Thread: HTPC - Need Help..

Hi Guys,

First time post here. I'm thinking of building an HTPC setup after gathering inspiration from some of the related threads here. Would really appreciate people giving their thoughts on this vis a vis budget, components, good places to get cheap deals, online or not.
My requirements are primarily multimedia(movies/music) and some gaming(gta/fps). I already have a basic pc setup (amd/1.5ram/15inchLCD/Geforce5 series gcard/sony music system acting as amp). Wonder if i could re-use any of this stuff.

Originally Posted by heavybison

Hi Guys,

First time post here. I'm thinking of building an HTPC setup after gathering inspiration from some of the related threads here. Would really appreciate people giving their thoughts on this vis a vis budget, components, good places to get cheap deals, online or not.
My requirements are primarily multimedia(movies/music) and some gaming(gta/fps). I already have a basic pc setup (amd/1.5ram/15inchLCD/Geforce5 series gcard/sony music system acting as amp). Wonder if i could re-use any of this stuff.

A good start and aim to go big. Unless you dream something, you will not achieve it. At the same time, you can start small and increment your system in steps.

You should aim for HTPC connected to a 7.1 channel sound system and a large screen (40"+) full HD LCD TV. The HTPC will serve as the streaming server.

But for the start, you can use your current PC as the sole system. You have not mentioned what Sony music system. If this is a typical boom box, then forget about it. I will suggest that you add a good sound card to PC and buy 5.1 speakers.

You can even aim for Blu-Ray. Add a blu-ray (BD-ROM) drive to your PC. Use the DVI connector for LCD monitor and HDMI connector for LCD TV (future).

j4k: Thanks for getting back.

Sony music system: Mine is a grx series music system with 2 splendid speakers. They are a tad old though(around 10 yrs) and lately there is a lot of background noise(probably need to get it serviced). Not sure how many channels though. On that note can you suggest any good 7.1 channel sound system? (my budget is humble).

(40"+) full HD LCD TV: I do have a plasma TV(around 30'' i believe, that does support HD, or so it says). Don't think i can afford a bigger, better one

Sound card: Do suggest a good one. The one's i have are too old to serve the purpose, i suspect!!

Blu-Ray: I think i'll pass on that for the moment till things stabilize a bit(spec and price wise, i mean). Besides, my primary source of movies are torrents(xVid/DVDRips/Divx) and i would possible need to convert them to Blue Ray format or something(???) and hence need a BR burner as well.

I'll post specifics about my Music System/Sound Card Specs when i get home from work later in the eve.

Misc: So how do i get started building the stuff? Are there specific cabinets for HTPC's available? Are there complete packages available?

Too many questions, i know, but you guys are such reservoirs of knowledge!! :001_tt2:

Well heavybison, too many questions,

30'' or 40'' inches matters according to your room size and environment...and regarding 7.1 i think creative will be fine, as it can deliver good punch at a price lower than sony, samsung etc...

and one word of advice don't try to convert your Xvid or Divx to Blue ray, you will not get high quality video.....by converting those Avi's.....keep blue ray driver as an last option as they are still steeply priced.....

first thing u need to do is tell us the amount u can spend.

HTPC cases are not easily available in india. The ones present are very costly. They start from Rs10k.

So plz tell us the amt ur willing to spend.

U can go through these:
http://www.indiabroadband.net/deskto...ding-htpc.html (Building an htpc)

and

http://www.indiabroadband.net/deskto...c-blu-ray.html (High Definition HTPC with Blu-Ray)