HTPC Build for DSTV etc (PVR) Advice Please

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fxit_man

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Hi guys. Posted this in the Hardware section, but was told I might get more valuable responses here.

I am thinking of maybe going for the Sandybridge mobo and processor instead?

Hi there

I want to build a HTPC to record blu-ray, play blu-ray, and record DSTV (manual recording is fine without an EPG for my uses), and play streaming video over the net etc.


Components:
Case - Antec Fusion Remote Silver
PSU - CoolerMaster SilentPro 500w
CPU - Intel i3-540
CPU Cooler- Scythe Big Shuriken
Mobo- GA-H55M-USB3 MicroATX
RAM- 2x2GB 1333MHZ DDR3 CorsairXMS TW3X4G1333C9A
SSD - (For OS) 64GB Corsair CSSD-V64GB2-BRKT Nova
Storage - 2TB Western Digital Caviar SATAII 64MB Cache 3.5-inch
Optical - LG WH10LS30 Blu Ray Burner/Rewriter
Capture Card - BlackMagic Intensity Pro (which has HD in and out)
Graphics Card - Sapphire HD5570 1GB DDR3 Graphics Card
OS - Windows 7 64 bit

Thoughts? Thanks.
Click to expand...

What about Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UD2H-B3 - Socket 1155 Motherboard with an i3/i5 sandybridge processor?

Also, what about DSTV? Is it fine connecting DSTV (Old dual view decoder) via Composite to the capture card? I think only the new HD PVR's etc have the macrovision protection don't they??

Or should I rather get a RF capture card..

I also want to cater for if i ever upgraded to the HD DSTV Decoder
 
Also, and apologies for the double post, is it true that there is a 1-2 sec delay when changing channels, to when it appears on the TV? If you know what I mean?
 
fxit_man said:
Also, and apologies for the double post, is it true that there is a 1-2 sec delay when changing channels, to when it appears on the TV? If you know what I mean?
Click to expand...

jip 1-2 second delay, are you going to use the htpc for games?
 
fxit_man said:
:/ That kinda sucks.. No, so I guess it won't be too much of an issue. But irritating nonetheless
Click to expand...

I've got the 1110 decoder and it works fine although there is a slight PQ loss on my hauppauge 150 but probably wont be an issue with the black magic.
 
Yeah, I agree about the delay. It's really not that bad (IMHO), and well worth all the benefits, such as:
- Having all your media in one place
- Having MUCH more control over pause/rewind/fast forward than you do with a normal DSTV PVR (I mean, you can even use a mouse to skip to any point in the past 2 hours if you wish)

One potential problem to be aware of is that you're limited to exactly 1 channel per TV card. Can't watch 1 live whilst recording another one. It's fairly obvious, and honestly doesn't bug me much, but, if you are keen to make use of the dual view, then maybe getting 2 SD TV cards would be a better option.
 
smtgra011 said:
Yeah, I agree about the delay. It's really not that bad (IMHO), and well worth all the benefits, such as:
- Having all your media in one place
- Having MUCH more control over pause/rewind/fast forward than you do with a normal DSTV PVR (I mean, you can even use a mouse to skip to any point in the past 2 hours if you wish)

One potential problem to be aware of is that you're limited to exactly 1 channel per TV card. Can't watch 1 live whilst recording another one. It's fairly obvious, and honestly doesn't bug me much, but, if you are keen to make use of the dual view, then maybe getting 2 SD TV cards would be a better option.
Click to expand...

Thanks, not a problem at all. The 2nd tv of the dual view is for the bedroom.
 
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