I'm hoping on the bandwagon and want to build an HTPC. I really like the idea of ripping my DVD's, CD's, SVCD's, etc down to a honkin large HDD and playing them from a menu. I really don't care much about a TV tuner as I use a satellite instead of cable. What I would like to know from the folks here is what software front end would you reccomend? The PC will be used exclusively as an HTPC, no gaming. The only software that I can locate is Freevo and MythTV which both run on top of Linux. I was wondering if there were any other solutions you can suggest. I have all the hardware I need minus a case. I'm looking into those exotic cases like these, but only if I can find some that don't break the bank - It's getting too cold here to do much custom modding (down to the 40's at night).
If I were you, I'd buy an XBox and install EvolutionX along with XBox Media Player. Can be had for £99 over here (about $160 for you, although probably cheaper). Will be cheaper than a self-build HTPC, and you can add a bigger HDD if you want. Hell, if you're gonna open it anyway, why not just stick it in a custom case. Of course you'll not get the satisfaction of making it yourself, but you could always spend that time on making a nice custom case for it. Oh, also doubles as a good paperweight. Oh, and also a games console.
Yea, I was thinking of going that way, but I already have all the hardware I need to build 2 systems - a P4 1.8g & AMD1800 with mobos and memory. Plus, I have 2 120g seagates for storage. Besides, I already have an xBox and my kids would kill me if I messed up their saves
Even if it is cold id still say build a custom case. If not just buy a desktop case maybe mod it or get one of those nice looking Lian-Li desktop cases.
personally i just cheesed out and spent 50$ on an enlight 72xx series with a 300w psu in it. check it here personally i just use xp pro, WMP9, power dvd, audiocatalyst (for ripping audiobook cd's for mom) and winamp. xp does all the network-y stuff just fine. nero & dvd x copy xpress handle the backing-up. P.S. the slot load pioneer has been swapped for a nec dvd+rw .. and a 10gb fireball added for dvd-burning-swap-space. and i made the front a little prettier by chopping out that nasty fan grill and putting a laser cut dragon one in, and putting an off-color green cathode in it.
im planning out my htpc as well... there's a website where you can buy an xbox case for 20 bucks (10 w/ out all the trimmings) http://www.llamma.com/xbox/parts.htm i dont have an xbox, but it'll look like i have one. might want to try something like that for a case.
sirgeoph: Very cool site & bookmarked for future xbox modding. However, the mobo's I have are all regular atx and won't fit the xbox case. KrazyIvan: I actually found that late site last night and am in the process of testing the software out. It seems to work well, but is very confusing and doesn't seem to have the same functionality as Freevo does. I am keeping it in reserve though. Eddie & Doug: Yea, too cold. Not for me, but the only place I have to paint is outside in the back yard as I don't have a garage and every time I spray paint in the basement, it smells up the whole house and gives me a headache Besides, it's also very damp with haze & fog in the morning which would destroy my paint job! Eddie: Never saw that mod - where the heck have I been!? Very nice! I wish I had the tools to do something as custom as that, but I don't have anyplace to put them (see above - re: no garage) Dougg: Actually, you're west of me I live in Weedsport (5 mins from exit 40 off Thruway)...
Dad, who said you have to paint? You could for instance send the case to a paint shop and they'll do it for you. I think that you should build an own case. I love reading project logs of people building cases from scratch. And hey - the temps at your place is about same as here - and I'm outside in the garage working on my <what was it called again?> table, right? Think I'll take it in for varnishing, though. PS! Build a garage.
Hahahaha... Yea, build a garage Actually, that's in my long-term plan for the house. I have to finish the restoration before I tackle a garage though and I see it taking at least 3 more years to do that. It's a big (5200 sq/ft), old house (built in 1853) that needed a bunch of TLC. In fact, I just finished re-roofing it a few weeks ago and am in the process of tearing down plaster in the guest room to put up some sheetrock. Fun fun! I'm a little concerned about the cost of a paint shop if I build my own. I did get a few estamites on painting and powder coating and both were in the $100 range...
This little number is getting rave reviews. I am in the process of setting it up at home. For my system I used an old AT desktop box that I am replacing, or covering, the front and back of with acrylic for a clean modern look. That, coupled with a simple coat or two of paint will give me a clean looking HTPC on the cheap.
I'll have to check that out when I get home from work, but the biggest drawback I see is that it's not open source I'm really looking for open source software, but will consider buying something if it fits my needs, is stable and well supported. Edit:: Oooo... I see that I can do video over LAN with it... I like that
