HTPC build...

[biocmp]

I'm back with a different build. I just got a new apartment and I am wanting to build a HTPC.

I want to have a blu-ray/DVD player built in, it needs to have a wireless card, I want it to support 5.1 Dolby surround sound (ie - plug into a receiver) and I would prefer for it to be relatively quiet. This will also be hooked up to my XBOX/Playstation 3.

I would like a fair amount of storage as I will be transferring all of my movie/music/photos to the HTPC. I don't know that much about the software options so easier is better. I want it to be accessible in the living room (where it is located) or in my bedroom over the network.

I'm sure these are simple details but I want to make sure I am clear on what I am hoping to accomplish. $500 would be a starting limit unless I am laughed at. I don't know if I am asking too much for too little so I'll wait to see what you all suggest.

Thanks for the help!

[David M]

$500 is pretty short of what you need. $1000 is probably more realistic. You are building an entire computer from scratch.

Hardwired with an ethernet cable is better if you have that option.

[glc]

Check this thread for ideas:

HTPC build

[biocmp]

Thanks for the replies.

I am currently buying furniture first so this budget can be expanded but that means I won't get around to the build for another month or so.

Let's say I was able to get it up to $1000

I have a friend who welds and I have a small woodshop, would it be feasible to build a case even if this is my first time building a computer? That may be a pipe dream as I don't know how dedicated each area needs to be for mounting, plus I wouldn't want to spend more than 1-2 days putting it together.

But I digress, what components would you suggest if I was going to use this hooked up to a television monitor as a basic computer while including the criteria above?

I like to host parties and so this is greatly needed (but of course, furniture/cookware is needed even more)

I would love to see your options so I can see where I need to go with this. I don't understand what is needed for wonderful sound, etc as I know most people stick with the built-in sound cards but I'm guessing I do not want to do that for the dual sound systems/apartment music jam?

[biocmp]

I wanted to also ask, since this will all be connected (HTPC, XBOX, PS3, receiver/surround sound, cable box) would it be worth it to buy a programmable universal remote that will set defaults for everything?

Has anyone done this? My head is spinning with the possibilites....

Also, I would like to do some light gaming on the PC, I know that may change some things but I wanted to throw that out there because I forgot to mention it before. I'm not hardcore, but I would likely play some online FPS games, I'm looking forward to the release of Portal 2, etc.

Having read all of this, if you feel it would be in my best interest to "future proof" this machine for everything I am wanting to do with it, then I am all ears. I can start buying parts here and there and finally put it together. This is somewhat of a dream machine for me but I feel like I am splicing together what should be at least a couple dedicated computers.

I haven't used Windows 7 but my friends love it and that will be my operating system for this computer. If you know of any good display software for music presentation (cool graphics in the background, then I am all ears)

WOW, that was a lot to type out. I'm sure some of you are rolling your eyes. I apologize for being so scatter brained but the more I think about it, the more I would prefer one large dedicated build for everything I am wanting to do.

I look forward to the replies

[Bob338]

Originally Posted by biocmp I wanted to also ask, since this will all be connected (HTPC, XBOX, PS3, receiver/surround sound, cable box) would it be worth it to buy a programmable universal remote that will set defaults for everything? Has anyone done this? My head is spinning with the possibilites....

Not sure if you're confining your question to systems using an HTPC or just a complete home theater system, but I use a universal remote in my system. I'll ultimately build a HTPC to replace my Onkyo amplifier. My universal remote is a Harmony by Logitech and it's pretty much idiot proof once you program it. Makes things handy to activate whatever function you want, whether it be watching satellite TV, DVD's any of the other components. Much easier for the non techie ladies to use and it eliminates multiple remotes. The only question I would have would be if the manufacturer, be it Logitech or another, has the data for the remote you would include in your HTPC. That data is downloaded from the Logitech website, much like firmware. They may have it but I'd check first.

[biocmp]

Thanks for the reply Bob.

I was hoping to find a remote that would control the whole home theater (including the HTPC). I want a wireless keyboard, mouse and universal remote. This way I can control all of my electronic devices with a single remote, etc.

I would prefer a programmable remote that allows me to define different tasks that will follow a set path. Whether it is as rudimentary as "Watch TV" turns on surround sound in living room, cable box, television or what I would truly prefer, programmable specialty functions, as in "Movie Collection" --> turns on surround sound, television, computer, computer automatically opens movie collection and allows me to have default sound and picture modes.

I hope that makes sense, I'm guessing there aren't many options as not many people want to spend the time doing something like that, but I enjoy doing things like that.

Thanks again Bob, you helped me define what I want.

Any component suggestions?

[David M]

That's what the Harmony does, with one controller it controls multiple devices capable of receiving inputs from a remote. Many HTPC cases have IR receivers that give them the ability to be controlled with a remote. If you are going to watch movies at your desk or control your music from there then you don't need it.

Harmony Remotes

[Bob338]

Originally Posted by David M That's what the Harmony does, with one controller it controls multiple devices capable of receiving inputs from a remote.

EXACTLY! Selective for either individual components, or ganged.

Components? Not really. I have an Oppo DVD and Blu-Ray player but was considering integrating that in the HTPC where it will be more compact, and replacement would be cheaper. Love the Onkyo which is an AV amplifier, but bulky. I used Polk speaks for a 5.1 system and I very happy with them. Also have a Dish VIP722 controlled by the Harmony. The other components are Sony tape decks, also controlled remotely. The other stuff is vintage and not controllable remotely, like a Dual record player, and I plan to continue with them for older media, but I'm also considering digitizing my old media. Still planning.

[glc]

If you want a HTPC that can also game, you can still use that other thread for reference, but you will need an appropriate video card and power supply.

Building a case really isn't a good way to go. Just choose a case that fits where you want to put it, and looks good to you. If you choose a standard ATX case, then use an Asus P55 board. If you choose a micro-ATX case, use an Asus H55 board, and make sure the case will fit a standard ATX power supply.

[pally01]

I have used several, and would recommend, Silverstone HTPC cases. In my opinion, they are good quality for the $$$.

I recently built two HTPC's using a Silverstone LC-13 (New Egg item #N82E16811163117). The one I built for me has a GTX460 video card installed and the nice thing about the case is that the DVD drive is offset to the side so that there is enough room to shoehorn the video card in. A case with a centered DVD drive may pose problems in trying to provide enough room to install todays' longer gaming cards. This case can handle a full size ATX motherboard and a standard power supply. Granted it's a tight fit, but the results are very satisfying.

I also seriously looked at a Lian Li case that I thought was really nice: PC-C33B (New Egg item #N82E16811112228). I've never used a Lian-Li case, but all reviews say they are top-of-the-line.

[biocmp]

I will reference my previous thread for components but I'm curious: Isn't it important that I update the sound card for the speakers? And how do I ensure that the components are IR enabled? Is that something built in the motherboard?

I feel like a dufus, but I seriously don't know these things.

Bob & David: thanks for the remote suggestion.

GLC: Thanks, I hope you stick around while I get all of these things even'd out

Pally: thanks, I'll check out your case suggestions. Hopefully they have a clean look to them, I don't want anything with bright blue lights, etc.

[pally01]

The lights are blue and they are bright. Some colored electrician's tape on them before you build will help that though.

[glc]

Isn't it important that I update the sound card for the speakers?

If the onboard sound works to your satisfaction, you don't need a sound card.