g4m3rof1337

I have a Gateway, that has a Pentium 4 @ 3.7GHz, 1gb Ram, 7900GS, and at the moment an 80gb Hard Drive. It has WinXP Pro, but is there another Operating System thats better for a HTPC, maybe Linux?


What other software/TV stuff do I need?

I have DirecTV, a capture card that I think only works with WinXP MCE *Cause when I bought the card, it wouldn't install on XP Pro, and it worked with MCE , and an HDTV.


Thanks.

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paratwa

Here is a link to a forum that deals with HTPC and the linux OS.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=76

g4m3rof1337

Can I use WinXP Pro atm.

Do I need a capture card to record? Or can I use a DVI to HDMI cable? And if I attach an external hard drive to watch movies on the TV, hooked to the computer, will the quality be good? Due to the resolution.



Thanks.

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paratwa

Yes you can use XP pro, but it does not have some of the features that XP media center has. But there is some after market software that will make up for it.

g4m3rof1337

Oh, OK, great.

What about watching videos, with the resolution?


And what kind of programs should I look into?


Thanks.

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paratwa

A couple of good programs to try.

http://www.snapstream.com/Products/b...ia/default.asp


http://www.snapstream.com/Products/beyondtv/default.asp

As for your external drive, you should have no problem storing your movies and such on it and having it play on your system with no stutters or lag.

Rytel

can anyone suggest a decent place to buy a ready built htpc or media center pc, price not an issue, has to look the part tho
thanks

g4m3rof1337

Try BestBuy.

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SirKenin

I custom build them to order to do anything you want.. I know I'm the only guy in my area that does. I suspect that's the same elsewhere.

There's a difference between "HTPC" and a computer that can fake it.

Essentially, if you want one built and you want me to do it... Just tell me what you want it to do and I'll take care of the rest.

To give you an idea of the type of work I do... I can build a media network. A main computer on a main tv, typically with E8400, HDMI audio and video out, optional tv/video capture, optional VGA of your choice, 1TB of storage or more (up to 4TB), up to 4GB of RAM and a Blu-ray/HD player/DVD/CD/RW. We have our guy build all the custom cabinetry. We supply the battery backups, TV, stereo, remotes.

Then, in every other room we install a client HTPC and TV. Then, to top it all off we can install media servers with up to 16TB of storage. You can store all your media on them and share them with everyone in the home. Some configurations we do allow you to share it over the internet via FTP or VPN.

A custom interface and remote is used. If you like, you can push a button and the screen will either slide out from the wall or up out of a credenza, depending on your preference.

Any of the HTPCs have optional touch screens on them as well. The one I have sitting here in front of me has a 7" touch screen that you can use for navigation, have it display stats, weather, news, etc.

One of our partners provides the home audio, Rotel, Bryston, B&W, Carver, and on the low end we offer Pioneer Elite and Yamaha.

Another one of our partners is an architect/contracter. We will design and build whatever additions or refinish any room in your home to accomodate your new theater. We can even build you an entire new home, fully automated and remote control.

If money is truly no object.... We can help you spend it.

Randan

rytel, try this site and also info about htpc