بازبینی Build your own home theater system (HTPC) از ي, 1388-08-24 16:31

What is HTPC?

A Home Theater PC (HTPC) or media PC is a convergence device that combines the functions of a personal computer and a media center software which feature video and music playback, and usually but not always also digital video recorder functionality. It usually has a 10-foot user interface and is connected to a television or a television-sized computer display, and is often used as a digital photo, music, video player, TV receiver and digital video recorder, and normally controlled with a remote control.

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Pros & Cons of builidng a custom HTPC

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Components

CPU

AM2+ Phenom II X4 940 - 3.0GHz

Softwares

Windows

• Performance Boost
  • Install Windows cutdown version like hacked version or nlite
  • Use tune-up utilities 2008 to speed up performance
  • Bootviso decongesting slow boot nLite - Deployment Tool for the bootable Unattended Windows installation - Download
• Removing Password Prompt after coming out of hibernation or standby
  • Preferred solution : Power Options Properties->Prompt for password when computer resumes from
    standby and tuneup utilities -> customizing system -> auto logon
  • Automatic Logon after resuming from Hibernation
  • skipping login after coming out of XP hibernate? - MP3Car.com
• Non working devices after coming back from hibernate issue
  • Preferred Solution : http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Hibernate-Trigger.shtml
    net stop tvservice
    net start tvservice
  • Win32_PowerManagementEvent Class (Windows)
  • possible fix, err, bandaid for usb gps/touchscreen suspend/hibernate woes - MP3Car.com
  • DVBLogic • View topic - No live TV after resume from standby

Media Center Softwares

• Freevo Media Centre | Home Theatre Platform HTPC & DVR
• MythTV
• MediaPortal

Multi Monitor :

Nvidia desktop manager is a very cools software but ultramon is also useful

• Oscar's Multi-Monitor taskBar
• MaxiVista - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com
• Using Multiple Monitors with Windows XP
• Multi Monitor Mouse - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com

HD Video/Clips/Movies Source

• Free downloadable HD series : http://www.mariposahd.tv/episodes
• The Official HD Video Clip List - High Def Forum - Your High Definition Community & High Definition Resource
• WMV HD Content Showcase
• HD animated screensavers - mac screensavers, windows screensavers, free screensaver downloads - HD screensaver downloads - Premium Screensavers - Nature - Landscapes - Summer Fiel
• فروش فروش فیلم های --[ HD ]-- ( ریپ BLURAY , HD-DVD , HD TV ) با چاپ روی دیسک و کاور

Audio Calibration

• http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-6252103-6.html?hhTest=1

Speaker

http://custom-htpc.com/vmchk/Speakers/Logitech-X-540-5.1-Speakers-70w-RM...

http://custom-htpc.com/Speakers/Logitech-X-540-5.1-Speakers-70w-RMS.html

• High stand :

  • speaker Microlab Maximum 5+1 اسپيكر ميكرولب ماكسيموم
  • Microlab Lxi 6325-R اسپيكر ميكرولب ال ايكس آي6325_آر
  • Mingo 5200
  • Mingo 5300
  • speaker Genius GHT-S200 اسپيكر جنيوس جي اچ تي - اس
  • Speaker TVM h5401 اسپیکر تی وی ام اچ 5401
  • TVM Z1180 Home Theater Speaker اسپيكر تي وي ام
  • Z 1000

• Normal

  • Trust 5.1 Surround Speaker Set SP-6250K اسپيكر تراست 5.1 سوراند ست اس پي - 6250 كي
  • Trust 5.1 Surround Speaker Set SP-6800 
  • اسپيكر تراست 5.1 سوراند ست اس پي - 6800

Case

review : Missing Remote

htpc case, Computing, Consumer Electronics, New items at low prices on eBay.co.uk

Kustom PCs HTPC Cases

• Newegg.com - Athenatech Black Aluminum / Steel Evo A3701BB.500 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - Broadway Com Corp Black Aluminum / Thick Steel HTPC-HT1100 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 6000B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Steel HTPC 2000B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum panel & Steel HTPC 1000B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Silver Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 6000S ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum front panel, 0.8 mm SECC body LC17-B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - HTPC / Media Center Cases
• قیمت و ظاهر مناسب :  Case Intel ATX P4 7328 کیس اینتل - آ تی ایکس پنتیوم 4 - 7328 : http://www.rayaneh.com/product-1336.aspx
• قیمت و ظاهر مناسب :  Case Intel ATX P4 7328 کیس اینتل - آ تی ایکس پنتیوم 4 - 7328 : http://www.rayaneh.com/product-1336.aspx
• GREEN ATX P4 7321 كيس گرين مدل روميزي : http://www.rayaneh.com/product-5177.aspx
• Thermaltake   MozartIP (VF3000BNS) كيس ترمالتيك وي اف 3000 بي ان اس : http://www.rayaneh.com/product-7140.aspx

LCD TV

• Information :

  • LCD TV Lifespan: How Long Do LCD TVs Last?
  • LCD TV Applications: New Advancements in LCD panel Technology
  • VGA XGA SXGA UXGA WXGA WSXGA WUXGA TFT LCD Monitor Info

• Purchase :

  • Sony ایران : KLV-46X350A (KLV46X350A) : جزئیات
  • Sony Bravia KLV-46X350A (46-inch LCD) Video Review - TVs - CNET Asia
  • Sony Bravia KLV-46X350A (46-inch LCD) Review - TVs - CNET Asia
  • Flat-panel LCD TVs - CNET Reviews
  • Compare Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080 HD to Flat-panel TVs. Comparisons by CNET.
  • Sony Bravia KLV-46X200A (46-inch LCD) Overview - TVs - CNET Asia
  • Samsung LA40R71B (40-inch LCD) Overview - TVs - CNET Asia
  • Sony Bravia KLV-46X200A (46-inch LCD) Overview - TVs - CNET Asia

Remote

• Best solutions
  • USB-UIRT Web Site
    • Guide and how to for the external emitter : HOW TO: USB-UIRT - Learning/Testing IR codes - Embedded Automation , USB-UIRT IR Emitter? [Archive] - SageTV Community
    • External Emitter : Blinking Stick-On Infrared / IR Emitters, Bugs & Blasters - Smarthome
    • External Emitter : Non-Blinking Dual Stick-On IR Emitters - Smarthome
  • http://www.devhardware.com/forums/peripherals-72/usb-irda-and-universal-...
  • http://www.eventghost.org/wiki/EventGhost:About
• Some electronic info require for custom building
  • Transistor Basics
  • Resistor Color Code Converter Program
  • How to read Resistor Color Codes
• Writing custom driver for Sigmatel USB IrDa
  It seems that one way IR support has something to do with chipset
  • SourceForge.net: PyUSB
  • SourceForge.net: Usb Sniffer for Windows
  • Download IrDA Remote Control Standard 1.5.36 Free Trial - A software utility that will allow you to control your media player/center with TV-style Remote Control Unit - Softpedia
  • AlphaSmart USB to IrDA Bridge Download
  • Download Vectir - AV manager 1.1.3 - This software controls features of your operating system such as moving the mouse pointer or adjusting the master sound volume. - Softpedia
• Making my USB dongle work with windows :
  • http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA005810/irda/irsyncse.htm
• Creating Custom Serial IrDA
  • How-To: IR Remote Control your Computer - Engadget
  • How to build an IR receiver
  • Simple infrared data communications
  • Serial port infrared receiver | YourITronics
• Creating Custom USB IrDa
  • OverClocked inside - Redaktion ocinside.de PC hardware page
  • Implementation USB into microcontroller
  • Chapter 21. Infrared Remote Control ./. IrDA
  • How-to: USB remote control receiver - Hack a Day
• Using Wii Remote As Controler
  • Crymod Modding Portal | Mods | Get Your Wiisis On!
• Remote Wonder : Drivers
• Linux Tutorial for Remote Wonder
  Good remote which also has Track Ball for mouse movement: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/a179/
• WinLIRC Homepage
• PC Remote Control software

Headset

• TRITTON AX360 Coaxial & Fiber Optic Circumaural True 5.1 Digital Audio Gaming Headset

Motherboard

• http://www.amdzone.com/index.php/news/47/9023-17-phenom-recommended-moth...
• Asus M3A AM2+ : http://www.rayansaba.com/index.php?productID=2553

Small LCD

• Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum Panel PRO-LCD-B Media Center Programmable LCD - Controller Panels
• Andrea NC-181 Headset & Microphone replac. NC-91 BNIB on eBay (end time 05-Aug-09 23:03:50 BST)
• Black Nmediapc Media Center Programmable LCD PRO-LCD-B 5.25in Internal Bay with Black Aluminum Panel-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com
• Crystalfontz: Serial LCDs, USB LCDs, Graphic LCD and OLED displays

Harddisk

MAXTOR-SATA 2 - 500 GB +

Wiring

• Software Based

  • Note that stream is not a good solution the minimum delay i got was 300ms using VLC!
  • The Love Shack » Blog Archive » Forwarding ESD-played sounds to a remote machine
  • Network sound card : http://pulseaudio.org/
  • Streaming multi channel audio : http://www.cesnet.cz/doc/techzpravy/2006/audio-broadcast/
  • Streaming multi channel aduio using VLC :
    •  http://www.videolan.org/doc/streaming-howto/en/ch04.html
    • http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/29/how-to-stream-almost-anything-using-vlc/
    • http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Vlc-to-Stream-Audio-and-Video-to-Multiple-Com...
  • Audio Stream for play station , they they it's real time!
  • Sharing USB for sound, keyboard and mouse : USB Over Network version 3.5.1 works well
    • Sharing USB Over network : http://www.intellidriver.com/products_1.16.html
    • List of USB share softwares : http://share-usb.qarchive.org/
    • USB To Ethernet Connector : Not that good i've had some issues with it
    • USB Over Network : one of the best softwares available for sharing USB but i couldn't find its crack and the older versions like 2.5 does not work well

• Guide

  • HDMI should be 1.3a or up and HDCP compatible
  • VGA over Cat-5 cable (Build your own)
  • Extending DVI and HDMI Cable Connections: Fiber Optics or Copper Wire?
  • HDMI 1.3 over CAT5 Baluns? - AVS Forum
  • How to make your own hdmi cables : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-640545.html
  • RGBHV over shielded Cat 5 success! - Page 16 - AVS Forum
  • eBay Guides - Save money and make your own audio cables
  • VGAtoRJ45conversion - ElephantStaircase
  • Making a Cisco DE9-RJ45 cable
  • RJ45 Color Guide - straight through and crossover T-568A and T-568B
  • How to make a Network Cable (crimp RJ-45 onto Cat5)
  • How to Make Your Own Network Cables - Let's Make Some Network Cables
  • How to wire Ethernet Cables
  • http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=23850&highlight=cat5&pag...
  • Soldering
    • Soldering Guide - Learn how to Solder
    • How to Solder Videos: Why is soldering difficult sometimes?
    • How-To: Go green with lead free solder - Hack a Day

• Adaptors / Extenders

  • Intelix AVO-V3AD-F HDTV Component Video and Digital Audio over Cat 5 Balun
    • Cheapest prebuild solution
  • DVI to HDMI over CAT5e Mini-Extender on eBay, also HDMI Cables Adapters, Video Cables Connectors, A V Accessories Cables, Consumer Electronics (end time 24-Jul-08 01:51:36 BST)
    • Very cheap solution but not sure if it really works well
  • HDMI/DVI HDTV Audio Video LAN Cat 5/6 Balun Extender HD on eBay, also HDMI Cables Adapters, Video Cables Connectors, A V Accessories Cables, Consumer Electronics (end time 22-Jul-08 18:43:28 BST)
    • Cheap solution
  • MythTV LIRC RS232 IR Blaster
  • 100 foot DVI-D CAT5E CAT 6 RJ45 Extender Kit Extend video signals up to 100 feet
  • For only $2.33 each when QTY 50+ purchased - DVI-D single link Male to HDMI Female adapter | DVI <--> HDMI
  • DB9 Male / RJ45 Color Gray
  • BAFO Technologies
  • HDMI over Cat 5 / Cat 6 Extender Balun
  • Gefen HDMI Extender Enables IR Control - AVS Forum
  • DVI + Audio to HDMI Converter :: HDMI & HD Convertors :: HDMI Cables :: Cable Universe
  • hdmi extender cat, Consumer Electronics items at low prices on eBay.co.uk
  • Honeywell Converts HDMI to Cat-5
  • HDMI TO CAT-5E/6 LAN CABLE EXTENDER (50-120M) on eBay, also, Wires, Cables, Accessories, Electronics (end time 22-Aug-08 15:23:06 BST)
  • DVIGear DVI-3531a HDMI Converter Scaler — Reviews and News from Audioholics
  • For only $3.20 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 6FT 5-RCA Component Video/Audio Coaxial Cable (RG-59/U) | 5-RCA Component Video Cable
  • HDMI > RJ45 Cat 6 Super Extender 120M 400FT 1080p V1.3b on eBay, also, Video Cables, TV Accessories, Consumer Electronics (end time 28-Aug-08 12:52:12 BST)
  • Conceptronic.net
  • TWISTED PAIR - VIDEO (CV, Y/C, YUV) TP-43
  • Niles C5-HDDA CAT-5 component video and coaxial digital audio balun at Crutchfield.com

Resources / Guids

• Build an Energy Efficient Media Server MythTV
• HTPC Guide: Part 4, Set Up Your TV Tuning at SavvyGeek
• Build a $300 HDTV media extender | George Ou | ZDNet.com
• Geek Tonic by Brent Evans: My New Extender HTPC
• HTPC Software Installationsguide - MediaPortal Forum
• Mixed workstation and htpc - MediaPortal Forum
• Making Windows XP Multi User! :  Terminal Server Patch at sala source
• Design your own Projections system : http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/how-to-build-yourself-a-front-projection-home-theater/
• Build your own PVR :  http://www.byopvr.com/Sections+index-req-printpage-artid-19.html
• Ten Tips For Building Your Own Media Center Computer | Content for Reprint
• Build Your own linux HTPC : http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1814924,00.asp
• Fedora MythTV : http://www.wilsonet.com/mythtv/
• Building a HD-PVR -- pcHDTV and MythTV

Suggestions :

• Memory : 1 GIG DDR
• Power : Green 600W
• Motherboard : ASUS A8N-Sli
• CPU : AMD Athlon X2 3800
• VGA : 
• Harddisk : Maxtor 40GIG IDE
• Case :
• DVD/CD ROM : Sony
• Ethernet : On Board
• Modem : CXT
• DVB : SKYSTAR HD 2