Hello All -
After playing with many other softwares and OS configurations, I have decided that the best solution for me and my choice of HTPC is going to be MedaPortal. So here is my dilemma (see my hardware configuration below), I want to build the best HTPC possible and be able to make a GHOST image of the OS partition in case something crashes. I am hoping to be able to start from scratch with a clean OS installation and install all the drivers and CODECS right the first time.
I have already tried an installation of MP once, and found it rather difficult to get everything working as desired. I was not able to play .MKV files (probably something I did)....so I am going to start over from scratch. Before I start again, I have some questions below my hardware/software information:
MSI G41TM-E43 (motherboard)
-- INTEL CORE2/QUAD Q6600
-- 4GB DDR2-800 RAM
-- (2) HITACHI 7200RPM 1TB HDD
-- HDD1 (PART 1 - 60GB/PART2 - REMAINDER)
-- HDD2 (PART 1 - ENTIRE)
-- SAMSUNG SH-S243N DL-DVD burner/player
-- WINDOWS 7 PRO (X86) - see no need to ULT
-- MSSQL 2008 (INSTALLED AS PER YOUR FORUMS)
-- SAF6 CODECS INSTALLED
EVGA GT430 (video card)
ATI TV WONDER DIGITAL CABLE TUNER (tv tuner)
---------------------
Questions:
1) What is the best method for ripping or converting (currently have 108 MPEG files) my DVD collection to a format that will play on my home audio receiver and yield the 5.1 surround sound? Currently only the MPEG2 files that I have been using will do this, but they are HUGE! Apparently my SONYY STR-DE985 is not capable of processing AAC audio either optical digital or coax digital. Must be AC3/DTS. I would like to use either MP4 or MKV. I have a purchased copy of WINXDVD RIPPER which will rip them into just about any format, and I also have a copy of DVD Fab. Both do an excellent job, but the WINX does not utilize the CUDA of my card -- YET.
2) What is the best method for install CODECS to the machine - I currently have the latest SAF6 installed, and did not change any of the defaults. Just installed it. I am not able to play any .MKV files on my machine....I am sure I left something out.
3) Which is better? MSSQL 2008 or MySQL? I would like to do the easiest installation with the minimal of additional software installs and configurations.
4) After reading the forums, I chose the HDD partitioning at the best possible configuration, with the intent of using the 1TB HDD2 for Movies and Music (currently ripping my CD collection), and the 2nd part of HDD1 for pictures and the installation of software. Windows 7 apparently hates it when you move certain folders off the C: drive - but I think I got that resolved. Is there a more efficient method of partitioning my 2 1TB HDDs. I do not want to RAID them. I get scores of 1800+ when using the PASSMARK software product.
I chose Windows 7 x86, as I see no need to have more than 4GB of RAM on the HTPC, and just about every application does not run in pure x64 mode - including MSSQL. I also saw no need to install the ULTIMATE version of Windows 7 - nothing really gained from that upgrade, no need to use BitLocker for an HTPC or MS Virtual Machines.
Any any all advice is greatly appreciated. I have looked and looked for a STEP-BY-STEP installation guide for MP, and while the installation steps in the portal are okay. I would love to see a basic step-by-step for installing the software from the OS installation to a completed installation (excluding plug-ins). I know there are a lot of variables that come into play when doing an installation but I am sure that there are BASIC steps that need to be done for every installation.
Again - thank you in advance for any & all help.
Curtis
After playing with many other softwares and OS configurations, I have decided that the best solution for me and my choice of HTPC is going to be MedaPortal. So here is my dilemma (see my hardware configuration below), I want to build the best HTPC possible and be able to make a GHOST image of the OS partition in case something crashes. I am hoping to be able to start from scratch with a clean OS installation and install all the drivers and CODECS right the first time.
I have already tried an installation of MP once, and found it rather difficult to get everything working as desired. I was not able to play .MKV files (probably something I did)....so I am going to start over from scratch. Before I start again, I have some questions below my hardware/software information:
MSI G41TM-E43 (motherboard)
-- INTEL CORE2/QUAD Q6600
-- 4GB DDR2-800 RAM
-- (2) HITACHI 7200RPM 1TB HDD
-- HDD1 (PART 1 - 60GB/PART2 - REMAINDER)
-- HDD2 (PART 1 - ENTIRE)
-- SAMSUNG SH-S243N DL-DVD burner/player
-- WINDOWS 7 PRO (X86) - see no need to ULT
-- MSSQL 2008 (INSTALLED AS PER YOUR FORUMS)
-- SAF6 CODECS INSTALLED
EVGA GT430 (video card)
ATI TV WONDER DIGITAL CABLE TUNER (tv tuner)
---------------------
Questions:
1) What is the best method for ripping or converting (currently have 108 MPEG files) my DVD collection to a format that will play on my home audio receiver and yield the 5.1 surround sound? Currently only the MPEG2 files that I have been using will do this, but they are HUGE! Apparently my SONYY STR-DE985 is not capable of processing AAC audio either optical digital or coax digital. Must be AC3/DTS. I would like to use either MP4 or MKV. I have a purchased copy of WINXDVD RIPPER which will rip them into just about any format, and I also have a copy of DVD Fab. Both do an excellent job, but the WINX does not utilize the CUDA of my card -- YET.
2) What is the best method for install CODECS to the machine - I currently have the latest SAF6 installed, and did not change any of the defaults. Just installed it. I am not able to play any .MKV files on my machine....I am sure I left something out.
3) Which is better? MSSQL 2008 or MySQL? I would like to do the easiest installation with the minimal of additional software installs and configurations.
4) After reading the forums, I chose the HDD partitioning at the best possible configuration, with the intent of using the 1TB HDD2 for Movies and Music (currently ripping my CD collection), and the 2nd part of HDD1 for pictures and the installation of software. Windows 7 apparently hates it when you move certain folders off the C: drive - but I think I got that resolved. Is there a more efficient method of partitioning my 2 1TB HDDs. I do not want to RAID them. I get scores of 1800+ when using the PASSMARK software product.
I chose Windows 7 x86, as I see no need to have more than 4GB of RAM on the HTPC, and just about every application does not run in pure x64 mode - including MSSQL. I also saw no need to install the ULTIMATE version of Windows 7 - nothing really gained from that upgrade, no need to use BitLocker for an HTPC or MS Virtual Machines.
Any any all advice is greatly appreciated. I have looked and looked for a STEP-BY-STEP installation guide for MP, and while the installation steps in the portal are okay. I would love to see a basic step-by-step for installing the software from the OS installation to a completed installation (excluding plug-ins). I know there are a lot of variables that come into play when doing an installation but I am sure that there are BASIC steps that need to be done for every installation.
Again - thank you in advance for any & all help.
Curtis