I'm tired of waiting for a company to get it "right" in building a high quality DVD player without the chroma bug so (silly me thought the Denon 9000 would be the savior but no...) now HTPC is gonna get a shot. I'm computer savvy, and have built several computers so I intend to build my own machine.
I currently own an Sony 61HS10 with component inputs. It does the anamorphic squeeze. My Onkyo 777 will handle the DTS/DD5.1 decoding.
Here is what I would like to do with the HTPC & features that are important:
I currently own an Sony 61HS10 with component inputs. It does the anamorphic squeeze. My Onkyo 777 will handle the DTS/DD5.1 decoding.
Here is what I would like to do with the HTPC & features that are important:
- The highest of quality in DVD playback and sound, including DTS/5.1 (at least) pass through
- Complete remote-control ability via Pronto for all but the most complicated of tasks
- mp3 jukebox and CD creator
- control my Sony 300 disk megachanger w/ slink-e
- control HTPC'd DVD and mp3 playback via Pronto.
- ability to watch local OTA DTV stations and perhaps record their programming onto HD
- DVD profiler lookup.
- Occasional internet access via my home's 802.11b wireless network
- Maybe, just maybe use tv for educational software played on htpc
- Ability to manage Pronto's configuration on htpc[/list=1]
Here are the hardware components I am ready to order:
- Calisto case from DC with DVD/CD-RW combo drive(I like the audio component look and don;t mind the $)
- Asus TUSL2-C & P3-1.2
- 256MB Crucial RAM
- ATI Radeon 7500
- M-Audio Delta 410
- Western Digital 120MB HD
- HiPix Hi-Def tuner card
- external USB 802.11b network adaptor
- VGA->Component Adaptor
- IR or RF keyboard/mouse (I currently use Logitech and love it -- not sure about it's distance abilities though)
- slink-e: I assume I need this to meet my requirements for items 2,3 and 4 above[/list=1]
The software I belive I will require includes:- Windows XP
- Powerstrip
- TheaterTek DVD Player
- Girder
- CDJ for slink-e
- Musicmatch Jukebox
OK.... what am I missing? Any suggestions on different/additional products/software I will need to order/download?
Should I upgrade the P3 to P4 processor? If yes, which MoBo/processor?
Should I use Windows ME or XP given all I want to do.
Please, I beseach you, tell me what pitfalls I am going to stumble across. You guys have really convinced me that I may be able to get high quality video/audio, upgradability, ease of use (after initial install).... I'm nervous but willing to invest the time and $ to see for myself.
Thanks for any advice you have... please help!