PC based HTPC

[AlienTech]

even an intel atom based pc makes a good HTPC cheap, quiet, low power, small footprint.

when streaming video from the net to my tv my CPU usage rarely goes above 2% so there is a lot of wasted horse power, keep in mind that a "dedicated" HTPC is doing a very simple job compared to a gaming rig


as far as video cards I'm using ATI 4500's because my TV is old and only has S-video but again for video not a lot of horsepower is really required if the PC is a dedicated HTPC, you don't need to spend more than $50 on a video card that will give you excellent TV, gaming is a whole 'nuther can O worms

I run both a monitor and the TV at the same time, no problems with a $50 video card

[Suave]

Clearly there are a few approaches to building a HTPC. I wanted to present a higher-end option, since no budget was specified

A couple of years ago, I had my PC connected to a 42-inch TV and in addition to streaming audio and video, I also ran some graphics applications and played video games on it. Therefore I required a higher-end rig to meet my needs.

I agree that if you'll only use the HTPC for streaming audio and video, much less expensive components will be suffient than what I previously suggested

[AlienTech]

I guess that's the first thing people have to do in any hobby, decide how much they want to spend

[HWP]

Thanks all for your ideas and input.

I agree with Alientech's idea about the NAS.

NAS is a new concept for me, but I see what you're getting at. If I have an NAS, then basically any computer in the house, as long as it isn't ancient, can be an HTPC. Boy, am I ever glad the house has a wired network. I wonder if I'll need to replace my five-year old Linksys router...hmm...I guess I will.

My home has eight wired outlets. One is being used to power a wireless router. If I get an NAS, and if I buy two HD Home Runs, that will eat up another three ports. What is the next size up for a wired router?

Any recommendations as to the router I will need?
Needs: eight wired outlets throughout the home, One wireless router, two HD Home Runs (one port each). Do they make twelve-port wired routers?
What model will I need to handle HD signals and other media uses?

Once I get cracking with my HTPC I'll report back on the final set-up.

I may be back with more questions prior to the build.

[audit13]

If a person needs more ports, no need to get a new router. I would suggest adding a "green" multi-port gigabit switch. Companies such as Netgear and Trendnet are two that come to mind.

If your router doesn't have gigabit lan ports but your equipment supports gigabit speeds, I recommend connecting all the equipment (PCs, laptops, etc.) to the gigabit switch to obtain faster throughput (i.e. bypass using the router's lan ports).

[AlienTech]

yep a gb switch is the answer, go for a 16 port

[HWP]

Hi AlienTech,

Is there a certain speed I need?
-I want to be able to stream high def TV, connect the NAS, Printing, etc.

Is CAT5 ethernet cable all right?
-The house was rewired in 2005.

[AlienTech]

theoretically you only need 10 12 meg to stream 720p video over a network and if you want to stream 1080 you should have at least 30meg to be on the safe side. CAT5 will theoretically support up to 1gb but it depends on the quality of the cable, connectors, age of the installation etc.

so lets say you have 2 HTPC's and a couple music stations and a few using the internet, that amount of traffic will add up so your network needs to be robust to prevent stuttering, buffering and dropouts

I have 7 - 10 (depends on work) networked PC's in the house, 3 of which are on wireless 801.11 G and I can't stream effectively on all three wireless PC's at the same time, even though I have max power and all wireless devices including router are set to 801.11G ONLY. yes turning off A/B makes a difference

I live in a duplex so I can only hard-wire my office PC's, will probably switch to 801.11N next month just to see if it helps

1gb is the "new" standard for high capacity media streaming networks so expect more BW hogging apps, games, audio, video and chit we can't yet imagine

I believe in over building a network because there is no such thing as enough BW

I am not a network expert by any means but 2 years ago I personally wired 2 networks, each with over 30 jacks and PC's and surprisingly both networks worked perfectly the first time they went active. I did fully test each run with a professional tester when I terminated them so I was fairly confident they would work but ya never know when you do something for the first time with no training other than some pics off the internet LOL!

[HWP]

Question: Our family often unplugs the computer's VGA cord at the monitor and then plugs it into the HDTV so we can watch streamed TV shows (Youtube, Netflix, TV Network Websites, etc) on the larger TV screen. I would find it much more convenient if I didn't have to disconnect and reconnect all the time. The computer is quite old (about eight years old). But it works for streaming. Is there a splitter that I could buy so I could permanently have both the monitor and the TV wired up? Is it cheap? Is the signal degredation noticeable?
Thanks!

[AlienTech]

there are VGA switches

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

that is what you should be using. splitting the signal is not a good idea, using a switch will accomplish the plug/unplug function while reducing the risk of component damage, not to mention the convenience