2006-11-23 01:21:43 · 7 answers · asked by Avnish Your Helper 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Right this isn't just a quick answer, but yes you usually can convert your computer into an HTPC. You'll need to do a lot of research depending on how far you want to go though. The links below will be enough to get you started.
I'll tell you what I'm running and explain why.
Hardware: HFX Media case with built-in VFD & IR, with an Asus P4B deluxe motherboard, 6300 Core 2 duo CPU, Nvidia 7600GT Graphics card, 1GB RAM, Hauppage PVR 150 tv card, DVD-RW.
Screen: Pioneer PDP-504HDE 50" plasma
Amplifier: Panasonic SA-XR70
Remote Control: Harmony 688 (Upgraded from the Microsoft MCE remote control system)
Software: MediaPortal (its free and top notch)
Codecs: Cole2K Advanced Codec Pack
My reason for using this setup is that I can watch both DVD and downloaded materials such as trailers in all formats. I can also watch and record Freeview TV.
Your primary concerns should be the CPU (and motherboard obviously) and the second most important requirement is the Graphics card. I chose the 7600GT because it has hardware acceleration for X.264, AVI and WMV and its cheap. It offloads the CPU from doing the majority of the work and it also has filters that can be used to better clear up the picture. Using the right codecs is a must as you simply won;t be able to watch anything without them. The majority of content available online is compressed using Divx or Xvid though better formats are becoming more popular, x264 and for HD content there is Microsoft WMV format. You'll want to research these file types so just plug in the names into google and get ready to read.
Take a look at the Nvidia link below. It gives details on the PureVideo technology which is a good plus to have if you're going to be watching HD material at some point. If you prefer Ati cards then the newer cards have a technology called AVIVO which is similar in many respects to NVidia's PureVideo. For future proofing you should however make sure that if you purchase a Graphics card it has HDCP capability because all future HD videos on Bluray and HD-DVD require that your components are HDCP compliant.
That said at this point Mediaportal doesn't support HDCP content but that will come in time (I hope).
The remote control supports all my gear and makes it easy to change things from my seat, switching the PC on and off or into standy / resume. Using the remote I can scroll through and select media to watch using Mediaportal interface. It takes time to set everything up the way you need and want but it's worth it in the end.
Obviously you don't have to output content to a Plasma but it always better to enjoy it bigger. if it's just for you to enjoy then you don't need a remote or even a big screen as long as you're comfortable watching on the screen you have and using your arrow keys to scroll around.
Hope this helps you out.
Regards
Jason
2006-11-23 03:09:54 · answer #1 · answered by Jason K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition are: • Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
• At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
• At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
• Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
• Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
• Sound card
• Speakers or headphones
2006-11-23 01:56:49 · answer #2 · answered by Upal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's what all the info looks to signify. The virus ingredient would not artwork an analogy alright. We could have some defective programming. that should be if as quickly as we've been youthful we've been informed that Paris is the Capital of the country. We could have archives overload - that should be rigidity and different emotional issues We could have definitely actual harm or 'wiring' issues in the thoughts. that should be issues like schizophrenia So the laptop analogy works yet basically constrained NB: a difficulty with the analogy is that our thoughts is self programming. the pointers to enhance and run the programme comes from our stories. We even have thoughts that are area of the programme of the thoughts
2016-10-12 23:29:21 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly you need a TV tuner card. If its internal you record the programs or else you can't. And WindowsXP Media Centre edition(Optional) or You can use the software provided withn that TV Tuner Card(Software Available with Internal TV Tuner Card Only).
2006-11-23 01:26:34 · answer #4 · answered by Nagi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You dont NEED any special hardware. You just need to get Media Center Edition of Windows XP, which is a replacement of XP home or Pro. MCE sits inbetween the two.
Now, what do want to do? You may not need to get MCE.
2006-11-23 01:31:50 · answer #5 · answered by orlandobillybob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your computer is not working properly while you are working on it, it could be a problem with device drivers, hardware or software.
Detailed instructions at http://tinyurl.com/yk5zpr
2006-11-23 12:56:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have xp, windows media edition. delete all other appz so you have plenty of drive space. may need an awesome audio card for your speakers.
2006-11-23 01:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋