Looking for a <middle of the line> HTPC

[rktek]

I'm planning to cut the cable and want to go with the OTA > TV / HDHomeRun for viewing and recording media.

I could use a Tivo Premiere ..except I want to avoid tivo monthly sub as well.

After some research, it looks like using a PC or HTPC is the best way to go. Now, I don't know how to biuld a PC.
So, I'm looking for recommendations for either slim factor PC's or any decent prebuilt HTPC's to do basic stuff --

Watch/Record 1080p
Streaming audio/video
Small SSD for OS/programs
Data on external USB
No high end gaming
Ability to connect both HDMI/Analog TV's
etc

Thanks!

 

[batuchka]

Hmm my 2 cents

1. Forget old TVs - at this day and age stick to HDTVs
2. U mentioned OTA - what is the type of signal i.e NTSC, DVB-T, etc? If u want to have DVR functions on the HTPC get a compatible TV Tuner card
3. IMO a simple config like this would suffice

A6-5400K Trinity
http://www.microcenter.com/product/400672/A6_5400K_Black_Edition_36GHz_Socket_FM2_Boxed_Processor
A55/85 mATX board (with a free PCI/PCIe slot)
PCI/PCIe TV Tuner card
4GB DDR3
for HTPCs placed on S3 sleep the fast boot up of SSDs may not be worth it so mechanical would do fine but your call

 

[rktek]

Hmm my 2 cents

1. Forget old TVs - at this day and age stick to HDTVs
2. U mentioned OTA - what is the type of signal i.e NTSC, DVB-T, etc? If u want to have DVR functions on the HTPC get a compatible TV Tuner card
3. IMO a simple config like this would suffice

A6-5400K Trinity
http://www.microcenter.com/product/400672/A6_5400K_Black_Edition_36GHz_Socket_FM2_Boxed_Processor
A55/85 mATX board (with a free PCI/PCIe slot)
PCI/PCIe TV Tuner card
4GB DDR3
for HTPCs placed on S3 sleep the fast boot up of SSDs may not be worth it so mechanical would do fine but your call

Hmm.. not sure what type of signal!.. how can I know that?.. I was just going to get some indoor antenna for OTA channels.. I'm about 13 miles from most transmitters
For the tuner, I was thinking of HDHomerun and use WMC for recording.
You're right... no need for an SSD since it will be on most of the time.

Parts you mentioned seems great wrt cost.. except it would mean I've to build it.. are there any guys who would build per your requirements?

 

[batuchka]

Hmm what channels do u receive currently? Ya WMC for DVR is fine - u could also look into NPVR for alternatives, etc

 

[rktek]

Hmm what channels do u receive currently? Ya WMC for DVR is fine - u could also look into NPVR for alternatives, etc

See I've not yet cut the cable.. so I don't know what I would get.. just looked at TVFool and AntennaPoint.com

How does slim factor PC's hold up? like new Intel NUC or IdeaPad Q190 or..