New HTPC

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AsylumSkitzo

13 posts

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# 41117 10-Sep-2009 09:34

Hey guys, I have been lurking these forums for a while now and thought I should register and share a build that I'm working on. I would appreciate any suggestions you all may have on improving it.
It will be used for recording (and replaying) from TCL cable TV, pause and fast forward "live tv", play DVD/BDs and MP3s.
Will use HDMI out (with sound?) from onboard GF 9400 to Panasonic 37" plasma with RCA into HTPC from TCL decoder.
I intend to try MythTV first (I'm familiar with Linux) and then look at Win7 options if that doesn't do all I want.

CASE: OrigenAE H6 ATX $636.70
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 625W CrossFire X (425 not available, 625 is) $283.50
MOTHERBOARD: DFI LANPARTY-JR GF9400-T2RS mATX $274.93 (I would have preffered the GA-E7AUM-DS2H but its not available in NZ/AU)
CPU: INTEL CORE 2 DUO E7400 2.8GHZ 3M LGA775 OEM 65W $178.54
CPU COOLER: To be decided - THERMALRIGHT AXP-140 LOW PROFILE or Scythe Zipang 2 SCZP-2000 or Scythe Mini Ninja ~$150
CAPTURE CARD: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2200 PCIe $165.88 (I know this does freeview too but I only want the MPEG2 hardware encoder)
OPTICAL: LG GGW-H20L Super Multi Blu-ray DVD writer & HD DVD-ROM Drive $409.00
HDD: Western Digital WD15EADS 1.5TB 7200rpm 32MB SATA2 Greenpower $221.60
WIRELESS CARD: To be decided (PCIe, N capable)

(prices are unconfirmed from pricespy)

AsylumSkitzo

13 posts

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+1 received by user: 2
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# 254808 10-Sep-2009 16:41

Not sure how Im going to change channels on the TCL (digital) decoder? The HVR-2200 has a IR receiver port, no IR transmitter. Same with the HVR-1700 which is my other option. So making a IR blaster cable would be a waste of time.

Any suggestions?

openmedia

2095 posts

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Trusted

# 254839 10-Sep-2009 18:42

You can run an IR Blaster off a serial port easily enough.

Wondering why you would prefer the Gigabyte board over the DFI.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC a Technology Evangelist and Product Manager. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

Mattv

241 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

# 254857 10-Sep-2009 19:48

If you don't plan to ever use the DVB-T tuners on the HVR2200 why not go for a PVR-150 MCE This has the MPEG2 hardware encoder and the MCE version includes the blaster and a remote as well.

AsylumSkitzo

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# 254861 10-Sep-2009 19:56

openmedia: You can run an IR Blaster off a serial port easily enough.

Wondering why you would prefer the Gigabyte board over the DFI.

Ok will have another look around for a serial one. If anyone knows of one could they please point me in the right direction? Cheers

The Gigabyte board has PCI slots whereas the DFI only has PCI-E. Also I think the Gigabyte has a lower power usage.

AsylumSkitzo

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+1 received by user: 2
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# 254863 10-Sep-2009 19:59

Mattv: If you don't plan to ever use the DVB-T tuners on the HVR2200 why not go for a PVR-150 MCE This has the MPEG2 hardware encoder and the MCE version includes the blaster and a remote as well.

Thanks for the suggestion, I would love to but the motherboard only has PCI-E slots.

Mattv

241 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

# 254866 10-Sep-2009 20:14

AsylumSkitzo: Thanks for the suggestion, I would love to but the motherboard only has PCI-E slots.

Looking at the specs from your above link the MB has one PCI slot it would seem.

AsylumSkitzo

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# 254887 10-Sep-2009 21:31

So it does! Overlooked that, thanks for the heads up.
Will reconsider the PVR150 and other PCI cards.