Building an HTPC

Shawn · February 4th, 2008, 08:25 AM

My desktop is getting pretty old and I'm also planning to move out for myself soon, so I was thinking about looking at the HTPC option, but I can't seem to find any good resources.

It would help if some of you guys could share some links/resources or general info. Are you guys happy with its functionality if you have one? I'm not limited on money, but I have lots of questions, such as whether I can play HD (e.g. Bluray) through my graphics card? Can I use it as a PVR even though HDTV isn't free-to-air in Canada?

So in short, I'm looking for resources people. images/smilies/tongue.gif

I know all about building a PC, but not an HTPC specifically.

BlitzR · February 4th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Some links:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=759011
http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=103
First link lead to some guides on HTPCs
And second is a forum on HTPCs.

Shawn · February 4th, 2008, 08:38 AM

Oh nice, hadn't come across those. I'll give them a read when it's not past midnight. images/smilies/tongue.gif

phuckingduck · February 4th, 2008, 09:50 AM

Another option is the one I chose for a HTPC (kind of). I had an old xbox laying around and decided to go the XBMC route. It doesn't have PVR functionality, but for living room media playback it is pretty awesome. And it has a great file structure for hiding....stuff....

So if you've got a Xbox laying around, and don't need PVR functionality, there's another option for ya!

Shawn · February 4th, 2008, 10:53 AM

^ I read about that but I don't have an Xbox. Just a Wii I've been meaning to sell.

It looks like I'm screwed because all the HDTV signals are encrypted in Canada so I need to buy their cable box which means I can't do it through the HTPC. That would be the main thing for me...

Buba · February 4th, 2008, 02:19 PM

I got one. The situation is a bit different in Germany as we don't have analog free to air anymore. I get my TV via a DVB-S card aka Sattelite. You can get a DVB-S2 card for the newest in HD (stations broadcast HD only over DVB-S2 since it saves like 30% BW) but then need a GPU that is fully hdcp compliant. You'd have to look at other forums since I'm no expert on this, but a couple of my freinds run a setup like that and it works great.
Throw 2 in or a dual tuner one and you have full PVR + watch at the same time functionality.

HTPC wise, I'd recommend a Silverstone case. Excellent looking and built, measuring at the standard Hifi width and therefore fitting in perfectly but they still are ATX.
Its a bit of a struggle to get everything in the case, but it gets easier with SATA (I have one PATA device left I couldn't get rid off)

Shawn · February 4th, 2008, 10:28 PM

^ Thanks for the info Buba. The first thing for me is to see if there's any way I can get HDTV without having to use an HD cable box from my provider. If that's the only way I can get HDTV then that means all I can do is input the feed into my HTPC, which would be a bit useless if you can't control it and stuff.

I'll post back here if I manage to find some answers and if I go ahead with it.

phuckingduck · February 5th, 2008, 01:09 AM

Cablecard?

sephiroth99 · February 8th, 2008, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phuckingduck

Cablecard?

that would be an option, though an expensive one, because you would have to buy a pre-made HTPC which is approved by Cablelabs... pretty stupid if you ask me

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

^ Thanks for the info Buba. The first thing for me is to see if there's any way I can get HDTV without having to use an HD cable box from my provider. If that's the only way I can get HDTV then that means all I can do is input the feed into my HTPC, which would be a bit useless if you can't control it and stuff.

I'll post back here if I manage to find some answers and if I go ahead with it.

for that, you could use an IR Blaster. It's like if your computer would be using the decoder remote to change channels images/smilies/smile.gif

see in this thread the first post, the second part http://www.htpcnews.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1932

Shawn · February 8th, 2008, 06:16 AM

^ That looks like a great link, I'll have to read it in more detail.

Being a Canadian, have you actually tinkered with this stuff and does it work well for you? I assume you're using Videotron? I'm on Shaw.

Edit: So I read that link but I'm still at a loss, it seems you can't have a true HTPC that plays HDTV without any flaws. I can do what that link says, which is hook it up video S-video or composite but it's not gonna be true HD and controlling it from the PC is gonna be a pain. And then you can't even watch something and record something else.

I might as well just have an HTPC and an HD cable box directly hooked up to my TV. The only problem then is that my cable company is charging close to $1,000 for a really clunky HD/PVR system.

sephiroth99 · February 8th, 2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

^ That looks like a great link, I'll have to read it in more detail.

Being a Canadian, have you actually tinkered with this stuff and does it work well for you? I assume you're using Videotron? I'm on Shaw.

Edit: So I read that link but I'm still at a loss, it seems you can't have a true HTPC that plays HDTV without any flaws. I can do what that link says, which is hook it up video S-video or composite but it's not gonna be true HD and controlling it from the PC is gonna be a pain. And then you can't even watch something and record something else.

I might as well just have an HTPC and an HD cable box directly hooked up to my TV. The only problem then is that my cable company is charging close to $1,000 for a really clunky HD/PVR system.

unfortunately, I don't have an HTPC setup, I just heard that you could do it that way. Yes, you must have either a component or HDMI input in order to record an HD source, so that's another added cost if your tuner don't have those ports. And you still have to configure the IR blaster...

I think too that your 2nd option may be the simpliest one, if you dont mind having 2 things hooked up to your TV... as for the cost, I know that in my area (it's Cogeco Cable) the HDPVR is close to 600$

Shawn · February 13th, 2008, 10:48 AM

How about gaming on a flat panel TV through an HTPC? Anyone try that?

I'm wondering if it would be a viable option to play games on it with a traditional controller to get the gaming console effect.

What I might do is buy a HD cable box without a PVR for viewing hi def TV, and if I can get an analogue connection into my HTPC so I can do PVR stuff on analogue TV at least. This way I don't have to spend $700 on a cable box/PVR from my cable company, I can just pickup a used HD box for about $150 probably.

Buba · February 13th, 2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

How about gaming on a flat panel TV through an HTPC? Anyone try that?

I'm wondering if it would be a viable option to play games on it with a traditional controller to get the gaming console effect.

I use my 37" as Monitor and play 360 and PC on it. Also played lots of shooters and C&C Tiberium on it. I like it!

Shawn · February 13th, 2008, 02:06 PM

Do you have it hooked up via a DVI to HDMI converter?

Also, are you happy using the TV as your only monitor? I used to hookup my laptop to an old rear projection via S-video and the quality was horrible for using apps and browsing the web. Is it better on modern equipment?

matt2000 · February 13th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Old TVs don't work well at all as monitors, because the pixels are so much larger. LCD TVs are great though, because they basically are monitors (hence the low quality TV picture). I occasionally use my 19" Sammy as a monitor though VGA (I'm too mean to buy a DVI cable) and the quality is great.

When HD first came out, most TVs were fitted with DVI or VGA connections, but now HDMI has taken over, so you will need a DVI>HDMI converter.

If you want HD but don't want to change any of your current boxes, you can get an upscaler box.

ahpadt · February 13th, 2008, 04:41 PM

Getting a good picture on old TVs is a nightmare. I highly recommend doing it with an LCD.

Buba · February 13th, 2008, 05:04 PM

Yeah I use my TV for everything. I actually have it hooked up via VGA, since its the best way for my display to get the native 1360x768 resolution. This wouldn't work via DVI on my Toshiba.
I sit about 2 meters away from the thing and its nice... I got very good eyesight and if I were to move like 40-50cm closer I'd be able to make out the pixels.
On the other hand, my GF has a hard time browsing sites with small fonts since her eyes aren't that good...

I'd recommend a test with the laptop at a store, see how good it is at your viewing distance.

Shawn · February 13th, 2008, 06:53 PM

^ I will check it out, thanks. I don't have very good eyesight but I'm looking at a nice, bright Samsung LCD so hopefully it'll be big enough. Plus there's always the SuperZoom option. images/smilies/biggrin.gif

matt2000 · February 13th, 2008, 08:35 PM

Superzoom lives! images/smilies/lol.gif

We should add to the wiki entry for Superzoom.

You will have no problems with a Samsung TV images/smilies/biggrin.gif

February 4th, 2008, 08:25 AM	#1
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	Building an HTPC My desktop is getting pretty old and I'm also planning to move out for myself soon, so I was thinking about looking at the HTPC option, but I can't seem to find any good resources. It would help if some of you guys could share some links/resources or general info. Are you guys happy with its functionality if you have one? I'm not limited on money, but I have lots of questions, such as whether I can play HD (e.g. Bluray) through my graphics card? Can I use it as a PVR even though HDTV isn't free-to-air in Canada? So in short, I'm looking for resources people. I know all about building a PC, but not an HTPC specifically.

February 4th, 2008, 08:35 AM	#2
BlitzR Joined: May 1st, 2006 Last Online: 02:08 AM Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1,525 Rep Power: 19	Some links: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=759011 http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=103 First link lead to some guides on HTPCs And second is a forum on HTPCs. __________________

February 4th, 2008, 09:50 AM	#4
phuckingduck is awesome! Joined: Mar 1st, 2007 Last Online: 01:20 AM Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 1,432 Car: '03 Volvo S60 AWD Rep Power: 25	Another option is the one I chose for a HTPC (kind of). I had an old xbox laying around and decided to go the XBMC route. It doesn't have PVR functionality, but for living room media playback it is pretty awesome. And it has a great file structure for hiding....stuff.... So if you've got a Xbox laying around, and don't need PVR functionality, there's another option for ya! __________________ 14:43 +PhuckingDuck • so you wont eat Josh's meat? 14:43 %SolitudeSeraph • I don't like the taste/texture

February 4th, 2008, 02:19 PM	#6
Buba Wants Rick Astley's Babies Joined: Nov 12th, 2004 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Regensburg, Bavaria Age: 27 Posts: 6,028 Car: Golf LFS Status: Rep Power: 40	I got one. The situation is a bit different in Germany as we don't have analog free to air anymore. I get my TV via a DVB-S card aka Sattelite. You can get a DVB-S2 card for the newest in HD (stations broadcast HD only over DVB-S2 since it saves like 30% BW) but then need a GPU that is fully hdcp compliant. You'd have to look at other forums since I'm no expert on this, but a couple of my freinds run a setup like that and it works great. Throw 2 in or a dual tuner one and you have full PVR + watch at the same time functionality. HTPC wise, I'd recommend a Silverstone case. Excellent looking and built, measuring at the standard Hifi width and therefore fitting in perfectly but they still are ATX. Its a bit of a struggle to get everything in the case, but it gets easier with SATA (I have one PATA device left I couldn't get rid off) __________________ [18:11] MXM: it means buba is better than you now [18:12] sam-l: In what way? [18:12] Slycer: longer penis

February 5th, 2008, 01:09 AM	#8
phuckingduck is awesome! Joined: Mar 1st, 2007 Last Online: 01:20 AM Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 1,432 Car: '03 Volvo S60 AWD Rep Power: 25	Cablecard? __________________ 14:43 +PhuckingDuck • so you wont eat Josh's meat? 14:43 %SolitudeSeraph • I don't like the taste/texture

February 4th, 2008, 08:38 AM	#3
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	Oh nice, hadn't come across those. I'll give them a read when it's not past midnight.

February 4th, 2008, 10:53 AM	#5
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	^ I read about that but I don't have an Xbox. Just a Wii I've been meaning to sell. It looks like I'm screwed because all the HDTV signals are encrypted in Canada so I need to buy their cable box which means I can't do it through the HTPC. That would be the main thing for me...

February 4th, 2008, 10:28 PM	#7
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	^ Thanks for the info Buba. The first thing for me is to see if there's any way I can get HDTV without having to use an HD cable box from my provider. If that's the only way I can get HDTV then that means all I can do is input the feed into my HTPC, which would be a bit useless if you can't control it and stuff. I'll post back here if I manage to find some answers and if I go ahead with it.

February 8th, 2008, 06:16 AM	#10
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	^ That looks like a great link, I'll have to read it in more detail. Being a Canadian, have you actually tinkered with this stuff and does it work well for you? I assume you're using Videotron? I'm on Shaw. Edit: So I read that link but I'm still at a loss, it seems you can't have a true HTPC that plays HDTV without any flaws. I can do what that link says, which is hook it up video S-video or composite but it's not gonna be true HD and controlling it from the PC is gonna be a pain. And then you can't even watch something and record something else. I might as well just have an HTPC and an HD cable box directly hooked up to my TV. The only problem then is that my cable company is charging close to $1,000 for a really clunky HD/PVR system. Last edited by Shawn; February 8th, 2008 at 12:26 PM..

February 13th, 2008, 10:48 AM	#12
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	How about gaming on a flat panel TV through an HTPC? Anyone try that? I'm wondering if it would be a viable option to play games on it with a traditional controller to get the gaming console effect. What I might do is buy a HD cable box without a PVR for viewing hi def TV, and if I can get an analogue connection into my HTPC so I can do PVR stuff on analogue TV at least. This way I don't have to spend $700 on a cable box/PVR from my cable company, I can just pickup a used HD box for about $150 probably.

February 13th, 2008, 02:06 PM	#14
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	Do you have it hooked up via a DVI to HDMI converter? Also, are you happy using the TV as your only monitor? I used to hookup my laptop to an old rear projection via S-video and the quality was horrible for using apps and browsing the web. Is it better on modern equipment?

February 13th, 2008, 03:40 PM	#15
matt2000 Hedgehog Sandwich Joined: Feb 17th, 2006 Last Online: 12:10 AM Location: Market Harborough, UK Age: 18 Posts: 3,682 Car: '77 Land Rover Series III LFS Status: Rep Power: 56	Old TVs don't work well at all as monitors, because the pixels are so much larger. LCD TVs are great though, because they basically are monitors (hence the low quality TV picture). I occasionally use my 19" Sammy as a monitor though VGA (I'm too mean to buy a DVI cable) and the quality is great. When HD first came out, most TVs were fitted with DVI or VGA connections, but now HDMI has taken over, so you will need a DVI>HDMI converter. If you want HD but don't want to change any of your current boxes, you can get an upscaler box. __________________ 'I've spoken to the scientist in that article. He is convinced that the parrot is "just resting".' - Plissken "My daughter has... errr HAD one, and I was given one" - Scott

February 13th, 2008, 04:41 PM	#16
ahpadt Joined: May 7th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: The Norwaylands Posts: 2,815 Rep Power: 28	Getting a good picture on old TVs is a nightmare. I highly recommend doing it with an LCD.

February 13th, 2008, 05:04 PM	#17
Buba Wants Rick Astley's Babies Joined: Nov 12th, 2004 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Regensburg, Bavaria Age: 27 Posts: 6,028 Car: Golf LFS Status: Rep Power: 40	Yeah I use my TV for everything. I actually have it hooked up via VGA, since its the best way for my display to get the native 1360x768 resolution. This wouldn't work via DVI on my Toshiba. I sit about 2 meters away from the thing and its nice... I got very good eyesight and if I were to move like 40-50cm closer I'd be able to make out the pixels. On the other hand, my GF has a hard time browsing sites with small fonts since her eyes aren't that good... I'd recommend a test with the laptop at a store, see how good it is at your viewing distance. __________________ [18:11] MXM: it means buba is better than you now [18:12] sam-l: In what way? [18:12] Slycer: longer penis

February 13th, 2008, 06:53 PM	#18
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 03:13 AM Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,776 Car: IS250 RWD Rep Power: 93	^ I will check it out, thanks. I don't have very good eyesight but I'm looking at a nice, bright Samsung LCD so hopefully it'll be big enough. Plus there's always the SuperZoom option.

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February 13th, 2008, 08:35 PM	#19
matt2000 Hedgehog Sandwich Joined: Feb 17th, 2006 Last Online: 12:10 AM Location: Market Harborough, UK Age: 18 Posts: 3,682 Car: '77 Land Rover Series III LFS Status: Rep Power: 56	Superzoom lives! We should add to the wiki entry for Superzoom. You will have no problems with a Samsung TV __________________ 'I've spoken to the scientist in that article. He is convinced that the parrot is "just resting".' - Plissken "My daughter has... errr HAD one, and I was given one" - Scott