There were several discussions I went through before I had decided to build my own (first) multimedia centre. I simply liked the idea of having computer in my living room and wanted to be able to utilize all the possible functionality that came with it.

There were many reasons leading to my decision - for example:

1) ability to have only one component in my living room
2) ability to easily record anything at any time
3) ability to set up the system the way I wanted
4) ability (thanks to all the codec) to play any type of audio / video files
5) ability to use internet connection together with all the HTPC futures
6) easy connection with my 37″ LCD TV via HDMi cable
7) ability to play all my audio / video libraries straight from my PC
… and more …

Here is a basic list of components, I had used to build my HTPC (home theatre pc). I am surely not saying, this would be the best PC configuration, yet I think it is sufficient.

Motherboard: ASUS M2A-VM HDMI
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ EE
Memory RAM: 2x DDR2 1024MB PC-800MHz Kingmax
Hard disk1: Western Digital 250GB WD2500KS 16MB SATA
Hard disk2: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T166 500GB, SATA II NCQ, 16MB cache, 7200ot., 8.9ms
DVD-RW: Asus DRW-1814BLT SATA
TV tuner: Pinnacle 2000i Dual DVB-T
SAT tuner: SkyStar 2
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
CPU Cooling: Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro
Power supplier: Fortron FSP-350-60THN-P 350W
Case: SilverStone LC16MR, remote control, VFD

The major aspect for me was the computer CASE DESIGN. I had decided to go for SilverStone LC16MR, because its price and design was not simply beaten by any other case on the market (especially in Europe).

Gallery

HTPC components

Case (SilverStone LC16MR, remote control, VFD)

Conclusion

Well as far as I can comment HTPC, I would say it is still not at the stage for people that do not understand computing a bit. The fact, MS Vista is not stable at all is known, and I am forced to do some changes quite often. On the other hand, I really enjoy using this system according to the benefits I had mentioned at the beginning.

If I had to give answer regarding to HTPC recommendation, I would always say - YES, even though sometimes it drives me to nightmare.

tampiss

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