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Teach me about htpc's. (1 Viewer)

Dennis Ellis

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Jan 2, 2001
Messages
73
I searched but didn't find anything too recent on the topic.

I am toying around with the idea of building a htpc. First a few of the requirements I have.
1. Case - I want a case that looks more like a receiver/dvd player than a typical computer "case". I prefer black.
2. I want to be able to rip movies. Playback of 1080p, etc.
3. Gaming - I want to be able to play COD: WaW.
4. Decent sound card (on board, or PCI if there's enough slots)
5. Cheaper the better but I know I'll have to invest $500 or more.

I have no plans to record live tv but I guess I would leave the idea open for later by adding a tv tuner card, right?

Blu Ray - I do not have a blu ray player and would like to add one if possible. I'm just not sure how easy it will be to use. IOW, I guess it will run a regular OS so how user friendly will this be to boot up and start a Blu Ray? Mainly asking because the wife and kids will use it too.
Any thought?
 

Josh Pounds

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Dec 31, 1999
Messages
88
Blu-ray playback on PCs is unfortunately still in the pretty early stages. It's possible but is a headache sometimes. It's also pretty rewarding, though.
 

Stephen Orr

Screenwriter
Joined
Mar 14, 1999
Messages
1,099
Word of advice: Get large HDs for storage in addition to the one you put the operating system on. I have an additional 500GB and a 750GB drive for my movies files.

Get a nice Haupauge card for your DVR, and I use Beyond TV for my software.

I have recently discovered that PowerDVD plays my larger movie disc images way better than WinDVD, plus it allows me to use my mouse function on some menus.
 

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