converting a PC into an media center

[godmode]

Hi guys,

As the title suggest, I’m considering converting a PC that I built up using spare parts from my gaming PC into a media center. I use this PC at the moment to store files, host FTP/HTTP websites and of course, bitorrent. I call it some what of a home server.

I’m not totally new to the wonderful world of the PVR; in fact, I currently have a tivo. Which brings me to the first reason why I’m considering a media center PC, the payments for service can add up pretty quickly at $12.95 per month. And also, I believe my tivo's hard drive is starting fail (this is not the first time this have happened). The video tends to freeze every now and then, that's how I know.

I have a good feeling about media portal so I started experimenting just yesterday. I installed it and got it running with ease. I don't have a TV tuner yet so I was just looking at how the interface felt and went through the various features. I can't really compare it with the tivo in terms of TV recording/viewing at the moment but all the other features media portal offers is impressive (the interface actually looks better imo). Tivo is nice but again, the cost for service is punching a hole in my wallet.

To convert this "home server" of mine, all I’ll pretty much need is a TV tuner card with a remote. I found this at the circuit city website: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Haupp...oductDetail.do

My question is, does this card work with media portal? I’m looking for a card that supports HD for future upgrades and also works in standard dif.

Here are the specs of the PC:

CPU: AMD Athlon64 3200+ 2.2GHZ
RAM: 1GB DDR333
GFX card: Nvidia Geforce MX440 64MB
HD1: 160GB SATA 7200RPM
HD2: 500GB SATAII 7200RPM
MB: ASUS K8N Socket 754, nforce3 chipset
OS: Windows XP Pro SP1

I think I might have to upgrade the video card, especially for HD. but other than that, any advice you guys can give me is welcome. Hopefully this setup should work wonders (maybe).

[Spragleknas]

Hi!
You need a DX9 video card to use MP, like ATi 9500-series, nVidia FX-series or above (note: ATi 90xx/92xx-series is not fulld DX9)

Cant say much about the TV-card due to differences in broadcasting, but Hauppage genereally is supported and recommended here in MP-land.

Good luck!

[godmode]

You need a DX9 video card to use MP, like ATi 9500-series, nVidia FX-series or above (note: ATi 90xx/92xx-series is not fulld DX9)

thought so, i guess I'll add a nice and cheap DX9 card to the cart

i got some more questions:

1. when adding videos, pictures and music to the library, MP scans for them. is there an option to specify the folder/directory? and if so, does it work with network folders as well?

2. when i do get the tuner card and start recording shows, where does MP store them? is there an option to specify the folder to store them?

3. and last, is there an option to control picture quality? (like best, medium, low)

lmao....i just found the MP settings panel and was able to find answers to my own questions

i'm such a newb

[Gixxer]

Originally Posted by godmode

thought so, i guess I'll add a nice and cheap DX9 card to the cart

i got some more questions:

1. when adding videos, pictures and music to the library, MP scans for them. is there an option to specify the folder/directory? and if so, does it work with network folders as well?

2. when i do get the tuner card and start recording shows, where does MP store them? is there an option to specify the folder to store them?

3. and last, is there an option to control picture quality? (like best, medium, low)

lmao....i just found the MP settings panel and was able to find answers to my own questions

i'm such a newb

1) opening configuration and going to movie folder or picture folder or music folder option will allow you to add as many forlders as you want. including network folders and even ftp

2) i think so, i dont have a tvtuner yet, but same, in configuration i think u can specify it

3) dont know

[mzemina]

Originally Posted by Gixxer

...
1) opening configuration and going to movie folder or picture folder or music folder option will allow you to add as many forlders as you want. including network folders and even ftp
...

(1.) I believe there is a limit of 20 (twenty) - not as many as you want.

[jburnette]

Originally Posted by godmode

2. when i do get the tuner card and start recording shows, where does MP store them? is there an option to specify the folder to store them?

3. and last, is there an option to control picture quality? (like best, medium, low)

lmao....i just found the MP settings panel and was able to find answers to my own questions

i'm such a newb

2. Yes, you can specify any folder you want.

3. Depends on the card, really. Hauppage cards generally allow this no problem. You can even specify what bitrate in which you record and can change that quality setting on a recording by recording basis to save space.

[godmode]

i'm gonna buy the tunner and video card (eyeing an Nvidia Geforce 6200 or ATI X1050) tommorrow. thanks for all the advise guys. if i get any problems, i know where to look.

[Spragleknas]

There are several issues with latest ATi-drivers (with x1250, anyway).

I'd recommend nVidia....

[mrbook]

slowly converting my old pc into a HTPC went and got the nVidia 6200 but slowly upgrading piece by piece.