[snfexpress]

Hello everyone! I have been lurking around this forum for some time and am now ready to build an HTPC.


I would appreciate comments/suggestions on what I still need for parts. My goals are:


1 - PVR

2 - DVD storage to hard drive / playback

3 - CD storage to hard drive / playback

4 - Connect HTPC to cable and DirecTV STBs for PVR and TV viewing

5 - Ease of use. Family members are even remote control challenged!



So far, this is what I have ordered:


AHANIX D.VINE 5

AHANIX DVINE 5 MEDIA KIT

ATI RADEON 9600 256MB 8XAGP DDR W/TV & DVI (OEM - POWERED BY ATI)

ABIT IS7

PENTIUM 4 2.6CG (800Mhz)

KINGSTON 512MB DDR400

WD 250GB 2500JD SERIAL ATA

LG ELECTRONICS 4X DVD DUAL(+-) REWRITABLE

ZALMAN ZM50-HP PURE COPPER VGA CHIPSET HEATPIPE COOLER

ZALMAN CNPS7000A-CU CPU COOLER

LINKSYS WIRELESS-G WMP54G PCI ADAPTER 54MPBS

PVR-350

XP Pro


Already have:

Win2k Server, used for file storage, lighting and HVAC control w/ X-10, wireless telephone distribution, and sensor data collection (humidity & temperature, etc.)

WAP

Multiple desktops and laptops



Items I still need but cannot find:

2 x 60mm SilenX fans


TV I plan to purchase:

Samsung HLM617W



My experience with computers dates back to 1978, so am very comfortable with them. Media computers are new to me.


Thank you in advance for any responses. The amount of information on yhis forum is so extensive, it can become confusing for a novice, like me.

 

[giza]

I am also new to the HTPC scene, but the parts you have listed fall in line with what the majority of the HTPC users are using. Once you get everything configured properly, psot back and let everyone know your successes and failures.

 

[Steve Schauer]

That looks like a great system.


Two observations only: You can get a significant performance boost with two memory sticks (2*256 or 2*512) to enable the dual channel memory.


Also, you mentioned having a server somewhere. Wireless serving of video files seems to be a little problematic for many, although many others have done it successfully. If that's what you are planning, a hardwired network cable to the HTPC would be best.

 

[stgdz]

software

 

[snfexpress]

Thanks everyone for your input!


re: the memory. I already purchased 1 stick of DDR400. If I buy another will it be "matched" or do I have to junk what I have?


re: software. Boy, this is the area where I need major help! I purchased SageTV, have downloaded Girder and some others, but really need to know how to "glue" all these programs together. I'll do more searching on this forum, but I find that there is no real tutorial on how to do this stuff, step by step.

 

[stgdz]

 www.myhtpc.net is what you want for a front end. Check out Zoomplayer for dvd playback.


It is really a learning experience getting all this stuff running the way you want it to run.

 

[snfexpress]

Thanks - I'll start searching the forum on myhtpc.net to try to figure out how Sage integrates with myHTPC. And thanks for the tip on Zoom.


Yes, it is a real challenge figuring this all out, but it is seeming to come together!

 

[cwolcott]

look at xlobby.com as well for a front end...many people feel it is better than myhtpc, like me . I have sagetv working very well with it.

 

[snfexpress]

Okay, then if you use a front end like xlobby, then when you select TV from xlobby, does it load the entire SageTV or just the TV portion of SageTV?


Thanks,


Michael

 

[cwolcott]

with my setup it loads the whole sagetv which I then control via my xlobby client/remote using sendmessage. xlobby can use xmltv as an integrated piece if you like and there is someone that is completing a Gottv plug-in for xlobby now

 

[bbobbo]

an hdtv card? unless you're going to rely on the cable stb....


bob

 

[snfexpress]

bbobbo - Yes, I'll get an HDTV card when my rural area (Reno, NV) gets HD television.


cwolcott - So, when you are in xlobby and want SageTV, does it display the entire interface for Sage? Or, just the LiveTV button?


Thanks!