Comtemplating and HTCP PC........

[brendano257]

I've been thinking about putting together and HTCP computer for use with Netflix online and like services through Windows Media Center. The one thing I'm caught on is using the TV Tuner and graphics card. From what I understand this is how it works. You have a normal PC, but it has a TV tuner installed. Windows/the Media Center takes the signal from the Tuner (cable in my case) and allows it to be used in Windows Media Center, or another media player that supports it. Which is displayed through the graphics card through a DVI/HDMI port.

Now I was trying to figure out what are the demands of and HTCP PC, I'm not looking for "blazing" boot times and performance but decent and enjoyable playback.

*Sorry for the double post, the browser resent it because the page didn't load correctly =/

Would a system with 4GB of Ram and an E5200 with a GA-G31/41m work? And what kind of graphics card would support smooth playback. ( I'm not concerned with high-definition playback really, this is only going to be with a 4:3 TV that is either 480p or lower. Noise isn't toooo much of a concern, I'm thinking it will go in a cabinet over the TV. And I'm most likely going to use a remote from a Logitech Z Cinema Speaker set, as I've tried and liked it so far. This will most likely be on a Vista 32-Bit system.

 

[mindless728]

i would recommend and AMD build since their IGP in the 780G chipset is enough to allow even low end chips the ability to watch HD content (i know you said this isn't a concern, but you never now when you will want to)

and yes, thats how it works with the tv tuner, though if you want to watch and record at the same time either get a dual tuner or two single tuner cards

 

[brendano257]

i would recommend and AMD build since their IGP in the 780G chipset is enough to allow even low end chips the ability to watch HD content (i know you said this isn't a concern, but you never now when you will want to)

and yes, thats how it works with the tv tuner, though if you want to watch and record at the same time either get a dual tuner or two single tuner cards

If I upgraded to a G41m with Intel x4500 would that work? Or could I throw in a $22 8400GS 512 instead?

I was looking at the AverMedia Duet on Newegg for 59.99, it's a dual so I can record/watch at the same time so I got that part covered.