Hardware questions about HTPCs (1 Viewer)

[Topher5000]

I want to start putting together a HTPC & was looking at the Hauppauge 150MCE. I see that it has analogue audio inputs. Is it possible to get a sound card that has a Dolby Digital input & record AC3 audio?
The computer I'll be installing the Hauppauge in has an MSI K7N2 Delta-L mobo with an AMD XP2500+ cpu, 512mb of RAM, an 80gb HD for the o/s & a 200mb HD for data. I'm mainly interested in the PVR functions at the moment. Will it be possible to use the computer at the same time?
Lastly, how does the remote control function? I have a Home Electro IRA-2 & a Harmony 659 remote. I tried figuring out Girder a couple of years back, but I just couldn't understand it.

Thanks in advance for any help (I need it).

 

[Callifo]

You could get the bits to hook it up, but from what it looks like MP doesnt have the ability to select the audio input on a hardware card. Maybe some otherway of doing it but I dont remember reading about anyone doing it.

 

[Topher5000]

Thanks. It looks like that with a home-built HTPC, you have to sacrifice Dolby Digital surround, at least for TV watching. Is this correct?
My big worry is the remote control issue. Since I have a Harmony remote, I can go to the Logitech website & pick a device, like an MCE remote. Does negate the need for me to have to mess around with Girder?

Thanks.