[Darkhog]

I'm building an HTPC for the first time. I've read quite a bit on the main HTPC sticky thread, but I still find myself getting lost in all the different capabilities and unsure about whether or not I will have regrets with my build.


What I'm looking for is a checklist that I can go through to determine how capable my (potential) HTPC is. It doesn't have to tell me that this card does one thing and another card does it better or worse, I just want to know the existing issues. For example, the table would look something like this -

Issue or Capability	What is it and how do I know if I have it?	What do I lose?	Read More	CPU Req	GPU Req	TV Req
1080i deinterlacing	Read this thread	blah blah blah this looks bad	wikipedia		X
24p	24fps playback, test vids	blah	wikipedia		X	X
23.976p	Some movies are actually 23.976 fps instead of 24fps, test vids		wikipedia		X	X
HD audio bitstreaming	blah	blah	blah
Blueray Disk playback	Blueray disk playback requires a blueray optical drive	Ability to play High Definition movies	wikipedia
Plays Hulu High def	http://www.hulu.com	ability to play hulu		X	X

Anyway, you get the idea. Does something like this exist?

 

[ogormask]

I think the problem with something like this is there are so many different combinations that can vastly affect how something works or does not work that it would be exhaustive to try to write up and even worse trying to keep updated. First you have what hardware you are using which is almost infinite. Then you have what OS you might be using. Each software behaves differently or can be different OS dependent. Then even codecs are so complicated depending on your OS. Oh and dont forget 32 vs 64 bit. Thats just HTPCs. Netflix is different on each platform as well. Thats why there are 1000s of threads on this forum. You are basically talking about condensing every thread into a single post and then keeping it updated. And dont forget troubleshooting...

 

[Darkhog]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ogormask /forum/post/18154732


I think the problem with something like this is there are so many different combinations that can vastly affect how something works or does not work that it would be exhaustive to try to write up and even worse trying to keep updated. First you have what hardware you are using which is almost infinite. Then you have what OS you might be using. Each software behaves differently or can be different OS dependent. Then even codecs are so complicated depending on your OS. Oh and dont forget 32 vs 64 bit. Thats just HTPCs. Netflix is different on each platform as well. Thats why there are 1000s of threads on this forum. You are basically talking about condensing every thread into a single post and then keeping it updated. And dont forget troubleshooting...

The list would have to eliminate specific hardware discussions, but instead contain just 'features' of an HTPC system. In essence, it would enable you to ask the question "Does the i3 Clarkdale support 24p playback?", but it wouldn't answer the question. It would just tell you what 24p is, why it is important, and if you should care. Right now there is no good method to jump into the overall landscape.

 

[AnthonyB]

Here's a checklist that should cover all of your needs for a start and put some strain on your wallet without breaking it, It's probably overpowered, but it's a pain in the ass to not have enough power than to have too much of it.


EVGA motherboard and video card

At least 6GB of memory (3x2GB DDR3)

Core i7

SSD for OS

1TB for Recorded TV

1TB for Blu-ray backups

Blu-ray player and software

Windows 7 Pro or better (x64 of course)