Ok, I'm building an HTPC here are the specs:
MOBO: msi nforce2 ultra400
CPU: amd mobile 2600+ barton core
RAM: 2 X 512 set of OCZ Plat EL Rev 2.
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9550 with 128MB, AGP
Dedicated OS/Application Hard drive: 60 GB WD 7200 RPM
Auxiliary Hard Drive: 200 GB WD 7200
Cable Box: Scientific-Atlanta 8300HD with FireWire Ports activated
Remote: Logitech Harmony H659
I was going to buy MCE, but then I saw MediaPortal was available and started to think I could save some moneys. But let's see.
Question # 1
Now... I believe that I can just capture my HD via the FireWire port and not need a decoder (hardware) such as a PVR150, for example.
Is this true?
If so, will this be ok with Media Portal.
Question #2
With my remote (Logitech Harmony H659, can I control the HTPC? is my best bet a USB UIRT (http://www.USBUIRT.com)? Will this likely work out?
A little background on what I am looking for:
I plan to use the HTPC to timeshift, record shows, convert to DIVX or XviD or some sort of compressed video (either on the fly or after the fact), play games (like MythTV and I believe MCE lets you), etc.
The reason for such a small HD (200GB) is that I have a > 2 TB server that I will transfer videos to periodically.
Thanks!
MatStars
MOBO: msi nforce2 ultra400
CPU: amd mobile 2600+ barton core
RAM: 2 X 512 set of OCZ Plat EL Rev 2.
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9550 with 128MB, AGP
Dedicated OS/Application Hard drive: 60 GB WD 7200 RPM
Auxiliary Hard Drive: 200 GB WD 7200
Cable Box: Scientific-Atlanta 8300HD with FireWire Ports activated
Remote: Logitech Harmony H659
I was going to buy MCE, but then I saw MediaPortal was available and started to think I could save some moneys. But let's see.
Question # 1
Now... I believe that I can just capture my HD via the FireWire port and not need a decoder (hardware) such as a PVR150, for example.
Is this true?
If so, will this be ok with Media Portal.
Question #2
With my remote (Logitech Harmony H659, can I control the HTPC? is my best bet a USB UIRT (http://www.USBUIRT.com)? Will this likely work out?
A little background on what I am looking for:
I plan to use the HTPC to timeshift, record shows, convert to DIVX or XviD or some sort of compressed video (either on the fly or after the fact), play games (like MythTV and I believe MCE lets you), etc.
The reason for such a small HD (200GB) is that I have a > 2 TB server that I will transfer videos to periodically.
Thanks!
MatStars