I am vigorously researching HTPC's and trying to find some simple answers, and it seems that they are not out there... so I must ask a few questions. Here's my setup right now.... 1. I have a 42" Panasonic Vierra PLASMA tv that i beleive is 1080i capable. Will I be able to get the resolution right??? 2. I want to store BLU-RAY movies to my hard drive and watch them on the fly in HD resolution. If I have to encode them to another format, that's fine, but I want it to WORK. Possible? 3. I want to use the HTPC as a cable tuner. I have never seen this in action. Is it worth a damn? Can I view in HD? Can I DVR in HD??? 4. IS THERE A VIDEO CARD WITH HDMI OUTPUT THAT HAS ONBOARD AUDIO??? I want to be able to turn this sucker on, turn the TV on, and use one remote for viewing within media center. Is any of this possible??? No extra amps, converters, etc. I very much appreciate any help here. I think my hair is beginning to fall out here.
The following is just my 2 cents. To answer your questions, and my advice: 1) No problem here, read on.. 2) You should use your computer to store (as a server), all your video (Blu-ray/DVD/HD-DVD/..ect) 3) Instead of making a HTPC, I would use the Tvix box. It DOES have a tuner option and can record (unlike popcorn hour). You can take a look here: http://www.tvix.co.kr/Eng/products/HDM6500A.aspx I have four networked in my house, and it streams HD with AC3 fine. Also, for PVR in HD, the new Hauppauge HD Pvr is looking very good. http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/710870 4)You would not need this, if you went with the Tvix, it has HDMI out with audio however you like. Now, I am just telling you what I went with, after researching for yourself, you make the call you think is best. But, to get a good HTPC, you would need to spend more money than what is listed here I think. Plus, it is nice to have HD video in every room instead of just where the HTPC is located.
