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Im getting ready to build a HTPC and am not really upto speed on the hardware etc and need a bit of advice
Ive looked at the silverstone LC16 and a few others but have now settled on the Zalman HD160XT as the case... are there any issues i should be aware of?
The following functions i need to achieve with the system,....
Display
Video Card with at least 256Mb ram and an actual HDMI connection and if possible RCA video/sound connections as a backup (im hooking into a plasma or large CD mounted on a wall...havent decided the model yet but it will be HD HDMI )
Tuners
I want to have dual tuners for Digital Free 2 air
FM radio
Select TV + possibly austar later on
Ive looked at thr TwinhanDTV Sat-CI card from digitalnow.com.au which ive been told is fine for select TV but what cards for the digital and radio should i look at?
I will be using Vista to run the system, and am hoping to go for a higher spec'd set of hardware with possibly 1Tb drive to start with and 2Gb ram
Sound i want to pass thru to an amplifier to run a 5.1 surround sound system btu not sure on what connections i need
With regard to HDMI, you will be fine with a DVI graphics card. I've got an nVidia 7600GT (because of the passive cooling) with dual-DVI outputs, and it connects fine through the HDMI port of my HD screen. The video part of HDMI *is* DVI.
You only need HDMI if you want to pump digital audio through the device as well. I have my HTPC connected to my surround sound system via optical S/PDIF.
Before you go down the HTPC path you have to realize that it will always be a work in progress and there will always be something to do, be prepared to put in the time and effort even after you get it "all right".
Don't discount the alternatives like a dedicated STB with HDD's and IceTV for your Digital TV, Dedicated HD players for your optical media (BD or HD-DVD) and a network media player for your downloaded content.
If you have the time, patience and the luxury of having the machine possibly go down for whatever reason then by all mean go the HTPC. If you don't go the dedicated route.
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That which is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it.
Aristotle
I'm using the Silvertsone LC17 - it doesn't look that good, but is big and has lots of airflow.
Using ASUS 8600GT silent and that powers a Pio 50MXE20 no probs, and it's quiet... Others will swear by LCD but I swear by Plasma and if you have the cash go Pio "508" series, should be hitting the shops about now..
I don't like my TV tuner, I've said enough about that already - plenty of recs here for tuners though..
My mobo has 5.1 built in, in fact I think it has 7.1, but you're probably better off with a decent receiver.
If you do build make sure you buy silent stuff, like Samsung HDDs (or WD AAKS models), makes a BIG difference and important for WAF.
What are you trying to achieve? Could you describe what is the purpose of system you are trying to build? Because specs will depend on it.
I will try to explain - I have no interest in HD-DVD/Blue-Ray as have SD panel and 5.1 amp.
I am not upgrading it for a while, therefore my specs are to suit other equipment I aready have.
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Ok i have decided to get a silver Zalman HD160XT in from the US as i cant seem to find one locally...
(silver to match the kenwood or yamaha amp i am currently looking at to go with it)
Im wanting an all round system which will allow us to watch direct TV, and choose from digital TV stations, and of course to be able to record them when needed.
I also want FM radio to run thru the system as the amps ive been looking at dont have inbuilt tuners
Im hooking the unit up to a HD LCD, havent picked the exact model but around 100cm with HDMI connections
I will use the system as a PC as well a bit for work when im too lazy to use the laptop or sit in the office
