Completed DIY case kesar's HTPC revision 2 (1 Viewer)

[kesar]

I just finished my new case. This is a long story , so number of pictures is adequate I hope no one gets bored.
So here we go

First the design. It started with Ruud's HTPC. I got obsessed with an idea of building my own case with touch screen. I wanted a new HTPC with a few requierments met:
- to have space to put all stuff that I need - all the hard drives, PCI cards, CAM, IR reader for RC, etc.
- easy to use, fully operational without turning the TV on;
- ergonoimical - I don't want to bend my knees to see the screen content;
- quiet - one fan only,
- matching my living room outlook.

I prepared some drawings and received feedback from forum users. Many thanks for all directions and great input Ruud, btw.

Then I prepared the next, final design and started to order all new components:
- touch screen - I ordered this one in US - it's 8.4'', 16:9, accepts 1600:1200 signal,
- Technisat HD2 DVB-S2 & CI module,
- CAM Aston 2.19,
- additional hard drive - WD 1TB GreenPower, from previous case I have Samsung 500 and 750GB - this latter died during relocation (the only, but hard loss), so the replacement is on the way - done
- cables, screws, furniture accessories, etc.
- MDF 16mm.
All other stuff I took from my previous build (picture attached). You will find full HTPC specification in my profile.

All the rest is shown on the pictures, so I try to briefly describe the building process (it is depicted on the photos):
- first the case assembly - sawing, drilling, screwing, plastering, grinding, and so on,
- mounting the drawer rails,
- building hard drive rack from aluminium profiles;
- glue overlay, tropical wood beading, polishing, waxing,
- mounting all the hardware inside,
- finally software installation and configuration.

Software:
- Windows XP SP3
- Media Portal & TV Server 1.0.0.0
- lot of plugins;
- VNC
- codecs - ffdshow, Cyberlink PDVD 8

To do list:
- add 2 GB RAM - done
- fasten the CI slot;
- replace the PSU with fanless (one fan stays )
- do some cable management - this will be tough

All comments and opinions are welcome.

Regards,
kesar

 

[Kossu]

that looks absolutely awesome. I like how you used those rails to move it along and that hdd rack.
Could you list computer hardware used? Thanks.

 

[dm15644]

Pretty cool. And pretty. And cool!

/jayrock

 

[Ruud]

WOW

Wow Kesar....
I really love how you made your ideas come to live. This cabinet rocks!
regards,
Ruud.

 

[kesar]

Thanks for your kind words

Kossu
Look at this catalogue Drawer Slide NJ 3600. These are special drawer rails with full ejection length. Easy to find in DIY markets.
My system specification is on the left, I just turned it on.

 

[Fatboysec]

Absolutely brilliant.

I've an enormous respect for people who can make such things. I wouldn't have an idea on how to start with it...

Bart

 

[kesar]

Thank you. NAS and a small Atom based client are next in line.

 

[Plasma Dan]

Only problem is, you have to explain to people that is isn't a speaker everytime

Great job, very unique.

 

[ShoopNL]

Excelent Setup, I lik the design with the slide in for DVD's
__________

Home Cinema

 

[kesar]

Thank you.
I passed on the DVD, cause I wouldn't use it probably. The card reader would also be nice and cool, but I wouldn't use it neither I have old player "in any case" and I can always play any brd, dvd or cd from my desktop over the network. It's much more useful solution, because most of the dvd drives are quite loud. This was Ruud's advice and I'm glad I followed it. I can add it at any time, though.