Re: New Build w/XP Media Center Edition
From: dwswager (dwswager_at_knology.net)
Date: 03/15/05
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Date: 15 Mar 2005 08:10:23 -0800
XP Media Center vs Digital Media Edition wrote:
> I'm going to build my own PC and I'm wondering what I need to do to
connect
> my PC to my cable box as input and output to HDTV in 16x9 with
surround
> sound. I want my PC to be my media center and be able to record
shows to my
> HD, CD, DVD. I also want to run Win XP and surf while watching TV
using PIP,
> etc. Can I build a PC that has the same functionality as Intel Media
Center
> instead of buying a media box?
Yes, but it get's complicated in a hurry. MCE is an integrating
application that brings all this functionality under one roof with a
unified interface. Everthing it does can be done separately with other
software. You can also buy front end applications that will help with
integrating all the functionality. Check the HTPCNews.com forums for
assistance.
> Can I build a PC that has all the interactive
> componets of a media center instead?
Yes, kinda. A MCE PC is only a PC full of Parts. MCE is the
integrator.
> Do I have to use Media Center Edition
> 2005 to do this?
No, but those of us here typically think it's the best solution at the
moment.
> What benefits would Media Center Edition 2005 get me beyond
> XP Pro or XP Digital Media Edition? Is the Media Center Edition also
XP
> Professional? What's the difference between the XP Digital Media
Edtion and
> XP Media Center Edition?
As far as all the information provided directly or indirectly by MS,
MCE 2005 is XP Pro minus the ability to great new Domain Joins, but
plus the MCE application.
> Should I be looking for something else to do what I
> want to do? I'm more into video, digital photography, streaming
media, than
> gaming.
HTPCNews.com and the AVSforum.com are good sources of information. I
use MCE 2005 on my main dual monitor PC. MCE runs in a window on one
monitor while I work (Digital Imaging) on the other.
> Here are the main components I'm considering.
> Asus P5AD2-E Premium I925XE w/LGA775 motherboard
Expect you're intending to use onboard sound. I have this board and
for "computer" sound it is great. For Home theater and stero, I would
recommend the Audiotrak Prodigy or M-Audio Revolution.
> Intel LGA 775 540J 3.2 GHz
Definitely jump to the 600 series, if only for the cooler operation.
Noise from CPU, GPU and case fans can drive you nuts.
> Windows XP Pro /SP2 - w/MS Plus! Digital Media Edition
You'll be buying other software to get the MCE functionality. You'll
need PVR software, DVD player, possibly an integrating front end.
> ATI All-In-Wonder RADEON X600 Pro because it has the LGA 775 socket
Scrap the all in wonders boards if your doning MCE and even not. I
would recommend boards that have MPEG encoding in hardware no matter
what solution you choose. Look at the Hauppauge tuners and consider
the ATI Theater 550 pro based boards from (ATI, Sapphire, &
Powercolor).
Some of what you don't say is also important.
Video: What output do you need? DVI is the way to go on MOST new
sets. Component Video Out can also be useful and even necessary. Some
video cards support it, some don't. Are you planning an outboard video
processor or hoping to have the PC do all the video processing and send
the signal directly to the monitor?
Audio: Do you want digital out to send to a signal
processor/pre-amp/amp? Or do you want analog 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 out to
send directly to the amplifier? There are advantages and disadvantages
to both. Letting the PC output the final analog allows you to control
everything from the PC and by pass the expense of an additional piece
of audio gear.
Don't expect to build something that will you will be using 5 years
from now. You'll be adding and replacing boards and other items to
keep up with changes in Satelite/Cable service.
Good luck! (Not being facetious here.)
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