Here is the link to HTPC V1 http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/263309

Remember to goto the old thread on the first page, do a topic search at the bottom of the page, chances are someone had already ask the same questions you had...and someone else had answered it.


Summary info :

A Home Theater PC (HTPC) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_theater_PC or media PC is a convergence device that combines the functions of a personal computer(PC) and a digital video recorder(DVR). It is connected to a television or a television-sized computer display and is often used as a digital photo, music, and video player, TV receiver, and digital video recorder. Home theater PCs are also referred to as media center systems or media servers.

HTPC Articles :-
Ars Home Theater PC Guide http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2010...tpc-guide-1.ars
How To: AMD Guide for the Assembly of an HTPC http://blogs.amd.com/home/2009/10/20/how-t...bly-of-an-htpc/
Watching 1080P x.264 / MKV videos completely decoded by your graphics card http://www.guru3d.com/article/accelerate-x...-the-gpu-guide/


Raspberry Pi running RaspBMC
Main site http://www.raspberrypi.org/
RaspBMC http://www.raspbmc.com/
Windows Installations http://www.raspbmc.com/wiki/user/windows-installation/
OS X / Linux Installations http://www.raspbmc.com/wiki/user/os-x-linux-installation/
LYN Discussions http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2247098



Pre-built Systems:-

Dell Inspiron Zino HD http://www1.ap.dell.com/my/en/home/desktop...cs=mydhs1&s=dhs
Apple Mac Mini HTPC Guide http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/21/ultimate-ma...guide-hardware/
ASRock ION 330 http://www.asrock.com/nettop/spec/ion%20330.asp



HTPC Chassis :-

Moneual : http://www.iuworld.net/pages.php?p=moncaso-chassis.html
XQBOX : http://www.xqbox.com.cn/
Antec Fusion http://www.anandtech.com/show/2637/6
Silverstone http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/enc...re.php?area=usa


Motherboards :-

AMD / Asus M4A785 HTPC http://my.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=uypox45wza0j3kz6
AMD / Asus M4A785-M (Micro-ATX) http://my.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=ef0qgvMIwOUagAVl
AMD / Gigabyte 785G boards : http://www.giga-byte.com/FileList/WebPage/..._amd-models.htm
AMD / MSI 785G-E53 http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc...=1∏_no=1899

Intel Core i3/5/7 / ASUS P7H55D-M PRO http://my.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=qWmZUAdNKeozTOXb
Intel Core i3/5/7 / Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Mother...?ProductID=3309

** AMD 785G chipsets with ATI HD4200 GC is not HD Audio ( 7.1 channel ) ready.


Recorder Card / Video Input Card :-

WinTV PVR 150 Media Center Edition : http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_pvr150mc.html
A common card used by most people to record Astro channels via analog signal


HTPC Software / Codec / Media Centers :-

Windows :-
Media Player Classic Homecinema :- http://mpc-hc.sourceforge.net/
K-Lite Codec :- http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_lite_codec_pack.htm
Audio / Video Players http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/303752
LYN Multimedia section have lots of other multimedia software http://forum.lowyat.net/Multimedia

Windows / Linux / Mac : XBMC http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC
Windows / Linux / Mac : Boxee http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxee


HTPC Video Input/Output :-
Digital HDMI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
Analog VGA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector
Analog Component :- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video
Analog S-Video http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-video
Analog RCA (Yellow = Video ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_connector


HTPC Audio Output :-
Digital Non-HD Audio to older AV Receiver :- S/PDIF http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/PDIF
Digital HD Audio HDMI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
Analog Audio RCA ( Red=right White=left ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_connector

HD Audio Definition :- http://www.hometheatermag.com/advicefromtheexperts/508audio/

HQV Benchmark 2.0 Analysis – ATi, nVidia and Intel
http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-...a-and-intel/43/

Graphic Card Tweak Guides :-
ATI CCC Tweak Guides :- http://www.tweakguides.com/ATICAT_1.html
nVidia ForceWare Tweak Guides :- http://www.tweakguides.com/NVFORCE_1.html


*** I am unbiased towards any brands, intel vs amd, ati vs nvidia or asus vs gigabytes vs msi or others... if you find any useful links or HTPC products to share with others, PM me and I will add them into the list for the benefits of others.

This post has been edited by stan001: Dec 6 2012, 10:15 AM

@stan01,

If you have enough time, can you compile list of software usually use in HTPC? Example, Interface=Windows MCE, Codec Pack=K-Lite.

i suggest also to compile list of the requirements to get HD Audio Bitstreams....
3 HDMI options via:
a. sound cards
b. ATi 5xxx series video card
c. Clarkdale & chipset solution

Bro, i think your rig is quite sufficient as an example. You can list down your too..

Mine

Acer H233H FULL HD
Gigabyte GeForce 210 512MB w HDMI
WD 160GB
Monster1000HD
MS Wireless 5000 Set
Cooler Master PSU
Cooler Master Tower Casing
Realtek HD Audio ACL888
ATP3 w SW
Windows 7 x64


I've got loads of "ahem" softwares like Cyberlink PowerDVD 9.2520 (Latest), Cyberlink BD Advisor, Corel WinDVD Pro 2010 (Latest release), CCleaner,MS Security Essentials, etc..cant remember leh..

Hey there, I am having trouble setting my tv I just acquire..
It's a samsung series 6 LED LCD..

While the screen suppose to work perfectly @ 1080p, 1920x1080..
Problem arise that there is a narrow black border around them the screen.. making it not full screen another.. Thus causing the screen pixel to be "squeezed" and all font appeared to be out of focus..

Watching movie isn't a problem but when you try to read some webpage or filename it become tedious..

I am currently using a ati 4650 low profile gc to connect via HDMI, any help please? Haven't heard of samsung unable to to pixel mapping on the net so far...

@sKyWiR3pT3lTd

I think HTPC need to be as low power consumption as possible with enough processing power to play all kind of format. Currently, some HTPC fans are looking for HD-audio capable system although I think it still not a mainstream and will cost a lot.

With my pc spec, I can play all type of format without any hiccups but the same for most pc system. In term of power consumption, my spec is not good enough and actually cost a lot. So, now looking for cheap and good system for HTPC.

3-4 months ago, I planned to build AMD system around 785g chipset but have to hold because at the same time I heard about Intel i3. I'm so attracted to i3+H55 combo because it capable of output HD-Audio, better graphic compare to G45 and higher energy efficiency. Here is my expected spec:

Processor : Intel i3 530
Mobo : Asus P7H55D-M PRO or Gigabyte GA-H55M-U2DH
Memory : 2GB 1333 DDR3
HD : WD Green 1Tb
Audio : Integrated
Video : Integrated

go to CCC and set your overscan to 0%

You're right, but not many GC or SC has capable of HD-Audio streaming yet (DTS-HD MA, Lossless)..nice spec though..

What is the cost for the whole rig? Will it be able to handle a 32" HDTV?

wats the difference between normal audio, n hd audi?? is there a dierence?
can u differentiate it?

(1) (High Definition audio) The latest digital surround sound formats supported by Blu-ray, such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD (Dolby Digital and DTS). The term may occasionally refer to DVD-Audio and SACD, both of which are high-resolution audio formats that had little market penetration (DVD-Audio and SACD).

(2) (High Definition Audio) A specification from Intel for advanced audio circuits on a PC motherboard. Introduced in 2004 and superseding AC'97, HD Audio provides eight channels (7.1) of 32-bit, 192kHz audio to support Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats. It includes automatic jack retasking, which enables the same port to be used for a speaker or a microphone. HD Audio also enables multiple audio streams to be sent to different rooms in the house.

(3) Controller and Codec
Like AC'97, HD Audio is made up of a controller connected to analog/digital codecs by a 5-wire TDM interface called "HD Audio Link." The two subsystems separate the digital controller, which is built into the PC chipset, from the analog circuits, which can be in a chip on the motherboard, a riser card or cabled close to the I/O connectors. For international certification (homologation), modem codecs are often placed on riser cards, which can be easily interchanged. See AC'97 and riser card.

Sourc : PC Mag

This post has been edited by sKyWiR3pT3lTd: Mar 14 2010, 09:19 AM

Below u can see a different between normal and HD audio. The highest bitrate will produce highest quality of sound.

Maximum bitrate for normal audio
1- MP3 128kbps
2- Dolby Digital 448kbps
3- DTS 2mbps

Maximum bitrate for HD audio
1- Dolby Digital Plus 6mbps (lossy)
2- DTS-HD High Resolution 6mbps (lossy)
3- Dolby TrueHD 18mbps (lossless)
4- DTS-HD Master Audio 24.5mbps (lossless)

Source: pioneer

This post has been edited by minimize: Mar 14 2010, 01:48 PM

in order to enjoy the hd audio. you need to have all requirements.
the source, the hd audio enabled htpc, the good home theater system.

for some ppl, htpc are troublesome as there is many thing to consider when build the system. therefore there is some ppl just get a simple blu-ray player instead of htpc.
but in this thread, is for us to enjoy the process of the htpc building.....

I plan to set up slowly my full HT within this 2 years. Right now, I haven't experience TrueHD and even now, I still haven't try Blu-Ray. Actually, HD-Audio is not so important to me right now but because realizing that in the near future this audio format will be use as a norm like current DTS, I try to build a HTPC with HD-Audio capable.

A few months back when AMD 785g is the only cheap yet powerful HTPC solution, I have no choice but to buy Asus HDAV 1.3. AMD 758g can play hd-video smoothly but lack of HD-Audio and only output 5.1 audio so adding a souncard is better option.

For intel set up, because I can get cheap mobo as low as RM150, I think ATI HD5000 series is better option. Asus HDAV 1.3, last time I checked cost more than RM500 and ATI HD5000 more than RM300. But luckily, now Intel came out with their product line capable of bitstreaming HD-Audio and I have the patient to wait.

I try to use as few part as possible inside my HTPC and as cheap as possible without sacrificing its processing power. (Actually can get lower end DUAL CORE G6950).

I haven't bought the items yet becoz need to sell my current spec first. But here my estimated price:

Processor : Intel i3 530 --> RM 400
Mobo : Asus P7H55D-M PRO or Gigabyte GA-H55M-U2DH -->RM400
Memory : 2GB 1333 DDR3 --> RM170
HD : WD Green 1Tb --> RM285
Audio : Integrated
Video : Integrated
Other part use my current spec.

So total around RM12++.

If include all part (psu+casing+dvd-rom) can reach RM16++.
*Still looking for 2nd hand part to reduce the price.

I think with this spec, I can use any HDTV for display.


BTW, to any audiophile, for HD-Audio, do I need AVR to produce the sound? Because from my reading, HD-Audio need HDMI output so unless there is speaker that accept input through HDMI, we need the AVR. Right?

---

Added on March 14, 2010, 3:21 pmYup, when I read all around the net, sometimes I thought why do I need to go though all the hassle? Why not just buy a blu-ray player or ps3? But like you said, I love to enjoy the building process while try to get as cheap as possible setup.

The cheapest AVR capable of True-HD I believe already cost RM1.4k not include speaker setup. HT really an expensive hobby. Also not include the BluRay disc.

This post has been edited by qwerty79: Mar 14 2010, 06:07 PM

I think AVR is just absolute unnecessary , desktop 5.1 speakers good enough plugged into SC..

Short answer...

Normal audio for Home Theater is DD / DTS - 5.1 channel audio output ( most of today HT systems should support it including those Home Theater in a Box (HTiB) )

HD Audio - 7.1 uncompressed/lossless - HD DD / HD DTS, must use HDMI due to high bandwidth requirements

If you have a very good ( expensive) home theater setup, YES, you can / might tell the differences when the source of the sound/recording is good.

Like the example of mp3 compressed audio (128kbps/192kbps/320kbps) vs lossless audio ( tons of discussions on this topics ), the better the sound equipments (DAC/Amp/Speakers), you "can" hear the differences of mp3 vs audio lossless.

Unlike picture ( HD = higher screen resolutions ), sound is sometimes a bit difficult to "hear"

if budget really tight and no plan for upgrade, maybe can just consider normal pc speaker like Logitech 5.1 which is the model come with Digital Connection. sound great.
I guess majority of user now don't spent too much on purchased of blu-ray disc. there is many source we can get like .m2ts or .ts format that capable to gave us TrueHD 7.1 or DTS-HD MA, don't ask where to get as all internet user are smart enough now. ELSE we can get used or second hand blu-ray disc.


IMHO, I will suggest to start with entry level avr, a pair of bookshelf speaker with cheap cable fist. buy a center speaker if still ok.
Second, after funding then buy a floorstander for front then the old, bookshelf move for rear speaker.
Third, funding again then upgrade to get powerful sub-woofer.
Fourth, get the another pair of speaker if you want to have or complete 7.1 channel sound.
lastly, when you have extra money on next 5 or 10 years, no problem to upgrade the decent avr, right...

if the space really not allow, just get entry level avr, contact our forumer here ksp_tech . he sell onkyo 5 channel satellite speaker just RM100. hang it on top the wall. in future just buy a power sub-woofer to place at corner of room. sound great!!!

@stan001

Nice work!

desktop 5.1 can't tune the time alignment, LFE attenuation, room equalization, channel calibration.
desktop 5.1 can't tune a lot of things like an avr could, which makes the surround experience much more surreal.

Of course AVR can do wonders, we are talking about HTPC , not Home Theater for your living room bro..