I am planning to DIY a htpc but don't know much details about what can be and what can't be done in malaysia, like hookin up astro, record stuff and hooking up to a amp to play music over hifi and tv and so on. Any experience expert around can share tips or not?

Look for chewkl on this. I think he cld help you on this.

TNS, there kena table, here also kena table.

i got table u meh? U sifu mah in pc related stuff. Me only noob.

forgive me, but who's that chewkl? any reference or article on this in malaysia?

post #3

Just do a search in google on HTPC lah. 1/2 day will get U all the information U need to build 1. It's pretty simple stuff, only thing is some of the needed parts cannot be easily bought here. (Like the remote control) :swt:

For magazize, u can read the HWM Malaysia April issue.. They have article on HTPC..

So,one of the easiest way to build a HTPC with remote control is to get creative sound card..From lowest price one, Audigy4 non-pro until highest end X-fi Elite Pro also have bundle with remote control and software..

A HTPC is just like a normal PC but u use it to replace your DVD player, Tuner, video recorder, etc, becoming a All-In-One solution. For me, one of the component cant to be missed in a HTPC setup is the wi-fi card. As most of the video i watched is .rm format. Thus, i need to use wi-fi card to access the video file downloaded in another room PC..

This post has been edited by accs_centre: Mar 15 2006, 01:38 PM

i built myself one a couple of months ago from spare parts from muh main rig...

Specs of my HTPC:-
AMD Sempron64 2500+
Asus K8N-E Deluxe
Advanced Module 512mb DDR400 x1
Maxtor 20GB PATA HDD
MSI FX5200 GC
Samsung DVD Rom & Samsung CDRW
Powerlogic 500w PSU (Pre-sleeved, sort of UV reactive. changed the stupid white molex to UV reactive ones)
Cheapo RM38 Wireless Mini KB & Mouse (best replacement for remote control sold in PC3 in LYP)
Linksys Wireless USB Adapter
Edifer R501 MK-II connected to on-board audio
(yeah yeah i know...but trust me...this mobo has excellent on board audio)
Panasonic 21" TV (Waiting for cash for a 29" or mebbe even a 34")
Some brandless 4 or 5 year old beige ATX Casing.

its basically a normal PC....change the graphics card to a better one and it could probably even be a gaming rig

only thing left to do with it is to find a way to record tv/astro direct onto the pc. havent really done any research into that yet.... havent even reconnected muh astro yet

That is 1/2 of a HTPC. A full-fledged HTPC will have a TV Tuner card (hardware encoder, mind U), a video card with HD out capabilities (via component or DVI), a bigger HDD for recording and of course, a real remote control. Oh yes, and of course a casing that will suit the rest of your HT gear.

Full fledged HTPC = $$$$$$$$

Anyone wanna show off his HTPC pic here?? Come on chewkl..hehe...

This post has been edited by accs_centre: Mar 15 2006, 05:25 PM

Don't have 1 The $$$ for it spent on speakers already. Thanks to... Just kidding...


Actually, I might build 1 in the near future...still waiting for AM2 to launch in June before I take the plunge...

This post has been edited by chewkl: Mar 15 2006, 09:55 PM

i agreed also la, stuff are quite difficult to get here, like the encoder, casing, remote, plus plus, just hope some guy out there can show off his htpc, with full spec, record astro, listen hifi..why no such trend here??

my Silverstone LC-02.. no fancy sound card, tv card/recorder..

chew chew, u table me kah?

No lah taikor, where got dare to table U? I still want my free tics!

Table or no table, I have asked them to reserve for u liao. (2 tics)

Taikor, I don't read NST. When is the actual date for the fair?

what fair? audio fair?

Eh... I tot I have posted it liao. Maybe it's in the 'other' thread.

Mark your calendars: 21st, 22nd and 23rd July 2006 at the JW Marriott Hotel.

Chew, I oredi asked my fren to take the tics first so we dont need to wait like last yr.

Hehe...thanks bro.

kinda weird but really not enuf ppl wanted to do such project mer, we can , like mass order or something and start a club on htpc ma..i do hope it will take off in malaysia la..

Actually many ppl can cosidered hv a HTPC also..especially students as they rent a room outside.. The PC will act as all-in-one entertainment centre..also HTPC.. So it will be Room HTPC.. hehe

lidat oso can kah? Room HTPC. *salute*

poor student life like me mar.. no $$ for real hi-fi setup

No worry. When u step into the real world, u have enough $$$ to build one.

apart from amp and sound/video system, which a lot ppl already got, and a pc off course, we need the nice htpc casing, the decoder, the panel and remote, if can afford, wireless mouse and keyboard la, which in my mind shouldn't be too difficult to get but i just can't seem to find those stuff here.
anyone interested? maybe i'll go find some and mass order.

Wait till HD is more widely available in Malaysia. Then the HTPC will be of use. A HTPC can play real 720p and 1080i HD contents via DVI or component. Current players can only do upscalling from 480. Real dedicated players that can do HD is still way more expensive then a full-fledged HTPC, and is set to remain in that price range that is out of reach to the average Joe.

Chew, not you as u not really a small fry.

On a serious note I do agree with you. Then again, are you willing to spend that much of money on it?

Taikor, HTPC is cheap man's HD player, DVD/HDD recorder and media streamer all-in-one solution (read: cheaper than getting all separates, RM3k can settle all) And when BD-ROM or HD-DVD is out, just have to replace the DVD-ROM, no need to throw away the PC.

And knowing the PC industry, it's only a matter of time until they crack the HDCP on HD discs.

I oso waiting some genius descendant of Unc Ho to do the job

HTPCs make great dvd players when u use a projector. very good upscaling

Is that right? Interesting...

I am planning to build a HTPC after I move in to my new apartment (July). Will be installing a projector (considering Sony VPL-HS60, 1280x720 resolution) at ceiling level projecting to 100" size on a drop-down screen, with a 40"/42" LCD TV (considering Sony KLV-V40A10, 1366x768 resolution) on the wall nearby. These two will be my video output devices. My sound output (for anything viewed through projector) will be through the receiver (considering Sony STR-DB798/S) and Bose Acoustimass speakers (7 mounted at ceiling, sub-woofer on the ground).

For viewing DVDs, I plan on viewing via a Sony RDR-HX910 PVR w/ DVD burner. I intend to use the HTPC for these main functions:

1. Streaming video from my server (MPEGs, mostly ripped from my DVD collection) to LCD TV & Projector
2. Streaming audio from my server (MP3s, ripped from my CD collection)
3. Gaming on the BIG screen with 7.1ch surround sound
4. Occassional internet surfing
5. Occassional ripping or burning custom CDs (especially at initial setup, to speed up ripping my CDs to the server).
6. Occassional ripping of DVDs (especially at initial setup, as I put a big chunk of my DVD collection on the server).

Wireless connection to server via 802.11g; am thinking of using Linksys for its SRX capabilities, to maximise speed for the streaming video.

What do you guys think of this setup? I will be discussing this with my interior designer and the AV specialist tomorrow morning.

Hiya T,

Not an expert on HTPC so won't comment on that but I saw that you stated BOSE there, any reason why you chose that for your audio? Is Wife Acceptance Factor the ulitmate to you?

Erh Sony also is not very well regarded in the AVR circle( Pls don't flame me here ah, Sony lovers...)

Regards
Dirtrun

Hi dirtrun,

I picked Bose, as I already have a 5.1 system that I brought back from the US 7 years ago, so I just need to pick up 2 satellite speakers to complete the set. Plus it's small and easy to fit into the design for my new place. Cost + convenience. No wife, so no need to please anyone but myself

As for Sony, I picked that simply for:
1. Standardization on one brand for HT, eases the interconnection and controlling the whole system. Already have 2 units of Sony 300-CD disc changers, planning on getting the Sony PVR as I think it has the best features of all PVRs I can find in Malaysia.
2. I go for features and ease of use, rather than ultimate AV performance, as I am not too picky on how "high-end" the audio will sound. So long as good enough for me. Most of the time, I don't think I can tell the difference anyway.
3. Budget... some of the really high-end stuff cost more per item than what I plan to spend on my HT system. I reserve my $$ for my PC rigs, that's where I go all out and get the best.

Am thinking of using a Silverstone HTPC casing with VFD/LCD display so the looks will blend with the rest of my HT items. Either that or a Shuttle XPC type rig.

This post has been edited by Traveler: Apr 7 2006, 03:20 PM

Mighty BIG apt U got there, 100" projected image and another 42" on the same wall.

Actually the 40" LCD will be on one wall, and the 100" projected image will be on a drop-down screen. Will be discussing this with the interior designer and AV specialist tomorrow morning, to see how viable this is. The AV guy is also supposed to advise on speaker location.

Apartment not that big.. 1600sq ft 3+1 bedroom (very small +1 bedroom, hehe).
Smallest apartment in the building.

I think this card, Auzentech HDA X-Plosion, is better than X-fi pro in terms of HTPC. read the review at http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews...-Plosion_1.html

ya... u can actually find some reviews on those DCDi and those upscalers found in high end dvd players and/or projectors compared against a HTPC. its not as good as those DCDi but about 80-90% there

Now mid-range DVDP oso have scaler for less than RM900.

Pioneer will also be launching new x9x-s series which can scale to 720p/1080i via HDMI in May. Should be reaching our shores 1-2 months later after the release date. Don't know if it can be hacked to send HD signals via component. U know lah...not everyone is rich enuf to buy a display with HDMI...

Not in M'sia but down south in the neighbour's http://www.htpc-gear.com/index.php?module=...=viewallfolders

been around in KL shopping and demo for htpc related stuff, not much, in fact only one shop in mid valley, digital living got demo, the price is 3999 and above, not much choice, a bit pricey. the so called promotion leaflet is for chinese new year one, and now the price is still same, hauppauge 150 for RM499, lowyat stores selling at 399 nia..have to wait for more choices la, especially the casing

I built my HTPC a year ago from my old P4 rig.....its a poor man htpc with full capability.

as for the remote, i made the home brew IR receiver and using Girder software (very powerful remote solfware, can do anything that you can think of). actually if you invest in the hauppauge pvr150, then you use girder to control the ir receiver/blaster c/w pvr150, then you have the full function remote.

silverstone casing is very costly, at least to me . i have a custum htpc casing modified from tower casing. DIY lcd 40x4 for display.

i'm using Sagetv for frontend. a highly customisable PVR + Media center solfware . the easy wayout is to install windows XP MCE 2005 os and buy hauppauge 150MCE edition with come with MCE Remote and receiver.

using fx5200 gfx card(budget issue) via svideo to my 29 in TV. S/pdif out from my asus mobo to my yamaha receiver. DTS, AC3 or pcm depending on the source file.
I got few HD 720p and 1080i movies through BT (china) and it run smoothly on my 2.4 rig.... this rig cost me less than RM1600.....cool huh ?

ihave another HTPC (P3 rig, cost me less than RM300 as i bought all the parts in lelong) in my room as extender, runing sagetv client which is a client of the sagetv in my main rig via wifi. of course it can't play HD files with the P3.......

you may notice 1 thing is missing.... I WANT MY LCD TV!!!!! I'm eyeing on AMOI 37" LCD tv with native resolution 1920x1080 and it supports 1080p . you may ask "AMOI"??? yeah it's china brand but with its spec and the price of sub RM7K....can't beat it! any how the price tag is still far from my reach......

one thing for sure, there are not many htpc kakis around.........

Saw this local HTPC ad at Bluedot. Anyone seen the actual device and have further info?

Bluedot M89 at RM4688.

1 word, OVERPRICE

but i heard that they (if not, techdos) got the EPG working for astro with MCE.... i wonder what's the net address to download the EPG......

Hey, no need MCE actually, guys out there can try out Media Portal, a hidden secret and easy to use, just need a hauppauge with remote, and there you go...I just install, now playing around, try out and talk here la..hehe

How's your htpc project? mind to share your setup?

yeah heard of media portal as well but have not try though....where to download?

as i mentioned before, i use sagetv with hauppauge pvr150 have you tried before?. i tried before meedio but not to my liking...

about EPG, any idea?

ha, quite ashame to say that I am still in the look-around mood, not yet really put my hand on the project yet, Media Portal can be download from here

http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

try it out, guys and share the experience, cos we all love free and legal stuff, right?

by the way, there is another brand currently selling amp-lookalike htpc, it's m-Life from hyundai, not cheap also

http://www.hyundai-it.com/

Sorry a bit late here, busy...

But bose sats has proprietary jacks, correct me if I am wrong, so you will have problems blending the 2. If you like your existing 5.1 sound, why don't you get another 2 spkrs to up to 7.1.

Sony if got cash go the ES range, much better sound...but unfortunately also very exp.

Cheers.
Dirtrun

Ahh..about time i found other msian htpc enthusiasts. I've been playing around with htpc for some time with my main rig but finally have enuf cash to set up a dedicated htpc rig. Most of the components are transfered from my old rig plus a few xtras Will post some pics when I'm done assembling it

Silverstone LC10M Black
P4 2.6C
ASUS P4P800 deluxe
9800 PRO + HDTV Component Adapter
HDA X-Plosion - DTS & Dolby Digital Encoder
Kingston Value 1GB DDR
2 x 250GB IDE WD
2 x 250GB SATA WD
Pioneer DVD-RW
Haupage MCE150
MCE OEM
Denon AVR 2106
Klipsch Quintet I
Mission MS6 Subwoofer

Was planning to get KEF eggs (KHT 2005.2) but it was way out of my budget after i included my speaker, woofer & component cables.

I've tried Frontends such as myHTPC, meedio and media portal but how do u find sagetv so far ryansia? I'm gonna give MCE a try since so far it seems to be one of the most stable PVR/Frontend software.

There's a site where an enthusiast has created a software to provide EPG to MCE, sage tv, etc at this site www.tvxb.com. Basically its a plugin to convert a schedule into *.xmltv and it works together with another plugin called Bladerunner Pro which reads the xmltv file and plays it to MCE.
Have yet to test it out with MCE or other frontends since i dont have an IR blaster yet. Maybe you can give it a try..hehe

This post has been edited by Moonguy: Apr 19 2006, 08:06 PM

i've build one for my friend about 2 years back. he's a $$$$$ guy, RM 300k spent on audio / home-theatre setup is serious shit.......

anyway. the machine is P4 2.4C with ABIT IC7-G. can't remembe RAM size, but of course it's DvD capable, with output from Radeon 9700 to his like RM 20k SANYO (i think) projector.

damn nice the experience. since he wanted 16:9 ratio - had to manually configure for him lor.

hey, moonguy, you sure a htpc guru there, i wanted to set up something like yours, how's the sound with denon 2106? i will hook up mine (denon avr 2105) but not sure about the soundcard thing, do i have to get one serious one or just stick with my on-board sound system? any big difference?

Sage tv is quite fun to use as there are many customisations like special features, UI, prefered audio/video decoder and renderer. Much more flexible than MCE. Due to the facts that i'm still using CRT TV, i did not use the ffdshow to resize (upscale) to HDTV resolution.

as for the EPG, the problem is we have no programe source schedule (not sure if there is any), how to generate xmltv?

going through ur setup....... what's the diaplay u use? with HDTV Component, i assume your display does not have DVI or HDMI. aren't you need to rezise the video frames to have proper HDTV resolution to match your component out signal? I've no experience yet with HDTV out as i i'm still using CRT......

if your on board sound do not have s/pdif, then you could only hook to your denon by 6ch/8ch analogue in. have to rely on DTS, DD solfware decoder. to me i'm satisfy with my on board digital out, connected to my Yamaha to do the decoding. really envy moonguy's DTS/DD Encoder.....

not much info on the web site.....

Moonguy, can u post a pic of ur setup? seem interesting..

When my new house is ready, im planing to use this MSI Mega PC as HTPC..but it will be used in room..hehe



It has been bundled with Media Centre with remote control.. So, what i plan to add on some HDTV capable Video card, wireless keyboard/mouse, TV card, Dell widescreen LCD or 34" CRT TV and Edifier S2000 speaker system to become a complete entry level HTPC...it will be a 2.0 sound system in my plan..

Current Spec:

MSI MegaPC 180
AMD Athlon XP 2800+
80GB Samsung HDD
Kingston 512MB Dual-Channel RAM
Integrated Geforce4 MX
Nvidia SoundStorm
Edifier MP210
Lite-On DVD Combo
Internal wifi card built-in

This post has been edited by accs_centre: Apr 21 2006, 05:43 PM

sevendogz,

i think is good to keep this thread alive....

agree, calling for all HTPC enthusiast now...pls share your setting

my basic HTPC kot.



yamaha stuff & receiver RV540
- trying opticcal cable (at the pic.)

can list down the rig details, like tv decoder, audio, other programe like meedo, sage etc?

Was talking abt this last week with sifu chewkl and this thread pops alive. Good job.....

Pls lah...me ikan bilis.

NS, ikan bilis again kah? Nvr knew ikan bilis can drive nice car wor. Bro, dont forget the photo that u promised.

Taikor, getting out of topic already.

We talk using email lah...

OKIE.... btw, replied ur mail liao.

which brand?

Samsung HD-850 goes for below RM600. This one can also upscale.

Then, it's bigger bro HD-950 at RM899 with free HDMI cable and DVI-D cable too.

May i know what components are necessary to be considered as a HTPC?


This post has been edited by D_Y2k.4^: May 31 2006, 03:00 PM

My setup is in my sig. Gonna get a DVD player in a few days time so cannot call it HTPC anymore

No need so many HDMI cables ler...

yah rite.
rig - amd mobile athlon, ideq 200N SFF (nf2/realtek ALC650),512DDR, samsung 765mb, LG 4167B, RADEON 9200 Series AGP -tv out analog, cheapo RM18 soniq gear usb speaker. RM 2200 approx at that time.
HT - yamaha RXV540 + NS7390 + NSP60 speakers . RM 2200
TV - Philips 21 Flat tv (RM700)

been 2 yrs & counting..
it s not full HTPC, cant record/vivo, remote, or watever.. just watching dvdrip, dvd movies, mp3 music from the freeworld.

next project & budget :

subwoofer - RM 800
good cables - RM 150 just enuf for me
42" plasma- true HD - RM 5000 in 2 yrs time. haha



This post has been edited by radiohead: Jun 3 2006, 08:15 PM

HTPC, Quote of the year

i also intent to let my pc acts as HTPC when i got all stuff needed. + cinema room.

wah...HTkaki and chewkl is here.... glad to know...

guys...try to read up www.avsforum.com too. lotsa stuff about htpc there...

Guys, heard of geexbox? It's linux & doesn't require high system spec. Good for cheap guy like me. Try visit www.geexbox.org. Still sourcing for hardware to built a poor man's htpc on it.

ar188 = BBA???

i think my pc good enough liao, production pc no need so high end only need a good ram and a large hard drive... high end should go to my audio rig ....

did anyone have done 1:1 pixel mapping via DVI to HDMI LCD TV??
I'm currently hunting for >= 37" LCD TV that can do so.....

it will be great for HTPC to go online....

I heard none of the LCD TV with 1366x768 can do this, 1920x1080 LCD should be able to but i've yet to try out. I've just bought DVI to HDMI cable and planning to try out at the electrical shop for my hunting adventure....

what is the minimum HW requirement to run ffdshow to resize to 1080i/p, NR adn some others PQ enhancement to have smooth playback without tearing/ frame drop??

my P4 2.4 with fx5200 sux.....

planning to get s939 MB with 6150 built in. anyone have experience int his type of setup?

NS, chew. u know i know lah...... sifus of visual display.

Anyone knows where i can get hold of a dvi-to-component adapter, like those from ATI. My pixelplus tv is capable of 1080i but no go with its VGA input.

Thks.

here you go...

http://www.htpc-gear.com/shop/product_info...f6b63f1bd3ae08c

this is the nearest from here to buy online...... not all ATI card support though

no go with VGA?? do you mean that the VGA on your TV does not take 1920x1080?
no DVI on your TV i sppose...how about HDMI? you may try DVI to HDMI cable.

both HDMI and component wont show clear text on TV though unless your TV native resolution is 1280x720 or 1920x1080.

HDMI is best available digital connection to-date.

Thks ryansia.

My x800gto is not listed. Neither is my recent x1900xt acquisition.

Can you/someone suggest a custom resolution that might work for my tv via vga? My tv is a first generation philips pixelplus 34" crt.

Currently having a htpc hooked up via s-video.

All this is to check out the fuss with hdtv clips of various formats and to hold out until a true 1080p lcd tv comes along, and along with that 2nd /3rd generation hddvd/bray players....

my lcd 19inch widescreen only ler..

This post has been edited by Akabane@DrJackel: Jun 15 2006, 09:57 PM

is EPG available for astro using 3rd party program like media portal or xbtv?

I read before in one of the HWM reporting that our local Techdos Media Center manage to get the astro EPG on their system. if this is true in MCE and i believe it could be available for 3rd patry PVR programes. if you find out please do let me know....

I wanna build a Low End HTPC for my fren......
His min requirement was must have remote to operate(4 listening to music while turn of da tv/ watching movies), small form factor, very low end as he not gonna use it for extreme condition such as high end gaming or recording any tv programs.

The purpose is for education, multimedia entertainment........ His max budget is RM1500

So can u guys suggest me the hardware i do need for this HTPC......

Thanx for your contribution......

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=304373

anxiously waiting for HTPC sifus' replies.

is there really such thing as DVI to component? dvi is digital form and component is still in analogue form. unless u talking bout vga to component adaptor.

correct me if wrong

Hi guys its great to find this thread, I have been searching all over in the forum under Computers for HTPC.

My main reasons to link up to TV:
- Watch AVI files that cannot play on my DVD player.
- View picture slideshows on TV

Attempt 1:
Bought a ATI Radeon 9250 card for my old celeron and connect to my 29" Panasonic 100Hz Tv via s-video. The display was terrible. RM 140 wasted.

Attempt 2:
Bought new PC (check my sig) and then connect to TV via s-video. Result was much better. However, it is not exactly DVD quality due to TV's resolution and all.
Install Windows XP Media Centre Edition (MCE) and it was quite ok in terms of ease-of-use. I got no remote control, but I face these problems when using Media Centre:

1) When watching videos (AVI) I cannot drag forward. When I use Windows Media Player / Winamp I can do so (so its not a problem with the file)

2) When viewing pictures I cannot open a picture and go to the next file in the folder. (like Irfanview/ACDSee). I have to view the pic, click the back button, and choose another thumbnail...

What am I doing wrong? Any help will be appreciated...

no sifus replyka....

if not can u guys recommend me the remote control device which is cheaper in the market.... i dun wan tsunami's its damn expensive