Windows 7: New MCE Win7 computer build

Hi all,

I'm looking for help in building a new Windows 7 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,

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 )

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

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.

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,

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