Re: HTPC vs XBMC

["gigtekmediacomputers" <stuartmc@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Recommended spec (it will run in less) is

2.8GHz CPU
512Mb RAM
DirectX9.0 compatible video card(ATI 9600 or Nvidia 5200)
Large hard disk (at least 80Gb)
DVD Writer
TV Tuner (ideally two for Sky+ functionailty
Quiet PSU, CPU coller and case fans
Wireless Keyboard, Mouse and Remote control
MPEG Decoder

For Freeview, Black Gold is best in twin tuner configuration

Powerstrip will allow you to do a 1:1 pixel mapping for your display.

Not aware of Region coding issues as long as you run something like
DVD RegionFree

PVR functionality with twin tuners is as good as it gets on Freeview.
EPG is two weeks and is free (unlike Tivo) Watch one while recording
another and record two while watching a prerecorded programme.

If you want to record programmes to DVD make sure you get the
Multimedia extension pack that only ships with a three-pack of MCE2005
OEM.

If you need any more help email me to stuartmc at gigtek.com

S.


--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Ho Yin Ng <yahoogroups@h...> wrote:
> I don't think I have grasped this correctly .. and I will probably
be told
> to read more on this subject.
>
> I am in the process of doing so!
>
> But mean while can someone answer some basic questions?
>
> What is the recommended spec for a PC to run Windows Media Centre
2005?
>
> What capture cards are people using? Are they using ones with built in
> Freeview? And doing away with an external freeview box?
>
> Are you all using internal scalers?
>
> Are there really a lot of advantages in using a HTPC compared to an
Xbox
> running XBMC?
>
> I have read that using a PC people have problems with playing
different
> region DVDs due to different frequencies?
>
> I am assuming HTPC will provide better picture quality than an Xbox
as I
> can use a DVI connection to a LCD TV therefore produce 1:1 pixel
matching,
> whereas Xbox will just be via component out or RGB.
>
> I guess also that the HTPC will allow a basic PVR system to run. But
is
> this basic system really good enough?
>
> A lot of questions and some that are probably very stupid ..
>
> Thanks for reading.
>
> Ho yin