spec me a HTPC

[wesley]

hi guys

i recently got new 32" LCD TV

i have been using humax PVR9200T in last 3 years, i think it's the time to dump the humax and move to HTPC.

what i want from the HTPC:

dual digital tuner (so i can record 1 channel while watch different channel)
download film from usenet and unrar to ISO, mount ISO and play the movie
browse movie database with DVD cover and info
LCD matrix to display info like BBC, ITV, time for playback etc
possible play iplayer full screen, (i believe there is a plugin for it?)


i never build a HTPC before so i honestly dont know which hardware/OS and media player?

budget - i dont really mind as long it's really worth it but i'd like to stay away from linux OS

i like the look of Antec Micro Fusion case http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-108-AN&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=160

it got LCD matrix display, but how can i config it with win7?

cheers

 

[domyboy]

Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AMD 785G
Athlon II 45W (250e) or phenom if you have the cash.
Compro Videomate E900F Dual Tuner TV Card
2x1GB DDR3
Pioneer BluRay Optical
Lian Li 34F HTPC or V350B or Antec Fusion anythign really..

The matrix display on the fusion doesnt work with WMP, you need to use winamp or IMon for it to work.
Use WMC that come with Win7 Ult for recording/watching tv as the compro software is ****
I have all of the above in mine and it works tip top. Can ouput 1080p aswell.

 

[alex24]

Mine can do all that and looks great:

Antec Fusion Micro (includes 380W PSU)
Gigabyte MA78GM-S2H (onboard ATI Radeon HD3200. Blu-ray capable no problems)
Athlon X2 4200 under a Alpenfohn Panorama
2x2GB OCZ PC6400 DDR2
Samsung F1 1TB
LG BD-ROM/HD-DVD combo drive
Hauppage WinTV Nova-T 500 (Compro E700 in other rig, which is better again)
Windows 7 Home premium.

The display works flawlessly with Media Center in windows 7, and the imon software can configure it to show all sorts. It won't do song info with media player (does winamp though), but you can get it to show an equaliser instead.

Only change I might make is swap the 80mm fans for some quieter ones, though that's not expensive and they're not even that loud tbh.

If you're buying new, similar alternatives to those components are available. I got everything that I didn't have already (CPU, board, cooler) second hand for about £50, which was a bargain from the MM.

 

[thepharcyde]

I can only add that Windows 7 is a must. It sorted so many of my HD playback issues

I have the same spec as above but a Freesat card that I built over a year now. Just a CPU fan so very quiet.