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HTPC Question(s)

post #1 of 3
6/5/07 at 5:54pm
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I have a few quick questions that I was hoping I could get some input on.

1) I have an ATI AIW X600 Pro, would this card be ok for displaying DVD's (not HD-DVD or Blu Ray) on a 1080p Westy monitor or should I upgrade to something newer? Is there one particular model line that is known for the best DVD upscaling?

2) I really only need basic PVR functionality, I only really watch a few shows on a regular basis and I like to channel hop; I've played with MediaPortal but I find that is sometimes is slow to change channels; is there a software package that is a bit quicker?

3) Has anyone here had any luck with the HDHomeRun? What about recording using this device, does it require a lot of CPU power?

4) I was thinking of building a Mini-Itx mobo into my tv cabinet for a lower power PVR / FrontEnd. The board that I am looking at runs at 1.5Ghz has DVI and can output 1920x1080 @ 60Hz. Anyone think this may be an issue as far as peformance, it would probably have a Happauge PVR-150 installed and thats about it for SD Tv tuning?

I don't have a problem installing / swapping applications etc but I don't want to end up with a bunch of useless hardware so any help would be appreciated.

Tom
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post #2 of 3
6/5/07 at 6:16pm
I'll answer the ones I can...
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomdahlberg View Post

2) I really only need basic PVR functionality, I only really watch a few shows on a regular basis and I like to channel hop; I've played with MediaPortal but I find that is sometimes is slow to change channels; is there a software package that is a bit quicker?

I've suggested GB-PVR with all plugins disabled for basic functionality. It worked for some, not for others. It's free so worth a shot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomdahlberg View Post

3) Has anyone here had any luck with the HDHomeRun? What about recording using this device, does it require a lot of CPU power?

Plenty of us have had luck with it. Recording requires little to no CPU power. Playback requires the same as other ATSC/QAM cards.
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post #3 of 3
6/5/07 at 6:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomdahlberg View Post

I have a few quick questions that I was hoping I could get some input on.

1) I have an ATI AIW X600 Pro, would this card be ok for displaying DVD's (not HD-DVD or Blu Ray) on a 1080p Westy monitor or should I upgrade to something newer? Is there one particular model line that is known for the best DVD upscaling?

there is NO one video card that can do DVD's better than the other. the Mpeg2 Decoders, in combo with the video card, and drivers and all that have more to do with qualilty than anything else.

in terms of if the X600 is good enough, probably yes for DVD, but for HD probably not.

Quote:


2) I really only need basic PVR functionality, I only really watch a few shows on a regular basis and I like to channel hop; I've played with MediaPortal but I find that is sometimes is slow to change channels; is there a software package that is a bit quicker?

are you using the X600 for tuning right now? if so that might be the issue as the X600 is a software based tuner and not a hardware based tuner.

you might get better performance from a dedicated tuner card like the HP PVR150 or the Avermedia Purity 3d 250.

Quote:


3) Has anyone here had any luck with the HDHomeRun? What about recording using this device, does it require a lot of CPU power?

The HDhomerun is a GREAT QAM and ATSC tuner, but it isn't an NTSC (SD) tuner. What sources will you be recording?

Quote:


4) I was thinking of building a Mini-Itx mobo into my tv cabinet for a lower power PVR / FrontEnd. The board that I am looking at runs at 1.5Ghz has DVI and can output 1920x1080 @ 60Hz. Anyone think this may be an issue as far as peformance, it would probably have a Happauge PVR-150 installed and thats about it for SD Tv tuning?

what video chipset on the mobo? Maybe go up to a micro ATX mobo like the 6150 or one of the newer on board video chipsets.

- Josh
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