HTPC, who's running one?

NYSpeed Automotive NYSpeed Off Topic
1

Finally getting around to my HTPC desires. Been reading up @ avsforum.com for a little while now, but I want to know if anyone local is running one.

Basic. P4, 1gb ram, 800mhz bus, tv tuner, NIC. Found a working MS Media Center. Mainly going to pull movies & music off of my file server and output them to the tv(CRT)/stereo. Maybe DVR, if I can make it compatible with Digi Cable.

Questions:

What are You using for a TV Tuner? How do You like it.

Interface devices: Decent multi-function remote? Whatcha got?

Whats the minimum file format I should look for / convert to for movies? CRT tele for now (S video), Plasma after Xmas season (DVI).

Preferred Video Player?

:tup:

2

And, if I understand it… protected, recorded TV broadcasts (e.g.: NFL), with MCE, this is limited to the PC it was recorded on. Now, the limiting key is simply tied in on the HDD, right?

In theory, if a copy protected program is recorded to an external drive, the drive can be plugged into another PC and the program remains viewable. Correct?

Assuming MCE is on this ext. drive.

3

From what I can tell the best options are to get a PVR card with hardware MPEG encoding. Takes a load of the real process so you can sacrifice in that regard, and you wont fall into the worst of the DRM bullshit.

http://www.mythtv.org/

Check it, lots of info.

4

<3 myth tv

5

maximum pc has a feature article on home theater pc’s this month.

Just got my issue in the mail the other day.

Pretty neat stuff that looks like av equipment, not beige boxes.

Deffinitely better but not as easy as a tivo.

6

I’m running a setup for watching movies but isnt all that great… also, if I try to use the PC as a tivo type of deal, thru the PC into the TV… it doesnt look as good as the cable plugged right into the TV.

although if you did your homework and had a good setup, it would probably be hard to beat

7

Well, here’s a copy paste from AVSforums.