[Big Picture]

I am not competent enough to build my own HTPC.


My use will be with a Sony VPL-VW10HT LCD projector. Video sources will be stand alone DVD player and RCA DTC-100 HDTV satellite receiver. I will use PowerStrip and dscaler for scaling.


Would appreciate leads on where anyone thinks I might get the best bang for the buck.


Thanks for any help.

 

[Ross E]

I bought a system on ebay:


Amd 1.4 ghz

Asus MB

512 Mb DDR ram

Geforce2 64mb DDR video card with TV/out

Black/silver case

30 gig 7200 rpm Hard Drive

16x Cd burner (Black to match case)

DVD rom drive (black to match case)


I got it from Jackrabbit computers.....check the auctions on ebay. I paid $799 for the system. I will warn you there is a bit of a wait.....2 weeks before they ship....but the system is great. They are great to deal with.


In addition to the system I bought:

Acer Wireless keyboard....just plugged in...no software etc..

Audiophile 24/96 Soundcard...

Pinnacle Tvpc STUDIO..


The only "hard part" is disabling the onboard sound...(moving 1 jumper). I think just about anyone with any common sense could install these peices.


All in all I have a great HTPC for hmm...

$799 computer

$149 sound card

$20 keyboard

$24 capture card....

 

[Gertjan]

Dont forget AVS They sell HTPCs fully preconfigured for your setup as well.


I would compare


AVS (check the menu at the top of this forum, there's a link to the AVS Store there)

www.cellarcinemas.com

www.*************


Good luck


Gertjan

 

[Tivolicious]

I just lost a whole big post. As such, this will be short.


Do one of two things:


1) Build it yourself

2) Buy from someone like digitalconnection.com


I think that most people here would agree with the statement, "The hardware is the easy part." As such, it makes no sense to buy a prebuilt computer from someone who isn't going to understand the issues behind an HTPC.


It is very easy to build a machine. The hard part is going to be the correct drivers, apps, etc. This is where someone like digitalconnection is going to come in handy. They will handle the software.


Overall, if you are equipped to handle the software, you can handle the hardware.


-Steve


______________

Everyone is entitled to my opinion.