I'm in the begining process of building a home theater system and would like to ask the community for suggestions and advise as to the best way to accomplish this feat.... given the following parameters:
1. My reception is intended to be over the air (OTA) and high speed internet (AT&T DSL Extreme 6mb/s).
I intend to use both but currently have no plans to use satellite or cable. I might subscribe to a wireless
provider at some point in the future.
2. I either have or will have the components to build a desk top computer that is set up strictly for this
entertainment project and I would like to be able to record digitally and, if necessary, analog
or from whatever other source that provides the program that I want.
3. First, I want to record the program to a hard drive (sata or equivalent) and then have the option to edit and
burn all or some of the different episodes to a dvd.
4. I would like to integrate the audio into my home speaker system so that I can take advantage of digital
audio as well as HDTV through HDMI connections. Also I would like suggestions to combine the audio
signal with the hdmi video signal into one cable if possible but running a separate audio cable is not a
problem if necessary.
5. Hopefully this will about cover the basic ideas I have planned and perhaps the members can critique`
my choices.
Presently I plan to use an ASUS M3N78 Pro board with ddr3 memory (2gb or better) AMD quad core
processor 2.5 mhz or so. This board has a built in HDMI output but I am not opposed to adding a video
card (Radeon or ?) if that is a better choice and a Plextor dvd drive and a second drive for multitasking
if need be. Also adding a Haupage card for an input source. I have a HVR 1800 card but have never used
it and there may be better choices so please advise me on this as well. My choice of operating systems is
Windows 7 64 bit professional grade with the Windows media package.
Also, and of considerable importance, is the choice of ancilliary programs to use in conjunction with the
Windows 7 operating system including dvd burning and editing progarms, anti virus, and other programs
on the internet that provide sources for download....i.e. Itunes, Utube,etc.. Also I'm looking for a good
program source that will allow me to watch previous tv episodes. My main complaint with most that I have
seen or used is that even though they are supposedly free, the amount of garbage included before finally
getting to the program is enough to drive one to distraction. I would much rather pay for a service such as
Netflix or whatever and be able to enjoy the show without all the interruptions and time lost trying to access
the program. If I have a major complaint, that is it.....I do not and will not be reconciled to using someones
junk filled presentation simply to gain free access to a simple tv episode or movie. It just isn't worth the
trouble so I will especially appreciate any guidelines that will point me towards a quality site that will
avoid the nusance associated with these problem sites.
This is just an overall and general idea of my plans and I sincerely invite the membership to shoot as many
holes and/or make any suggestions that you feel will improve this system. I am not on a binge to see how
much I can spend but simply want to build a solid home entertainment center that will operate with the
least amount of problems and adjustments. My sole purpose is to enjoy the sight and sound and not
spend an inordinate amount of time constantly tweeking and/or adjusting settings and so forth.
I wish to thank the membership in advance for any ideas and/or suggestions and look forward to creating
a really nice system and will greatly appreciate any and all input.
Thank you.....rocknroller (Lamar Bailey)
1. My reception is intended to be over the air (OTA) and high speed internet (AT&T DSL Extreme 6mb/s).
I intend to use both but currently have no plans to use satellite or cable. I might subscribe to a wireless
provider at some point in the future.
2. I either have or will have the components to build a desk top computer that is set up strictly for this
entertainment project and I would like to be able to record digitally and, if necessary, analog
or from whatever other source that provides the program that I want.
3. First, I want to record the program to a hard drive (sata or equivalent) and then have the option to edit and
burn all or some of the different episodes to a dvd.
4. I would like to integrate the audio into my home speaker system so that I can take advantage of digital
audio as well as HDTV through HDMI connections. Also I would like suggestions to combine the audio
signal with the hdmi video signal into one cable if possible but running a separate audio cable is not a
problem if necessary.
5. Hopefully this will about cover the basic ideas I have planned and perhaps the members can critique`
my choices.
Presently I plan to use an ASUS M3N78 Pro board with ddr3 memory (2gb or better) AMD quad core
processor 2.5 mhz or so. This board has a built in HDMI output but I am not opposed to adding a video
card (Radeon or ?) if that is a better choice and a Plextor dvd drive and a second drive for multitasking
if need be. Also adding a Haupage card for an input source. I have a HVR 1800 card but have never used
it and there may be better choices so please advise me on this as well. My choice of operating systems is
Windows 7 64 bit professional grade with the Windows media package.
Also, and of considerable importance, is the choice of ancilliary programs to use in conjunction with the
Windows 7 operating system including dvd burning and editing progarms, anti virus, and other programs
on the internet that provide sources for download....i.e. Itunes, Utube,etc.. Also I'm looking for a good
program source that will allow me to watch previous tv episodes. My main complaint with most that I have
seen or used is that even though they are supposedly free, the amount of garbage included before finally
getting to the program is enough to drive one to distraction. I would much rather pay for a service such as
Netflix or whatever and be able to enjoy the show without all the interruptions and time lost trying to access
the program. If I have a major complaint, that is it.....I do not and will not be reconciled to using someones
junk filled presentation simply to gain free access to a simple tv episode or movie. It just isn't worth the
trouble so I will especially appreciate any guidelines that will point me towards a quality site that will
avoid the nusance associated with these problem sites.
This is just an overall and general idea of my plans and I sincerely invite the membership to shoot as many
holes and/or make any suggestions that you feel will improve this system. I am not on a binge to see how
much I can spend but simply want to build a solid home entertainment center that will operate with the
least amount of problems and adjustments. My sole purpose is to enjoy the sight and sound and not
spend an inordinate amount of time constantly tweeking and/or adjusting settings and so forth.
I wish to thank the membership in advance for any ideas and/or suggestions and look forward to creating
a really nice system and will greatly appreciate any and all input.
Thank you.....rocknroller (Lamar Bailey)