Author Topic: Share your HTPC Setup (Read 345043 times)

cnn · « **Reply #1650 on:** Jul 23, 2008 at 05:30 AM »

Quote from: localhost on Jul 17, 2008 at 08:43 PM

Share ko lang po yung aking simple HTPC setup...

Bro... inquire lang... ano yung software / application running sa HDTV mo? ganda naman... can you give me info and more close up pics of the application?

TY

doughn · « **Reply #1651 on:** Jul 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM »

mga sirs...

i want to upgrade my pc to htpc

my old pc specs:

p4 1.6
512+256mb ram
128mb ati vcard

what doi need to buy to be a 1080p htpc?

thanks

-doughn

otepsy · « **Reply #1652 on:** Jul 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM »

Quote from: cnn on Jul 23, 2008 at 05:30 AM

Bro... inquire lang... ano yung software / application running sa HDTV mo? ganda naman... can you give me info and more close up pics of the application?

TY

if i'm not mistaken it's Windows Media Center

cnn · « **Reply #1653 on:** Jul 23, 2008 at 12:06 PM »

Quote from: otepsy on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM

if i'm not mistaken it's Windows Media Center

TY sir... I'll do check it out...

Nice setup you got there...

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1654 on:** Jul 23, 2008 at 02:36 PM »

Quote from: doughn on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM

i want to upgrade my pc to htpc

my old pc specs:

p4 1.6
512+256mb ram
128mb ati vcard

what doi need to buy to be a 1080p htpc?

-doughn

Buy a new mobo that is compatible with at least Intel's Core2 Duo or having the new AMD chipset. P4 doesn't have enough horsepower for 1080p. Maiinis ka lang sa out of synch AV. If you stick with 720p, then just add more RAM and upgrade your video card to at least an HD2600 ATI or 8400 Nvidia.

Get at least 1GB of RAM if you're running XP. 2GB if you're running Vista.

Get an excellent monitor, kahit anong type (CRT, LCD, Plasma).

Get a decent set of speakers, kahit 2.1 ch. You may have to buy a separate sound card for that.

Pero eto unang-una mong gawin, get some high def contents and try them muna with your current PC.

localhost · « **Reply #1655 on:** Jul 24, 2008 at 05:18 PM »

Quote from: cnn on Jul 23, 2008 at 05:30 AM

Bro... inquire lang... ano yung software / application running sa HDTV mo? ganda naman... can you give me info and more close up pics of the application?

TY

Hi CNN, Yes It's Windows Media Center that is built in for Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate edition. If you want to see some screenshots ad feature of this Media center please head on to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/media-center.aspx

I will also recommend Cyberlink PowerCinema if you just want the Media Center for your HTPC and not planning to upgrade your OS...

busabos · « **Reply #1656 on:** Jul 25, 2008 at 07:56 AM »

How would my HTPC output 1080p? I believe mine only outputs 480p.

localhost · « **Reply #1657 on:** Jul 25, 2008 at 08:48 AM »

Pagakakaalam ko eh dapat parehong capable yung HTPC mo (graphics card) at yung TV mo. The TV should accept 1080 input ganun din yung graphics. Pero if both are capable dapat ma-access mo siya sa graphics option ng HTPC mo.

doughn · « **Reply #1658 on:** Jul 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM »

Quote from: Clondalkin on Jul 23, 2008 at 02:36 PM

Buy a new mobo that is compatible with at least Intel's Core2 Duo or having the new AMD chipset. P4 doesn't have enough horsepower for 1080p. Maiinis ka lang sa out of synch AV. If you stick with 720p, then just add more RAM and upgrade your video card to at least an HD2600 ATI or 8400 Nvidia.

Get at least 1GB of RAM if you're running XP. 2GB if you're running Vista.

Get an excellent monitor, kahit anong type (CRT, LCD, Plasma).

Get a decent set of speakers, kahit 2.1 ch. You may have to buy a separate sound card for that.

Pero eto unang-una mong gawin, get some high def contents and try them muna with your current PC.

thanks sir for the info

cnn · « **Reply #1659 on:** Jul 25, 2008 at 10:29 AM »

Quote from: localhost on Jul 24, 2008 at 05:18 PM

Hi CNN, Yes It's Windows Media Center that is built in for Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate edition. If you want to see some screenshots ad feature of this Media center please head on to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/media-center.aspx

I will also recommend Cyberlink PowerCinema if you just want the Media Center for your HTPC and not planning to upgrade your OS...

Thank you very much for the reply. Really appreciate your comments.

localhost · « **Reply #1660 on:** Jul 25, 2008 at 06:33 PM »

Quote from: cnn on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:29 AM

Thank you very much for the reply. Really appreciate your comments.

No worries po....

joey · « **Reply #1661 on:** Jul 30, 2008 at 09:13 AM »

New addition for my HTPC setup....

busabos · « **Reply #1662 on:** Aug 21, 2008 at 09:02 AM »

Question lang sa mga experts.

Im currently using 6600GT in my htpc setup. AFAIK it doesnt support HDMI, but for some reason it worked for me using dvi to hdmi adapter. Now Im planning to upgrade my video card to an ATI hdmi enabled card (low end lang). My question is, would I see significant improvement since I'll be using an HDMI enabled card?

Also how would I make it output 1080p?

TIA

ninjababez® · « **Reply #1663 on:** Aug 21, 2008 at 11:40 AM »

Quote from: busabos on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:02 AM

Question lang sa mga experts.

Im currently using 6600GT in my htpc setup. AFAIK it doesnt support HDMI, but for some reason it worked for me using dvi to hdmi adapter. Now Im planning to upgrade my video card to an ATI hdmi enabled card (low end lang). My question is, would I see significant improvement since I'll be using an HDMI enabled card?

Also how would I make it output 1080p?

TIA

well whats your htpc setup for now?
good thing about discreet HD lineup from ati lessens the stress on CPU and more on the video card during HD movies playback..
and also 6600gt with dvi to hdmi adapter should work cause they both send digital signals ..

jay_26 · « **Reply #1664 on:** Aug 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM »

Amigo Ninjanbabez

Post mo naman ung setup mo

cnn · « **Reply #1665 on:** Aug 22, 2008 at 02:29 AM »

Quote from: jay_26 on Aug 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM

Amigo Ninjanbabez

Post mo naman ung setup mo

Hoonga naman... Pics... Pics... NINJABENZ

ninjababez® · « **Reply #1666 on:** Aug 22, 2008 at 05:24 AM »

Quote from: cnn on Aug 22, 2008 at 02:29 AM

Hoonga naman... Pics... Pics... NINJABENZ

Quote from: jay_26 on Aug 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM

Amigo Ninjanbabez

Post mo naman ung setup mo

baka ma-strain mata nyo sa sobrang kalat .. hahaha

specs nalang para malaman nyo kung gaano ako kabarat ..

windows vista ultimate trial (reformat every 20 days *sold my vista ultimate already

)
amd x2 4600
2x1gb team elite
250gb seagate internal hdd + 1tb wd external
combo drive (borrowed from a friend)
pink eforcer case
780g emaxx

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1667 on:** Aug 26, 2008 at 09:24 AM »

Tried using analog HDTV settings on the HD4850 by connecting the PC to a 32 inch super fine pitch Sony HDTV CRT using the component video dongle cable. While texts are not as sharp as that of a regular PC monitor due to limitations of the TVs resolution, they are comfortably readable from normal TV viewing range. However, playback quality of high def MKVs is absolutely beautiful!!! With the 4850, I could even force 1080p, 60Hz settings on the analog TV but the texts became too small. Watched 2 high def mkvs last night using 720p, 60Hz settings. Great!

Those with surplus Japanese HDTV CRTs may want to give this a try.

HD_MOVIES · « **Reply #1668 on:** Aug 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM »

tried watching MKV's with sony 32" hdtv crt although maganda talaga, mas prefer ko pa rin manood sa samsung 32" lcdtv kasi mas tipid sa kuryente.. hehe

ninjababez® · « **Reply #1669 on:** Aug 26, 2008 at 10:21 AM »

Quote from: HD_MOVIES on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM

tried watching MKV's with sony 32" hdtv crt although maganda talaga, mas prefer ko pa rin manood sa samsung 32" lcdtv kasi mas tipid sa kuryente.. hehe

how much is the average power consumption of 32" crt tvs?

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1670 on:** Aug 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM »

Quote from: ninjababez on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:21 AM

how much is the average power consumption of 32" crt tvs?

My Sony KV-32DX850 is rated 190W. It came out in 2003. This TV is heavier than my 50 inch plasma.

Kung mas lumang CRT model, malamang mas mataas ang power consumption.

ninjababez® · « **Reply #1671 on:** Aug 26, 2008 at 11:24 AM »

Quote from: Clondalkin on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM

My Sony KV-32DX850 is rated 190W. It came out in 2003. This TV is heavier than my 50 inch plasma. Kung mas lumang CRT model, malamang mas mataas ang power consumption.

i see .. no wonder our electric bill skyrocketed last year (additional 700 pesos) when i replaced my 26 lcdtv with a 29" crt (bought in pier) ..

gunblade977 · « **Reply #1672 on:** Aug 26, 2008 at 06:38 PM »

Quote from: ninjababez on Aug 22, 2008 at 05:24 AM

baka ma-strain mata nyo sa sobrang kalat .. hahaha
specs nalang para malaman nyo kung gaano ako kabarat ..

windows vista ultimate trial (reformat every 20 days *sold my vista ultimate already )
amd x2 4600
2x1gb team elite
250gb seagate internal hdd + 1tb wd external
combo drive (borrowed from a friend)
pink eforcer case
780g emaxx

bro, with this setup, kayang kaya na mga 720p mkvs?
ganyan din plano ko isetup soon

hintay ko sana yung Gibagabyte na may 128MB sideport pero parang hindi lumabas dito sa atin eh

bigtym · « **Reply #1673 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 12:34 AM »

Quote from: jambam on Jul 08, 2008 at 09:55 AM

Just got this new remote ,

Normally I use a wireless keyboard w/ built in trackball to control the PC , and the AVR remote 99% for volume control.

Hopefully this is sufficient for me to control the PC and reciever volume..

Bro where did you buy this? How much?

Thanks

ninjababez® · « **Reply #1674 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 06:10 AM »

Quote from: gunblade977 on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:38 PM

bro, with this setup, kayang kaya na mga 720p mkvs?
ganyan din plano ko isetup soon
hintay ko sana yung Gibagabyte na may 128MB sideport pero parang hindi lumabas dito sa atin eh

well as per my experience ..
our local distro here does not order new stocks/revisions unless the old stocks/revisions are depleted ..
bad thing is that the old revision of gigabytes 780g has so many negative feedbacks ..
so as you see most guys already bought emaxx .. heck, i even got the 2nd or 3rd revision already ..

btw this plays 720p and 1080p without hiccups ..

bluray and hd dvd playback is also flawless (i have and identical setup with my friend who has a bluray/hd dvd combo drive)

nerveblocker · « **Reply #1675 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM »

Is there a big difference between C2D 2.53GHz and 3.0GHz in terms of video conversion, HD playback?

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1676 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM »

Quote from: nerveblocker on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM

Is there a big difference between C2D 2.53GHz and 3.0GHz in terms of video conversion, HD playback?

Audio/Video transcoding speed, NLE speed: Yes

HD Playback: Based on what's currently available, Yes on paper but most likely not discernible at all during actual playback. Fast forward and back should be smoother. For HD DVD and BD, quality of playback is also dependent on power of the graphics card.

3D Benchmark: Yes

ninjababez® · « **Reply #1677 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 11:20 AM »

Quote from: nerveblocker on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM

Is there a big difference between C2D 2.53GHz and 3.0GHz in terms of video conversion, HD playback?

in video conversion, Yes .. media encoding is frequency dependent ..

HD playback, No .. just like what Clondalkin posted, smoother lang during fast forwarding and back ..

btw how much is the price difference of the two? just remember media encoding and playback is frequency dependent ..

nerveblocker · « **Reply #1678 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 02:15 PM »

Quote from: ninjababez on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:20 AM

in video conversion, Yes .. media encoding is frequency dependent ..
HD playback, No .. just like what Clondalkin posted, smoother lang during fast forwarding and back ..
btw how much is the price difference of the two? just remember media encoding and playback is frequency dependent ..

P2500-3000 is the difference. Worth it?

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1679 on:** Aug 27, 2008 at 03:24 PM »

Quote from: nerveblocker on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:15 PM

P2500-3000 is the difference. Worth it?

How often do you upgrade? With no new high def video format in the immediate horizon, any C2D system you build right now would not be underpowered for at least 3 years. Nothing beats a system that can play whatever video/movie/game you put into it smoothly, especially those CPU-power hog 1080p contents.

3,000 in 3 years is like 2.74 pesos per day.

But if you are considering the 3.0GHz C2D, you might as well choose the 2.4Ghz Quad Core assuming your mobo supports the Quad since you mentioned video transcoding. Set up a dual monitor so that you can watch high def stuff on one while encoding/rendering on the other (or looking at your patient's charts on the other ). I think the current price level is about the same. Many mainstream apps ang games may not be optimally "parallelized" at the moment but you'd surely get better leverage out of a Quad 3 years down the line.