Hi All,
I've posted this over at AVS forums, but I thought people here might be interested as well.
I've been interested in digital TV for some time know and thought I'd take the plunge and put together a Media PC. This was all part of my project to cut the cord from my cable TV provider.
I was a bit nervous at first thinking that I'd miss all of those cable-only programming and VOD features offered by Comcast. My kids especially were used to watching their cartoons on demand. Turns out my fears were unfounded and I'm one happy camper.
I took the plunge and set a goal to replace several boxes with one Media PC that could do it all.
My requirements were:
* Replace my Comcast HD DVR in function and capacity
* Replace my DVD player and add the ability to play Bluray
* Replace my slingbox allowing me to place-shift content
* Replace my squeezebox (for audio-only) streaming
Since this was a Media PC, I already knew that I would be able to surf the web, watch Netflix, and stream over-the-top content from Hulu, Youtube, etc.
I also have heard really good things about Windows 7 and Media Center. The fact that it (home premium version), has built in support for recording TV and other media features made it an easy choice. I do realize that there are other great options for Media PC software, but I wanted something that was really easy and had the fewest compatibility issues. Besides, I didn't mind an excuse to play with Windows 7.
As far as hardware was concerned, I wanted a case that was good looking, motherboard that had built in graphics capable of HD, and a decent dual core processor. I didn't opt for a super low power system since I plan on doing other things with this box. Also, I make sure all of my systems (not just my media-PC) sit in standby when not in use. Therefore it's total power usage is not really an issue.
I also wanted a good wireless keyboard, and fully functional IR remote that could minimally control my other devices (TV and receiver).
I even went all out and added a recording light (totally geeky project, but fun)!
Here are my hardware selections:
From Amazon:
* $48 - IOGear Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel, 2.4GHz Wireless GKM561R (Black)
* $17 - Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition
* $65 - LITE-ON 4x Blu-ray Disc SATA Internal Optical Drive iHOS104
* $90 - MSI 785GM-E65 Micro ATX Motherboard
* $100 - Windows 7 Home Premium (OEM)
* $71 - Amd Athlon II X2 250
* $100 - Western Digital 1.5 TB Caviar Green SATA Intellipower 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD15EARS
From NewEgg:
* $57 - 2GB Memory Stick
* $55 - Multimedia Case w/Power supply
Base total cost: $603
Other stuff:
* $69 - PCTV HD Pro Stick USB2 HDTV Tuner for Free HD
* $50 - USB-UIRT (Infrared transmitter / receiver)
* $49 - D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N PCI Express Desktop Adapter
My only complaints so far:
* Netflix has a bit of judder/studder during fast panning
* Sometimes audio glitches during playback of live TV
Both these issues are minor, but I'd love to get them fixed. I figure both are driver related and I'm hopeful that a future update will correct them.
I've posted
full build instructions and pictures here.
Also, no cut the cord project is complete without setting up your own outdoor antenna for free TV.
Here is mine.
George
