Could you help a HTPC-newbie along?

[nikolajb]

Ok, I got my Kiss VR-558 the other day, but there are a few things I'm not entirely pleased with. So I'm seriously considering returning it and upgrading my current PC to multitask a bit as a HTPC - for now, anyway :). But I'd really like some input to help me along.

My current setup is an AMD64 3000+ CPU, 1GB of RAM, a Radeon 9800 PRO card, and a Hauppauge PVR-150. I'm using a Sanyo Z-3 projector which I intend to feed via the DVI-port on the graphics port.

I should be covered hardware-wise, shouldn't I? Or should I upgrade the TV-tuner? multi-tuner would be nice, I guess - but is there a card that provides a better picture out there? I'll be running 1280x720.

Then there's the big question - what about software? My original plan (way back) was to run Linux and MythTV, but I just haven't got the skills or time to set up a good machine for that. I've read some nice things about XP MCE - is that the best out there? I need the box both for viewing and recording tv, playing other files, and working as an all-round entertainment-system. Since I'm going to buy XP anyway, I may as well go for the MCE version - it would be cheaper than the other solutions like SageTV and BeyondTV, anyway. Any kind of input, links to reviews, etc., would be greatly appreciated.

Well, I hope you guys can help me somewhat along :)

[Hi-Jack]

XP MCE will sure be the easiest way but not the best.
Since you already have the hardware, it's best to play around with different
MCE Software (google) and choose whatever you like best.

http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

[Suopo]

Hi,

Nothing wrong with the hauppauge card, but it is meant for analog TV transmissions, and world is moving to Digital TV, standard known as DVB-T, DVB-C or DVB-S, for Terrestial (air), Cable or Satellite transmission.

My advice would be to get some of these DVB-x Cards, it would give you digital signal all the way to your hard-drive and additionally you would be able to enjoy the EPG (electronic program guide).

BR, Suopo

btw, there are some quite good how-to's for Myth-TV. See http://wilsonet.com/mythtv/ or http://www.ethics-gradient.net/myth/mythdvb.html. I'm not using Myth-TV by myself, I'm in VDR, so cannot help you much there

[nikolajb]

Thanks a lot for your advice. I've been fooling around with SageTV and BeyondTV earlier, and they were nice without being great, I think. But it seems that I'd better check out MCE. I guess I'd better check out media-portal :)

DVB-x is definately an option. I should have DVB-C in my cable package, but since the complex where I live has some very old equipment, I doubt the signal makes it all the way to my sockets. I'm going to check it out, but I fear the worst :)

You're right about the MythTv tutorials. Some of them are very good, but I haven't been able to get it to work well enough. I get signal, but it's pretty bad. And I can't really be bothered to invest all the necessary hours in learning Linux + getting the hang of tweaking MythTV etc. Besides, three months with Linux as a desktop is enough time for me - I'm heading back to good old windows :)