[jme5343]

My biggest quandary is how to get the signal to the TV. I assume I need some sort of HDMI out card, but it can't be PCI-E, because that's what the Hauppauge will use. Is it as simple as that - just getting a PCI HDMI card?


The Hauppauge, from what I can tell, is dual input only, no out.

The TV has USB, Ethernet, HDMI and component inputs.

The Onkyo has the inputs that I suspect really matter most - RCA style coax in, optical and analog audio, components, hdmi, etc.

The MSI MB has onboard video, but only VGA out.




HTPC Parts:


Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 2250 w/ remote

MSI G31TM-P21 LGA 775 MB (no HDMI or DVI out)

4 gigs of DDR 800

Pentium D 820 2.8ghz processor

Silverstone case

2.5TB WD green drive



TV is a Mitsubishi WD60738

AV receiver is Onkyo TX-NR708

 

[pittsoccer33]

you can find PCI cards with dvi outs. they're pretty obsolete though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161353


after a quick search that was the one that caught my eye. 5450 is considered a pretty good htpc card.

 

[jme5343]



Quote:
Originally Posted by pittsoccer33  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22153718


you can find PCI cards with dvi outs. they're pretty obsolete though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161353

after a quick search that was the one that caught my eye. 5450 is considered a pretty good htpc card.

Thank you. Unsure whether it will (or if any card will) combine the audio and video for a seamless, single output solution, but I'm going to do some reading and see if I can figure that out.

edit: It appears that it does:

Quote:
A system with an ATI Radeon HD 4800 & 4600 Series graphics card can help enhance the HD entertainment experience by providing a seamless connection to an HDTV or home theater system. With built-in 7.1 surround sound audio (AC3 / DTS ), the new GPUs and graphics cards support single cable connection directly to a compatible HDTV, projector or receiver. This single cable carries both the HD video and 8 channel audio for a clean, high definition connection.

 

[Zon2020]

I use a PCIe version of that HIS Silence 5450 with a Pentium D machine and it works great with video and bitstreamed audio via HDMI to an AVR. I assume, but don't know, that the PCI version would work as well.


Have you by any chance considered using a USB tuner? That would give you an unlimited choice of current generation PCIe video cards.


Will the Radeon 4xxx series handle DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD? I don't know the answer to that.

 

[JGFreeh]

Pretty sure it's a spec requirement that if the video card is going to include HDMI out it has to pass the audio signal too.

 

[Zon2020]



Quote:
Originally Posted by JGFreeh  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22153957


Pretty sure it's a spec requirement that if the video card is going to include HDMI out it has to pass the audio signal too.

I think the requirement is only for 2 channel sound; anything beyond that is optional. And support for DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD was not provided at all until HDMI Ver 1.3.


I am not at all certain that the Radeon 4xxx supports DTS-MA. I expect Renethx or others here know the answer to that question.

 

[jme5343]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22153934


Have you by any chance considered using a USB tuner? That would give you an unlimited choice of current generation PCIe video cards.

.

I hadn't considered it, no. Perhaps I should have, but I already have the PCI-E sitting here.


Honestly, at this point, I'm considering just getting a different MB and CPU for my main build and using this setup for a different (read: kids) TV.

 

[Zon2020]

I know it's unfortunate that the PCI version of that HIS 5450 costs $55 while the PCIe version costs $35, but that's what scarcity will do to prices. It's still probably your cheapest option though.

 

[hirent]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jme5343  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv/0_40#post_22154129


I hadn't considered it, no. Perhaps I should have, but I already have the PCI-E sitting here.

Honestly, at this point, I'm considering just getting a different MB and CPU for my main build and using this setup for a different (read: kids) TV.

Just get a 775 board with PCIe x1 & x16 slots, will run about $40.

 

[jme5343]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hirent  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22154265


Just get a 775 board with PCIe x1 & x16 slots, will run about $40.

Good point. I could do this board for $55 (I have Prime) and wouldn't even have to worry about getting anything else, no?: http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Core-Intel-Motherboard-G41M-P34/dp/B0044UHK4G

 

[Zon2020]

You're using a Pentium D, not a Core2. And most LGA775 boards you buy today will NOT work with Pentium D cpus. They may have the same form factor, but they are NOT necessarly compatible. As I recall, it has to be a 945, 955, 965, or 975 chipset, among other things, while the one you linked is a G41.


You would have to do a lot of checking to make sure any motherboard you're buying will actually work with that chip.


And frankly, even though I am still using a Pentium D machine myself, it's not worth investing much money in one. If I needed a new motherboard for mine, personally I'd throw it away and start over.


I think the confusion between Pentium D and Core cpus that resulted from maintaining the LGA775 package is a big reason Intel changes the pinout physical package now when it releases incompatible chipsets.


Oh, and finally, you'd still need to get a video card; you'd just have a lot more choice.

 

[jme5343]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22154371


...You would have to do a lot of checking to make sure any motherboard you're buying will actually work with that chip.

... If I needed a new motherboard for mine, personally I'd throw it away and start over.

...Oh, and finally, you'd still need to get a video card; you'd just have a lot more choice.

This list "says" it's compatible. Hate to wait on shipping, only to found out that isn't true, though.
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/G41M-P34.html#/?div=CPUSupport


Your point about throwing it away and starting over isn't lost on me, I've started a cart at microcenter as well, looking at a 620, but then I'm probably going over budget with that route.



It has a buit in HDMI port, so I wouldn't need another video card, would I? I'd use the on board.

 

[Zon2020]

I see MSI claims compatibility, but it has been my understanding that a G41 was not compatible.


It is not on Intel's list of compatible chipsets ( http://ark.intel.com/products/27512/Intel-Pentium-D-Processor-820-(2M-Cache-2_80-GHz-800-MHz-FSB) ) and I found this response to a similar question on Tom's hardware addressing the issue:

"Companies like Gigabyte can sometimes offer Bios to give support for other processors but we don't list any "3" or "4" series chipsets as being supported on the Intel® Pentium D 820 http://ark.intel.com/products/2751 [...] 0-MHz-FSB) under compatible products and chipsets.


Christian Wood

Intel Enthusiast Team "

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/308673-30-lga775-micro-mobo-supports-pentium-8ghz-drive


Maybe the MSI motherboard will work, but that seems pretty high risk for what is already a marginal investment of time and money.


If I were you and wanted to get this to work, I'd try the simple fix of the PCI 5450 video card, and if it didn't do what I wanted, I'd return it and proceed to the "start from scratch" approach. And the 5450 would give you bistreamed audio and better video than the 4500 graphics on that motherboard anyhow.

 

[mungee]

There are TWO things you need to get perfect bitstreaming

1) Hardware: which is what you guys are discussing, but that assumes that once you put in the H/W, install the drivers, everything is peachy. Its NOT. You STILL need the right blend of software to PLAY the bitstream source.
2) Software: You still need a BD software ($40-100) and you hope that you do not have EDID issues or you have to invest in something like AnyDVD HD ($60?) to override these problems.


OP you are looking to spend anywhere from $100 to $160 on software alone just to get a BD to play properly.

 

[Zon2020]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mungee  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22154562


There are TWO things you need to get perfect bitstreaming
1) Hardware: which is what you guys are discussing, but that assumes that once you put in the H/W, install the drivers, everything is peachy. Its NOT. You STILL need the right blend of software to PLAY the bitstream source.
2) Software: You still need a BD software ($40-100) and you hope that you do not have EDID issues or you have to invest in something like AnyDVD HD ($60?) to override these problems.

OP you are looking to spend anywhere from $100 to $160 on software alone just to get a BD to play properly.

Why is it over $100? Depends what your source is. WMP will bitstream some files just fine and if you're using Windows you already have it. If you want to play bluray disks, WinDVD will do it fine and bitstream perfectly for $50 or less. If you have media files, J River MC is great for $50.


Now if you want to rip disks and defeat the copy protection, then you need to buy something like AnyDVD and your cost goes up (or use MakeMKV for $0)

 

[jme5343]

I'm using W7 as the OS and don't even plan to add a Blu ray player, so I'll be fine.

 

[Dark_Slayer]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jme5343  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22153709


HTPC Parts:

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 2250 w/ remote
MSI G31TM-P21 LGA 775 MB (no HDMI or DVI out)

4 gigs of DDR 800
Pentium D 820 2.8ghz processor

Silverstone case

2.5TB WD green drive

TV is a Mitsubishi WD60738

AV receiver is Onkyo TX-NR708

A couple of questions


Are these recycled from a PC that somebody gave you, or are you buying these parts?


Hearing that somebody might be purchasing that processor/mobo combination today might actually give me nightmares, but I can understand if you're trying to salvage an old setup for some free OTA recordings.


What kind of TV are you trying to record, OTA, basic digital cable, satellite, comcast, time warner?

 

[jme5343]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark_Slayer  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22155030


A couple of questions

Are these recycled from a PC that somebody gave you, or are you buying these parts?

Hearing that somebody might be purchasing that processor/mobo combination today might actually give me nightmares, but I can understand if you're trying to salvage an old setup for some free OTA recordings.

What kind of TV are you trying to record, OTA, basic digital cable, satellite, comcast, time warner?

LOL, when I first got hot and heavy about dumping DirecTV and going with OTA digital or Charter (not encrypted), I found a deal for the ram, mobo and CPU - I think I paid $60 total. I'm obviously regretting that now, but I'm hoping maybe I can salvage some use out of it. However, paying another $60 for a PCI card w/ HDMI seems foolish.


So, Charter non encrypted cable is what I'll be watching.


I'm currently trying to put together a decent system using Assasin's guide and see what the cost is.

 

[Sammy2]

The Charter tech at my house last week said that un-encrypted QAM will be out within a year as they are going to go to SDV across their entire spectrum to offer more HD channels.


Grandmas with CRT's will be pissed maybe but they also lowering the cost of an HD box to $5/month starting on June 26, 2012 .

 

[jme5343]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2  /t/1416809/new-first-htpc-build-a-few-ignoramus-questions-mainly-htpc-tv#post_22155158


The Charter tech at my house last week said that un-encrypted QAM will be out within a year as they are going to go to SDV across their entire spectrum to offer more HD channels.

Grandmas with CRT's will be pissed maybe but they also lowering the cost of an HD box to $5/month starting on June 26, 2012 .

Yeah, I got an email from them today

Quote:
Our mission is to bring you the very best in video entertainment and we appreciate the chance to do that every day. That's why we're pleased to announce a series of enhancements to your video experience taking place this summer.


Charter TV® expands to include over 100 HD channels. HD picture brings out the best of every story, sporting event, and educational show you watch and now you have more choices than ever before.


In addition to increasing HD channels, Charter is also bringing you a variety of other video enhancements. For example, you can now stream several channels to your laptop, smartphone and tablet such as CNN, TNT, TBS and Big Ten Network, and 1,500 HD On Demand choices – options in 3D available.

I figure the good ol' days will be over soon. Maybe should have waited to spring for this Hauppauge.