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Update 26-01-2010 It has been a while since this FAQ was first drawn up and there have been quite a few changes in the HTPC world.
Please can you provide feedback in
this thread (particularly about how you would prefer to see this info, ie. one monolithic thread or just links etc)
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Welcome to the HTPC FAQ!
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I have written this FAQ (with the help of contributers indicated within) to help answer some questions for those of you thinking of taking that wonderful step into the world of HTPC's.
I have tried to set it out in a way that makes it flow, ie the base parts you need, followed by information on how to amend the cost of components should you be on a
budget, or require a
silent or
gaming machine.
It has been deliberately written to be slightly generic, simply becuase we all know that tech changes so quickly and adds additional information like frontends and other useful software to then entice the reader into viewing the builds he or she is interested in.
Once you have read all you need and feel confident of your choices, please create a thread within these forums (its always better to get someone to have a quick look over your spec) then get busy building!
All we ask is that you take plenty of pictures of the build, then come back and post a link back to your thread. That way others can see your choices, and your final glorious Home Cinema Personal Computer.
If you have any contributions, please read the last post in this thread - it shows what I think the FAQ still requires. Of course if you think we have missed anything, please feel free to post the info and we will add them to this guide as well as credit you accordingly.
To keep this thread tidy, I or any of the other MOD’s will delete comments once they've been addressed.
Thanks, and dont forget the thanks button to those that help you!
///// Index \\\\\
Post 3 :
HTPC Hardware - Covers hardware required and tips on how to make your PC
Silent, fall within a
Budget, or suitable for
Gaming.
Post 4 :
Which Front-end is good for you? This post covers
Windows Media Centre on XP, Vista and Windows 7 platforms, as well as
Media Browser.
Post 5 :
Which Front-end is good for you? Continues here with
Media Portal Post 6 :
Which Front-end is good for you? Continues here with
Meedios,
XBMC and
No frontend.
Post 7 :
TVCards - Information on TVcards and which is needed for Terristal or Satalite channels.
Post 8 :
Other Software - Video Players such as PowerDVD and KMPlayer and utility software such as Deamon Tools and AnyDVD are explained here.
Post 9 :
Which Codecs should I use? - This covers the wonderful world of codecs and how they can improve the look and performance of your HTPC during playback.
Post 10 :
Audio Playback - Details how you get your lovely amp to play lossless audio from your shiney Blu-Ray disks.