AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Guide to Building a HTPC, Workstation and Server
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Guide to Building a HTPC, Workstation and Server - Page 477

post #14281 of 18891
7/6/10 at 6:49pm
So I installed my HDHomeRun to use with WMC. When I use the HDHomeRun viewing software the sound works. But when I use WMC it loops the first 2 seconds then I get an error "Video Error: Files needed to display video are not installed." I read on the silcondust website to change my audio out. I was using HDMI for audio and video and when I change my audio to something else it works now but obviously no audio now. How do I fix this?

ASRock H55M PRo
Core i3-530
no video card
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #14282 of 18891
7/6/10 at 6:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CynicalCS84 View Post

Maybe someone can help me out with the last piece of my htpc puzzle. I need a tv tuner. I live in the north bay area SF and have the most basic service offered by comcast. (having their tv service makes my Internet cheaper, as stupid as it is) I have some channels like food network and tlc that I get when I use the cable box. Though if I bypass the box and go straight to the tv, it seems like I lose a lot of them but gain a handful of hd channels that I guess are local broadcast?

What kind of tuner do I need to pick up all these channels? Hoping a cablecard tuner isn't necessary as i dont ever plan on having any premium channels. Low profile a must, <$100 preferable.

Well

Go back to page 472, and scroll down to TV tuners, digital and analog. Both of the choices are very good cards and play nice with Win 7.
Reply
Reply
post #14283 of 18891
7/6/10 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CynicalCS84 View Post


I just don't know how the pc technology has fallen so far behind that there's no simple tv tuner solution for that will let a $2000 pc pick up the same channels as a garbage cable box that costs $4 to make. >_< So many people here talk about getting rid of their cable and satellite providers all together and I still can't figure out how, aside from just downloading whatever they want to watch...

It has nothing to do with the PC industry. This is SOLELY due to the monopolistic aspects of both the cable industry and our film industries...
Reply
Reply
post #14284 of 18891
7/6/10 at 7:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CynicalCS84 View Post

So many people here talk about getting rid of their cable and satellite providers all together and I still can't figure out how, aside from just downloading whatever they want to watch...

Antenna, Amazon VOD, Netflix and Hulu. Between those, I've found I'm pretty much covered. Only thing I still miss are some sports. It's not a good enough reason to continue paying $100/month for cable for me, though.
Reply
Reply
post #14285 of 18891
7/6/10 at 9:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovejedd View Post

Antenna, Amazon VOD, Netflix and Hulu. Between those, I've found I'm pretty much covered. Only thing I still miss are some sports. It's not a good enough reason to continue paying $100/month for cable for me, though.

Same here. And with ESPN 3 its almost all there online.
Reply
Reply
post #14286 of 18891
7/7/10 at 1:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJMAYE View Post

is there a hardware solution to getting simultaneous analog and digital audio? Thx.

I fought Vista on that from the beginning. Is there either a motherboard or expansion card that will output both analog and digital audio at the same time?
Reply
Reply
post #14287 of 18891
7/7/10 at 8:53am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmmeli View Post

renethx, I guess I am more confused now as it seems to be fine, I believe. I attached the GraphStudio output.

What audio format is it? Details of the file will be helpful. Use MediaInfo. Right click the media file and click "MediaInfo". "Export" in, for example, .txt and you can post it here, like this (use "#": "Wrap [code] tags around selected text).

Code:
General
ID                               : 0
Complete name                    : V:\\BDMV\\STREAM\\00010.m2ts
Format                           : BDAV
Format/Info                      : Blu-ray Video
File size                        : 31.1 GiB
Duration                         : 2h 6mn
Overall bit rate                 : 35.4 Mbps
Maximum Overall bit rate         : 48.0 Mbps

Video
ID                               : 4113 (0x1011)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : AVC
Format/Info                      : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                   : High@L4.1
Format settings, CABAC           : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames        : 4 frames
Duration                         : 2h 6mn
Bit rate mode                    : Variable
Maximum bit rate                 : 39.5 Mbps
Width                            : 1 920 pixels
Height                           : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio             : 16:9
Frame rate                       : 23.976 fps
Standard                         : NTSC
Color space                      : YUV
Chroma subsampling               : 4:2:0
Bit depth                        : 8 bits
Scan type                        : Progressive
Color primaries                  : BT.709-5, BT.1361, IEC 61966-2-4, SMPTE RP177
Transfer characteristics         : BT.709-5, BT.1361
Matrix coefficients              : BT.709-5, BT.1361, IEC 61966-2-4 709, SMPTE RP177

Audio #1
ID                               : 4352 (0x1100)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : AC-3
Format/Info                      : Audio Coding 3
Format profile                   : TrueHD / Core
Mode extension                   : CM (complete main)
Muxing mode                      : Stream extension
Duration                         : 2h 6mn
Bit rate mode                    : Variable / Constant
Bit rate                         : Variable / 640 Kbps
Maximum bit rate                 : 5 247 Kbps / 640 Kbps
Channel(s)                       : 6 channels
Channel positions                : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate                    : 48.0 KHz

Audio #2
ID                               : 4353 (0x1101)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : AC-3
Format/Info                      : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension                   : CM (complete main)
Duration                         : 2h 6mn
Bit rate mode                    : Constant
Bit rate                         : 640 Kbps
Channel(s)                       : 6 channels
Channel positions                : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate                    : 48.0 KHz
Stream size                      : 577 MiB (2%)

Audio #3
ID                               : 4354 (0x1102)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : AC-3
Format/Info                      : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension                   : CM (complete main)
Duration                         : 2h 6mn
Bit rate mode                    : Constant
Bit rate                         : 640 Kbps
Channel(s)                       : 6 channels
Channel positions                : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate                    : 48.0 KHz
Stream size                      : 577 MiB (2%)

Text #1
ID                               : 4608 (0x1200)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #2
ID                               : 4609 (0x1201)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #3
ID                               : 4610 (0x1202)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #4
ID                               : 4611 (0x1203)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #5
ID                               : 4612 (0x1204)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #6
ID                               : 4613 (0x1205)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #7
ID                               : 4614 (0x1206)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS

Text #8
ID                               : 4615 (0x1207)
Menu ID                          : 1 (0x1)
Format                           : PGS
If the audio track is Dolby TrueHD/Core (i.e. the track includes both TrueHD and *core* AC3; the main English audio track in the above file is this case), then the MCP-HC internal AC3 decoder perhaps decodes the core AC3 to 6 channel LPCM even if you select "S/PDIF". On the other hand, Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder (built in Windows 7, used with WMP/7MC) is able to bitstream the core AC3. So I recommend you to try Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder. To use it instead of the internal AC3 decoder, go to: View > Options > External Filters > click the "Add Filter..." button > select "Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder" and click "OK" > check the check box and set it to "Prefer". Then play the file.


The best way to play TrueHD with HD 4xxx is use ffdshow Audio Decoder and decode it to multichannel LPCM. If you use HD 5xxx, just bitstream it with ffdshow.
LL
Reply
Reply
post #14288 of 18891
7/7/10 at 9:09am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJMAYE View Post

I fought Vista on that from the beginning. Is there either a motherboard or expansion card that will output both analog and digital audio at the same time?

You can use only one audio device at a time with a single audio source. I think this is Windows' limitation. If you play two audio files with two players, you may be able to seleect a different audio device for each.
Reply
Reply
post #14289 of 18891
7/7/10 at 9:38am
Question for those that know, can you get full HD bitstreaming surround from a ATI HD 5xxx card's DVI port with the DVI to HDMI adapter attached? How about the DisplayPort with a DP to HDMI (active or passive) adapter?
Reply
Reply
post #14290 of 18891
7/7/10 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC View Post

full HD bitstreaming surround

Just what is HD bitstreaming? Can someone give me an example so I can understand?
Reply
Reply
post #14291 of 18891
7/7/10 at 10:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJMAYE View Post

Just what is HD bitstreaming? Can someone give me an example so I can understand?

Basically means sending the unaltered original audio track directly to the Receiver to decode instead of having the PC decode and then send out. Most people who talk about HD Audio are referring to DTS(MA) and TrueHD audio tracks typically found in Blu Rays
Reply
Reply
post #14292 of 18891
7/7/10 at 10:12am
Thread Starter 
Bitstreaming in the HT community means sending compressed audio data such as DD, DTS, TrueHD, DTS-HD without decompressing (= decoding) it to LPCM.
Reply
Reply
post #14293 of 18891
7/7/10 at 10:18am
And to add, the ATI HD 4xxx cards do only 2 channel LPCM bitstreaming, the reason I add "surround" to it. Might be better to just say uncompressed DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD via HDMI port or something similar.
Reply
Reply
post #14294 of 18891
7/7/10 at 10:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC View Post

And to add, the ATI HD 4xxx cards do only 2 channel LPCM bitstreaming, the reason I add "surround" to it. Might be better to just say uncompressed DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD via HDMI port or something similar.

DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD are *compressed* audio formats. *Un*compressed audio format = PCM in PC/CE.

"Bitstreaminig LPCM" is also used to imply sending LPCM in such a way that Windows Audio Engine can't modify it (Windows Audio Engine can't modify a compressed audio format, needless to say). For example, sending LPCM via WASAPI exclusive mode or sending it in an encypted format as in PowerDVD (24bit/48kHz or higher only). In this sense HD 4xxx can bitstream 8 ch LPCM (use WASAPI exclusive).
Reply
Reply
post #14295 of 18891
7/7/10 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC View Post

And to add, the ATI HD 4xxx cards do only 2 channel LPCM bitstreaming, the reason I add "surround" to it. Might be better to just say uncompressed DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD via HDMI port or something similar.

Here's something Hyrific just posted in another thread here, which I wasn't aware of:

"The ATI 4350 with HDMI will actually bitstream DTS(MA) HD and Dolby (True)HD with FFDshow but not Power DVD or TMT. Thought some people should know."
Reply
Reply
post #14296 of 18891
7/7/10 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
albain broke the wall? ... no way. Check the official thread:

ffdshow tryout project : HD audio discussion
Reply
Reply
post #14297 of 18891
7/7/10 at 1:40pm
Is there any word on when/whether there'll be a dts-hd MA decoder for ffdshow anytime in the near future? Dolby TrueHD works fine but dts hd seems to be becoming more common on bd discs. Just wondered what's holding it back.

Honestly though, I tried converting dts hd to flac, and couldn't tell the difference between the lossless version and plain old dts core. But I guess hearing is always the first thing to go...
Reply
Reply
post #14298 of 18891
7/7/10 at 8:36pm
Why would installing a 5450 into a 785 and one or two installed in 890 igp cause the igp to be disabled in both and also cause reboots in the 890. BIOs setup to allow igp/gpu.

One installed in the 785 works by itself,w/o igp, and one or two installed in the 890 only cause reboots.

A 5750 installed in the 785 work fine together.

A 4670 installed in the 890 work fine.

The 5450 installed in an intell i3/530 works fine.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131339
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130233
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130269
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102859
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121274

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #14299 of 18891
7/8/10 at 2:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD are *compressed* audio formats. *Un*compressed audio format = PCM in PC/CE.

"Bitstreaminig LPCM" is also used to imply sending LPCM in such a way that Windows Audio Engine can't modify it (Windows Audio Engine can't modify a compressed audio format, needless to say). For example, sending LPCM via WASAPI exclusive mode or sending it in an encypted format as in PowerDVD (24bit/48kHz or higher only). In this sense HD 4xxx can bitstream 8 ch LPCM (use WASAPI exclusive).

So let me put this together with video card selection and motherboard selection.

The Radeon H5XXX support bit streaming via the HDMI connection. However, in my case I want my audio to go to my home theater amp. So, am I actually looking for a motherboard that supports HD bitstreaming? If so, are their MBs that offer that feature?
Reply
Reply
post #14300 of 18891
7/8/10 at 3:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJMAYE View Post

So let me put this together with video card selection and motherboard selection.

The Radeon H5XXX support bit streaming via the HDMI connection. However, in my case I want my audio to go to my home theater amp. So, am I actually looking for a motherboard that supports HD bitstreaming? If so, are their MBs that offer that feature?

So you want to bitstream via an HDMI connection from your HTPC to your amp? If so then either using a 5xxx GPU or a core i3/i5 build would get you this. If you are connecting to your amp via something other then HDMI (i.e. SPDIF, etc...) then you cannot bitstream HD Audio (DTSMA and TrueHD) so you would either be sending the core audio or need to have you HTPC output as LPCM (ideally in WASAPI exclusive mode)
Reply
Reply
post #14301 of 18891
7/8/10 at 4:00am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJMAYE View Post

So let me put this together with video card selection and motherboard selection.

The Radeon H5XXX support bit streaming via the HDMI connection. However, in my case I want my audio to go to my home theater amp. So, am I actually looking for a motherboard that supports HD bitstreaming? If so, are their MBs that offer that feature?

What model is your home theater amp? A proper audio device depends on your preamp/amp/receiver (having HDMI in? HDMI 1.3? etc.).
Reply
Reply
post #14302 of 18891
7/8/10 at 10:32am
First of all, thanks to renethx for the great guide, as it was a big help in hammering down how I wanted to proceed with my HTPC plans.

I’m basically looking at building renethx’s High-End microATX system, as I’d like to be able to record, play, commercial skip, etc. on up to four TV’s at once (when the Ceton card comes out, anyways), as well as game when the girlfriend isn’t around.

My anticipated build is as follows:

CPU: Core i5 750
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Geminii S
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H57M-USB3
Memory: 2 x 2 Gb DDR3-1600 (Probably the G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ that renethx recommended, but I’m still looking for something with lower latencies)
Graphics Card: MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB (64 mb cache)WD20EARS SATA 3.0 Gb/s
PSU: Corsair VX550W 550W Power Supply
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black (IR remote included)
Optical Drive: Blue Ray Burner/Rewriter (Probably LG WH10LS30)
Keyboard: Logitech diNovo Edge (Bluetooth)
OS: Windows 7 32 bit (My thoughts are that I can still take advantage of 4 gigs of RAM, and I don’t care about 3TB HDD’s. Also, I want to use Windows Media Center as my all-inclusive front-end. I don’t want to have to open up another window for anything besides gaming, internet, and ripping BD’s…Even if that means I need to tweak the crap out of Windows Media Center.)
Surround Sound: 5.1 or 7.1 - What should I be looking for? What connectors…etc?
TV: LG 55LH90 55” Widescreen 1080p LED HDTV – 240 Hz ($1,750 at Buy.com) 52” or 55” flat screen. I’ve been looking at LED/LCD TV’s in the $1,500 price range, however some people have told me that plasma screens work better when you’re surfing the web as far as readability of characters on the screen. I would like to get a LED energy efficient (Energy Star Certified) model, as those tend to have a wide viewing angle and low footprint from an efficiency standpoint.

I wanted to verify a few things and ask a couple of questions, but before I do – I’d like to point out that I’m computer smart but very AVS challenged, to say the least. As such, I'm having a little difficulty understanding how to get everything to play well with each other.
1) Any advice on TV’s? (See above)
2) Would the above mobo suit my needs? I’d like to get a mobo with USB3 for compatibility with future products, it obviously must be microATX…I’d like it to be a good brand name like GIGABYTE. I want to be able to put one graphics card in there as well as the Ceton card once that is finally released.
3) Along with that, am I shooting myself in the foot for future upgradeability by not getting a mobo with SATA 6 Gb/s?
4) Connecting the TV to the HDMI port on the ATI card would give me video and HD bitstreaming audio, as well as the ability to DVR, correct? Until I get the Ceton card, I’ll just connect my cable company’s coaxial input to my TV directly, right?
5) When I get a sound system, how would I connect the receiver to the ATI card via HDMI in order to get full HD bitstreaming, since there’s only one HDMI port? Would I connect ATI card to the TV via HDMI and then connect the TV to the sound receiver via HDMI or some other HD-capable connection?
6) Is there a way to get around having a receiver (i.e. can I just have a nice set of 7.1 speakers and no receiver) while still being connected to two monitors (TV and a LCD screen)?
7) Any recommendations on reducing the TDP/noise/electricity use without sacrificing too much performance?
8) I could upgrade to a Logitech Harmony remote using the IR receiver on the Antec Fusion case, correct?
Thanks to renethx for the great guide – it was a big, big help. I’ll make sure to donate as soon as I take the plunge and get this stuff on order here in the next couple of weeks.
Reply
Reply
post #14303 of 18891
7/8/10 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindBlazer3 View Post

First of all, thanks to renethx for the great guide, as it was a big help in hammering down how I wanted to proceed with my HTPC plans.

I'm basically looking at building renethx's High-End microATX system, as I'd like to be able to record, play, commercial skip, etc. on up to four TV's at once (when the Ceton card comes out, anyways), as well as game when the girlfriend isn't around.

My anticipated build is as follows:

CPU: Core i5 750
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Geminii S
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H57M-USB3
Memory: 2 x 2 Gb DDR3-1600 (Probably the G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ that renethx recommended, but I'm still looking for something with lower latencies)
Graphics Card: MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB (64 mb cache)WD20EARS SATA 3.0 Gb/s
PSU: Corsair VX550W 550W Power Supply
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black (IR remote included)
Optical Drive: Blue Ray Burner/Rewriter (Probably LG WH10LS30)
Keyboard: Logitech diNovo Edge (Bluetooth)
OS: Windows 7 32 bit (My thoughts are that I can still take advantage of 4 gigs of RAM, and I don't care about 3TB HDD's. Also, I want to use Windows Media Center as my all-inclusive front-end. I don't want to have to open up another window for anything besides gaming, internet, and ripping BD'sEven if that means I need to tweak the crap out of Windows Media Center.)
Surround Sound: 5.1 or 7.1 - What should I be looking for? What connectorsetc?
TV: LG 55LH90 55 Widescreen 1080p LED HDTV - 240 Hz ($1,750 at Buy.com) 52 or 55 flat screen. I've been looking at LED/LCD TV's in the $1,500 price range, however some people have told me that plasma screens work better when you're surfing the web as far as readability of characters on the screen. I would like to get a LED energy efficient (Energy Star Certified) model, as those tend to have a wide viewing angle and low footprint from an efficiency standpoint.

I wanted to verify a few things and ask a couple of questions, but before I do - I'd like to point out that I'm computer smart but very AVS challenged, to say the least. As such, I'm having a little difficulty understanding how to get everything to play well with each other.
1) Any advice on TV's? (See above)
2) Would the above mobo suit my needs? I'd like to get a mobo with USB3 for compatibility with future products, it obviously must be microATXI'd like it to be a good brand name like GIGABYTE. I want to be able to put one graphics card in there as well as the Ceton card once that is finally released.
3) Along with that, am I shooting myself in the foot for future upgradeability by not getting a mobo with SATA 6 Gb/s?
4) Connecting the TV to the HDMI port on the ATI card would give me video and HD bitstreaming audio, as well as the ability to DVR, correct? Until I get the Ceton card, I'll just connect my cable company's coaxial input to my TV directly, right?
5) When I get a sound system, how would I connect the receiver to the ATI card via HDMI in order to get full HD bitstreaming, since there's only one HDMI port? Would I connect ATI card to the TV via HDMI and then connect the TV to the sound receiver via HDMI or some other HD-capable connection?
6) Is there a way to get around having a receiver (i.e. can I just have a nice set of 7.1 speakers and no receiver) while still being connected to two monitors (TV and a LCD screen)?
7) Any recommendations on reducing the TDP/noise/electricity use without sacrificing too much performance?
8) I could upgrade to a Logitech Harmony remote using the IR receiver on the Antec Fusion case, correct?
Thanks to renethx for the great guide - it was a big, big help. I'll make sure to donate as soon as I take the plunge and get this stuff on order here in the next couple of weeks.


The red part. 32 bit OSes will only see ~3.2 Gigs of that ram, not all 4.
Reply
Reply
post #14304 of 18891
7/8/10 at 10:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ewhenn View Post

The red part. 32 bit OSes will only see ~3.2 Gigs of that ram, not all 4.

I want to go with a 32 bit OS because I know that certain apps/drivers/etc have software issues that come into play with 64 bit OS's.

That being said, should I just install 3 gigs of RAM, or go with 4 gigs anyways (since the 2x2gb packs are usually a better buy than 3 one gig sticks) and just accept that some of that RAM will go unused?
Reply
Reply
post #14305 of 18891
7/8/10 at 11:10am
I thought I read that the full amount of RAM (4GB) isn't displayed with a 32-bit operation system, but it is still used? Either way, of course you'd want to go with a matched pair (set at ganged, dual channel) of RAM (2x 2GB) over the 3 GB option.

There's a PowerColor HD 5750 video card that doesn't have a fan if you want a quieter set up.
Reply
Reply
post #14306 of 18891
7/8/10 at 11:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindBlazer3 View Post

I want to go with a 32 bit OS because I know that certain apps/drivers/etc have software issues that come into play with 64 bit OS's.

That being said, should I just install 3 gigs of RAM, or go with 4 gigs anyways (since the 2x2gb packs are usually a better buy than 3 one gig sticks) and just accept that some of that RAM will go unused?


I'd go with 4 gigs in that case. You want to use pairs on AMD boards so you get dual channel memory access. All taht will happen is the system won't address (report) all of the memory. The PC will still run fine. If you decide to upgrade to 64 bit down the road, you'll be all set and will have more room for extra memory (a pair of free slots).

On your questions.

1) Nada.
2) Looks OK by me.
3) Most drives should be backwards compatible. In terms of data transfer, Current SATA interfaces provide way more data throughput than should ever be required for watching video, etc.
4) I don't do vid capture, just playback so I dont know.
5) PC HDMI -> Reciever HDMI -> TV HDMI
6) If your soundcard has 7.1 analog outs, I suppose you could do that just fine, but I personally wouldn't do it, I prefer the sound from a true HT audio system.
7) Noise, larger slower fans are better. You can also volt mod smaller fans (they will move less air), place four 1N4001 diodes (can be bought for 2-3 cents each online) in series on the positive wire (red) that supplies power to your fan. Will drop the voltage from 12V to 9V, and reduce the noise a lot. Make sure you insulate the diode connectors, you don't want any shorts in your case.
8) Dunno.
Reply
Reply
post #14307 of 18891
7/8/10 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC View Post

I thought I read that the full amount of RAM (4GB) isn't displayed with a 32-bit operation system, but it is still used?

The PC will detect it while POSTing (the black screen when you first turn the PC on), but since the OS is only 32 bit it can't address all 4 gigs, which means windows can't use all of the memory.
Reply
Reply
post #14308 of 18891
7/8/10 at 11:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

What model is your home theater amp? A proper audio device depends on your preamp/amp/receiver (having HDMI in? HDMI 1.3? etc.).

Unfortunately my amp is old and has no HDMI. It is an Onkyo HT-R510.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...nkyo_s767c.htm

It can accept coaxial and fiberoptic. Thus, I would maybe have to connect to MB audio connections. That's why I was thinking there may be a MB with HD bitstreaming.
Reply
Reply
post #14309 of 18891
7/8/10 at 12:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindBlazer3 View Post

I wanted to verify a few things and ask a couple of questions, but before I do – I’d like to point out that I’m computer smart but very AVS challenged, to say the least. As such, I'm having a little difficulty understanding how to get everything to play well with each other.
1) Any advice on TV’s? (See above)
2) Would the above mobo suit my needs? I’d like to get a mobo with USB3 for compatibility with future products, it obviously must be microATX…I’d like it to be a good brand name like GIGABYTE. I want to be able to put one graphics card in there as well as the Ceton card once that is finally released.
3) Along with that, am I shooting myself in the foot for future upgradeability by not getting a mobo with SATA 6 Gb/s?
4) Connecting the TV to the HDMI port on the ATI card would give me video and HD bitstreaming audio, as well as the ability to DVR, correct? Until I get the Ceton card, I’ll just connect my cable company’s coaxial input to my TV directly, right?
5) When I get a sound system, how would I connect the receiver to the ATI card via HDMI in order to get full HD bitstreaming, since there’s only one HDMI port? Would I connect ATI card to the TV via HDMI and then connect the TV to the sound receiver via HDMI or some other HD-capable connection?
6) Is there a way to get around having a receiver (i.e. can I just have a nice set of 7.1 speakers and no receiver) while still being connected to two monitors (TV and a LCD screen)?
7) Any recommendations on reducing the TDP/noise/electricity use without sacrificing too much performance?
8) I could upgrade to a Logitech Harmony remote using the IR receiver on the Antec Fusion case, correct?

1) You'd better ask in Display Devices forums.
2) If you prefer GIGABYTE, you won't regret getting GA-H57M-USB3.
3) I don't think so. HDD itself will continue to be the bottleneck of the bandwidth.
4) Yup. The audio format the TV's HDMI IN accepts depends on each TV model, however (often stereo PCM only).
5) ATI card -> (via HDMI) AVR -> TV (via HDMI) and speakers (via speaker cables)
6) If you mean a "powered" speaker system, then you will use either S/PDIF or analog. For S/PDIF, onboard audio is enough.

- Onboard audio -> (by optical S/PDIF) powered speaker or
Analog sound card or onboard audio -> powered speakers
- ATI card -> (via HDMI) TV (video only) & LCD (via DVI)

The ATI card can decode two 1080i MPEG-2 video streams simultaneously.

7) Well, the typical power consumption of your system (from AC wall) will be

- Idle: < 70W
- Watching/recording TV: < 100W

There is almost nothing you can do, except that: Going with GA-H55M-UD2H or GA-H55M-USB3 will reduce the power consumption by ~10W (here; I also confirmed it). With GA-H55M-USB3, the second PCIe x16 slot works at x1 (enough for a TV tuner) and RAID is not supported (no issue unless you want onboard RAID). Perhaps you can go with Core i3-530 without sacrificing the overall performance, even if you watch/record four programs simultaneously, and you can use on-chip GPU (dual video stream may result in light stuttering, however). This way, you can reduce both initial cost and electric bill.

8) Yes, basically.
Reply
Reply
post #14310 of 18891
7/8/10 at 12:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SJMAYE View Post

Unfortunately my amp is old and has no HDMI. It is an Onkyo HT-R510.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...nkyo_s767c.htm

It can accept coaxial and fiberoptic. Thus, I would maybe have to connect to MB audio connections. That's why I was thinking there may be a MB with HD bitstreaming.

S/PDIF (coaxial or optical) is limited to:

- Stereo PCM
- DD bitstreams
- DTS bitstreams

It does not support Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD bitstreams. Check this summary.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Home Theater Computers

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Guide to Building a HTPC, Workstation and Server