Transforming my current rig into HTPC, what is needed?

[d3v0]

Hello all! I am thinking of purchasing a Blu-ray drive to use as an HTPC/gaming hybrid.

I am curious what else I will need? I have an Asus Xonar DX sound card. I know I need a decent surround setup for this, as well as a blu-ray drive, no sweat. However, is my monitor able to properly display the blu-ray quality or will I need a new one? Also, what programs will I need to play blu-ray discs at full quality?

[jimmsch]

I do not know what resolutions your current monitor is capable of, but you will need one that can handle 1080p in order to fully enjoy BluRay to its fullest.

[d3v0]

Ah, its 1680x1050. Idk if its 720 or 1080p.

[JaY_III]

1920*1080 = 1080
p = progressive scan (like a computer monitor)
i = interlaced (every second line draw)


Oh an a TV-Tuner might be something to look at also

[d3v0]

So my monitor is equivalent to a 720p then?

[JaY_III]

yeah or 1080i
nothing like being 30 lines short of 1080p. It will work fine though.

Also computer monitors are 16:10 for wide screen and a TV is 16:9.
got to love all that...

Building my 1st 100% dedicated HTPC tomorrow. So no more using an extra PC for the job. Computer strait to the TV and VNC to admin it :D

[d3v0]

So my monitor will look as good as any other 720p or 1080i HDTV with a blu-ray drive playing a blu-ray disc? :)

If not, let me know before I pull the trigger :D

[evomac]

The fact that the monitor is a 20", you will not see really any quality difference between 720p and 1080p. If you pick up a BD player, it should look great on your monitor. You really can only tell the difference between 720p and 1080p when you are dealing with larger size monitors / tv's.

[JaY_III]

will looks just fine on your monitor.
Just be warned, you might just want a dedicated box for the job.

[d3v0]

I see. Ill consider it, its just temporary for now, I have a second rig with no case that's a skt 939 with an AMD X2 4200+ and a 9600gso...but the mobo is not matx :(.

What's a BD player? You mean blu ray? Also, how do I properly do sound? I have an asus xonar dx card right now, do I need anything else aside from proper speakers (currently have some mediocre altec lansing 2.1s)

[jimmsch]

I would look into geting a home theatr receiver that has muti channel inputs on it. Then you use the analog mini rca outputs from your sound card. This is the best way to enjoy true surround sound

[d3v0]

What about logitech z-5500s or something similar?

[jimmsch]

They have the multi channel in. I have them on one of my HTPC setups and they are very good indeed.