HTPC

[Mithosphere]

So what exactly goes into a HTPC?
Does one use standard PC speakers (5.1, 2.1, 7.1)?
What kind of monitor?
Other stuff?

And while im at it, is there a way to hook-up my Bose Stereo to my computer? Its not that model, but a much older one, i want to say like 10 years older

[Panda Man]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTPC

Its a TV-computer. It's an LCD (normally, could be CRT). You build them, which means you use whatever speakers you want.

You can also buy them from HP, Gateway and such. They provide everything (including speakers) for you.

I can't say for sure, but you could probably hook your stereo system.

[Capper]

yeah....uh we try to steer people clear of buying HP, Gateway, and Dell.....after all this is a forum and site dedicated to helping people build their own systems.

You can basically put what you want into an HTPC....what we need to do is put together a "How To" and a part list of recommended parts

[Panda Man]

Oh I didn't and for the love of humanity, will not recommend buying from them, I was just using them as examples to show that they were sold as OEMs.

Really, I have no need for an HTPC, so I steer clear of them all together.

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by Panda Man

Oh I didn't and for the love of humanity, will not recommend buying from them, I was just using them as examples to show that they were sold as OEMs.

Really, I have no need for an HTPC, so I steer clear of them all together.

WOW Panda, I thought you were a HTPC

[gvblake22]

Think of a HTPC (Home Theater PC) as just your somewhat typical computer build, but with components that will give the best 2D video and 3D audio experience possible. So you would want a nice surround sound speaker system, a nice sound card, and a large monitor. On top of this it is usually wise to choose components with little or no noise so you don't have the whine of a computer in your living room while you are waiting for the killer in the movie to jump out from around the corner and scare the bejesus out of ya. In addition to quiet, many people also like small so they can fit it on the lower shelf of a typical entertainment center like a stereo amplifier or something. That's why the "HTPC Styled" cases are so popular.

But here's the tricky part... Like desktop computers and users, there are also many different types of HTPC's and HTPC users. Some may choose to run the sound from the sound card on their computer into an external amplifier then out to larger speakers designed for home theater use while others just simply opt for a nice set of computer speakers that connect directly to their sound card. Some people might want something they can record and watch their TV shows on while others just want to use the system for surfing the internet and watching movies. There can be many shades of gray when it comes to HTPC's (just like any other personal computer).

SOOO, what would be your primary/intended use(s) for this "HTPC"?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

It's useful for recording TV shows and such. Most people put them in DVR style cases or cubes.

Pros: Take up minimal space, allows you to record shows, can pack a punch
Cons: Little upgrading headroom, motherboard choice limited, high-end video cards is probably a no, etc.

It really depends on your case there...

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Mithosphere

And while im at it, is there a way to hook-up my Bose Stereo to my computer? Its not that model, but a much older one, i want to say like 10 years older

What kind of inputs does that stereo have? Could you take a close up picture of the back or something?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

What kind of inputs does that stereo have? Could you take a close up picture of the back or something?

According to this picture, there's only an Aux In connection.


So I'd take it as a no.

[Panda Man]

Stinger - you serious!?

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

According to this picture, there's only an Aux In connection.
http://www.bose.com/images/home_ente...wms_back_l.jpg

So I'd take it as a no.

I might be wrong, DO NOT take my word for this, but to my knowledge anything that card that supports line out would work for you.

But I might just be giving you false hope