My HTPC experience part 1: the hardware

History

I have been an advocate and user of Home Theater PCs since before the year 2000 (!). I started out with a simple setup: svideo and analog audio output to a 27" CRT. Eventually, I graduated to a projector and VGA and then I moved up to digital audio and video outputs. I used a wireless keyboard and mouse for control, and I intentionally avoided the so-called 10' GUI. I found it easier to muck around in windows and manaully play files than to allow some craptastic software to provide a useless and clunky GUI to do what I was capable of doing far more efficiently.

The Build

In June of 2008, I endeavored to build a new PC, purpose built as an HTPC. I obtained an nVidia 8200 based motherboard, 4 GB of RAM, an AMD 4850e processor, and a small form factor case with a quiet 300 watt power supply. Despite having integrated video, the onboard video accelerated all manner of video, high definition and otherwise. The processor was highly efficient, with a TDP of 45 watts, and the motherboard was similarly efficient at peak. For television, I ordered an AverMedia M780 tuner, which sports an ASTC/QAM tuner, and a traditional NTSC tuner. To make a long story short, this setup had a lot of stability problems. After swapping out the motherboard twice, I went with the ATI equivalent, a 780g based motherboard possessing onboard video with nearly identical capabilities. To make a long story short, this setup had stability problems. Over the course of several months, I swapped out every component in the system - every component that is, except for the TV tuner card. Finally, after months of arduous troubleshooting, endless RMAs, and countless bluescreens, I broke down and forfeited my credit card number for a Hauppauge 2250. It fixed everything. The icing on the cake is that the 2250's dual tuner are both capable of ATSC, QAM, of NTSC, making it superior to its predecessor. To seal the deal, the 2250 tuner is, evidently, far more sensitive with QAM channels. I highly recommend this TV tuner card.

To sum up, my experience with the hardware was absolutely terrible. However, I don't believe my isolated experience to be indicative of what one would experience when building a HTPC. Keep in mind that my terrible experience comes despite years of professional experience fixing and troubleshooting these very problems - ouch.

The Setup

Whew - I bet you're glad the gory hardware details are out of the way, but you still aren't nearly as glad as I am that the computer actually functions properly. In short, the setup is quite good.

Noise

The processor fan is thermally controlled and very quiet even when fully engaged. The power supply is whiper quiet and system contains no other fans.

Outputs

For video, the motherboard outputs VGA, DVI, and HDMI. A digital optical audio output fills the role of audio output, and, of course, HDMI is equally capable if one is so inclined.

Inputs

In addition to the old-school wireless keyboard and mouse, I also have a USB-UIRT (google to read more) which receives IR signals. Armed with a universal remote of the Logitech Harmony variety, the remote is easily programmed to control the computer.

The Software

Anyone who has dabbled in the home theater PC either through first-hand experience or by reading the copious literature knows that the real challenge (not in my case!) comes in the software. In part 2, I will talk about the software that powers the HTPC.