Building a HTPC & have a few questions

[nagolcj]

I recently aquired a decommissioned server and figured it would make a good HTPC. The motherboard is a Tyan 2510 (dual P3 1Ghz), 1 G Registered ECC SDRAM, 60G 10K U160 Seagate Barracuda, onboard Intel video. I realize it's not the hottest system around but it's really stable & that's far more important IMO.

I should mention right off the top my current TV is nothing special. I plan on upgrading in the next couple of months but for the time being I don't have DVI inputs etc.

If I put a Nexus-S in it, will the video quality be comporable to my 501 or do I have to get myself a wiz-bang video card?

What about audio...is the SPDIF from the Nexus okay (connected to my receiver, TV sound isn't used ever) or should I get a good sound card?

And finally, and this is REALLY important to the boss, do the DVB-S based systems allow you pause live TV (again, like the 501)?

Appreciate any insights / experiences you're willing to share.

[casemodgod]

If I put a Nexus-S in it, will the video quality be comporable to my 501 or do I have to get myself a wiz-bang video card?

Since you got a Dual P3, don't spend the $ on the Nexus first off. You got enough dedicated HP there to get by with a software card.

Second, I would check and make sure your Tyan board has an AGP slot, if not, get the best PCI video card you can get your hands on, GF4MX level being sufficient in my uses, and you'll have more flexibility for configuring the video out with Powerstrip that way.

I just snagged up a KWorld from Newegg for about $60 after a $30 Rebate.

[overdose]

if you are going to install a new OS, media center is nice for the recorded programs, music, pictures, etc. It is built ontop of xp pro. But media center only works under certain video cards. Saying that DVB-S doesnt work within the media center application. I also have a cable tuner in my htpc so on a really snowy day I can watch fuzzy cable within media center.

I wish someone could mod media center so I could watch my dvb within media center.

[casemodgod]

Hands down the best HTPC interface overall IMO is mythtv, but that'd require you to get used to using Linux at the least.

BDA drivers supported in Myth (same as with MyTheatre) will work with DVB-S cards, and apparently the plugins are out there and do work with it for N2. I can't confirm that I just know I've seen others discuss the scenario.

IMO, just go with a vanilla Win2k/WinXP install, and use MyTheatre, ProgDVB, or something similar. With a wireless remote controlling the card (Twinhan with included remote works great) you'll never need to fuss with a keyboard.

I personally, I'm gonna check into the Harmony remotes for this situation, as I have a full blown Home Theater setup and the mess of remotes is becoming a burden.

[r_hill]

Severs are bloody noisy....and they are big and clunky - usually rack mounted. Not the ideal solution for HTPC.....you may have difficulty hearing the content over the racket of the machine. :)

Just my $0.02...

[nagolcj]

Severs are bloody noisy....and they are big and clunky - usually rack mounted. Not the ideal solution for HTPC.....you may have difficulty hearing the content over the racket of the machine. :)

Just my $0.02...

thanks for the input guys.

I'm planning on ordering a Silverstone chassis (mobo is ATX) & have a really quiet power supply. The two CPU fans might be an issue for noise.

Biggest drawback with the mobo is the lack of an AGP slot and only two PCI. Sat card + video card + sound = no go. That's the #1 reason why I figured a nexus-s would be the way to go.

I'd like to say money is no object but I do have a limited budget

[casemodgod]

You can grab some Socket 370 coolers that support fanbus type controls by a rheostat. That will allow you to run the fan @ 5-7V making it almost dead quiet when the machine is idle, and you can crank it up when necessary.

I know, because I had them. They were made by Coolermaster, and they cooled my P3 1Ghz's just fine

[karn]

Have you look at PortalMedia: it's a free HTPC Windows based software.
Support the software card like Twinhan 1020 and also the Fusion HDTV PCI, USB card.
I don't have the hand-on experience about PortalMedia, just let you know.

[karn]

Have you look at PortalMedia? It's a free HTPC Windows based software.
Supports the software card like Twinhan 1020 and also the Fusion HDTV PCI, USB card.