Building an HTPC, but a few questions.

[Velvetfog]

I've built many gaming PC's over the years, but am starting to work on my first HTPC.

First of all, let me say have impressed I've been with the wealth of knowledge on this board. I've surfed a few others, and find the most accurate (and interesting) info here.

That said, based on my reading the board over the last week or so, I feel that I need to re-think my plans for this PC.

1. I purchased a AIW 9600 - based on reviews, I've decided to return it and get a Hauppauge 250 (with the deal at Snapstream if I can ever get the darn coupon to work !!) Thanks for the info (I think I just avoided a major headache.)

2. I have an A7N8X Deluxe MB with a AMD Athlon XP 2500 and 512MB DDR PC-3200 sitting around. I'm guessing this should be sufficient, but wonder if I should use the on-board audio or add a separate card - thoughts?

3. Since Video and audio are my only concerns, a 5200 TV out card seems to be the recommended route - I'm sure I can find something reasonable at Newegg. Any suggestions on preferred brands?

4. The case – I was planning on an Antec Overture, but now I’m wondering if it will run too hot based on some of the comments I’ve seen. I read several other threads, but still am not sure (being an “Analyst” by trade, I tend to over-analyze). I also have to keep my spouse happy with this one from the aesthetics point of view. Any suggestions?

Final problem (not totally related). I want to add “tivo” capabilities to an extra computer at a friend’s home (he doesn’t want the full HTPC treatment). We tried an ATI TV Wonder VE and found (the hard way) that it kills the CPU (and we have a buzz in recordings we can’t account for). Other than going the Hauppauge 250 route (he wants to build on the cheap) is there a let expensive alternative you would suggest or should he bite the bullet and buy the 250?

A lot of questions (sorry) but I’d hate to make an expensive amateur mistake. – Thanks in advance.

[DanielS]

Velvetfog,

2. If you a not a Super Audiophile, then the onboard sound of many newer boards is often quite adequate. I am using it now and find it just fine. I may upgrade later when I get a surround sound receiver and speakers but for now it's a good starting point.

4. Depending on how hot your components get, the Overture "can" be problematic in the heat department. I solved my problems by upgrading the standard fan and adding an additional one. As far as the aesthetics go, you either like it or you don't. But you sure can't beat the $100 price considering it includes a high-quality power supply.

With your friend, have him bite the bullet and get the PVR-250; he will thank you in the long run.

Daniel S.

[jmcclain]

Regarding the Antec, just make sure you have a motherboard with the power plug on the front, as the Antec power cord won't reach to the back.

Personally, for only a couple dollars more, I went with the Silverstone LC03. I can't tell you how nice that case is. Side by side with the Antec, you'll gasp. I got mine at http://www.mwave.com but I think Newegg might have it too.

Regards,

-Jeff

[MonsterHTPC]

My personal opinions are in italics. Hope its helpful.

Originally posted by Velvetfog
I've built many gaming PC's over the years, but am starting to work on my first HTPC.

First of all, let me say have impressed I've been with the wealth of knowledge on this board. I've surfed a few others, and find the most accurate (and interesting) info here.

That said, based on my reading the board over the last week or so, I feel that I need to re-think my plans for this PC.

1. I purchased a AIW 9600 - based on reviews, I've decided to return it and get a Hauppauge 250 (with the deal at Snapstream if I can ever get the darn coupon to work !!) Thanks for the info (I think I just avoided a major headache.)

250 Is definitially the right way to go. here is a link that might help you in configuring it when you get it all setup.
http://discuss2.snapstream.com/vb/sh...threadid=13226

2. I have an A7N8X Deluxe MB with a AMD Athlon XP 2500 and 512MB DDR PC-3200 sitting around. I'm guessing this should be sufficient, but wonder if I should use the on-board audio or add a separate card - thoughts?

The onboard audio should be fine depending on your setup. Well everything with an HTPC depends on your setup If you have a reciever that you wish to process the sound, then go ahead and use the coax SPDIF out on that MOBO should work fine. If you really want to get some sweet Audio IMHO take a look at the M-Audio revolution. Let it do all the audio processing and output diretly to your speakers, IE reciever set to not process anything. You can also get TheaterTek (DVD player software) packaged with the M-Audio at a great deal.

3. Since Video and audio are my only concerns, a 5200 TV out card seems to be the recommended route - I'm sure I can find something reasonable at Newegg. Any suggestions on preferred brands?

5200 and 9200 radeons should suit you just fine. Radeon wise take a look at the sapphire cards, great cards and they also sell some with large heatsinks and heatpipe technology already installed.

4. The case – I was planning on an Antec Overture, but now I’m wondering if it will run too hot based on some of the comments I’ve seen. I read several other threads, but still am not sure (being an “Analyst” by trade, I tend to over-analyze). I also have to keep my spouse happy with this one from the aesthetics point of view. Any suggestions?

I have never had a problem with heat in any of the antec overture systems I have designed; however, I take careful consideration in parts when designing systems in small cases such as the overture. You might be on the fringe here considering you are using AMD and Nvidia as they tend to run a bit hotter than their Radeon and Intel counterparts. I would recomend using a good cooler on the CPU, you want to get the heat off it as efficiently as possible, IMHO. I like the Swiftec's and Zalman's great coolers, although the zalman is cheaper, in the overture I believe you have to bend some of the fins, but doesn't hurt anything. As for asthetics take a look at the Kanam Cases or the Dvine series cases, very pleasing on the eye and not too bad price range.

Final problem (not totally related). I want to add “tivo” capabilities to an extra computer at a friend’s home (he doesn’t want the full HTPC treatment). We tried an ATI TV Wonder VE and found (the hard way) that it kills the CPU (and we have a buzz in recordings we can’t account for). Other than going the Hauppauge 250 route (he wants to build on the cheap) is there a let expensive alternative you would suggest or should he bite the bullet and buy the 250?

For the price the 250 is a steal IMHO It allows for a cheaper CPU, less expensive Vid etc.. But this may not apply since you already have those components. Take a look at Beyond TV's compatability list and price out some of the cards in that list. That would probably be the best I would recomend at this stage.

A lot of questions (sorry) but I’d hate to make an expensive amateur mistake. – Thanks in advance.

[eDiveBuddy]

Originally posted by Velvetfog
4. The case – I was planning on an Antec Overture, but now I’m wondering if it will run too hot based on some of the comments I’ve seen. I read several other threads, but still am not sure (being an “Analyst” by trade, I tend to over-analyze). I also have to keep my spouse happy with this one from the aesthetics point of view. Any suggestions?

I whish I never bought mine. The Hard drive encloser is too close to my processor. And it looked cool when I saw it at first, but now it just looks like a computer case. And it sounds like one.

I'm going to Japan this week. I'll be looking at some cases there. If I don;t find one I like, I'm going to purchase a Silverstone SST-LC03 when I get back.

http://www.htpcnews.com/main.php?id=silverstone_lc03_1

[Velvetfog]

Thanks for all the feedback.

The two cases most recommended as I read through the threads are the Silverstone LC03 or the Ahanix D.vine Series. I'll read through some posts and make a decision.

If anyone has any strong feeling one way or the other, let me know.

[koan00]

Seems like everyone else has already covered the major points, I just figured I would throw in my 2 cents on cases (from another recent post):

I really like my case, the Coolermaster ATC-620.

Takes a standard mATX board, standard size PSU, full size cards, decent cooling options, and a nice sleek uncluttered face (2 fold down front panels [upper and lower] for access to drives/front panel audio/usb/FireWire).

Not too cheap or too expensive at 100$ shipped if you look in the right places (no PSU). Available in Black or Silver

In Actual usage:
- Whole Setup (Don't laugh at my crappy TV )
- HTPC Close Up

[Velvetfog]

Look's like SilverStone is coming out with a new case next month with a VTD, so I may wait for that - it looks really nice!

Someone above mentioned possibly considering an M-Audio card with the Theater Tek bundle. Any suggestions where to buy it (I'm not finding a link on the M-Audio site or the Theater Tek site.)

Finally, in a case of reading way too much on video cards, it looks like the preference here is for a 5200 card with a heat-sink instead of a fan (for all the obvious reasons). The Theater Tek site seems to push Radeon cards as better with their product. Does anyone have the 5200 and use Theater Tek for playback? What do you think? Do you have a suggested brand of 5200?

Thanks !! I've learned tons from this group!

[MonsterHTPC]

digital connection www.digitalconnection.com has the M-Audio revo with TheaterTek for 130 ish i think.

I have had issues with TT and Nvidia cards, jerky playback. but could just be coincidence. ATI cards seem to work great though. TT and ffdshow are sweet.

[Velvetfog]

ffdshow?? OK, more research is needed since I'm not sure what that is (software I'm sure).

Is there a thread that covers just software suggestions? I mean, the hardware can be difficult enough for a newbie (and I've been doing game machines for 10 plus years, but HTPC is a new animal), but the software setups seem to be the real challenge!!

A list of suggested software (and why) would be helpful. I've taken to start reviewing the Senior Member’s system specs when posted. I'd always "assumed" I'd use Nero for editing and burning, but you know what happens when you assume!!! Someone recommended Mpeg-Vcr for editing in another thread and that looks great for cleaning up commercials from mpg's - however, I also have many wmv's - what should I use to edit those?
I guess I don't object paying for good software, I just need to understand better all the options and what's the best packages for each need (burning, editing, etc...)

[MonsterHTPC]

definitially check out the avs forums www.avsforums.com look at the top for the forums link and then find the HTPC section way down the list.

Some searches there will uncover TONS of info, there is even sticky's with great free apps and lots of recomendations for other software. ffdshow is free and has plugins for TT. ffdshow . . . hmmm to some up shortly, very shortly are filters. You can apply them live at play time to movies to change noise, color and many more options to make the image for the movie even better, basically to suit your eye and the display.

Huge ffdshow faq on the avs forums.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=246752

[stephenm]

I've built a HTPC and have integrated it into my home theater rack. I'll attach a picture I took. Keep in mind, it's normally dark inside of the entertainment center. The cords show up nicely with the camera's flash!

I bought the a coolermaster case:

http://www.coolermasterusa.com/

This is a MicroATX case, and you'll need to buy a motherboard that fit's that form. It's basically the same as a normal ATX board, just less PCI slots. After doing much research and measuring my requirements of my entertainment center, I followed ExtremeTech's advice.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...1156827,00.asp

It works fine, I have a P4 2.66 with dual 200MB seagate drives. For me the most important thing was that it fit in the furniture. There are more expensive cases that have volume nobs, but they are larger in design. Hope this helps.

[Velvetfog]

Thanks MonsterHTPC - I found the bundle you mentioned.

Of course, now I have another question. Does the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 handle DVD-Audio like the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum ?

Also I know the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum is THX certified - will I benefit from this over the Revolution 7.1.