H's New HTPC Build

[harlam357]

H's HTPC Build

Comments & Suggestions... are more than Welcome.

HTPC Components

- Case: Antec FUSION (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129131) - Cooled by: Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F 120mm Fans (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185006)

- Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H - 690G (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056)

- Video: Sapphire HD 2400XT 256MB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102699)

- CPU: AMD Athlon X2 5000+ BE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103194) - Cooled by: Scythe SCMNJ-1000 "NINJA MINI" (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185046)

- RAM: Crucial Ballistix PC6400 2x1gb (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565)

- PSU: FSP AX450-PN 450W

- HDs/Optical: WD800JD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822135106) 80GB (OS 30GB, 50GB Avi Storage) / WD7500AAKS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136131) 750GB (Sage TV Mpeg2 Storage) / Sony NEC Optiarc 7170A (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827152076)

- Sound: Onboard Realtek through ATI HDMI Pass-through

- Tuner Card: Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=3577589&RSKU=3577589) & Hauppauge PVR-500 MCE (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=3625260&RSKU=3625260)

- Wireless Keyboard: BTC 9019URF (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823110001)

- Remote Control: MCE Remote and USB IR Receiver

- Software: SageTV v6.3.5 w/SageMC v6.3.7, SageTV PlaceShifter (http://sage.tv/), PowerDVD v7.3, ffdshow tryouts - rev 1771


HDTV

- Sharp Aquos LC42D64U 42" LCD 1080p (http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC42D64U-1080p-HDTV/dp/B000UN3VT4) (via HDMI @ 1080p)


Sound System

- Onkyo HT-SR700 5.1 (http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-SR700-Theater-Entertainment-System/dp/B000O8E8YM) (via Optical from HDTV)


Power Plant

- APC AV H10BLK Home Theater 1000VA Power Conditioner and Filter (http://www.amazon.com/APC-H10BLK-Theater-1000VA-Conditioner/dp/B000FBLOAY)


The Build

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM0994.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM0999.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1001.jpg

- What I'm showing below is the area of the Fusion case that I had to dremel out in order to feed the SATA cables to the hard drives, due to the 90 degree connectors on this particular motherboard. Some say they have been successful using this mobo in a Fusion without doing this mod, but I was not able to comfortably mount the motherboard and still have access to the SATA ports. So for me this was the best solution.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1002.jpg


The Setup

- This cabinet has been with me for a long time. Built probably ~15 years ago the top portion where the LCD sits used to be sectioned off on the left for a small 20" TV and the right side for Amp, Tape, & CD player. It still fits the bill as we just removed the partitions and now it's a perfect fit for my 42" LCD. You can see on the inside (top and left side) where some of the partitions used to be.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1098.jpg

- The seating area & my old couch, this is my bedroom btw- that green spot in the bottom left of this picture is my bed. That old couch has been everywhere with me and I'm reluctant to let it go. You can also see the surround speakers that are hung on a couple of custom brackets painted to match the walls. Still haven't decided how I'm going to hide the wire in the far corner, but I'll figure something out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1146.jpg

- Some close-ups...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1106_1.jpg

- HTPC in its place...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1128_1.jpg

- Onkyo amp & Motorola STB... this is my digital cable box and I feed it directly to the TV using component (for the few 1080i channels I get) and also via S-Video & standard L/R audio to the HTPC through the PVR-150. Unfortunately my cable company encrypts everything so I can't get video over firewire but I do have SageTV setup to change channels via firewire which is much nicer, cleaner, and more reliable than via IR Blaster.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1120_1.jpg

- The APC Power Conditioner & my Sub. I really had no choice here but to place the APC on top of the sub. I really wanted it up off the floor and did not want it in the cabinet with the other equipment. I don't even come close to loading this thing out, so I've got room to grow later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/harlam357/rigs/htpc/HPIM1162_1.jpg

[smokie mcpott]

im using media portal on mine.. with a hauppauge pvr150 mce(the one that comes with a remote).. the remote is great...and i think most remotes are customizable depending on software used...you can also force key changes with HIP

what i would worry about more is support for that tuner...you might want to go with one thats widely accepted and supported with HTPC software, otherwise you may be limited as to which software you can use

[nvidiaOCmaster]

fast single core for a HTPC. HDCP X1900GT pwns for HTPC also :) Since I can't game on my current rig, ive turned it into my HTPC, so I can say with ease that card is a GREAT choice.

Not to mention.... when its idle... you can FOLD IT! :attn:

[Dermen]

A dual core is good if you plan to encode your recordings into another format that takes up less space. It isn't really an issue if you don't plan on keeping shows though.

As smokie mcpott pointed out, support for that tuner isn't as good as the more popular tuners. If you really want to use it then you should look at the BeyondTV, SageTV, MediaPortal, MythTV, and GBPVR forums to see which software has the best support for the card.

For a remote the MCE remote is a popular choice. Also the Logitech Harmony remotes are popular but more expensive.

[harlam357]

im using media portal on mine.. with a hauppauge pvr150 mce

So is that... this one

Hauppauge WINTV-PVR-150 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116625

...or this one

Hauppauge 1062 PCI Interface WinTV-PVR-150 MCE - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116631

[harlam357]

fast single core for a HTPC. HDCP X1900GT pwns for HTPC also :) Since I can't game on my current rig, ive turned it into my HTPC, so I can say with ease that card is a GREAT choice.

Not to mention.... when its idle... you can FOLD IT! :attn:

Sweet! I thought it would be a good choice. :beer:

...and it's Folding right now! :D

A dual core is good if you plan to encode your recordings into another format that takes up less space. It isn't really an issue if you don't plan on keeping shows though.

As smokie mcpott pointed out, support for that tuner isn't as good as the more popular tuners. If you really want to use it then you should look at the BeyondTV, SageTV, MediaPortal, MythTV, and GBPVR forums to see which software has the best support for the card.

For a remote the MCE remote is a popular choice. Also the Logitech Harmony remotes are popular but more expensive.

- Ok, so DC maybe... that's an excellent point. Thanks.

- Well, I saw the VistaView 2020 in CPU mag... they said it worked great with BeyondTV. So that doesn't sound like it's an issue... but, I'm hearing what you guys are saying... and it sounds like Hauppauge. :D

That card just attracted me b/c it was PCI-E & had dual tuners. The dual tuner Hauppauge 500 is $140 but is lacking a remote like the VistaView 2020. So I'd then have to buy an MCE remote separately or one of those nicer Logitechs (which I may want anyway).

I'd really like to be able to watch & record at the same time... which will require me to have a dual tuner correct? ...or can some of these software packages handle that now?

I'm not lookin' to go "budget" on this guys... I want something that's gonna kick ASfive. :D

[Wicked Klown]

Since your not wanting a budget rig you might want to get a nice sound card. I had the RS482 for awile and the sound well sucked. It heated up fast and would stutter alot. For remote I went bought the MCE remote so I could get a cheap IR blaster and use a Harmony 520 for my remote needs. Also you may want to look at GB-PVR (http://www.gbpvr.com/) for a HTPC front end. Also are you going to be using Dish Network, DirecTv or cable for your tv?

[harlam357]

- Ok, sound card... will put that on the "non-critical" list as I don't have a nice receiver to hook this baby up to... yet. ;)

- So I can buy the cheap MCE remote, get the IR Receiver from it (I presume USB) and then use a Higher End Logitech remote with that same IR Receiver?

- My real dilemma here though is "what tuner card?" I really would like duals (be able to record one and watch another).

- Yes, this will be standard cable input. We have digital cable... but I'm wondering if I'll be able to pick up those signals or just the "regular" cable channels? Can someone answer me that?

[Wicked Klown]

Yea I got my MCE remote off ebay for $15 plus 10 shipped and yes it's a USB device. Doing that will allow you to use any of the Logitech harmony remotes you would want. As for dual tuners really can't help you there as I went with a ATI TV Wonder 650. Went with that as I need a break out box so I could hook up my DirecTv STB.

[smokie mcpott]

So is that... this one

Hauppauge WINTV-PVR-150 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116625

...or this one

Hauppauge 1062 PCI Interface WinTV-PVR-150 MCE - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116631
the second one

[harlam357]

OK, cool... are you using just plain XP and not MCE?

I'm reading that people are having trouble getting the remote to work with XP. I don't want to be locked in to DRM with MCE.

- So are you telling me that you're using Hauppauge 1062 PCI Interface WinTV-PVR-150 MCE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116631) with XP & MediaPortal and the bundled Hauppauge remote works with it?

If so, I think this is what I'm gonna go with to get started. :)

[wa77ss]

I'm getting just the plain ol' Hauppauge WINTV-PVR-150 for my build, but then again I'm going to be using MythTV :D


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116625

[Dermen]

To watch a show while recording something else will require dual tuners. Since your MB only has two PCI slots it would be best to get a dual tuner so you have a free PCI slot. If you get a nice receiver in the future you will want a nice soundcard so the free PCI slot will be great then. The Nvidia DualTV is supposed to have better quality than the Hauppauge PVR-500 but it was recently discontinued and might be hard to find.

You said you have digital cable. To watch the digital channels you will need a STB(set top box) from the cable company for each tuner. This is where it gets complicated because the HTPC will need to change the channel on the STBs. Some STBs have firewire, usb, or serial ports that will allow the computer to change the channel but a lot of them don't. There are also a few STBs that will allow you to get the recording over firewire/usb so you don't even need a tuner. If you are going to need STBs you will have to do some research into which ones will work and which ones won't.

[nd4spdbh2]

go dual core for sure... if you are planning on upscalling dvds with ffdshow it will really help because ffdshow and what not is a multithreaded app, and it gets my E4300 htpc when scaleing a dvd from 720x480 to 1920x1080 the cpu works at about 50% usage spread across both cores.

[LandShark]

ok, make a cup of coffee first then read on ;) (I gotta try my best to help out my teammate, so this might be a bit long read :p )

check my setup in my sig for hardware and software list that I use. might give you some idea especially for highend. ;)

ok, the difference between PVR150 MCE or not is the white box MCE version doesn't come w/ a remote as it's a oem version (oem manufacturer will use their own remote). so, if you are planning to use other remote (Firefly from BTV, Streamzap, etc.) then you will only need the MCE version.

as for CPU, I would recommend a dual core as most (at least I know BTV does) PVR software does support dual core. e.g. when I finished recording two show from BTV (BeyondTV), BTV could do a commerical skip automatically. and w/ dual core, it can do commerical skip for 2 shows at the same time! plus it support encoding to a different format (Divx and WMV) for all recorded shows to save space, so a dual core sure will helps there! oh, when convert the recorded shows to Divx/WMV from BTV not only is to save space, but also you can then steam that shows over the net for any PC too!! (needless to say, I do watch some of my recorded TV shows at work too! :D ) and down the road when you are ready to go HD, a dual core will be more helpful and future proof!

to bad the nvidia dualtv tuner is discontinued; otherwise, it's a good choice for dual tuner setup! PVR500 is what I'm using, it works fine for me. however, be aware that some latest PVR500 card has some quality issue tho!! (even tho mine has no problem!) therefore, to go dual analog setup, you'll most likely be using 2 single tuner card. PVR150, ati's 550/650 is all good card.

here's a good popular list of tuner card and also is a good company to shop for HTPC stuffs. (http://www.pcalchemy.com/index.php/cName/pvr-cardstv-tuners) I shop from them all the time for HTPC stuffs (no, I don't work nor receive $ from them.). in fact, I've just ordered 2 external HD antenna and a HVR-950 HD tuner so I could also go dual HD too! :D

everything else looks fine in your list. just think about what you gonna hook up the stereo down the road? and are you planning to play game on it? it will make a difference for choice! as all game is direct3d sound and by outputing via digital (optical or coax), it will only get 2 channel stereo sound! no 5.1 in game sound!! only way to do that is use DoblyDigitalLive or DTSConnect compatible sound card (onboard or add in).

oh, in order to watch and record different shows at the same time, yes, you will need 2 analog tuner! and also 2 STB (set top box) from your tv provider too!! think of it this way, each STB is feeding 1 channel to you. so in order to receive 2 different channel at the same time, you'll need 2 STB box! and in order to capture 2 different singal from your STB box, you'll need 2 tuner! got it?! ;)

as for remote, well, first depends on what PVR software you are going to use 'cos some PVR software company also will sell you remote that's always pre-configured to use their software for easier setup or for first timer. e.g. BeyondTV also sells their Firefly line remote that's design to work w/ BTV and HTPC! I used to use that too when I first build my HTPC 3 yrs ago, and it works flawlessly! IMHO, get all in a package might not be a bad idea at all for first time HTPC builder as hardware is pretty simple for most member in here, but software is the hardest part!! and if you like, you can get this Harmony (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=12498,ad=LGP_H1000) down the road too! ;)

p.s. actually you might wanna wait a bit longer for some fancy remote as there's some new remote going to come out soon that has Vista's SideShow support AND support bluetooth!! (http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/21/ricavisions-vista-mce-sideshow-remote-does-bluetooth-at-100-met/) it's good especially if you are planning for a PS3 or Wii or Vista down the road!! I know you thought about a PS3 folding too!! ;) I'm waiting for a new remote that support bluetooth (for my PS3 and Wii) and with the SideShow, I might actually will upgrade my HTPC to Vista too!

as for software, the hardest part for HTPC IMHO, as it could make or break your HTPC!! I use Meedio for front end and BTV as my PVR. I love them both!

I didn't try other PVR software, but I really do love the BTV (since day one I built my first HTPC 3 yrs ago)! very easy to setup and use! wife/GF/family friendly (import to some of us!)! and their latest DVD Burning plug-in is just awesome!! I recorded a show and hit burn to dvd button, a couple mins later, I've got the show burned into dvd that can play on any DVD player! simple and easy to use! (remember, simple and easy to use is a KEY for a HTPC imho!) and if you have other computer at home, you can get the BTVLink client so other computer in your house can also watch Live TV or recorded shows too all access directly from your HTPC! (I'm planning to add a client in my bedroom so I can watch LiveTV or recorded shows in my bedroom w/out another htpc. I'm currently using a BTVLink client on my laptop so I can watch LiveTV, on my laptop when I sitting on the deck on a sunday afternoon! ;) )

front end, I really love Meedio and most people using it agree it's the most powerful and customizable front end, period!! hundreds of plug-in, add-on to extend it's functionality!! only problem is:
1 it's sold to yahoo but a bunch of user is setting up a open source version of the Meedio called MeediOS to continue and keep it alive.
2 it might be a bit hard to setup the right way you want for the first timer too.
there's many other front end that's very good too (I've heard). but (as much as I like BTV) I don't like BeyondMedia! it's really just a joke when compare to Meedio!! and I'm with you, I didn't choose to use MCE is I don't want to fall into the DRM nightmare even tho I know there's way to work around it. e.g. burn recorded show onto dvds.

again, software is the hardest and most critical thing for a HTPC! I also would recommend to visit all the software maker's web site and their forum. plus most of them has trial version for download too!! so, download the trial version and try it yourself to see which one you like the most!!

p.s. oh, you didn't mention are you going to hook it up to a HDTV, SD TV, monitor, or what? and how 'bout audio? how you going to hook up (right now)? directly to some amp'ed analog speaker?

good luck and be sure to post pic when done!! and feel free to PM me for any question bro!! ;)

oh, forgot to mention, htpcnews.com is a good forum to look for "general" answer too. but for software specify questions, you'd better go to the software's own forum.

[harlam357]

To watch a show while recording something else will require dual tuners...

You said you have digital cable. To watch the digital channels you will need a STB(set top box) from the cable company for each tuner. This is where it gets complicated because the HTPC will need to change the channel on the STBs. Some STBs have firewire, usb, or serial ports that will allow the computer to change the channel but a lot of them don't. There are also a few STBs that will allow you to get the recording over firewire/usb so you don't even need a tuner. If you are going to need STBs you will have to do some research into which ones will work and which ones won't.

I think I've decided to experiment with a less expensive single tuner right off the bat as this project will be ongoing for several months (all the way up to new HDTV, Receiver, Speakers, etc).

I also read a little on how to capture the HD straight from the STB using Firewire. So I'll experiment with that as well... I looked at the STB we have in the den (I'll need another one) and it has several Firewire & USB ports, as well as Ethernet. It's a Motorola, and I've read the direct capture works on some of the Motorola units.

But I'm not counting on that, so back to the 150s... It looks like the 150 MCE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116631) version has a USB IR Receiver. I like that b/c it would allow me to move up to a better Logitech Universal later. The vanilla 150 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116625) has a remote, but it is IR Receiver plugs directly into the card itself. Rendering the IR Receiver useless if I switch to a PCI-E dual tuner card later.

So here's the question... do I just get the 150 MCE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116631) and hope that the tuner AND THE REMOTE work with Plain XP SP2 & MediaPortal? :shrug:

EDIT: Thanks for the brain dump LS! ;) It's already proving useful. :D

[harlam357]

Trigger is pulled on the Fusion, 150 MCE, & Wireless Key. I hope to put this baby together this weekend. :D

Just FYI, for initial testing I'll be using my Dell 2005FPW. However, this only spells disaster for my credit card as I can see a 40" LCD creeping in very quickly behind this build. :D

[smokie mcpott]

yes, i use plain ole xp pro sp2 + media portal
i followed all the directions step by step on the media portal wiki
you dont need ALL the software that hauppauge gives you, mainly just the drivers..

[harlam357]

Shawheet!!! :attn: Thank you sir! :thup:

Build Log to follow...

[harlam357]

Case & 150 are here... any last minute suggestions, warning labels, or cat calls before I get started this weekend? :D

[smokie mcpott]

lots of caffeine... preferably Monster

[Xenocide]

consider mythtv too. I find it way more stable and supported than media center

[LandShark]

Case & 150 are here... any last minute suggestions, warning labels, or cat calls before I get started this weekend? :D
do give BTV (trail download anyway) a try!

FYI, I could stream a recorded show from my HTPC to my Blackjack (windows mobile smart phone edition) when I'm on the road or any PC over the net!! now that's pretty cool!! all from w/in BTV and it's web interface!!

[RedDragonXXX]

Nice build H, similar to what I have done.

If you are planning on hooking up your HTPC to receiver for 5.1/7.1 let me suggest that you get AuzenTech XMYSTIQUE7.1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829127001). I spent hours and hours with X-Fi trying to get it to work with my 5.1 setup and no luck. Best I could do is 2 speakers.

This card has both coax and optical for easy connection instead of doing RCA audio Y splitter for multichannel which is a BIG PAIN IN THE ASS!!!!

Here (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=466940) is my build log if you are interested in checking it out for some references.

[Jon]

I don't understand the need for a PCI audio card if going from SPDIF optical to a receiver.

I use the onboard optical on my P4P800-E Deluxe and have no need for a "better" card to do pass-through.

Anyway, you list having two PCI slots available and are going with a PVR-150 or 500...what will you do about HDTV? Considering the limitations of the board and available slots, I'd consider the PVR-1600 (analog and ATSC OTA HDTV inputs) along with a PVR-150 for dual analog tuners.

Anyway, that's just my opinion.

[RedDragonXXX]

I don't understand the need for a PCI audio card if going from SPDIF optical to a receiver.

I use the onboard optical on my P4P800-E Deluxe and have no need for a "better" card to do pass-through.



Does it support Dolby Digital EX / Live?

[LandShark]

Does it support Dolby Digital EX / Live?
well, as long as he's not playing any game or want to transcode directsound into 5.1 dobly digital, it doesn't matter. 'cos if just for watching DVDs or even OTA HD channel, all the sound card does is directly pass the dobly 5.1 sound signal to the receiver without touching/doing anything to the sound itself!! so it really doesn't matter having DDLive or not. of course when play game or for any windows' multichannel directsound, a DDLive or DTSConnect is needed to transcode the windows sound into AC3 format to retain 5.1 sound that the receiver understand.

[smokie mcpott]

im trying to debate whether or not the ASUS A8n-SLi onboard digitals will be good enough for my setup

[Jon]

Does it support Dolby Digital EX / Live?

My receiver? Yes. Being passed raw via SPDIF, the onboard card could care less (other than Live - I don't game on my HTPC...if I did, I'd use my PC :] ).

[Jon]

well, as long as he's not playing any game or want to transcode directsound into 5.1 dobly digital, it doesn't matter. 'cos if just for watching DVDs or even OTA HD channel, all the sound card does is directly pass the dobly 5.1 sound signal to the receiver without touching/doing anything to the sound itself!! so it really doesn't matter having DDLive or not. of course when play game or for any windows' multichannel directsound, a DDLive or DTSConnect is needed to transcode the windows sound into AC3 format to retain 5.1 sound that the receiver understand.

If using it for gaming, then I can see the point.

Non-proprietary audio codecs such as the DDLive/DTSConnect I can understand too.

I use mine strictly as an HTPC, however, so that's where I'm getting lost in translation I suppose. The only actual audio transcoding mine will do is by choice (MP3 to PCM or AC3 via AC3Filter) and it's good enough that I could remove my Soundblaster.

[ARCJr]

Back when I had cable a few years ago, I was able to use it as two separate sources. If you split the cable before the box, you can have analog and digital cable as two separate sources, direct and through the cable box, respectively. This is of limited usefulness, of course, but may help.

I've been using SageTV even longer than LandShark has had BeyondTV. :-) I would seriously recommend downloading both trials for evaluation. Back when I purchased Sage, it was generally agreed that Sage was more customizable and Beyond was easier to use, though I'm not sure how much that holds true now. I'd say that after the trial period, you'll probably like one of the two enough to buy it.

For tuners, I'm definitely not one to ask. As you can see from my sig, I use some fairly non-standard ones. I will see that when I had a Hauppauge PVR250 in my system, I had zero problems with it, and very good PQ for SD material.

I will say one thing in closing that may or may not pertain to you, if you're going to mix water-cooling and HTPC in one case, be very careful as to which case you choose.

[harlam357]

Cool... Thanks for the advice. I will try both trials. :thup:

...and I'm no water boy, so this will definitely be all air. ;)

[nvidiaOCmaster]

Pictures?

[harlam357]

None yet... I am starting tonight. :D

[harlam357]

Bump for Update and Some First Build Pics. :D

[harlam357]

Ok, I'm going lookin' for a new LCD TV beginning of next week... I live in the sticks so I have to drive an hour to get anywhere that has some decent stuff. :rolleyes:

I have had this baby up and running on standard analog cable using MediaPortal. Haven't tried Beyond or Sage yet (didn't like the interface on GB-PVR)... gonna wait to try those when I have a TV to hook it up to. I had no luck getting a decent picture over S-Video on the one TV in the house that can actually support an S-Video signal. I have nothing that supports Component, HDMI, or the likes in the house. Yes, I know... all my TVs are circa 1990 or older. :rolleyes:

Any recommendations? I looking in the 37" - 42" range.

[smokie mcpott]

i got one of these (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/%3EINTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KDF42E2000&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to5 1TVs)
about a month ago (presidents day sale 999.99) and i love it..i run my HTPC through it all the time
check out the 42" westinghouse LCD they have at bestbuy, that looked to be a good deal not long ago
personally im no TV expert so i have no idea whats better than another. i just went to the store until i saw something i liked, this one was sitting next to a SAMSUNG 42" DLP that looked like crap

[LandShark]

what's your budget range H? and 1080p or not?

[harlam357]

Would like to go 1080p... and I'd like to stay in the $1500 range. That said, if I find what I really want for a bit more I'm willing to go up to $2000 max, but it also wouldn't hurt my feelings if I found something below the $1500 range. :beer: <- would have to cut some of those out if I go above $1500. :D

[LandShark]

there's many choice under $2000. you can get a Westinghouse 37" 1080p for as little as $999 from newegg (which heard a lot of good thing about it from everywhere included AVSForum), or go higher end to something like Sony XBR2 or Sharp Aquo D62 series or Samsung's 1080p unit, they all have very good review/rating and really can't go wrong w/ any of them.

one thing is be sure to shop around or pricegrabber first as you might find price vary a lot on the net on these stuffs!

for future proof (unless you like to change TV every 5yrs), I would recommend to get a 1080p display if buying now. you might not "need" it now, but down the road, I'm sure you'll, and you sure will upgrade to some form of HD disc player someday too! (cough....PS3....folding.....cough.....) also, I don't really care much about the old analog connection (s-video, component, composite, etc.), but would sure like to have as many HDMI connection as possible too plus would be nice to also have a optical audio out to simplified wiring.

if you want just 720p/1080i unit, then the choice will be even more and will cost even less!

[harlam357]

Went lookin' today guys... retail prices are just waaaayyyy too expensive. :shrug:

Look'd real hard at a Sharp 42D62U... $1889. :ouch: That's before tax, taters, and grits = ~$2070. Ok, so I came back home and found this Sharp 42D72U (http://www.digitalmegastore.com/product/?40999&CFID=22899614&CFTOKEN=38561104) for $1677 + $150ship = $1827. :D

What 'da ya think? Looks to be a step up from the 62U line with 6,000:1 contrast vs. this 72U line with 10,000:1 contrast.

I'm feelin' the itch... but can anyone lend any credibility to the linked reseller? :shrug:

Thanks,
-H

[LandShark]

What 'da ya think? Looks to be a step up from the 62U line with 6,000:1 contrast vs. this 72U line with 10,000:1 contrast.

the 72U is the newest model (2007') which also support 120hz for pretty much perfect pull down conversion for HD film material, HD DVD, Blueray(24fps)!! the 62U is last year's model.

HOWEVER, I really not sure about that reseller tho!!! but did a quick pricegrabber, you can find price a little over $1700 from reliable reseller!

[harlam357]

HOWEVER, I really not sure about that reseller tho!!! but did a quick pricegrabber, you can find price a little over $1700 from reliable reseller!

...who would be? :D

[LandShark]

...who would be? :D
http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sharp_AQUOS_LC_42D72U_42_LCD_TV,__34770179/search=sharp+lc-42d72u

most of them have pretty good rating! ;)

[blackbird007]

sounds like a good little system.

[harlam357]

Bump for spec update... still no TV yet. But I'm still planning on the Sharp 42D72U.

Just need to get the room where this is all gonna happen in order. i.e. Paint, Carpet, gotta mod my existing entertainment center to fit teh new TV :D

[harlam357]

Updated HTPC specs and added a pic of the current setup with my new HDTV in first post (http://www.ocforums.com/showpost.php?p=4962053&postcount=1). :D

Still no receiver & speakers yet for surround sound but I do have to say that I really like these new HD 2000 series ATI cards. Native HDMI straight out of the HTPC to my HDTV, video and sound. :D

Ended up going with SageTV over Beyond TV. IMO Sage gave me a better picture and I was having issues with mpeg decoders in Beyond that are non-existent in Sage. Plus I can interface with my other media on my network without the need for another add-on app. Sage was just way more tweak friendly and I like to waste time tweaking. :)

I also attempted to get my Motorola 6200 STB working via firewire... no luck. :( It appears they have disabled the ports... using the STB is my only choice if I want to get any type of HD signal. I am 60+ miles away from any broadcasting city so OTA HD is really not an option. Otherwise I may have gotten an ATSC capable tuner card. Now I need to try and get my MCE IR Blaster working with my STB since the firewire route seems to be a dead end. Then hopefully just pipe in the STB signal via s-video into the PVR-150 and leave my PVR-500 for 2x regular analog.

It's been fun so far... and I'm sure I'll want more as I continue to build on what I've started with. :)

[LandShark]

looking good H!!! :)

keep us update while it progress!!! ;)

[harlam357]

EDIT: Thanks for the brain dump LS! ;) It's already proving useful. :D

More useful today than it was 9 months ago... now I know what he's talkin' about. :D

Speaker, amp setup is next on my list. :beer:

[Shiggity]

Looks really cool H, my only suggestion is to get a Wii :)

[harlam357]

Yeah, I can't tell you the last time I played the Cube. All my controls are beaten from sooo much Smash Brothers over the years they really just don't play very well anymore. I turned it on a couple months ago when I hooked it up. To my surprise it still worked. :D

I'm kinda torn between the Wii and X360... but console gaming is not high on my todo list. I'd rather invest in a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system first. :)

[LandShark]

Wii H!! trust me!! you and your family or visitor will be appreciated!!! ;)

[harlam357]

Bump for Update and Some Updated Pics. :D

I did get my sound system and a nice power conditioner. No Wii yet. ;)

My next purchase is going to be a universal remote... of course I'm looking at the Logitech Harmony series. Any advice on which one?

I don't need anything too overboard... just easy to use and compatible with my current systems. My SageTV install is currently configured for an MCE remote if that helps. My fear with the universal is I'm going to have to do a lot of programing to get it in sync with Sage... unless I can just have it emulate an MCE remote.

[LandShark]

Bump for Update and Some Updated Pics. :D

I did get my sound system and a nice power conditioner. No Wii yet. ;)

My next purchase is going to be a universal remote... of course I'm looking at the Logitech Harmony series. Any advice on which one?

I don't need anything too overboard... just easy to use and compatible with my current systems. My SageTV install is currently configured for an MCE remote if that helps. My fear with the universal is I'm going to have to do a lot of programing to get it in sync with Sage... unless I can just have it emulate an MCE remote.

any of the Logitech are good. it really depends on your budget and how do you like/feel when you grab it. I have 880 (living room), 520 (bedroom), and 1000 (home theater). the 880/890 "feels" better in my hand than the 520/550 version. if you can, I think the new One is pretty good too.

when programming, you can just have the Harmony to "learn" IF it doesn't support the MCE's button/code.

btw, does your HTPC fold too?? if so, how's the temp with the mini ninja & the fusion case?? and noise??

[harlam357]

Ok, I just bought the Harmony One. :) Hopefully will be here early next week. I saw a guy post that he was using a MCE IR Receiver with his HTPC (as I am as well) and the One worked fine. My other components I'm not so concerned about.

Folding LS?!? Folding you say!?!? Of course it Folds. :D

Ummm.... humm... temps? Not really sure. But when I tested it some time ago it (outside of the cabinet you see it in, which is quite restrictive btw) it ran into the mid-high 40s... so I imagine the cpu is into the 50s in the cabinet. It is OC'd by the multi to 15x200 though. Also, these 2400XT passive cards are hot to the touch... but when I get reading from RivaTuner it's always max in the mid 40s. So either that's wrong or the sink is doing a really good job.

The noise is probably more than your average HTPC guy would be willing to endure... when watching TV I can't hear it and it really doesn't bother me while sleeping. You also have to remember that next door to this room is my Folding Room where I keep a box fan running 24x7... so my standards for noise are a bit higher than average. However, I'm not that guy who says a Tornado or super high-speed Delta doesn't bother him, that's above my tolerance level. :D