New HTPC Build

[Sparky_za]

Hi guys

Looking for some suggestions please. Would like to put together an HTPC, my current one is pretty old and feeling very sluggish, so looking for suggestions for everything from chassis to OS selection. Currently using Mythbuntu, but I'm open to other OS's. Would prefer to keep it freeware through, simply to keep the cost down. HD recording (for the channels that support it) is a must. I'm a big fan of the Hauppauge range, but I can't seem to find them anywhere anymore. Currently using the WinTV PVR 350. So lets see what you guys suggest and take it from there.

 

[ToxicBunny]

I was going to suggest using Windows 7 and MediaBrowser... its an awesome interface, but obviously its Windows 7 so the OS costs money.

Recording HD channels is probably not going to be doable anytime soon unless you plan on shellingout ALOT of dosh to bypass HDCP.

I will piggy back one question onto this, I'm upgrading part of my HTPC and wondering what everyone here reckons is the best Sound Card out there atm?

 

[yeldoom]

Hardware: I recently upgraded to handle blu-ray playback. A Core i3 530, Foxconn H55 mobo handles it easily. Pros: Low power consumption and stock fan is really quiet.

In other countries people use: Hauppauge HD PVR component input (no HDMI), the Ceton Tv Tuner and the HDHomeRun
Unfortunately, I don't think any of those tuners will work in S.A.

Software: Stick with Myth for recording and try XMBC as a front-end.

For more suggestions read up at www.avsforum.com - Home Theater Computers

 

[Sparky_za]

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

How about another question? What is the worst decision you have made regarding hardware in a HTPC?

 

[ToxicBunny]

For me, so far.. the decision to go Wireless...

I regret it from start to finish, the bandwidth is just NOT stable enough to support a HD stream from my storage servers...

 

[Sparky_za]

Mmm... That is a pity because I really wanted to get away with as few cables as possible. Thanks for the info though, will have to make another plan.

 

[Archer]

What wireless are you running? Wireless N is supposed to be able to handle streaming of HD content considering it runs at about 100mbps. I have no experience with it myself though, just asking the question.

 

[Bobb]

Hardware: I recently upgraded to handle blu-ray playback. A Core i3 530, Foxconn H55 mobo handles it easily. Pros: Low power consumption and stock fan is really quiet.

In other countries people use: Hauppauge HD PVR component input (no HDMI), the Ceton Tv Tuner and the HDHomeRun
Unfortunately, I don't think any of those tuners will work in S.A.

Software: Stick with Myth for recording and try XMBC as a front-end.

For more suggestions read up at www.avsforum.com - Home Theater Computers

I agree. XBMC is a fantastic front end. Try one of the custom Aeon skins, beautiful and stable.

 

[ToxicBunny]

What wireless are you running? Wireless N is supposed to be able to handle streaming of HD content considering it runs at about 100mbps. I have no experience with it myself though, just asking the question.

I'm running Wireless N.. and yes when its running at 100mbps a second it handles quite nicely.. problem is its VERY susceptible to interference so will drop its speed to compensate and this happens randomly....

To give you an exampe.. the AP and the HTPC are maybe 25m apart with a single brick wall in between.. and I can get it to run at 130mbps quite happily.. but all it takes it someone walking around in the study and the signal can plummet to 10mbps for 30 or 40 seconds before settling again, and this provides for a very unstable streaming experience.

 

[Archer]

I'm running Wireless N.. and yes when its running at 100mbps a second it handles quite nicely.. problem is its VERY susceptible to interference so will drop its speed to compensate and this happens randomly....

To give you an exampe.. the AP and the HTPC are maybe 25m apart with a single brick wall in between.. and I can get it to run at 130mbps quite happily.. but all it takes it someone walking around in the study and the signal can plummet to 10mbps for 30 or 40 seconds before settling again, and this provides for a very unstable streaming experience.

You running 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz? Supposedly the higher frequency is less susceptible to interference. It will not be good news for me if you say 5, cause I specifically got a dual band router for this.

 

[ToxicBunny]

I haven't touched my AP for absolute ages so I can't remember...

I'll have a look when I get home and check everything out and let you know the settings I'm running on.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Ok, just had a look..

My AP is pretty crappy, only supports 2.4Ghz... ...

But even so its kind of reinforced my initial view that wireless is good for some things, like random clients accessing a network, but its def not good enough to be used for backhaul...