Speccing a HTPC is a mare

[Relentless81]

I've built numerous gaming PCs which is simple compared to this, I am really stuck on some of the options and would really appreciate help from anyone in the know please.

Sound -

I am comparing a custom build vs an Intel NUC but on either build I want 5.1 surround which on a gaming PC is easy, on a HTPC I'm pretty sure I would just use on board sound but do I just buy PC speakers to plug into the motherboard like a normal PC?

If I went with a NUC, would I need a separate amp and carry the sound via HDMI?

What about optical connections, where do these come into it and do I need optical to support DTS or can I just use analogue as described above?

Operating System -

I cant find the answer to this anywhere and I'm sure its one of the most obvious questions for any build. With a free operating system like openelec or Plex, how do they cater for drivers like the sound card and gpu?

It might be easier just to stick Windows on it but its very tempting just to boot straight into a front end especially with the better performance and convenience

Media sharing -

My files for sharing are on my main desktop, how do I share these with a HTPC as currently I use a laptop that's in a Homegroup

That's it for now I think, again I would really appreciate some help with this I feel like I'm reading lots and not finding any answers!

 

[Relentless81]

Thanks for the responses I appreciate it but I'm still confused on the following

Its different to a gaming PC because the speakers plug into the sound outputs on a gaming PC, if you use HDMI I don't understand how it works if you want 5.1 speakers as you use HDMI from HTPC to TV which only has standard in built speakers. I don't currently have 5.1 but plan to get some along with the HTPC and I'm new to speaker setups in the front room so don't really understand how it all works with HDMI

With Linux, again I'm a massive noob, is that Ubuntu that Ill need and will it cater for all the drivers or will it be hit and miss as to what works and what doesn't, whats the advantage of using Linux and then then XBMC instead of just Openelec?

Thanks again and sorry for all the questions but there are so many options its hard to know what is best to go with

 

[Relentless81]

Ah I see, I don't have an amp currently which is one of the reasons a build could be better than a NUC because a build is in effect doing everything an amp would do and I want to avoid the cost of an amp, I suppose I could forget 5.1 altogether and get a sound bar but I only have 2 HDMI sockets so not sure how that would work with a NUC, Sky and the sound bar

I want to ensure codecs are covered so optical I've now ruled out based on what you've said

Appreciate the help as you're right I over think everything but I want to get it right first time

Something wrong with your other thread??

For a lot of very useful advice surrounding the NUC's (if you decide to go that way), you should have a look at Ferretboy's posts on the matter - he was a great help when I was sorting mine!

Sorry I appreciate your help yesterday but this is a bit more specific in helping me decide between a NUC and a custom build, I'll check out Ferretboy's posts tonight

 

[Relentless81]

I had no idea you could use a soundbar as a HDMI hub, that's really good to know

Cool, now all i need to do is decide if i want steam in the front room, if so its custom build with w7 and plex client if not its a nuc with openelec