I want to build an HTPC for HDTV. I'll be using OTA HD. I'd like to upscale other inputs (if possible). Would also like the capability to upgrade to HD-DVD or BluRay in the future. Here's what I'm about to buy from newegg:

ABIT NF-M2 nView Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA3800CUBOX - Retail

ASUS EN6200TC 512/TD/256M GeForce 6200TC 256M (Effective memory 512M) GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

1 gig ram

HTPC case, 400 watt PSU, 160gb SATA HD, 500gb SATA HD, cables, etc...


What do you guys think? Any recommedations?

Thanks!

looks like the one i just put together, however you did give me good idea for a beter case, TY

I followed the Dragon spec, when I built mine. I'd recommend doing the same. Check out Dragon 2.0 at http://mythic.tv

Thanks for the link!

I just swapped out a 3200+ with the ADO3800CUBOX - Much better! You can gete it at Fry's for $65: http://www.frys.com/product/4907541 (Thanks again, Martian!)

For other insights on HDTV systems, check out the DVR forum. Your system looks fine to me for HD...

With a GeForce 6150 based motherboard there is no need for an additional video card. The onboard graphics work great even for HD!

(np slowtolearn)

Martian

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ABIT NF-M2 nView | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | 2GB DDR2 800 | HDHomerun | GeForce 6150 (onboard) | WD 640 GB SATA HD | DVD-RW (sata) | StreamZap IR receiver with Logitech Harmony remote

Vizio 37" LCD HDTV (1080p)

But does the ^150 provide Video OUT?

That board has DVI out and should work great. I'm using a simular board with the same 6150 and it does HD nicely.

I don't see you spec out any HD 'tuners' though. Maybe I missed it...

oh ok, well i dont have a HD TV so i assume by your reply that means that HD TV set have an imput for the DVI....??

Yeah, I like that you're thinking ahead! the DVI out will work with an HDTV. The onboard VGA will work with... well a monitor. I didn't see if there was any other onboard video outputs. check the specs on the product page, sometimes a board will support optional interface(s) for video, usb, etc connections. the manual should spec this out and might save you some money on a card that is redundent.

The M2NPV-VM is another 6150-based board, in addition to having DVI and VGA outs it has component video outputs as well. It's a bit more picky about memory, and you'd have to buy the separate digital audio out module ($15 shipped from Asus) if you were planning on using digital out, but if you need the component video outputs it's a good board, and a LOT of people use it for MythTV.

I've already ordered a HomeRunHD tuner, and will probably throw in a PVR-xyz.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll keep everything the same except for dropping the video card, and will order from newegg today. It will be nice to be able to drop my cox digital HD services which are costing me an arm and a leg.

It really makes it easy to justify a nice KnoppMyth HD box. Payback will probably be less than a year, if you were to compare to the cable co's HD DVR.
I get ABCHD, NBCHD, CBSHD, PBSHD, and CW DTV all OTA, all free. With 3 tuners, I record more TV than our family can watch. We don't miss cable a bit. If you have kids, just be sure to load up on kiddie shows on Sat morning, that'll keep 'em happy. On Thursday's, I record something like 8 HOURS of primetime TV, plus letterman and leno.
Why letterman AND leno? maybe one of them will have an interesting guest.
Enjoy your system, and be sure to get a nice remote like the Harmony 880 that can make your system accessible with one click, so your family can operate it too!

Do the Harmony remotes work with Myth?

I'm trying to pick a remote right now and I love the Harmony remotes.

The Harmony remotes are learning remotes so they will work with anything that uses standard frequencies (almost everything). The trick is being smart enough to properly program it to do so

I know there are a few people here using Harmony remotes with the StreamZap IR receiver who are quite pleased with the results. There are probably also a few who died trying to get it to work.

Martian

_________________
ABIT NF-M2 nView | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | 2GB DDR2 800 | HDHomerun | GeForce 6150 (onboard) | WD 640 GB SATA HD | DVD-RW (sata) | StreamZap IR receiver with Logitech Harmony remote

Vizio 37" LCD HDTV (1080p)