A thread for HTPC folk?

[Lone_Gunmen]

I was wondering if anyone else would like to share their set ups for their home theater PCs or computers they use with their home theater set ups. Share pictures, tips, software recommendations or warn everyone of crappy software out there, specs etc etc. I figured there would be a few people out there who use a HTPC or a media PC running Linux/Ubuntu.


Figured i'd post my specs first:

OS: Windows Vista Home premium
Hard drive: Seagate 1TB SATA.
Graphics: Gigabyte Geforce 9400GT 512mb PCI express, with HDMI.
Sound: Soundmax basic 7.1 (soon to be upgraded to one of the new Asus lossless sound cards )
Motherboard: Asus Crosshairr AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard.
CPU: AMD AM2 socket 3800+ dual core CPU.
Power Supply: 600w Thermaltake.
Case: Generic CoolerMaster ATX tower case.
Optical drives: 2 x LG Super Multi Blu reader drives which are capable of reading both HD-DVDs and Blu-ray discs.


I have this connected to a Sony Bravia KDL40Z4500 40inch LCD TV and a BenQ M2400HD 24 inch 16.9 computer monitor (use it as a secondary screen for Itunes, Windows Media Player, VLC player etc. Control it all with a media Center keyboard with touchpad (wireless) from Shintaro.

Software i use for Blu-ray/HD-DVD playback is PowerDVD 8. I'm trying to look for a better solution, but until then it's good enough for casual viewing.

[Seegs108]

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1380268

[crazzeto]

I used to very much over the idea of an HTPC... But ever since I got introduced to the concept of the media center extender I'm more considering going that route when I finally buy my first home, rather than using an HTPC.

My current line of thinking is I can have a insane amount of disc space and # of tuners hooked up to a more hidden centeralized DVR PC than I would to an HTPC. I do have some questions though, which do relate to this topic (MCE is after essentially based on an HTPC at it's core).

To current HTPCers, what HDTV servcies do you find to be most compatible? Has the digital cable climate improved any? Or do you still need to buy a brand new (effing) store bought PC in order to be digital cable compatible? What about Satallite or fiber services? I once heard rumors of Directv compatibility, complete with pictures of a device, but since such rumors seem to have died which makes me sad. My other option is AT&T Uverse, no FiOS yet.

I'd be OK I guess, having 2 HDTV service tuners in my MCE server agmented by a number of OTA tuners (and roof mount areal) unless perhaps if there is some good cost effective way of running more HDTV (service) tuners.

I imagine my server would probably power (ultimatly) 3 HDTVs. Main family room TV, one in my BR and perhaps one more in a bonus room or basement depending upon what kind of home I end up getting (I'd love a bonus room or basement, that's a big plus to me).

[GardenVariety]

HTPC's are for losers. Enough said.