New to HTPCs

[Ralith]

Hi, working on building my first HTPC and ran across this forum so I thought I would post and see what you guys think. I've done lots of computer builds, so that isn't new, but a few of the key features of a HTPC are new to me.

Current my planned build is as follows:
Intel i3 530 cpu
Gigabyte ATI HD 4550 video card
Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 mobo
Corsair HX-750 psu (Yes this is overkill, but I absolutely love corsair psu and this one is over 88-90% efficiency/modular WITH a 7 YEAR warrenty... so that should save a good bit over cheaper ones).
OCZ 1600 2x2GB ram
Samsung 24x DVD+RW (I currently don't have any blu-rays so will be upgrading to that later probably)
WB 1TB Caviar Black or Green (Haven't decided yet on this).
and finally the NZXT Hades case.

I am wanting to work with some raid 1/0/5/10, thus this mobo... otherwise I would probably go with a H55/H57 chip set. I also wanted to go with a very silent type HTPC... thus the passive video card and very quiet PSU. I have not found a aftermarket cooler that I want for the cpu yet though.

I currently only have a CRT TV, I am planning to get a AVR/5.1/7.1 sound system and a new TV in that order after the HTPC (I figure I might as well have good video/sound to USE on the TV).

The biggest questions I am having is with a "HTPC case" and the tuner cards. First, can someone explain the advantage to a HTPC case?? They all seem extremely expensive and don't seem to offer much other then they are horizontal builds and have less fans/etc and cost like x2 what a good PC case does. I personally would prefer something like the NZXT Hades which has 200mm fans that are very quiet and has a lot of space to work with for a lot cheaper.

And with tv tuner cards. I've gotten a much better handle on them after reading some of the threads here. Just to make sure I have it right, I will do a quick breakdown of what I understand and tell me if I'm on the right track.

There are basically 3 'types' of cable:
Over-the-air via antenna
Clear QAM through coax (Unscrambled channels)
STB through cableco/coax (Scrambled and needs cablecard).

Currently, unless I get the Ceton $399 card or a Hauppage HD-PVR, I will NOT be able to view my STB cable on my PC at ALL with a traditional tuner (They do the OTA and Clear QAM only)? or at east have a DVR features?

Right now, my wife does not like the OTA/QAM channels so that is almost pointless to bother with and I am not going to spend $200-400 on a single card at this time. Currently I am geting digital (I assume?) cable/Internet from Suddenlink.

If I have anything wrong or any comments welcome! I have only purchased a few parts, so I am still fairly flexible if there are better combination/etc. I am very excited about working on this system as this is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but as I just got a job after collage it hasn't been possible until now.

[Wicked Klown]

Most go with the look of an HTPC to match there audio gear. There are a few post in the "Show your HTPC" thread of people using a plain ole PC case. For the video card go with the 5000 series of ATI. This way you can bit stream HD audio to your AVR. You could go with a low wattage Corsair PSU. You really don't have to have a tuner card in your HTPC set-up. However if you want want I would save up and get the Ceton, as your wife doesn't like OTA/QAM. Also you might as well grab a blu-ray drive right from the start.

[Neuromancer]

ATI digital cable card tuner is only option right now. Ceton is taking orders for their M-Card tuners though last I looked.

(These will give you ALL the channels you are supposed including pay per view and VOD)

If you are using mediacenter for your current tuner. You have to go in and add channels manually after it auto scans in 7. I added about 70 channels unfortunately most are not in HD :(

Comcast in my area is moving a ton of free channels to QAM (instead of ClearQAM) you will still get all your OTA stations in HD, and TNT, but even USA is encrypted now.

IIRC you have. time warner cable in your area though... so might need to research and see what is clearQAM or not in your area.

[glorp]

Corsair HX-750 psu (Yes this is overkill, but I absolutely love corsair psu and this one is over 88-90% efficiency/modular WITH a 7 YEAR warrenty... so that should save a good bit over cheaper ones).

This PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093) is the same as the now discontinued Corasir HX520 model (Seasonic made the Corsairs) and would easily handle the components you listed. 750W is indeed overkill. Even the 650HX would be fine if you hafta have a 7-yr warranty.

And with tv tuner cards. I've gotten a much better handle on them after reading some of the threads here. Just to make sure I have it right, I will do a quick breakdown of what I understand and tell me if I'm on the right track.

There are basically 3 'types' of cable:
Over-the-air via antenna
Clear QAM through coax (Unscrambled channels)
STB through cableco/coax (Scrambled and needs cablecard).

Currently, unless I get the Ceton $399 card or a Hauppage HD-PVR, I will NOT be able to view my STB cable on my PC at ALL with a traditional tuner (They do the OTA and Clear QAM only)? or at east have a DVR features?

Actually, the tuners are all essentially the same, they just tune different broadcast signals. Usually a tuner, especially a digital tuner, can tune both digital OTA or QAM signals. They aren't exclusive one way or the other. A DCT (CableCARD tuner) is nothing more than a QAM tuner with the ability to decrypt the cableco's encryption, thanks to the CableCARD. Ceton's tuner w/o a card will tune 4 channels of QAM (and be a horribly expensive QAM tuner to boot :) )

You can try this (http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us) to see what OTA/QAM channels will be available to you in your area and your current cable provider. Although the chart is not always 100% correct and up to date, if you get a channel now and it's not on the list then, yes, you'd need a Ceton DCT or HD-PVR to capture it from cable. There is also an ATi Wonder DCT that are single external tuner models. Those l probably will be much less expensive as soon as the Ceton is available.

[Ralith]

Most go with the look of an HTPC to match there audio gear. There are a few post in the "Show your HTPC" thread of people using a plain ole PC case. For the video card go with the 5000 series of ATI. This way you can bit stream HD audio to your AVR. You could go with a low wattage Corsair PSU. You really don't have to have a tuner card in your HTPC set-up. However if you want want I would save up and get the Ceton, as your wife doesn't like OTA/QAM. Also you might as well grab a blu-ray drive right from the start.

I've not been able to really find anywhere the explains the difference between the 4xxx and 5xxx series. The 45xx series from ATI/gigabyte's sites says it can stream 7.1 sound, so I assumed it was good enough. If the 4550 can't stream HD audio (I know it can do audio out HDMI), then I can use the optical port. Unless I need the higher video card, I'd rather stay with a lower watt, fanless one.

As far as blu-ray go, what is a good brand? Any specific details I want in one? I've never had a blu-ray player so far.

[Ralith]

Most go with the look of an HTPC to match there audio gear. There are a few post in the "Show your HTPC" thread of people using a plain ole PC case. For the video card go with the 5000 series of ATI. This way you can bit stream HD audio to your AVR. You could go with a low wattage Corsair PSU. You really don't have to have a tuner card in your HTPC set-up. However if you want want I would save up and get the Ceton, as your wife doesn't like OTA/QAM. Also you might as well grab a blu-ray drive right from the start.

This PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093) is the same as the now discontinued Corasir HX520 model (Seasonic made the Corsairs) and would easily handle the components you listed. 750W is indeed overkill. Even the 650HX would be fine if you hafta have a 7-yr warranty.



Actually, the tuners are all essentially the same, they just tune different broadcast signals. Usually a tuner, especially a digital tuner, can tune both digital OTA or QAM signals. They aren't exclusive one way or the other. A DCT (CableCARD tuner) is nothing more than a QAM tuner with the ability to decrypt the cableco's encryption, thanks to the CableCARD. Ceton's tuner w/o a card will tune 4 channels of QAM (and be a horribly expensive QAM tuner to boot :) )

You can try this (http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us) to see what OTA/QAM channels will be available to you in your area and your current cable provider. Although the chart is not always 100% correct and up to date, if you get a channel now and it's not on the list then, yes, you'd need a Ceton DCT or HD-PVR to capture it from cable. There is also an ATi Wonder DCT that are single external tuner models. Those l probably will be much less expensive as soon as the Ceton is available.

The psu you listed would be about $5 cheaper then what I got the HX750 for ($115). Also, if you check
http://80plus.org/manu/psu/psu_detail.aspx?id=25&type=2
you can see that the HX750 is tied for the most efficiency psu from corsair. The HX-650 is about $10-15 cheaper, but lower efficiency so over the course of 5-7 years I should easily make up that difference in the power bills.

[Wicked Klown]

I've not been able to really find anywhere the explains the difference between the 4xxx and 5xxx series. The 45xx series from ATI/gigabyte's sites says it can stream 7.1 sound, so I assumed it was good enough. If the 4550 can't stream HD audio (I know it can do audio out HDMI), then I can use the optical port. Unless I need the higher video card, I'd rather stay with a lower watt, fanless one.

As far as blu-ray go, what is a good brand? Any specific details I want in one? I've never had a blu-ray player so far.

The 4000 series can do 7.1 however it can not do TrueHD, DTS-MA and so forth. Have a look at this for info on the 5000 series. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1179134&highlight=ati)

[Ralith]

ATI digital cable card tuner is only option right now. Ceton is taking orders for their M-Card tuners though last I looked.

(These will give you ALL the channels you are supposed including pay per view and VOD)

If you are using mediacenter for your current tuner. You have to go in and add channels manually after it auto scans in 7. I added about 70 channels unfortunately most are not in HD :(

Comcast in my area is moving a ton of free channels to QAM (instead of ClearQAM) you will still get all your OTA stations in HD, and TNT, but even USA is encrypted now.

IIRC you have. time warner cable in your area though... so might need to research and see what is clearQAM or not in your area.

I checked and time warner does not service my area (zip is 25801). As far as I know only suddenlink does cable, I think I can get vantage for internet (they don't do cable TV right?).

[Ralith]

ATI digital cable card tuner is only option right now. Ceton is taking orders for their M-Card tuners though last I looked.

(These will give you ALL the channels you are supposed including pay per view and VOD)

If you are using mediacenter for your current tuner. You have to go in and add channels manually after it auto scans in 7. I added about 70 channels unfortunately most are not in HD :(

Comcast in my area is moving a ton of free channels to QAM (instead of ClearQAM) you will still get all your OTA stations in HD, and TNT, but even USA is encrypted now.

IIRC you have. time warner cable in your area though... so might need to research and see what is clearQAM or not in your area.

The 4000 series can do 7.1 however it can not do TrueHD, DTS-MA and so forth. Have a look at this for info on the 5000 series. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1179134&highlight=ati)

So I would need to use optical for that then if I stay with the 4550 card? Also, it seems its only the higher end 5x00 series? like 56xx and 58xx that do HD audio streaming?

Also, per this thread
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172451
the i3 530 can do the HD audio stream from the H55/H57 board? Is that correct?

[Wicked Klown]

So I would need to use optical for that then if I stay with the 4550 card? Also, it seems its only the higher end 5x00 series? like 56xx and 58xx that do HD audio streaming?

Also, per this thread
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172451
the i3530 can do the HD audio stream from the H55/H57 board? Is that correct?


You can use a 4000 series card for both audio and video, you just wouldn't get HD audio from it. Myself I'm running a 4830 HDMI and have my blu-rays(which I own) ripped to MKV with Flac audio. Yea a Clarkdale with a H55 mobo will bit stream HD audio as well.

[Ralith]

You can use a 4000 series card for both audio and video, you just wouldn't get HD audio from it. Myself I'm running a 4830 HDMI and have my blu-rays(which I own) ripped to MKV with Flac audio. Yea a Clarkdale with a H55 mobo will bit stream HD audio as well.

Does optical offer HD audio? Also, how much of hit would it be if I don't have HD audio? I was hoping to do a media center server as well as HTPC, and the H55/H57 don't really offer anything raid wise and don't have nearly as many SATA usually.

[Wicked Klown]

No optical can not carry the bit rate that HD audio has. If you didn't have HD audio you would be playing normal DTS and Dolby Digital. You could get say an H55 mobo then get a Sata controller.

[TommyD872]

hey WK,
I have optical (Toslink) from my sc to my avr it it plays HD just fine. no diff in hdmi or optical. Both can carry DD/DTS/THX signals just fine.

[Wicked Klown]

hey WK,
I have optical (Toslink) from my sc to my avr it it plays HD just fine. no diff in hdmi or optical. Both can carry DD/DTS/THX signals just fine.


Most like what your playing is the core track. Were talking about TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DD+, which optical can not carry. Also your Auzentech X-plosion 7.1 Cinema is not able to bit stream HD audio. To be able to bit stream from your sound card you would need either an Asus HDAV 1.3 or the Auzentech AZT-XFHTHD. Lastly there is no such thing as a THX signal. THX is a trade name of a high-fidelity sound reproduction standard for movie theaters, screening rooms, home theaters, computer speakers, gaming consoles, and car audio systems

[Ralith]

Hmm, thanks for the advice, I will have to look into it and see.

[Ralith]

After some reasearch, I found that NEWEGG FAILED ME Q_Q haha

They did not post the correct specs on the GA-H57M-USB3, it DOES support raid 0/1/5/10 on 5 of the SATA and raid 0/1 on the other 2 of them.

So I will probably go with this board unless I find it doesn't work well, reading reviews now.

Thank you for pointing the HD audio out to me!