I finished a few days ago the build of an HTPC, built round an Asus micro ATX board with Intel Ivy Bridge i3/4000 series integrated CPU/Video Processor.
The operating system and programs are on an Intel SSD 60 gig SSD drive and storage on a WD 2 TB drive. There is 8 gig of RAM. The disc player is a Pioneer CD/DVD/BD player burner. Windows 7 is the operating system. I was hoping to use WinDVD-pro 11 playing software. However the disc has no exe file as far as I can tell, which I now find is a problem a lot of others have found. So the program can not be installed. I'm using the Pioneer disc for present, but it is far from optimal. So I think I will purchase
ArcSoft.
does any body have experience with that?
I bought two radio key boards. I found the little I/O Gear too awkward for major operations, but it is fine in the chair during performance. I have a Logitec for more complex operations. This seems to have solved the problem nicely.
Processor installed
Disc drives moved over.
All drives installed.
The finished product rear.
Front.
I mainly built this unit to experience the newly launched
BPO Digital Concert Hall.
BPO on the screen.
The stage of the Met.
The pictures from both are staggering. The BPO audio is pretty good, not quite CD quality but close.
The Met Player has some digital halo on the high soprano noted. Really opera absolutely requires loss less audio in my view.
The Wagner Ring cycle is the absolute Mount Everest in term of an audio challenge. I have just been enjoying Wagers Ring cycle on four BDs from the Met. It is from their new production and from the MET Live in HD series. The quality is astonishing. Just fabulous. Of all the formats I have ever had, BD is my favorite. Nothing beats it sonically and the conception of the whole system is just brilliant.
Anyhow this HTPC will add a new dimension, and be a good research tool. I think it will be a work horse. I hope so.
I would like to acknowledge the guidance of Sholling and Bored System Administrator in the development of this device. I'm only into IT of necessity!
