Need system configuration advice

[nmirza]

I have just purchased SnapStream, and the WinTV card. I plan on putting these into a system that will only be used as a video server. I have also purchased a Linkysys PCI 802.11 card, which I plan on using for the net connection. The PC is a 500MHz P3, with 128MB RAM, a 20GB hdd, GeForce 2MX, and an SBLive Value card. I don't plan on watching shows on this machine, so it won't even have a monitor. I will probably buy a larger HDD shortly, but I'm wondering what else should I get? What OS should I run? I was planning on Win2K, but I could get XP. Any assistance would be great.

[patrick]

Is this to be set up in your home or office?
Personnaly I like XP. On a whole sounds like you should be all set.

NOTE: What are you going to watch your recordings on? ( TV or other PC's) I ask cause if you plan on watching the recordings on a TV you would need a TV tuner card that has a "AUDIO OUT" and a "VIDEO OUT" option. If you will never watch the recordings on a TV then you do not need this option.

Sincerely,
Patrick

[nmirza]

At first, I plan on watching the video on my HTPC. What I'm really worried about it the bandwidth of 802.11. I have been getting good connection rates, mostly maxed out at 11mbps. Is this enough for "VCR quality"?

[patrick]

Check out this link. It should answer your questions.

http://www.snapstream.com/products/s...es/Default.htm

[nmirza]

Thanks for the info. One last question. Turns out that the PCI cards are backordered. Do you know if there is any way to get the software to me without having to wait for the card. I currently have an NVIDIA personal cinema card that I could use in the meantime. I realize that it is not the card of choice, that's why I ordered the card you are selling. I just want to start testing out the system.