Best setup for a Win 7 laptop as HTPC? [more inside]
posted by jcmilton on Oct 21, 2009 - 7 answers

Old-school SD TV with only coax and composite video inputs seeks modern HTPC for MythTV and maybe light Hulu. Can this relationship work? [more inside]
posted by Zed on Oct 9, 2009 - 10 answers

Can anyone lend me a hand in designing my new home network computer setup? [more inside]
posted by decrescendo on Oct 7, 2009 - 7 answers

What is the current state of CableCards? Is it worth adding to my HTPC? [more inside]
posted by medarby on Oct 1, 2009 - 11 answers

I want to dump cable, but I still want to be able to watch particular shows. Can I do this? [more inside]
posted by nushustu on Sep 8, 2009 - 24 answers

Going crazy trying to figure out my HTPC/media server options from scratch. Yes, I've been reading other threads but I'm a unique snowflake so there's [more inside]
posted by itesser on Aug 10, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm looking for free PVR software, preferably for Windows XP. [more inside]
posted by backwards guitar on Jul 16, 2009 - 7 answers

Is there a web browser for your home-theater PC that works like Opera on the Wii? Something where I can sit back on the couch and navigate using the remote would be ideal.
posted by smackfu on Jun 16, 2009 - 3 answers

I have an old G5 PowerPC Mac Mini that would be just right to repurpose as a DVR/HTPC. But the weak onboard graphics are preventing joy. Is there a way I can offload the graphics processing workload to an auxillary device? [more inside]
posted by penciltopper on Apr 10, 2009 - 8 answers

Recommend a wireless mouse with a good range. [more inside]
posted by ocha-no-mizu on Mar 17, 2009 - 10 answers

AVfilter: Have XBox 360, Mac, and HTPC/cable box - need one display, 25 inches or larger, to use with all 3. Should I be shopping for an HDTV (no tuner req'd) or a Computer monitor? [more inside]
posted by bartleby on Feb 17, 2009 - 8 answers

Is there a PC tuner card that can read from my Comcast digi-set-top box that I can control w/a wifi/bluetooth remote from 20-30 ft.? [more inside]
posted by prodevel on Feb 16, 2009 - 6 answers

Please sanity check a possible Mac Mini HTPC/media center setup. [more inside]
posted by swift on Feb 2, 2009 - 12 answers

Looking for a media center solution (not necessarily a Media Center solution), that will automount DVD images (ISO files) for playback. [more inside]
posted by Ritchie on Jan 10, 2009 - 15 answers

What software (or set of software) should I use on my new HTPC for both DVR functionality and streaming internet video? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane on Jan 1, 2009 - 10 answers

I've got a Gigabyte HD3850 w/dual DVI outs and 1 Svid out.I went n00b and got a dvi to hdmi 30ft cable to my 42" LCD TV. Help?! E6850 duo + 2GB all overclocked and running flawlessly. [more inside]
posted by prodevel on Dec 9, 2008 - 13 answers

Does anyone have experience with using PlayOn! with an HP MediaSmart Server running Windows Home Server? [more inside]
posted by anotherpanacea on Nov 29, 2008 - 2 answers

im looking to build a htpc that will be able to play 1080p content and output HD Audio over HDMI. my main requirements are that i would like it quiet and energy efficient. Im also hoping to put a couple of HD satalite cards in there im not sure if this would make a difference to what hardware i should select. could someone point me in the direction of either some recomended componenets or a pre built machine
posted by toocan on Nov 17, 2008 - 5 answers

What type of capabilities should I look to include in a computer I'm planning on building within the next few months? I would like to make sure I'm prepared for future technology. I don't want to build totally for the present. [more inside]
posted by decrescendo on Oct 8, 2008 - 12 answers

HD-capable HTPC advice / help? I'm overwhelmed here... XBMC, Boxee, MythTV, Windows Media Center, CableCARDS, Popcorn Hour, Apple TV -- too many options! What should I build to fit my needs within a reasonable cost? [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Oct 2, 2008 - 16 answers

With digital OTA coming in February and the possibility of dipping into HD in the near future, help me give my 2 year old HTPC a facelift. [more inside]
posted by genial on Sep 10, 2008 - 4 answers

Keep me entertained on my new 20" widescreen. How small can I encode my DVDs and what's the most cost-effective way to get broadcast TV on it? [more inside]
posted by piedmont on Aug 22, 2008 - 5 answers

Does anyone have any recommendations on off-the-shelf WMC HTPCs? I've been searching high and low, and virtually all the information on the intertubes seems to be about building HTPCs. I know that's the more cost-effective route, but I just don't have the time. Here's what I'm itchin' for: [more inside]
posted by MaxVonCretin on Jun 19, 2008 - 4 answers

My home theater PC wakes up by itself [more inside]
posted by bargainhunter on May 30, 2008 - 8 answers

Mobo Filter: Help me find the perfect motherboard (and possibly PSU) for my HTPC. [more inside]
posted by gergtreble on May 8, 2008 - 12 answers

What are the best ATSC tuners to use with Windows Media Center 2005? [more inside]
posted by lattiboy on May 1, 2008 - 3 answers

How do I hook up a homebrew HTPC to an analog TV? [more inside]
posted by Ponsonby Britt on Apr 25, 2008 - 6 answers

Help me find a linux build for my media PC.... please! [more inside]
posted by Dr-Baa on Apr 21, 2008 - 6 answers

Is this home media center set up possible and if so how much would it cost to set up? [more inside]
posted by nyu2 on Apr 2, 2008 - 13 answers

How do I make an easy to use media server? I'd like a nice, pretty interface that'll allow me to play any files on the back-end without having to do work on the front-end. Can Windows Media Center be run over a VPN? Is there one that more properly showcases new movies or television shows? [more inside]
posted by geoff. on Mar 2, 2008 - 7 answers

HELP - all you AV buffs. I have a huge AV project to undertake. It involves finding a way to either broadcast, stream, or sync movies located in one location (i.e., a media server) to 10 different theater rooms across the state of Utah. I have an unlimited budget. More info inside... [more inside]
posted by Detuned Radio on Jan 31, 2008 - 14 answers

What's the best way to configure an HTPC to easily manage and control 3 separate audio outputs and then flexibly route those outputs to 3 separate locations? [more inside]
posted by Embryo on Dec 29, 2007 - 15 answers

I need to optimize x264, VC-1, etc. playback. Forgive me if I'm missing the glaringly obvious, but I have been googling for over an hour and haven't found anything. Most of the guides I've found are more geared towards encoding. I'm looking for a conclusive source on how to configure my computer for the smoothest and least-CPU intensive playback of next-gen HD codecs (yes, even accepting small reductions in picture quality!). [more inside]
posted by nervestaple on Nov 19, 2007 - 4 answers

I recently built a new HTPC using a Gigabyte GA-G33-2SH motherboard. The motherboard is built on the Intel G33 chipset, and has dual onboard video -- a VGA output, and a DVI or a HDMI output. (You can use the VGA and one of the digital outputs simultaneously, but not the two digital outputs.) [more inside]
posted by PeterMcDermott on Nov 14, 2007 - 5 answers

Looking for the best wireless keyboard/mouse/lapdesk solution to play PC games from my couch. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy on Nov 5, 2007 - 6 answers

I just got a dedicated HTPC system and im having a hard time figuring out how to get my comcast service working with Vista Media Edition. Everything works okay as far as recieving a 'picture' to my TV, my only problem lies in having MCE control channel changing and recording TV using the MCE remote... [more inside]
posted by AMP583 on Oct 13, 2007 - 4 answers

My PC is sick. Before I repair it, I want to build a new one to use while I work on it. I'm thinking of a HTPC sort of thing. Something I can use on the desktop in the office if need be, but also small and quiet enough to move to the living room and still powerful enough to run modern 3d games. I don't need the latest, fastest framerates, but it would be nice to have the option of playing some modern first person shooters. [more inside]
posted by PeterMcDermott on Aug 9, 2007 - 3 answers

Now that I found out the XBox 360 won't have Xvid support in the Media Extender (thanks M$), what alternative media streamer would the mighty filter suggest to view the LOADS of Xvid (and perhaps x.264 HD) content on my PC via my HDTV over a wired network connection? [more inside]
posted by lattiboy on May 1, 2007 - 12 answers

Scenario: the Cable line in my house comes into the living room. My desktop is in my bedroom, on the other side of the house, nowhere near that coaxial line... I'd love my desktop to act as a DVR, recording tv from that cable line. Is there some sort of solution other than running coaxial across the house to get me a cable line in my bedroom? [more inside]
posted by weaponsgradecarp on Feb 27, 2007 - 6 answers

Help me find a motherboard upgrade to my Dell Dimension 4300 that I'm using as a HTPC. [more inside]
posted by drkrdglo on Oct 14, 2006 - 4 answers

Can a Hauppauge WinTV PVR 150 remote (or any other remote) power on a PC natively? [more inside]
posted by toomanyplugs on Aug 29, 2006 - 12 answers

What's the best combination of soundcard, speaker bundle and/or receiver I can get to work with a standard PC running MediaPortal that I'm using as a HTPC? [more inside]
posted by mmcg on Apr 12, 2006 - 8 answers

Does anybody have any experience with the relatively new MediaREADY 5000 from Video without Boundaries. Seems to be cheaper than XP Media Centers. But appears to have low storage. The URL is http://www.vwbinc.com/products.html
posted by flyby22 on Sep 27, 2005 - 0 answers

Getting the best DVD picture from my computer. With a computer plugged into a regular LCD display ("HDTV" resolution) what software do I need to make DVD video look great? [more inside]
posted by rxrfrx on Aug 25, 2005 - 8 answers

How do I connect PC to LCD TV in most basic and inexpensive sense...? [more inside]
posted by curiousleo on Jul 29, 2005 - 3 answers

I'm running DVI out of my PC into HDMI on my HDTV, but I'm wondering how to playback DVD movies in 1080i... [more inside]
posted by SweetJesus on Jun 27, 2005 - 4 answers

Recommendations on a free, lightweight media player (video, audio) that can run on a very slow PC running WinXP attached to a TV? [more inside]
posted by aberrant on Apr 27, 2005 - 11 answers

HTPC owners: need recommendations, based on your direct experience, on a remote control for my XP-based mp3/video player. More requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by aberrant on Feb 13, 2005 - 3 answers

I'm new to the wonderful world of DVDs, and am at a bit of a loss. A friend recently installed a PD dual format drive on my Win2000 machine, and successfully burned a test disc. However, when I go to play a purchased DVD, I receive an error message stating that I don't have a compatible encoder installed. I could choose and install one, but quite frankly, I'd be picking one at random. Help me out and suggest a good one? If more system info is needed, please just let me know...
posted by vers on Jul 16, 2004 - 5 answers