew that, which is why I started looking at an HTPC solution instead. It may well upscale if they produce an HDMI lead thugh I guess.
 
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