HTPC Help

g4m3rof1337

g4m3rof1337

Active Member
Alright, I'd like to setup a HTPC on my TV, and maybe on another, if needed. But for mine, I was wondering what specs the PC should have, software, ect. I'm also wondering how I'll manage my home theater speakers, 360, and the TV. Is it possible to have them all connected at once? Any help would be nice.

I have some stuff laying around already, I have an HP computer that I acquired, but it doesn't really work, but I have other parts to replace it.
Here's the thread - http://www.computerforum.com/167732-hp-computer-problem.html

Also, I mainly plan on using this as a computer that I can play media off it, onto my TV. Won't really need to record anything, since I'll have Uverse with TV recording features.

Thanks.
 
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You actually dont need a very advanced pc to use it as an HTPC. I run several HTPCs on my network and use 7 series Nvidia cards in the ones hooked up to standard definition TVs and a 8700 with an HDMI output on my main HTPC server connected to my HD tv. I use and highly prefer Mythbuntu for your OS and a few large hard drives or a Terreabyte depending on how much you think you will need. I also use Pentium 4's with Hyperthreading which is a MUST if you use the P4. Besides that, your options are up to whatever you want. Make sure you have at least one backend and one frontend and plenty of wireless receivers for all your tvs!
 
ukulele_ninja said:
You actually dont need a very advanced pc to use it as an HTPC. I run several HTPCs on my network and use 7 series Nvidia cards in the ones hooked up to standard definition TVs and a 8700 with an HDMI output on my main HTPC server connected to my HD tv. I use and highly prefer Mythbuntu for your OS and a few large hard drives or a Terreabyte depending on how much you think you will need. I also use Pentium 4's with Hyperthreading which is a MUST if you use the P4. Besides that, your options are up to whatever you want. Make sure you have at least one backend and one frontend and plenty of wireless receivers for all your tvs!
Click to expand...

Alright, sounds good. I have that HP computer, I think the problem might be fixed with another mobo, which I have. I also have an E8400 CPU, so I'll just end up using the case, just hope the Ram is compatible.


Do you have any conflicts with Mythbuntu? And should I buy a cheap HDMI GPU?

Thanks.
 
The parts don't need to be very advanced, just make sure you have the correct outputs from the video card and sound card.
 
diduknowthat said:
The parts don't need to be very advanced, just make sure you have the correct outputs from the video card and sound card.
Click to expand...

Alright, I'll get the computer working, then get a nice hard drive, HDMI GPU, and then get a sound card as well? I'm aware HDMI can transfer both audio and video, would that work?


Also, what would the best method be to access the content on the HTPC, on another TV, in the other room? A second HTPC, I take it?



Thanks.
 
Its a pain in the ass to get setup initially but there is a lot of assistance available on the ubuntu forums. The nice part is once it is up and running you really wont ever need to do much in the way of maintenance on the system because it just works :). Make sure you have an IR unit for your remote and a good sound card and speaker setup on any frontend systems that you use. A cheaper HDMI card should be fine too, get one with at least 256Mb of ram to make sure your videos playback good. Check out the mythbuntu guide as well because it will have all the hardware that is easily supported.
 
You said you have a 360? Windows Vista, 7, and XP Media Center Edition can all stream media to it over the network. Doesn't matter one bit how fast the computer is.

On other versions of XP, it still works, but you have to use the 360's menu to access it like a storage device, since obviously there's no Media Center to connect to.
 
Drenlin said:
You said you have a 360? Windows Vista, 7, and XP Media Center Edition can all stream media to it over the network. Doesn't matter one bit how fast the computer is.

On other versions of XP, it still works, but you have to use the 360's menu to access it like a storage device, since obviously there's no Media Center to connect to.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I might do that.. I thought about it, but was iffy on over-using my 360, cause of known heat problems.. But it's a Sept 08 360, and I added a more powerful fan to it.. So maybe I won't have to worry about that, lol.



Thanks.
 
The downfall to streaming through the 360 is that if you plan to backup your DVDs or Blu-rays your SOL. You cant stream ISO files to the 360 which is one of the main reasons for me to have a HTPC so I can easily access my movie library. Not only that but you have so many additional things you can do with an HTPC in the long run including tying your security cameras into the system, using it to turn on or off lights and appliances, door locks, etc. That all requires additional hardware obviously, but it is very cool if you want to create the 'smart house' feel.

Also, I could be wrong but im not sure if you can access your recorded tv shows from your backend with the 360 method.
 
ukulele_ninja said:
The downfall to streaming through the 360 is that if you plan to backup your DVDs or Blu-rays your SOL. You cant stream ISO files to the 360 which is one of the main reasons for me to have a HTPC so I can easily access my movie library. Not only that but you have so many additional things you can do with an HTPC in the long run including tying your security cameras into the system, using it to turn on or off lights and appliances, door locks, etc. That all requires additional hardware obviously, but it is very cool if you want to create the 'smart house' feel.

Also, I could be wrong but im not sure if you can access your recorded tv shows from your backend with the 360 method.
Click to expand...

Ah, thanks for the ISO comment, I remember running into that. And if I get a HTPC, I don't plan on getting a capture card to record TV, since I'll have a DVR box. I just want to be able to watch my movies and media files I have on my computer. I'll think about what to do, I have a computer that can probably easily be fixed, and would work for a HTPC.


Thanks.
 
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