HTPC Suggestions

[remlap]

Ive just bought a new Sagem HD Telly.

So id like to either buy a or build a new HTPC cheap as possible.

DVI out which ill need a DVI to HDMI wire.

Able to decode both 720p and 1080i XVID's and h.264 maybe.

And add a Skystar 2 DVB-S card at some point

And decent case.

So any estimates on current prices so I can know what I need to save.

Thanks

[Stiggy]

Lots of discussions here about cheap Dell PCs. If you want a really small and quiet one, look for a 5150c or an Optiplex. If you want a big noisy one (like mine) go for a 9150.

You should be able to get one for less than £500 if you buy from Dell Outlet, eBay or other 3rd party suppliers.

It's worth considering using a VGA connection if your Sagem has it.

[arfster]

You get better pic quality with the HDMI than the VGA on the Sagem. It's also a little easier to avoid tearing.

[Stiggy]

Originally Posted by arfster

You get better pic quality with the HDMI than the VGA on the Sagem. It's also a little easier to avoid tearing.

Not in my experience. It depends on the capabilities of your TV/monitor.

[remlap]

What do Dell's cases look like these days some many options be honest.

I quite like the idea of getting a bare bones system then upgrading over time be honest.

[iendicott]

I am in the process of getting prices of decent spec HTPC components, I think the most important item on your shopping list should be a very quiet case, I am looking at spending around £600 overall. I will have a twin tuner card, dvd recorder, 2 * 300 sata disks, decent Graphics card and as much memory as I can afford, if I can get a twin core processor great but not to sure if my budget will stretch that far TBH.

Let me know how you get on....

[arfster]

Originally Posted by Stiggy

Not in my experience. It depends on the capabilities of your TV/monitor.

That's why I said with the Sagem :-) Obviously if a particular TV has a duff HDMI connection then VGA could be better - there's not much difference between the two even when they're both perfectly implemented.