New MCE Win7 computer build


  1. Posts : 3
    7
       #1

    New MCE Win7 computer build


    Hi all,

    I'm looking for help in building a new win7 HTPC. What components are you using? All I would like to do with mine is be able to use MCE and record HD, playback movies, maybe bluray (I own a stand alone for that)...No games just home theater.

    Thanks,
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 40
    Windows Vista Home Premium -> Windows 7 Home Premium
       #2

    I highly recommend the network ATSC (HD) Silicondust HDHomerun dual tuner. I have two of them, as well as two Fusion HDTV5 Lite PCI cards, a Kworld ATSC 110 PCI card, and a VBOX ATSC card. The HDHomerun tuners are nice, since they insulate you from future hardware changes, and provide a stellar HD picture. I have been using Snapstream Beyond TV for at least 6 years now, and it's a great HTPC software that works really well under Windows 7. The recording features, playback and program guide cannot be beat, in my opinion. You would not be disappointed in it. I looked at the features in the Windows Media Center, and none come close to Beyond TV. (I have no affiliation with Snapstream, just affection :) )
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you for the information, now what about the hardware needed? It looks like with homerun you still need a computer near the tv, correct? All I want this thing to do is watch HD TV, record (two programs as once) and play video and music files.

    Thanks again
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 40
    Windows Vista Home Premium -> Windows 7 Home Premium
       #4

    You will need a cable/antenna connection near the TV, a network switch to connect the HDHomerun and your computer where an internet router with 4-port switch will do. If you do not have an internet connection (recommended), then a 4-5 port switch will help you connect the equipment. Get a DVD-Blu-ray player for your PC which hopefully comes with software to play Blu-ray DVD's.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you for the responses...

    Now I need a little help building my "perfect" HTPC. I know how to build computers, so this isn't an issue but was looking for suggestions on a powerful yet QUIET HTPC. Also needs to be small footprint. As I stated earlier, the only things I will plan to use it for is watching HDTV, MCE with Windows 7 x64, recording HDTV, music, photos and maybe playing COH online.

    Thanks again,
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 30
    Windows 7 RTM x64 (desktop), x32 (HTPC)
       #6

    All your questions will be answered:

    This thread:
    Guide to Building a HD HTPC - Page 388 - AVS Forum

    And the latest recommendations there:
    Guide to Building a HD HTPC - Page 370 - AVS Forum

    Good luck!
    Marc
      My Computer


 

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