Spec me an HD HTPC

[Dingleberry88]

I'm looking to build a HTPC but I want to be able to output 720p video. My current TV only shows 720p, but I'd like it to be able to handle 1080i/p aswell should I ever get a TV that can show it.

Is it possible to get an HDMI output or would I have to use DVI with speakers?

What sort of spec would I be looking at? I'm wanting to upgrade my PC soon (Asus K8V SE Deluxe mobo, A64 3200, 1GB RAM, 6800GT), if I can get away with using any of those parts then all the better (maybe not the graphics, I could use that for another PC - It's AGP though).

As for the case, something fairly small would be good.

Also, a remote would be useful for the 'rents.

Budget... maybe 3 or 4 hundred.

 

[squiffy]

That PC should be fine for a HTPC, you could try overclocking the CPU, using quiet HSF on that videocard and using passive motherboard cooler.

Don't buy anything yet, try playing HD material on your computer (from 730P to 1080i and 1080p) if it's fine just set it up as the HTPC. And even if it isn't, it'll be a while until 730p/1080p material so if you already have a capable PC (you'll only use it for DVD playback & scaling, SD AVI playback & scaling, photos, music) so it's more than good enough.

The Microsoft Media Centre USB dongle & remote is good value for money, £22.

If you find the PC isn't suitable then start looking for parts, first deciding if you want MATX or standard ATX sized motherboard.

As for video/audio output I'm not sure if a new videocard with HDMI out carries audio as well (streaming audio through bus out into videocard HDMI) but you can just use onboard analogue/digital outs to your amp, analogue into TV. Or just use a DVI-HDMI cable.

Make sure you buy a screen that supports 1:1 over HDMI, that works with a PC. Sharp XD1 range and a couple of others.

 

[Dingleberry88]

My current PC plays HD stuff back fine so I guess that shouldn't be a problem.

Would I be able to use some low end graphics card like a 6200, as all it really does is send the video signal.

I guess if I could even onboard should be fine, but seeing as I want it for playing HD it'd probably be best to have a seperate card just to free up the CPU a bit. Correct?

Using onboard video would mean buying another mobo anyway...

 

[squiffy]

I guess if I could even onboard should be fine, but seeing as I want it for playing HD it'd probably be best to have a seperate card just to free up the CPU a bit. Correct?

No, not really. The CPU does all of the work, granted you can buy videocards with video acceleration, but I believe they don't accelerate all video streams, the CPU usage is quite high. Fast CPU is the most important.

What's wrong with using the 6800GT? Does it have a noisy fan? I would just buy the Microsoft remote/receiver and the TV tuner for now, set it all up as a HTPC and decide what to change.

 

[Dingleberry88]

What's wrong with using the 6800GT?

Just seems a bit overkill when it's not going to be used for games..

It's nothing I need to decide on immediately anyway, I'll need to build my new PC first to free up the parts.