Quick HTPC questions

[Randell]

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?

 

[Randell]

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?

 

[Randell]

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]

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]

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.