Media Centrte PC - Location?

I was originally going to buy an under TV type Media Centre such as the Evesham or Hi-grade. In the interests of reducing noise and minimalism, I'm now considering going for a more traditional stype PC and "hiding" it away in a cupboard.

The question is - What is the maximum "ideal" length of cable run between the PC and my AMP / LCD screen without loosing too much quality?

Any suggestion of the type of interconnects to use?

[evolution400]

I am quite sure its don't exceed 5 meters or you will have quality loss on DVI/VGA and possibly the same on audio.

[nigelbb]

Site the PC wherever you like then access over the network it using a modded Xbox running the Media Center Extender software.

[JonMace]

My Xbox is louder than my DMSII

[lisag]

Or the xbox 360, but no support for divx/xvid/vobs.... yet!

[meansizzler]

Originally Posted by lisag

Or the xbox 360, but no support for divx/xvid/vobs.... yet!

Well the 360 will come with a BIG external PSU, and it will prolly be just as loud as the old xbox..., but i'd get it anyway, and I don't think it would be ideal to store a 360 under the tv, need to put it on a desk or well ventilated place.....

[Monty Burns]

Originally Posted by meansizzler

Well the 360 will come with a BIG external PSU, and it will prolly be just as loud as the old xbox..., but i'd get it anyway, and I don't think it would be ideal to store a 360 under the tv, need to put it on a desk or well ventilated place.....

Not so sure on that.

The loudest part of an xbox is its disk. This is being replaced in favour of the 2.5" type which by design are a lot quieter.

I don't ever recall my xbox's power supplies making a noise .... not sure if thats what you were suggesting but, if yours is I would recommend you get it checked out! (Maybe I haven't heard it over the HD's though!)

If the PSU is external then this means you can drag it away from the box and put it somewhere where its ventilated, out of sight and quiet - if it makes any noise. This design would of reduced any internal fan requirements inside the box itself and also helped reduce noise again.

Ive heard through Chinese whispers that the x360 is in fact very quiet. But, we know about Chinese whispers don't we! Not long to wait to find out for sure though

[pjclark1]

buy a Liteon 2010 netplayer (£85 from SVP) and a wireless router
then you can play media from any PC in the house on your TV

[Tezdread]

I'd advise you swap any fans if you go for a PC version (PSU included)
I have a Shuttle XPC, slightly modded coz it was getting hot this summer when continuous playing music/movies so had to cut a couple of blow holes (but long live case modding!!)

anyho... I'd recommend these

http://www.casetech.co.uk/Coolermast...1-p-16318.html

I just bought three and they are 'very' quiet certainly can't hear them when movies/music is playing, even in the quiet parts and the box is right next to the TV and I'm yet to change the 40mm PSU fan from the standard so I'm guessng that will reduce noise even more