Build suggestion for closet htpc, w/OTA,Remote

[jdmalibu]

I could use some help with an htpc build

Requirements: Or wishlist

RF or Bluetooth remote, IR remote will work if no other option, I have a RF-IR blaster.
Complete control of box via remote or wireless keyboard including P-on/off
Quick boot time-SSD?
Record/Watch OTA.....40 Channels where I live
Dual tuner would be nice
Will connect HDMI to Receiver, then Receiver to TV
Need HD audio options
Will want to play AVI, MKV files
Blu-Ray Player optional, I currently use PS3
Price range under $700
Size is not a concern, I have a large floor space in my closet for it.
Heat is of concern, this will be in a closet space 8x10x4
Of course I want to store a lot of movies and tv shows already on hand in avi,mkv format.

I also want it to be easy to use for the kids and wife.

So can someone suggest a build for a glorified DVR?

 

[jdmalibu]

I could use some help with an htpc build

Requirements: Or wishlist

RF or Bluetooth remote, IR remote will work if no other option, I have a RF-IR blaster.
Complete control of box via remote or wireless keyboard including P-on/off
Quick boot time-SSD?
Record/Watch OTA.....40 Channels where I live
Dual tuner would be nice
Will connect HDMI to Receiver, then Receiver to TV
Need HD audio options
Will want to play AVI, MKV files
Blu-Ray Player optional, I currently use PS3
Price range under $700
Size is not a concern, I have a large floor space in my closet for it.
Heat is of concern, this will be in a closet space 8x10x4
Of course I want to store a lot of movies and tv shows already on hand in avi,mkv format.

I also want it to be easy to use for the kids and wife.

So can someone suggest a build for a glorified DVR?

Is it possible to build something like this?

 

[rwpritchett]

I went a little over budget, but it has no compromises.

CPU/Mobo: AMD A6-3500 2.1GHz Llano + Gigabyte GA-A75M-D2H - $165
RAM: Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 - $25
Tuner: AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet- $65
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium x64 - $100
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EARS 1TB 5400 RPM- $110
SSD: Crucial M4 64GB- $105
DVD: SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner SATA Model SH-222BB/BEBE - OEM- $16
Case: Silverstone MILO Series ML03B- $60
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 380W- $45
Remote/IR: Rosewill RRC-126- $25

Total = $716

You said the case would be hidden in a closet, so you may just want a standard tower. The case I selected would look really nice sitting by your TV though.

Some naysayers will say the SSD is unnecessary. I've run HTPC's with and without SSD's and I find it adds enough positives to be worth it, though you can save on the budget it you exclude it.

The media drive is a cool and quite green drive. Too bad prices are sky high right now. 2TB used to be the sweet spot.

I personally use the tuner selected. It is a dual tuner and works great.

RAM... meh, just picked out some 1600 that's cheap. You may find cheaper but with Llano try to get at least 1600 speed RAM to boost the video. Same with the DVD... just picked the cheapest one. You'll have to pony up a little more to add blu-ray.

I threw in an IR remote. Bluetooth and/or RF is a more expensive route. If you truly want RF, you may want to consider a Harmony.

 

[jdmalibu]

This is right on for my price, I have the OS and a new Antec PS as well.

Will the Remote fire up the PC?

Thanks

 

[rwpritchett]

It will if you use S3. You'll want to use S3 anyway in order for the HTPC to wake itself up for recordings.

BTW, if you decide to get the M4 SSD be sure to upgrade to the 0309 firmware to avoid the 5200 hour bug.