Background
I have used the excellent MP for about two years and I am now getting ready to buy/install my perfect system. However, I will be moving soon so I will not buy it just yet. As I know little about hardware I thought I would ask you experts now so that I can start studying and planning the setup. For now I need, a TV, a computer, and speakers.
My current system is very basic. Some cheap Logitech 5.1 speakers, external Creative soundcard, and a Thinkpad with S-Video to the TV… this will be moved to the bedroom to make way for better stuff in the living and work room.
What I will use the new computer for
•Run MP in on living room TV and stream to a client in the bedroom
•Use emulators (through MP) using wireless Rumble pads in the living room
•Occasionally play games (haven’t played in years I want to try the new games!)
•In the future run blue-ray
•Perhaps run as a FTP and web server (only for personal use)
About my ideal setup
•I do not want a computer in the living room, there I only want a TV, speakers, keyboard and game pads. The PC should be placed in a work room where it will also be connected to a monitor. My plans are to run a USB cable and video cable through the wall from the work room to the living room
•I want to run a client (wireless) from the bedroom where I will have a laptop connected to a TV
Limits
I have a girlfriend that enjoys eating out and travelling and she does not prioritize spending all money on this system. Nevertheless, I promised her a dishwashing machine in exchange for a decent setup…
•TV –max 1500 euros (min. 42”)
•PC –max 1500 euros
•Speakers –max 350 euros
I would prefer something cheaper though…
Questions:
1. Should I buy a preconfigured computer (ie DELL XP 420) or build one myself for the very first time?
2. What min. hardware do I need (processor, video card, sound card etc.)
3. Should I go for 1080 or is 720 enough? Plasma or LCD? (I know about all the info on the web, but if possible just quickly give me your ideas and experiences)
4. What is better for connecting the PC with the TV, DVI cable or HDMI? What’s the maximum length of the cable without loosing quality?
5. Should I go for computer speakers (thinking to Logitech Z-5500) or for a home cinema system (such as Sony HT-DDW990 etc.) which would mean the amp would have to be placed in the work room?
6. Can I have two keyboards connected to the computer? One in the living room for MP and one in the workroom for “daily uses”
Any suggestions or ideas I have not thought about would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I have used the excellent MP for about two years and I am now getting ready to buy/install my perfect system. However, I will be moving soon so I will not buy it just yet. As I know little about hardware I thought I would ask you experts now so that I can start studying and planning the setup. For now I need, a TV, a computer, and speakers.
My current system is very basic. Some cheap Logitech 5.1 speakers, external Creative soundcard, and a Thinkpad with S-Video to the TV… this will be moved to the bedroom to make way for better stuff in the living and work room.
What I will use the new computer for
•Run MP in on living room TV and stream to a client in the bedroom
•Use emulators (through MP) using wireless Rumble pads in the living room
•Occasionally play games (haven’t played in years I want to try the new games!)
•In the future run blue-ray
•Perhaps run as a FTP and web server (only for personal use)
About my ideal setup
•I do not want a computer in the living room, there I only want a TV, speakers, keyboard and game pads. The PC should be placed in a work room where it will also be connected to a monitor. My plans are to run a USB cable and video cable through the wall from the work room to the living room
•I want to run a client (wireless) from the bedroom where I will have a laptop connected to a TV
Limits
I have a girlfriend that enjoys eating out and travelling and she does not prioritize spending all money on this system. Nevertheless, I promised her a dishwashing machine in exchange for a decent setup…
•TV –max 1500 euros (min. 42”)
•PC –max 1500 euros
•Speakers –max 350 euros
I would prefer something cheaper though…
Questions:
1. Should I buy a preconfigured computer (ie DELL XP 420) or build one myself for the very first time?
2. What min. hardware do I need (processor, video card, sound card etc.)
3. Should I go for 1080 or is 720 enough? Plasma or LCD? (I know about all the info on the web, but if possible just quickly give me your ideas and experiences)
4. What is better for connecting the PC with the TV, DVI cable or HDMI? What’s the maximum length of the cable without loosing quality?
5. Should I go for computer speakers (thinking to Logitech Z-5500) or for a home cinema system (such as Sony HT-DDW990 etc.) which would mean the amp would have to be placed in the work room?
6. Can I have two keyboards connected to the computer? One in the living room for MP and one in the workroom for “daily uses”
Any suggestions or ideas I have not thought about would be appreciated.
Thanks.