Anyone here use a HTPC? If you do, what hardware and software are you running.

Thinking about building one in the next 6-8 weeks, just trying to figure out what parts and software Id like to use So far all I have is a rough criteria;

1) Receive two digital terrestrial signals, so I can play and record. Preferably something that can handle HD broadcasts like the BBC HD trials coming out of Crystal Palace right now.

2) Quiet and smart looking to match my amp.

3) Enough oomph to encode recordings to MPEG4 quite fast.

Quote from: KunalAnyone here use a HTPC? If you do, what hardware and software are you running.

Thinking about building one in the next 6-8 weeks, just trying to figure out what parts and software Id like to use So far all I have is a rough criteria;

1) Receive two digital terrestrial signals, so I can play and record. Preferably something that can handle HD broadcasts like the BBC HD trials coming out of Crystal Palace right now.

2) Small, quiet and smart looking to match my amp.

3) Enough oomph to encode recordings to MPEG4 quite fast.

There is no digital terrestrial yet is there? only cable and sky.

Quote from: brummieThere is no digital terrestrial yet is there? only cable and sky.

Digital terrestrial = freeview = DVB-T

sorry i meant High definition on Digital terrestrial

The BBC have started to trial their HD service from Crystal Palace - apparently you need to be within 25 miles to receive the signal. Theres a thread over at AVForums discussing how to access it;

AV Forums - What is needed for BBC HD?

Looks like ITV, CH4 and CH5 are also trial their services, accessible through the same setup

So Im thinking Ill get one of the dual DVB-T on a single card tuners, and with a system sufficiently powerful enough (something Conroe based) view and record SD + HD freeview  

Thats the plan at least....

Ive just been looking into cases and while Ive totally fallen in love with the A-Tech Fabrication custom cases, I cant see myself paying nearly $1000 for a case shipped  :shock: Instead this looks quite nice....

Silverstone LC-10



Although Ill probably get a silver one. About Ã,£70-75.

Man, if you had been like 1 day earlier posting this...I just sold my old LC14M (With the VDU) for Ã,£70

I just took delivery of a new LC-18 (With the touchscreen) and wanted rid of it cheap.

Surely you will need different kit for hd terrestrial, would be suprised if it just worked with the current cards and such available

Check out the link in my previous post, those lot seem to have got it working with components that are readily available.

Currently mulling over the following dual DVB-T cards..

Terratec 2400i DT MCE Edition
Fusion HDTV DVB-T Dual Freeview PCI

They seem quite similar to me, not sure why ones nearly double the price of the other  :?




BX - Not too keen on the LC14M, looking for a more flush finish looking case... something that looks like a power amp

Have you had a look at them in the flesh - silverstone cases are MASSIVE

Quote from: BXGTi16VHave you had a look at them in the flesh - silverstone cases are MASSIVE

Aye Im looking for something with roughly equal dimension to my Pioneer receiver.

Pioneer VSX-D2011S - 420mm (W) x 188mm (H) x 464mm (D)

Silverstone LC-10S - 430mm (W) x 163mm (H) x 429mm (D)

Close enough I havent 100% decided on the LC-10, still pondering one of the OriginAE cases.

what about an Aspire Q-Pack or Antec Aria/NSK1300?

Ive just ordered a Q-Pack because itll fit just nicely under my TV.

Have you thought about using an actual old amp or AV reciever as a case? In the July issue of Personal Computer World there was an article where they built a HTPC on a buget. They used an old AV reciever and it worked really well.

They are well ventilated, the older ones are big enough and a broken one can be picked up for < Ã,£20 or free.

A bit of dremmeling is needed for the motherboard backplate and a little bit of drilling for the motherboard mounts. But it all worked like a charm.

I cant find it online anywhere. IT was Personal Computer World July 2006, Build a Media PC.

Not really looking for a cube, something that would match my hifi stuff instead. Speaking of which, when I was looking at the NSK1300, I noticed this on the Antec site,

Antec Fusion

Looks interesting

Quote from: sexytwHave you thought about using an actual old amp or AV reciever as a case? In the July issue of Personal Computer World there was an article where they built a HTPC on a buget. They used an old AV reciever and it worked really well.

They are well ventilated, the older ones are big enough and a broken one can be picked up for < Ã,£20 or free.

A bit of dremmeling is needed for the motherboard backplate and a little bit of drilling for the motherboard mounts. But it all worked like a charm.

I cant find it online anywhere. IT was Personal Computer World July 2006, Build a Media PC.

Thats a great idea Would love something a bit retro  :mrgreen:  

having looked the Aria and NSK1300 they appear to be the same case with different fronts, and a Ã,£30 difference!

Others you might like:
Antec Muniet

Or my personal favourite:
Enlight Media Chassis