[hob]

AVS HTPC special from power buys Quote "AVS HTPC special!

We have put together a special buy on a basic, high quality HTPC for those who do not want to attempt making their own. These units will be made an configured to meet your specs. They also can be customized with any add-on's that you need, such as HDTV tuner cards.

Specifics:

PIII 1Ghz processor

128 Mb RAM

20 Gb HD (7200 RPM)

ATI Radeon Video Card

MAudio 24/96 Audiophile Card

DVD-ROM

Win DVD

Powerstrip

Wireless Keyboard/Mouse

Black Desktop Case

Custom setup to your projector's needs

Price: $999.00 plus shipping




Add an SDI Silk 100 card to the configuration listed above for only $499.

Combined with a standalone DVD player and standard def satellite source

modified for SDI output by Immersive
http://secure.cartsvr.net/catalogs/...&prodid=1022208

you will enjoy the best video available from an HTPC, with an intuitive

interface.

Since audio will run directly into your audio receiver from the standalone

units, we will replace the Audiophile 24/96 in the above configuration with

a ethernet card".



"We can add anything you want. This is just a basic system geared toward dvd playback only."End Quote. This was a BIG SHOCK to me, no internet which I need!



What would be needed to up the MHz to highest amount for P3 and be ready to connect to the internet n a DSL or Dial up connection for me to surf the web besides watch DVD movies. I have 2 Sony Players going into F-38310, I have a great view right now!




If I buy a HTPC I would want internet acess also, I am *TOO* used to having it almost fill 16 X 9 HDTV viewing area. The less I have to transfer to my wheelchair to put a different DVD disc for my 1 movie a night, the rest of the day I am on AVS forum, buying DVD discs and doing research for my mom's church travel group, for them to see where they will be going. A totally free service to mom, my church, and my community.




I also read our moderator Wayne Gerdes great post about the cooler running the P3 has. I am continually buying things that are now out of production because they last so long. For Instance a device that gets used about all day since 1994, I am using it now to listen to music.




What would be your choices to up this HTPC special to get the best performance and be able to surf the internet. What graphics card, Hard Drive would be right?



Should I keep the 2 Mega Changers that I own for 713 DVD discs with more coming?

Should I be asking for a CD/RW and what amount of SDRAM should I go for to be on the safe side. TIA for all help for old hob, that knows most of the terms but is a newbie in computers. HELP *not* lol

 

[Kei Clark]

hob,


Simply ask AVS to add a NIC card. No big shock. Not everyone needs the internet on their HTPC.


Kei Clark

Digital Connection

 

[Tony Lai]

I would argue that a dedicated HTPC would be better off not connected to the internet - who needs all the nasties that can come down the wire to infect your HTPC?


Or obtain a free NIC or a internal modem. I got a complimentary AMR modem with my board...


T.

 

[Dean Roddey]

For many people, the nasties aren't a problem. If you are using a firewalled DSL/CableModem router based system, you are pretty safe as long as you don't open e-mails that say things like "I'm going to infect your machine, sucker" And even that's not much of a problem if you use anti-virus software and turn on the e-mail scanning (but not the always-active system scan stuff, which you wouldn't want on an HTPC.)


And, it can be a huge advantage when it comes time to reload the system. I keep all of the latest drivers and app versions on my internal network server. So once I get XP loaded, and I'm on the network, I can just grab whatever I want an update it. Also, when its time to get updates, its nice to be able to just run Windows Update from that machine and be done with it in a few minutes.

 

[hob]

If you don't use a HTPC to connect AVS forum, how do you post, with what type of hardware please? TIA




Off/topic I don't like talking about my state of health. I can't use a desk top PC because my ankle can't be let down for any length of time. I must be on my legs up lounger, that was my surgeons call. I went to see the chief medical bone specialist at the University of PA. Philadelphia hospital, to be x-rayed and throughly examined.




Only this professor was also a ankle bone specialist, I use naturals for natural nutrition, but I have to takes his professional advice on fractures that won't knit. Bone specialist to try to walk again which he said was not possible, only amputation and a fiberglass prosthetic lower leg, ankle and foot combination would let me walk again.



Since I have diabetes and know how to keep foot circulated, American doctors won't ammputate it! He recommended that I seek out a amputation in Switzerland. Let the stump heal then be fitted for above. Cost $250,000 as the American dollar doesn't buy much outside of USA!

 

[Mad Chemist]

Quote:

Originally posted by hob If you don't use a HTPC to connect AVS forum, how do you post, with what type of hardware please? TIA

I think most of us use our HTPC exclusively for watching movies and maybe music playback. I don't even have a keyboard in the room. Everything by remote and girder. I have a 2 other desktops in my house for web surfing and all the other usual stuff.

 

[Lester Jacobs]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mad Chemist I think most of us use our HTPC exclusively for watching movies and maybe music playback....

Not so sure about that one. Possibly, but has anyone done a poll? I myself could not justify the cost of an HTPC solely for watching movies (in that case wouldn't it be a DVD-PC as opposed to an HTPC?). I would say my main use is music playback. Live/Timeshifted TV viewing and DVDs come in second with digital VCR functionality and Internet surfing being third. Bringing up the rear are things like a digital photo album.


Making the HTPC a multiple use device is where I think the true value-add is. One box for all functions. No need for racks of unsightly equipment or special closets. I just have an Onkyo receiver, an HTPC and 32" direct view monitor, that's it. One remote controls everything with the occasional need for a keyboard if I need to surf the 'net.


Cheers

Lester

 

[Dizzy49]

I use the HTPC for tv viewing and VD viewing. Late nights it does some video encoding and number crunching, but I set that all up from my other machines via VNC. As for surfing, I either use one of the other desktops in the other room. If I don't want to leave the room, I use my wife's laptop, or my Fujitsu Point 510

 

[hob]

This my last post in HTPC, because most are not using it as a computer just a movie projecter smallified from your local theatre movie theatre.



I do have a full screen Home Theatre Web Browser with WebTV until they go out of business, I can have a virus free way of accessing the internet. Play my 714+ DVD discs and my 2 F-1007 Pioneer CD Jukeboxes

full of paid for music CDs.



If you ever want me I will be in Direct tube forum or DVD hardware or software. Gee I am going to keep my wide screen line doubled Home Theatre Web Browser for a lot less than it costs to upgrade a Movie projector. Long live WebTV



P.S. Moderators thank you for allowing this post it can now slip slide away into oblivion. I have unscribed from this subject!

 

[cpete]

I use my HTPC for pretty much everything. I have it connected to the internet and use DSL with a Router/Firewall. I use it to surf and do e-mail. I have a HiPix card in it for OTA HDTV. I use Dean Roddy's CQC automation software to control various devices. I use it to control my CD jukeboxes with s-linke. I have a Firewire card for doing DV editing. And last but not least, I use it for DVD playback via a Radeon VE and TheaterTek/Powerstrip. I'm running XP right now and am absolutely amazed how stable it is and how little trouble I've had setting it up.


I do think you can have your cake and eat it too!


Chris

 

[Figgie]

well they do have a phone number.


585 - 454 - 1460


They should be able to help you out there.

 

[dlarsen]

Hob-


I hope you check back in... I'll second (or third+) that a HTPC is far from a one trick pony. I also disagree that most use it solely for video. For me, It's a computer first, that also does a great cost effective job for DVD, HDTV, video and audio.


Dave

 

[brothermaynard]

Web tv is excellent for many, it has simplicity built into it and just does internet. HTPC's add a complication level that for some is unacceptable. They do almost anything you want to do but at a cost of dificulty level. PC's do everything for me I don't even own a TV. The HTPC is anything but a one trick pony.

 

[HomeVideoGuy]

I'll second the motion for WebTV and WebTV Plus has some pretty nifty TV functions too. My Dad is not a computer person and he keeps expecting his new Compaq PC to work as easily and reliably as the WebTV. Too many problems creep up with a PC.


WebTV would be a great addition to an HTPC to add Internet and email functionality thru an external video input. Best of all, while allowing that, it keeps hackers out of your HTPC. Even better and less hassle than configuring a firewall!