HTPC questions

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eezy44

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#26289 17-Sep-2008 14:57

I am considering building my own HTPC, primarily intended for Freeview use and as a PVR. We still have a Metz CRT of which we like the picture quality so there is no urgency to upgrade this to an LCD or Plasma. Ideally I would like to add this to an existing PC running XP Home SR2 (AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 2GB RAM, 200+250+400GB HD).The PC will be some distance away from the TV, so need a remote control solution where the IR sensor would near the TV. UHF signal is very good, going by the Prime picture. So I am thinking along these lines:HVR2200nVidia 8600GTMediaPortal and CodecsThe TV is SCART, so need S-Video to Scart cable Will that work? Have I forgotten anything? What remote control solutions are there? I realise that the answer may already be here somewhere but I have not located them, and it would be nice to get some expert feedback. Thanks

eXDee

4032 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#165127 17-Sep-2008 17:35

Your CRT TV is standard definition, so obviously don't expect the Freeview HD signal to show as HD, that's why you'd want to upgrade to an LCD or Plasma.
You can use the PC you mentioned as long as there's a PCI-E 16x slot for the 8600GT card, and a PCI-E 1x slot for the HVR-2200.

amphibem

138 posts

Master Geek

#165134 17-Sep-2008 17:57

Further to exDee's good advice:

eezy44: need a remote control solution where the IR sensor would near the TV.

The Microsoft MCE USB2 I have have has a very long USB cord (maybe 3-5m?) so hopefully that will do for a remote.

eezy44:We still have a Metz CRT of which we like the picture quality so there is no urgency to upgrade this to an LCD or Plasma.

eezy44:So I am thinking along these lines:HVR2200nVidia 8600GTMediaPortal and CodecsThe TV is SCART, so need S-Video to Scart cable

Unfortunatly I can see a potentially bigger problem here, although I may well be wrong on this front as it isn't something I fully understand.

On FreeviewHD TV1 and TV2 are broadcast in 720p, i.e. progressive video. My understanding of CRT technology is that is designed for, and only capable of displaying interlaced videos (like analogue TV and DVD's). Some HD CRT's can do progressive (Ithink through an extra electron gun?) and there are work arounds (but they don't for 720p and above I think); however without any of that any progressive signal won't show.

Now I have tried to find more infomation on this in the past through Google, above is basically a summary of that endavour. I would love for someone more knowledge to set me straight on this (and help you out before you buy possible unsuitable tech!).

I would suggest getting this sorted before buying anything even if it does turn out to be a false alarm.

Vorbis

176 posts

Master Geek

#165140 17-Sep-2008 18:30

I've tried a freeview feed thru to a crt, using s-video. Not good. Looked better on a smaller (21") tv, but shocking on the 29".

Honestly, get a dvd recorder and save yourself a headache.

eezy44

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#165257 18-Sep-2008 08:47

All,
Many thanks for you responses. It seems this will save me the frustration. On the other hand I could have fun building the system, seeing it does not work with the CRT and then say to my partner "see dear, we need a new display...". Food for thought.
E