HTPC Build advice

[padsterw]

Hi

Before I start I am new to this so please excuse my terminology or lack of knowledge. I have looked at various solutions e.g. PS3, Popcorn Hour and decided that due to my requirements I would be better off building my own.

My requirements are;

• Play music via my speakers/amp which also serves TV.
• Store my music (~400GB) and eventually movies on the HTPC.
• Stream to squeeze devices.
• Watch HD movies via blue ray/DVD and hard disc on HTPC.
• Usual PC business - Surf the net, Download music, bittorrents etc, Watch BBC Iplayer.
• I am connected to cable and would like to be able to record tv if possible.
• Manage my music through itunes for my iphone (mp3) but stream/playback by music in FLAC.

Due to my interests I would prefer better playback quality for music than films. I do have 2.1 at the moment, through B&W speakers, but may add to this later so would like to have some capability there i.e. HD surround sound.

I have a few direct questions, but would also appreciate general advice:

• Can I ‘capture’ the cable signal through my PC?
• I was going to start of with Silverstone LC02 case and a currently ‘redundant’ AOPEN motherboard AX433 (valve) I have. This has various audio connections etc but is limited on the CPU 2.4Ghz. Is it better to start from scratch or can I build on this motherboard? Does anyone use it?

AOpen Global



For your information I have;

• 2 x Squeeze devices
• Denon 1505 amp connected to TV
• TV Sony KDL 32E4000
• B&W DM601
• I will be adding squeeze devices and 5.1 speaker arrangement in due course

Thanks in advance