Been looking, and HTPC's gonna have to wait

[coyote]

The technology ain't mature enough yet. I would want to:
play HD-DVDs
record HD programming
replace the current sound system
record programming from digital cable

The first two are doable but kludgy. The third works pretty well on PC nowadays. The last? I've not yet seen any PCTV cards that receive digital cable channels. There's a slew of programs on BET Jazz, for example, that I'd love to record but in my area it ain't tunable on any available TV card that I'm aware of. And I don't want a STB.

I think (or hope, anyway) that the next year or two will have digital cable cards for PC that operate with some sort of gatekeeping device like the current CableCARD. Maybe CableCARD will even be two-way by then. But til that happens I'll be content with 480p DVDs and watching programs when their timeslot happens to coincide with my decision to turn on the TV. And it's high time that a computer video card have a native HDMI built-in - it's silly to have to convert the digital signal to component, only to have the TV reconvert it to digital.

[wifeB8]

Let’s see…………
1. Play HD- DVD’s. No such thing unless you are referring to WMV HD DVD’s.
Done that.

2. Record HD programming. Done that

3. Replace the current sound system. Very possible on any system. 6 ch surround cards capable of playing hi rez audio are available. Personally, since I have a SFF HTPC I’m limited somewhat on my configuration.

4. Record programming from digital cable. DO-able with IR remote control software and an IR blaster to control the cable box. Yes you need your STB.

Also all your music can be located on a HTPC. No fumbling thru CD’s trying to find that one special song. In addition you have the ability to de-interlace a dvd image and be able to do post processing on it. It ain’t a perfect world but I’d rather be on the bandwagon than be off it at this point.

[WaltB123]

Hi WifeB8

I am in the middle of researching the best hardware I can buy to build an HTPC like you. I was hoping you have a recommendation on what I should buy or not buy? Primarily the best Tuner Card and DVR software.

My goal is to expand my current system with the best components to provide DVR functionality on my PC. I use Comcast HDTV via Motorola Receiver but may drop it and opt for OTA broadcasts and just use Netflix to watch movies(cheaper).

Currently my PC is:
AMD Athlon 64 1.8 Ghz
512MB Corsair XMS DDR400 Memory (adding another 512 soon)
NEC DVD R/W 3500A
Geforce 6800 GT 256MB
Kingwin Removable IDE Drives (multiple 120 GB Drives)

I also have an NEC LT240K projector that I play FPS multiplayer games on but I want to use it also to project movies played on my PC's DVD player and either Cable TV or OTA. The picture is awesome for gaming and DVD's. I'm hoping same for HDTV (its capable).

I've thought about using Windows Media Center Edition but reconsidered after reading about how copyright "sensitive" it is. Now I'm thinking of using Meedio TV because it looks to the be the least restrictive and most expandable and it even ties in with web based security cameras and alarms from X10, which I also use.

Any thoughts, suggestions are most appreciated...

WaltB

[wifeB8]

I’ve heard good thinks in regards to Meedio, but I have not used it. The following link will give you some insight into front ends that you can use. http://htpcnews.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3166
If you are looking at MCE stick with 2004 it’s more stable in the HTPC arena.

If you really want to get the best DVD playback that can revival the best up converting players on the market you need to get the appropriate software for playback. You start with Dscaler for the pre-processing and end up with FFD Show for post processing. At the very least use FFD show. Throw out players like WinDVD or Power DVD, and stick with ones that are compatible with FFD show such as Zoom Player http://www.inmatrix.com/files/zoomplayer_beta.shtml or Theatertek http://www.theatertek.com

HDTV recording as you might be aware of is possible via OTA on an HTPC, You can record network HDTV shows that are broadcast over the air. However cable is another story. You must have a QAM256 compatible card such as the Dvico FusionHDTV III QAM, and the Sasem USB HDTV. I also believe the Dvico has come out with a new card called the FusionHDTV III Gold-T, and you are limited to the cable feed that your local provider carries. In my area the HD feed of the WB is not carried by my cable provider so I’ve stayed away from these QAM cards.
Here is some extra stuff on PVR card/bundles at reasonable prices, and well supported
http://www.pcalchemy.com/index.php/cPath/43
http://www.pcalchemy.com/index.php/cPath/51

Good luck :)

[WaltB123]

Thanks for all the info (late in getting back here)