Re: Solid, Stable HDTV MCE Computer?
- From: "Ted Miller" <ted@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:05:50 -0700
You don't need 1GB of RAM or SATA.
I have a system with 2 NTSC tuners and an HD tuner (and also an MCX). It all
runs fine with 512MB. That same system runs on ATA/100 disks and can record
multiple programs while watching a recorded program, etc, with no problems.
It also is running on a 5900-based video card. I guess the 6600 might give a
better picture, though, because it has some newer rendering technology for
TV.
"Dave" <Dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:2E12906A-E40A-4269-AAE2-53A75FB18A98@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I'd agree with Dana as far as this: you don't truly know what you are
> getting unless you build the box. However, she recommends FX5200 or
> higher
> video card...but that's not good enough for HDTV (I found this out the
> hard
> way).
>
> If you want to build an HD system that is reliable, I humbly submit the
> template below based on my experiences over the past 8 months building my
> HTPC. I say "humbly" because there is a lot of corporate knowledge on
> this
> site, and people are very helpful, in general. The only downside to this
> forum is that here, as is the case any time you have specialized
> knowledge,
> you may find the jargon to be a bit overwhelming.
>
> So, here is my list:
>
> CPU:
> If you go Intel, I'd go with a Pentium 4, 2.8E or better (I'm not an
> Athlon
> guy, so I don't know the "equivalent" chip on that side)
>
> OS:
> Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (we are in their forum,
> after
> all ;) )
>
> Tuner cards:
> 1. Standard TV: Definitely, I'd go with the Hauppauge 500MCE. Two tuners
> in one PCI slot.
> 2. HDTV (over the air only): AVerMedia AVerTVHD A180 - I installed one of
> these and it was as easy as following the instructions.
>
> Memory:
> 1GB DDR...don't spend extra for heat fins, low latency, etc...not needed
>
> Hard drive:
> 250GB or more SATA. If you want to go a step further, put the OS and
> programs on a 40+ GB drive, and have the SATA HD exclusively for recorded
> TV.
>
> Video card:
> Short version: NVidia 6600GT-based card
> Long version: I just found out how important this is. Upgraded to HDTV
> and
> my 9550 did not cut it. After researching, I went with the NVidia 6600GT.
> NVidia promises that the 6xxx cards will give you something called
> Purevideo,
> which ostensibly includes various video improvements in addition to
> hardware
> video decoding (making life easier for your CPU). Also, and importantly,
> MS
> recommends a memory bandwidth of 10GB/s for HDTV. On this note, I found
> out
> another important fact: EVERY VIDEO CARD IS DIFFERENT. I was going to
> purchase an NVidia 6600-based card, because NVidia will tell you the 6600
> CAN
> exceed this mark. But each video card manufacturer implements the chipset
> differently, so the 6600 you buy...may not. Mine...did not. The 6600GT
> will.
>
> Other notes:
> 1. I'd get at least a 350W power supply, preferably a 400W
> 2. But the Microsoft remote and receiver--works extremely well
> 3. Heat control: HTPC cases, in general, will not be mistaken for wind
> tunnels. The relatively low air flow may require you to purchase
> aftermarket
> cooling products. The only one I have replaced is my CPU cooler. For
> this I
> went with a Zalman (CNPS7000B-ALCU). The max fan speed is adjustable, so
> you
> can determine how to trade off heat vs. noise.
>
> Well, I could go on with other products and tweaks, but these notes
> represent the bulk of what I've learned.
>
> "Dana Cline - MVP" wrote:
>
>> Replies inline below...
>>
>> "Jethro" <Jethro@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:C78898A2-4283-43C6-AD07-C75EB777BF6F@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> > Hi, I'm thinking about diving in to MCE and HDTV/DTV. What I would like
>> > to
>> > know is what people are experiencing first hand as working CONSISTENT,
>> SOLID,
>> > and RELIABLY. I really don't have enough time to do a ton of tweaking,
>> > debugging, etc. Tried that with an older PC, PVR-150, and SageTV. I'm
>> > returning it.
>> >
>> > - What brand/model MCE computer are people experiencing the most stable
>> > performance? Doesn't have to be latest model.
>>
>> From monitoring conversations here, it seems the most stable machines are
>> home-built...
>>
>> >
>> > If customizing or building myself, what are the key parts to look for
>> (most
>> > agreed upon, best working standards):
>> > - Graphics card (currently have standard TV, will probably have to
>> > upgrade
>> > to HDTV or large computer CRT):
>>
>> The graphics card should be an nVidia 5200 or better, or an ATI 9200 or
>> better. Generally the "or better" works best...
>>
>> > - Tuner card (if I have options):
>>
>> Lots of options on tuner card. I like Hauppauge but there are plenty of
>> others that are compatible.
>>
>> > - HDTV card:
>>
>> Right now, all that is supported is over-the-air HD. Cable HD is not
>> supported but hopefully will be in the future.
>>
>> > - Realistic minimum CPU/Memory requirements:
>>
>> I use an Athlon-64 3000 with 1Gb of memory, which works great. My new
>> laptop
>> uses an Intel Pentium M 1.5Ghz, and supposedly it supports Media Center
>> too.
>>
>> >
>> > Also, couple questions about functionality of MCE:
>> > - Is there a way to edit/backup HD content to DVD for watching on DVD
>> player?
>>
>> Can't answer that as I don't have an HD tuner. Sorry...
>>
>> > - Is there a built-in method for editing/backing up standard TV content
>> > to
>> > DVD for watching on DVD player?
>>
>> Built-in? No, not really. There's a way to do it using the Sonic encoder,
>> but that encoder isn't sold separately and legit copies are mostly only
>> found when buying an MCE system from a brand-name builder.
>>
>> > - Can you view photos and listen to music if it is stored on another
>> > networked computer (running XP Home)?
>>
>> Sure - I do that all the time (actually it's on shared drives on my 2003
>> server).
>>
>> >
>> > Thanks for any and all help! I'm sure this thread will help many
>> > thinking
>> > about diving into MCE. It seems like HTPCs are geared mostly for the
>> computer
>> > tech-head types who have a lot of time to tweak everything to get max
>> usage.
>> > I like the way MCE has worked when trying in a store, VERY easy!
>>
>> Take a look at the hardware page on my web site at
>> www.mediacenterstuff.com - has some information and links for home
>> builders...
>>
>> Dana Cline - MVP
>>
>>
>>
.
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