My HTPC build

[itznfb]

This build is instead of buying a TiVo. I'm not sure I'm going to be satisfied with the video quality though.

LIAN-LI PC-V800B
OCZ Modstream 500W
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300
Gigabyte S3
Crucial Ballistix PC2 5300
GeForce 7600GT
ATI TV Wonder Elite
Seagate 400GB HDD (For OS and TV Recordings)
Seagate 160GB HDD (For Music)
LG CD/DVD Burner
Linksys PCI WiFi Card

[Wicked Klown]

From what I have read ATI offers better IQ. Nvidia's new cards (7900GS, 7950 series and newer) have a IQ inhancement tho. Are you going with the tv wonder 550 or the 650?

[Avg]

Well, do you really need that much horsepower, you could get away with a cheaper cpu and mobo, but if you just want to have some fun with it then don't let me stop you.
I would recommend getting an ati card instead though, Avivo is better then purevideo and you don't have to get specific decoder to have Avivo's features working unlike with nVidia where you need to get their player.
You could save yourself some money by getting a tv-tuner that works in lunix that way you save os money and you can run myth tv which is also free, in this case ATi video card wouldn't be a wise choise because ATi linux drivers are lacking.

[itznfb]

i'm using the ATI TV Wonder Elite 550, got it used from a friend.
I'm just using the nvidia card for output to the TV.

i'm using that much horsepower because i already have the cpu/mobo/mem/psu. and it's going to be folding in downtime. plus, i can undervolt that cpu quite a bit and still run it at 3.0ghz with a silent fan.

[kovboi]

i have that lian-li case for my htpc and it's great. :thup:

if you're going to be using the nvidia card for tv output, it's probably worth it to get the basic version of purevideo. the only drawback compared to the ati software is higher cpu utilization, but i prefer the picture quality (a very subjective call, mind you).

if you're concerned about keeping things quiet, you might also consider:
- replacing the OCZ power supply with something quieter like a seasonic s12 or one of the new corsair hx series (also built by seasonic).
- replacing the seagate hdd with samsung spinpoint T series

[itznfb]

i'm glad to hear someone likes the case. i haven't talked to too many people who own it. i figured i couldn't go wrong with LIAN-LI.

i'm not too worried about the hard drive noise. but the PSU replacement is a good idea. i really like the corsair psu's.

i don't think there will be any issues running ATI input and nvidia output. i'm running the ATI tuner with a PCI nvidia graphics card now until i get the rest of the HW.

the only reason i'm going with the ATI tuner over the nvidia is because the image quality was rated higher on the ATI. i would have rather purchased the nvidia due to the internal splitting of the signal allowing to record and watch at the same time. but, i sacrificed for image quality.