HTPC to build or not?

[Newmason]

In the world of ever changing technlogy that we live in, does anyone have some good reason's not to build a HTPC? It's safe to say that I know my way around the insides and out of building a PC, but do any of you all have any benefits vs dissadvantages of building a HTPC?

[BredStik]

Here's my take on it...

Positives:

• Lets you play multi-region dvds and blu-rays
• Lets you play others media types (divx, wmv, etc)
• Lets you browse the internet
• Can serve as a media library for music and movies
• Offers tweaking options and postprocessing
• Completely updatable (software and hardware)

Negatives:

• Proper hardware needed for video and audio can be expensive
• Software for blu-ray playback and region-free playback is pricey
• May need tweaking for good playback
• Can be noisy

[Newmason]

Whats the take on the sound cards? are you limited to PC style of speakers with the availible sound cards?

[wostertag]

Originally Posted by Newmason

Whats the take on the sound cards? are you limited to PC style of speakers with the availible sound cards?

No, you are not limited to pc style speakers. My video card (ati hd4850) actually has an hdmi connection that I connect to my av receiver. Also, the newer motherboards usually come with an SPDIF connection with the on-board audio.

[Newmason]

I was really trying to by pass the whole reciever part, by building a HTPC. Almost an all in one box kind of deal is what I was going to go for

[Newmason]

Well, I guess im going to go the PS3 route... we'll see what happens

[brettallica]

I'm really interested in the HTPC genre of home theater construction. Sorry I'm late to the thread.

To ask a simple question: are you planning on playing Blu-ray discs out of this HTPC or are you going to use it simply as a multimedia device without need for Blu-ray playback? That is critical information to know and consider before going the HTPC route. Member BredStik brought up some good pros and cons in this regard.

I've got two SFF HTPCs in my house (one for each HDTV) and love the setup. I have a tower-style server in a closet that feeds data (music, pictures, movies, documents, etc.) to all networked computers in my house. I like the setup so much that I completely removed my desktop setup. I do not use them for Blu-ray playback, though, as I prefer dedicated players at this point in the format's life.

[dadkins]

Sony VAIO laptops.

When not used for HTPC service, I can surf(typing this on one of them), play games, whatever.
Can play any media file type.
Can play any Blu-ray Disc, DVD, or CD.
Can store... well, discs are not always needed.
HDTV/DVR capabilities - either primary or secondary. No monthly fees.
Run on batteries and will play discs on their own displays(1920x1200 Native)... anywhere.
ArcSoft TMT and PowerDVD Ultra integrate into Media Center - Vista and XP MCE 2005.



Remote(s) control the software nicely.

[Seeking_Alpha]

Not.

Since the PS3 can stream media pretty well now, thanks to the PS3 media server program, the only advantage I see for building one is that I can browse the internet on my 52 inch plasma. Not really a big deal in my opinion.

Cost is really a big con for me too. The blu-ray drive and Power DVD software alone will set you back 200 bucks. Then you have to buy an MS OS for $100.

Unless Windows 7 can play blu-ray... Does it?

I also get my DVR for free. But even if I paid $10 extra a month how long would it take to recoup say a $650 initial investment in an HTPC? More than 5 years.

[skygreenleopard]

For Seeking Alpha, I'd just buy a monitor/3.5mm audio combined cable and hook your computer up to your plasma. Monoprice has them for about $15. Buy a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard and you're set.