My first HTPC (1 Viewer)

[Rhaza]

There are a bunch of threads on this, but I figure the world can live with one more

Basically I'm just after a word of advice on whether or not the parts I'm looking at for my new HTPC will be up to scratch.


Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200

ASUS P5KPL-CM Motherboard

Corsair 4GB DDR2

Gigabyte Radeon HD4550 512MB

Leadtek WinFast DTV2000H Hybrid HDTV Card


I've seen MP running on a mate's setup and was extremely impressed. I'd be primarily looking at using it to watch HDTV, record HDTV, play .avi/.wmv, listen to music/radio and watch DVDs.

So yeah, I'd love to know whether people spot any glaring problem I may come across with these part choices.

But as well as that, I have a second question that despite reading manuals online and having a quick google browse, have unable to get an answer I'm happy with.
How do most people set up their HTPC audio outputs? From the HTPC to a Home Theatre Sound System, or even just to their HDTV?


Any comments are most welcome. I'm just psyched MP is so kick ass

 

[Spragleknas]

Hi and welcome to the forum

I guess this is the card you are going for: Leadtek - We make dreams a reality

Didn't bother to look to closely, but make sure you have a card with hardware encoding capabilities, iy you plan to use analogue.
(Also: This model is, according to Leadtek, being phased out).

 

[etheesdad]

I have a pretty similar rig (specs on left)

And it works well for MP with playback of everything including HDTV and 1080 h264 rips.

The DTV2000H is ok, but the scanning and channel change is a little slow compared to my HVR1100

The HD4550 is excellent.

I dont know how "most people" set up their gear. The 4550 outputs 7.1 through HDMI. I run that to my TV then from TV to AMP. Works pretty well for me.

 

[Rhaza]

I run that to my TV then from TV to AMP.

That alone is a great help, I feel so clueless

What sort of TV do you run this all through? Say is it HDMI from the TV to the AMP, or optical, etc?

 

[etheesdad]

I run that to my TV then from TV to AMP.

That alone is a great help, I feel so clueless

What sort of TV do you run this all through? Say is it HDMI from the TV to the AMP, or optical, etc?

32" LCD. HDMI-HDMI

Im no guru. Im just telling you what works for me. There's a good thread here if u want more info (general HTPC, not specific to MP but thats probably not an issue for yr query)
Audio Systems - Australian Media Center Community

 

[Rhaza]

Thanks again for that

Might take the time to post my own step by step, with pics, when I finally get everything together.