HTPC What Stuff do you want to see?

Pezboy, there will be linux involved at least once. Can't get cheaper than free.

SageTV, Check. Actually, first review, followed by some other alternatives.
PDA (/fires up his Dell Axim) check. This was something I always wanted to do... good thinking.

UK problems...Hmmmmm...can you elaborate in a PM? Being in the US, I'm going to have to send this part outside for assistance. But before I can do that, I will need to know the problem specifics. I've not heard of these issues with dual tuners? I do think there are a couple software suites that are not MCE that have access to a program library...should work to get around the problem if I understand it correctly.

For those of you who are HD nuts...Do you guys want to see an article similar to what was linked in another thread here about turning DVD/Divx to Pseudo-HD quality using post-processing? I found it quite amazing.. Or would you like a simple summary of some of the handy-dandy software that's out there, and a link to those instructions? I guess the question is, do you want me to re-do what others have done in a bit-tech manner, or compile some of the odds and ends into a single "Here's some extras" article?

 

Personally I don't think you should reinvent the wheel, but links to other articles or posts with in Bit would be great!


I'd also like to see some X-box mods that are acting as front-ends to HTPC servers..... Maybe some diagrams and/or pics of how people have their systems integrated into their networks and other systems.
-Fiz

 

I would also like an article about this.

 

I'd second that one too - and home automation without the use of X10 devices would be even better

 

I would like to see some more stuff on HD with HTPCs. Like what kind of power you need, hardware, software and all that mumbo jumbo. So am I going to have enough power to run a 50 inch 1080p TV(what I want to do), or how do I setup the HD Cable to go through the HTPC. Just simple stuff like that. Ooo also, the future of htpcs with bluray and hddvd coming.

 

control of external receivers (Sky, NTL, Telewest etc)
DVB card/software combinations that actually allow the tuner & svideo/composite in to work (been trying various software now for 2 weeks with my club3d zap-2100 DVB-T card, which also comes with a very nice remote)

 

Obviously you don't know of xmltv, bleb or alan birtles xmltv grabber then, 14 days of epg for my 4 tuner setup. Also with dvb-t/s cards that have bda drivers many applications can grab the 8 day over the air epg such as mediaportal, dvb core and gbpvr just to name a few.

 

Da Dego,

I suspect that there's a lot of ppl like me who would like to build a full gaming pc and stack it with their hifi.

So any reviews of full-size atx mobo/psu with good (120mm) cooling would be much appreciated!

Cheers, Phil

 

Cases.... some that aren't too expensive but still have decent features. Most desktop-layout cases which are typical of HTPCs start about $150 and still are poorly-featured relative to a $30 beige box imo. Of course, there probably aren't too many among us trying to stick four hard drives in a media center machine. But, dammit, who want's 60mm cooling fans? Either make the thing taller and use a 120 where the 60's tend to go or as short as possible and wider to accomidate a 120mm (or two!)

 

I am aware of them but in apps such as sagetv the one touch record feature will not work with them. Or at least the last time i checked on these things. being reliant on the goodwill of an enthusiast to supply your epg is not an ideal soloution imo and is something which should be noted in any articles.

 

Of course, alternatives to MCE, such as knoppmyth, look at the advantages/disadvantages, ease of set-up/use, hardware conflicts and so on. Of course, reviews of both the 'latest and greatest' and the 'best bang for the buck' in the htpc setting. Sound is especially important in reviews. Also cases are always fun to read.

 

cabling. review different brands of cable and really decide whether the expensive cable brands (monster cable etc) are really worth the rediculous amount of money compared to cheap radioshack cables

 

Please, a massive TV tuner comparitive review!

PCI, USB and PCI-e!

 

Sorry just seen your reply so heres mine.
Sagetv has a free 3rd party app to import xmltv listings , i did this automatically with a 3 or 4 line batch file weekly. Also now sage can now use tvtv.co.uk look at http://forums.sage.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=12382, how well this works i have now idea. If you read what I said the digital dvb-t cards i.e freeview cards normally grab the epg from the 8 day broadcast which is not reliant on anyone but the engineering chaps that broadcast your channels too.

 

Did someone already mention Knopmyth?