Build a HTPC

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636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#111592 19-Feb-2008 14:26

guttedgeek: Heyall, great discussion for me as I'm going through a similar process myself (although with lower spec'd hardware).

One question I have is what are the benefits of the HTPC cases with extra buttons/function wheels/LED screens? I was looking at a fairly basic Silverstone case but this discussion has got me thinking - "what am I missing"?

I'm using Media Portal/TVServer - do they work at all with these additional features?

I have the Silverstone GD01B-MXR, and before that I had the Silverstone LC11S-M both had the Soundgraph front panel, no knobs or buttons other than the power and reset switch.

The advantage to having the front panel is the built in Infrared sensor which is constantly powered, this allows for a remote to turn the computer on and off and also mouse/keyboard input via the same remote. Other than that it is just an information screen, telling you the time, date, computer specs, news, weather, graphic eq, and can also do RSS feeds. But otherwise mine goes bung every other day and displays garbage (driver issue in Vista x64) but still works for on/off duties.

I have three remotes, TV, Computer, and Microsoft Media Center keyboard. To turn on I do TV on, Computer on, then those remotes sit and do nothing at all as Microsoft Media Keyboard does the rest with no problems. Wife is happy.

My sound is controlled via Media Center remote as it is analgue output from Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1 soundcard to Creative Gigaworks 7.1 speakers. If you use SPDIF then I believe the volume will be controlled via your amp.

Cheers
DB

Edit: You best bet for a case is something you like the look of, will fit well with your current setup or future upgrades, and most of all fit each and every part in with ease so it can perform it's duty correctly. Heat is a huge problem for Media Center PC's as the cases are normally small, in cramped locations without good airflow, and require the use of additional parts like riser cards or similar which restrict airflow through the case and just cause more heat and noise problems.

lchiu7

6474 posts

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#111616 19-Feb-2008 15:56

I used to use a Shuttle based box for the PVR which worked okay but the proprietary nature of the box eventually caused upgrade problems. Since I had plenty of space I upgraded to a Siverstone case

http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=sg01&area=

I also installed a Silverstone PS and Socket 754 MB (wanted to stay 754 because I needed APG video).

It's reasonably quiet with two drives in it but isn't ultra quiet. For IR control I use a Happauge PVR 250 card and the IR sensor that comes with it controlled by Girder and all integrated into a Harmony 880.

Plans are to augment the PVR250 with a HVR-3000 for DVB-T broadcasts.

Larry

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

ajst2duk

170 posts

Master Geek

#111659 19-Feb-2008 19:24

jbmoocs: What do you think of these HTPC cases? I think they are very sexy. http://www.itmighty.co.nz/mCube_515.html

Looks interesting - bit out there for my taste and there are compromises - but I will give them credit for pushing the envelope..

ajst2duk

170 posts

Master Geek

#111663 19-Feb-2008 19:41

Has anyone stumped up for the Zalman HD135?

http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=4654
It blows me that a case can be this expensive but it is definitly the best looking case I've found, and it offers a lot of flexibility.

I'm off to Oz now to pick up my bits:

Will be
Vista Home Prem
E8400 CPU, Corsair 2X1g 800 DDR2
Gigabyte DS3-R mobo
1TB SataII drive
Corsair HX620 modular PSU
ATI HD 3870
Pioneer Blu-Ray HDD
All plugged into a Panasonic 37"

Just the case I'm undecided on, I will almost certainly go for the Zalman, as I like understatement, and something that no-one would pick for a PC sounds like it will pass the wife test!!
I went for pretty up-spec components due to also using it as a gaming machine for me & the kids, as we don't have any consoles.

It will certainly blow my technology budget but now sees a great time to strike!

euanandrews

1528 posts

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#111672 19-Feb-2008 20:09

guttedgeek: Heyall, great discussion for me as I'm going through a similar process myself (although with lower spec'd hardware).

One question I have is what are the benefits of the HTPC cases with extra buttons/function wheels/LED screens? I was looking at a fairly basic Silverstone case but this discussion has got me thinking - "what am I missing"?

I'm using Media Portal/TVServer - do they work at all with these additional features?

I will add my 2 cents to this...

I would say it comes down to 2 things, but only 1 really matters...

-Cosmetics
This is purely personal preference, as some will want the buttons and LCD to make it look just like a Hi-Fi component
The LCD can display pretty (and informative) visualizations and information, much like an equalizer would.

-Convenience
Having the button on the front gives the ability to control basic functions like volume, play pause etc without going into the OS etc (once again, this is more cosmetic to look and function like a Hi-Fi component as all the functions performed by the buttons can and would more likely be performed using an MCE remote)

The one that matters, is cosmetics, as there really is no convenience if you have a remote.
So I would say to you, only consider a unit with incorporated buttons and LCD, if you like the look of it...simple.

Thats what in my mind a HTPC is all about...not just building a computer, or one with PVR and silent features, but also the look...
Personally, I think a box with no buttons or LCD is just another ugly PC box...Hi-Fi components interact with its user, display information...hence I prefer a box with buttons and an LCD incorporated...but thats my preference.

euanandrews

1528 posts

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#111679 19-Feb-2008 20:32

ajst2duk: 1TB SataII drive

Do you have another TB lying around?
Just wondering if you plan to have a system with just 1 hard drive with all your data? (media files I'm guessing)
You may have another smaller HDD for your operating system, but as for your media files, it would appear you have no backup?

If you need 1TB, may I suggest you buy 2 1TB drives, and use RAID or something of that sort otherwise you could loose your hard earned built-up collection of movies...

If not, just buy 2 500GB drives and do the same...obvioulsy if you need 500GB-1TB, 1TB will not be enough to duplicateusing RAID etc...

I will be including 2 x 750GB Western Digital Caviar GP WD7500AACS to start with in my new setup for this very reason...as I fear loosing my movie collection all stored on 1 lonely network drive.

ajst2duk

170 posts

Master Geek

#111704 19-Feb-2008 22:05

TheBartender:
ajst2duk: 1TB SataII drive

Do you have another TB lying around?
Just wondering if you plan to have a system with just 1 hard drive with all your data? (media files I'm guessing)
You may have another smaller HDD for your operating system, but as for your media files, it would appear you have no backup?

If you need 1TB, may I suggest you buy 2 1TB drives, and use RAID or something of that sort otherwise you could loose your hard earned built-up collection of movies...

If not, just buy 2 500GB drives and do the same...obvioulsy if you need 500GB-1TB, 1TB will not be enough to duplicateusing RAID etc...

I will be including 2 x 750GB Western Digital Caviar GP WD7500AACS to start with in my new setup for this very reason...as I fear loosing my movie collection all stored on 1 lonely network drive.

Haha... I've got HD's coming out my ears here, I'm actually looking to de-pc the house a bit by cleaning up anything that looks like a PC.
Our main rig here is a small shuttle running Q6600, HD3850, and a shiny Flatron 22 wide HDCP compliant LCD. I am using this to test DVB-T. It has a 300GB & 500GB HD + 3 USB hard drives around for backup etc... so I'm looking for a minimal approach to the HTPC - two primary reasons, 1st one being that in my long and torrid experience with PC's I've never had a hard drive go bad - must have been through around 50+ I reckon. Second big reason is noise & heat, which I'm trying to cut to a minimum.

I saw 1TB HD's for sale @285 at my usual Sydney haunt www.fluidtek.com.au that's where I'll be on Thurs collecting my gear.

Wise

Send money globally for less with Wise - one free transfer up to NZ$900 (affiliate link).

berrys

225 posts

Master Geek

#111708 19-Feb-2008 22:16

ajst2duk: Has anyone stumped up for the Zalman HD135?

http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=4654
It blows me that a case can be this expensive but it is definitly the best looking case I've found, and it offers a lot of flexibility.

I'm off to Oz now to pick up my bits:

Will be
Vista Home Prem
E8400 CPU, Corsair 2X1g 800 DDR2
Gigabyte DS3-R mobo
1TB SataII drive
Corsair HX620 modular PSU
ATI HD 3870
Pioneer Blu-Ray HDD
All plugged into a Panasonic 37"

Just the case I'm undecided on, I will almost certainly go for the Zalman, as I like understatement, and something that no-one would pick for a PC sounds like it will pass the wife test!!
I went for pretty up-spec components due to also using it as a gaming machine for me & the kids, as we don't have any consoles.

It will certainly blow my technology budget but now sees a great time to strike!

Try this on for size:

http://www.origenae.com/en/htpc_s21t.htm

Theres a stockist in aussie @ $1800! www.bettercomputers.com.au. If you want to blow the budget...

euanandrews

1528 posts

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#111709 19-Feb-2008 22:20

ajst2duk: so I'm looking for a minimal approach to the HTPC - two primary reasons, 1st one being that in my long and torrid experience with PC's I've never had a hard drive go bad - must have been through around 50+ I reckon. Second big reason is noise & heat, which I'm trying to cut to a minimum.

The noise and heat reasoning I can understand, very valid...

And of course everyone has different experiences...but I ask you, are you maybe pushing your luck?
All ya need is 1 HDD failure to loss all your valuable data...it only needs to happen once.

I have had a HP USB portable HDD fail...lost 350GB of movies at the time...was guttered.
My mate has had a USB portable HDD fail, as well as the HDD in his desktop...he lost everything...movies, school diploma work, cv's...everything.

Its not a problem...until something goes wrong...thats being reactive, rather than proactive.

Your choice.

jbmoocs

91 posts

Master Geek

#111779 20-Feb-2008 08:35

shaana: Well on a whim I bought myself a mac mini to use as my HTPC. I love it but it is taking some adjusting. I have a couple of issues though being:

1. My DVDs or other video when played through the mac mini dvd player or front row are about half the screen height size they normally are. I'm thinking it's a specific setting that needs to be changed but I cannot work it out. It's driving me crazy.

2. I cannot get sound to play through my tv from the mac mini.....I have a Toshiba 37A300 LCD which is okay (would rather have a Sony V or D series). I don't have a separate home theatre sound system so just want to play through the tv. I have an RCA cable (1 connector to the mac mini earphone jack and 2 to sound jacks on the tv. I have tried all the connections on the back.

Can anyone help.

BTW I have been decrypting and converting to Xvid my Battlestar galactica disks and it's working great. It's going to take me a very long time to do all my dvd's but it will be worth it in the end.

Lastly I am working on networking my pc and mac mini so that will be fun I'm sure.

Hey Shaana How did you get on with the DVD Library hack in vista MCE did the instructions help you in anyway?
It was awesome to get rid of powerdvd as it never really allowed SPDIF to work on my setup. for some reason.

euanandrews

1528 posts

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#113032 25-Feb-2008 19:47

Here is my likey final HTPC configuration:

- Case: Silverstone SST-LC16S-MR
- Motherboard: abit IP35 Pro
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66 GHz
- CPU Heatsink: Scythe Ninja Mini
- TV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-NOVA-T-500 (dual DVB-T tuner)
- Video Card: WinFast PX8500 GT TDH HDMI (Low Profile)
- Hard drive: 2 x Western Digital Caviar GP WD7500AACS, 750GB, 5400rpm, 16384kb cache, sata-2
- RAM: 2 x Corsair XMS2, TWIN2X2048-6400, 2x1GB, DDR2-800, PC2-6400, CL5, DIMM (4GB total)
- PSU: Corsair 520HX, 520W ATX (SLI Ready, Modular)
- Fans: 2 x Nexus 80mm Real Silent Case Fan & 2 x Nexus 92mm Real Silent Case Fan
- DVD drive: Sony DRU840A, DVD 16R/18W/8RW, CD 48R/48W/32RW, Internal, IDE, Silver, Nero Express
- Keyboard: Microsoft Media Centre Edition Keyboard (wireless, black, 3 pack)
- OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

Changes I have made:
- PSU: Was Corsair VX Series, 450W ATX PSU, changed after recommendation for needing more power, and reading reviews
- CPU: Was Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz, changed to 45nm model as runs cooler
- OS: Was Microsoft Windows XP MCE, changed to Vista to allow for additional RAM

Thoughts?

shaana

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#113046 25-Feb-2008 20:39

I must have missed the hack for this......can you send me the info/link etc.

I solved my sound problem, it was a setting on the TV.....now I only have the height issue of my video to resolve and then all will be well....I hope....

mcraenz

1140 posts

Uber Geek

#113351 27-Feb-2008 14:17

Heads up HTPC builders......Nexus Real silent fans going cheap on trademe:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=142996551

Help me build a better way of doing politics in Aotearoa New Zealand

political.nz

Satch

1985 posts

Uber Geek

#113372 27-Feb-2008 17:01

TheBartender: Here is my likey final HTPC configuration:

- Case: Silverstone SST-LC16S-MR
- Motherboard: abit IP35 Pro
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66 GHz
- CPU Heatsink: Scythe Ninja Mini
- TV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-NOVA-T-500 (dual DVB-T tuner)
- Video Card: WinFast PX8500 GT TDH HDMI (Low Profile)
- Hard drive: 2 x Western Digital Caviar GP WD7500AACS, 750GB, 5400rpm, 16384kb cache, sata-2
- RAM: 2 x Corsair XMS2, TWIN2X2048-6400, 2x1GB, DDR2-800, PC2-6400, CL5, DIMM (4GB total)
- PSU: Corsair 520HX, 520W ATX (SLI Ready, Modular)
- Fans: 2 x Nexus 80mm Real Silent Case Fan & 2 x Nexus 92mm Real Silent Case Fan
- DVD drive: Sony DRU840A, DVD 16R/18W/8RW, CD 48R/48W/32RW, Internal, IDE, Silver, Nero Express
- Keyboard: Microsoft Media Centre Edition Keyboard (wireless, black, 3 pack)
- OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

Changes I have made:
- PSU: Was Corsair VX Series, 450W ATX PSU, changed after recommendation for needing more power, and reading reviews
- CPU: Was Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz, changed to 45nm model as runs cooler
- OS: Was Microsoft Windows XP MCE, changed to Vista to allow for additional RAM

Thoughts?

Are you intending on running Vista Media Centre?

euanandrews

1528 posts

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#113383 27-Feb-2008 18:10

Satch: Are you intending on running Vista Media Centre?

Yup, why do you ask, is there something incompatiable in my list?

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