New HTPC setup (1 Viewer)

[danzx2]

Thanks for the replies, with regards to DVB-T2. I'm not too interested in the HD stuff at the moment. I've currently got SKY HD (free for another 3 months) but rarely watch HD. I can always upgrade in future if my needs change. The HTPC is going to replace SKY so I would like to create a like for like solution.

Currently I think i'll need a 10m HDMI cable. I have been looking at HDMI splitters that have amplifers in and reviews suggest these work at 10-15m cable lengths. Although if it didn't work I could always revert to HDMI over ethernet.

Thanks again

Dan

 

[Mew]

Hi Dan

I have a 10m HDMI 1.4 cable from my HTPC to my AV Receiver and then a 10m one back to the TV. This is because the HTPC is below the TV but the receiver is in the opposite corner of the room. This seem to work OK but the cables I bought are quite thick (about 1cm) which probably helps the signal quality, but makes them harder to bend. They were also about £40 each.

Are you not thinking about DVB-S/S2 (satellite) as a replacement for Sky as you must have a connection to a dish. The number of free channels is in the hundreds rather than the tens of Freeview (although in my opinion larger quantity does not equal quality). Or you could combine both, Freeview and free satellite (of which Freesat is a subset). I have both on my HTPC as there are a few channels on Freeview that are not currently free to air on satellite (such as 5*, 5USA, Dave, Dave Ja Vu). Cards are available with both DVB-S/S2 and DVB-T tuners on the one card.

Mew

 

[danzx2]

Hi Dan

I have a 10m HDMI 1.4 cable from my HTPC to my AV Receiver and then a 10m one back to the TV. This is because the HTPC is below the TV but the receiver is in the opposite corner of the room. This seem to work OK but the cables I bought are quite thick (about 1cm) which probably helps the signal quality, but makes them harder to bend. They were also about £40 each.

Are you not thinking about DVB-S/S2 (satellite) as a replacement for Sky as you must have a connection to a dish. The number of free channels is in the hundreds rather than the tens of Freeview (although in my opinion larger quantity does not equal quality). Or you could combine both, Freeview and free satellite (of which Freesat is a subset). I have both on my HTPC as there are a few channels on Freeview that are not currently free to air on satellite (such as 5*, 5USA, Dave, Dave Ja Vu). Cards are available with both DVB-S/S2 and DVB-T tuners on the one card.

Mew

Thanks Mew, to be honest I want to remove the dish, its currently in a stupid place and I have a new aerial in the attic that gives a strong signal/quality. I could always move it though.

Good news on the HDMI.

 

[porky996t]

danzx2

I have three dual tuner cards in my set up:-

Peak Dual Tuner PCI - DVB-T
Hauppauge Nova 500 Dual Tuner - DVB-T
TBS6980 Satellite Dual Tuner - DVB-S/S2

I use the Sat tuner card for the HD channels and other ones you cannot get on Freeview like CBS Action etc. I do find that the Peak Dual Tuner is faster, more sensitive and gives a slightly better picture than the the Hauppauge card. It is also cheaper too. You can get it here on Amazon.

I have also just picked up a couple of remotes (one for the main TV PC and one for the client in the bedroom) that are the MCE ones off eBay (RC6 model) and this is by far the best way to control MP. Even the GF uses them without complaint now.

HTH,


M.

 

[danzx2]

Nice one Porky, it certainly is looking like a Peak tuner is the one and i'll source a nice remote.

Thanks

Dan