Media centre system

Media PC is a definite "build it yourself" candidate

or ask advice on what to buy. Most of the overseas stuff don't work here anyway (like the analog tuner in Media centre).

about R7k-9k would be the sweetspot if you want cordless keyboard and remote and other nice things.

Basically you need the following

AMD dual Core processor (socket AM2) (anything above dual 2Ghz should be fine)
Asus M2A-VM HDMi , all-in-one motherboard with onboard HDMI, Svideo, HDTV composite, SPDIF 5.1 audio
2GB of RAM
500GB hard drive
silent chassis like a Antec NSK 3480(vertical) or 2480 (horisontal)
DVD writer
MS media remote and keyboard (remote is programmable to replace your other remotes)
Vista home premium (includes media centre)
ASUS My Cinema P7131Dual - will work with DSTV (program guide is in the pipeline AFAIK)
 
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thanks sapphiron...

I got myself a wicked DVB-tuner but unfortunately since DBN is still backwards... cant get DVB- TV as yet... wonder when it'l come here...

as for the rest, have the HDD... and a wicked RF coreless keyboard and touchpad...
my main problem is finding the horizontal chassis... would be nice to have a none PC looking device in the lounge...

Also found mobo's with HDMI... awesome boards... ;)
 
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Probably the most expensive part of the HTPC, if u want it to look nice, is the case. The Antec ones are probably the cheapest and look cool. easy to install and very quiet (if u are going for a micro atx board)
 
My personal favorites are the following

Antec NSK 2400 - about R1000 incl the 380W PSU
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=92480

Antec Fusion - and NSK 2400 with pretty face, screen, volume and IR receiver. - about R2300 with 430W PSU
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15740

Zalman HD-160 - Aluminium Chassis , Takes full ATX motherboards and 4 hard drives. Comes with Media Centre remote with mouse joystick. costs about R3000 without PSU. Very very very pretty.
http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view.asp?idx=336&code=029

if you are in Cape Town, gimme a PM if you are looking for someone to supply you with some of these
 
Sapphiron said:
My personal favorites are the following

Zalman HD-160 - Aluminium Chassis , Takes full ATX motherboards and 4 hard drives. Comes with Media Centre remote with mouse joystick. costs about R3000 without PSU. Very very very pretty.
http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view.asp?idx=336&code=029

if you are in Cape Town, gimme a PM if you are looking for someone to supply you with some of these
Click to expand...

Where can I get one of these Sapphiron? very nice unit.
 
thanks saphiron.. i'm actually in durban...
but will PM for details, possibly can have it couriered to me...

I was looking at the antec cases... they are pricey for looking neat in th lounge, but hey all good things cost... :)

I'm currently looking into building my media PC...
jus the sad thing that DVB TV still hasnt kicked off here... I have a nice DVB tuner which i cannot use.. :(
 
GTi said:
Where can I get one of these Sapphiron? very nice unit.
Click to expand...

Frontosa,

I've got the HD160XT with the built-in display with touchscreen. Very cool but actually pretty useless (the on-board display). But it looks the part!

Notwithstanding, it's a nice chassis. Although it has fan management it still comes with 4 to 5 built-in fans, so might be a bit noisy for a theater setup. Mine is in a 19" rack in the computer room so the noise is not a factor.
 
Freeksta said:
thanks saphiron.. i'm actually in durban...
but will PM for details, possibly can have it couriered to me...

I was looking at the antec cases... they are pricey for looking neat in th lounge, but hey all good things cost... :)

I'm currently looking into building my media PC...
jus the sad thing that DVB TV still hasnt kicked off here... I have a nice DVB tuner which i cannot use.. :(
Click to expand...

when it comes to material's used and quality of metals, sound proofing and quality finish, nothing gets close to the Antec chassis at that price.
 
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