Hi everyone,
I am not new to computer hardware. I’ve assembled probably 3 dozen computers in my time, and know a fair amount about A/V equipment. I really want to build an HTPC, but I have no idea what software to use. I’ve been reading everything I can find on the subject, but nothing seems to fit.
I will be using it as a PVR, but that is its least important function. Mainly, it will be used to play music and show ripped DVDs through my home theater system. All I want is a clean interface, intuitively controllable with a remote, that can:
-Browse collections of ripped DVDs, HD-DVDs, and BDs, and launch them using external programs.
-Contains all the traditional PVR functions, but without bloated transcoding capabilities that I can take care of on my own. I just want a Channel guide, and the ability to record things in the future.
-Can export music to my HK receiver with no processing of its own through an SPDIF output.
What would you recommend? MythTV, SageTV, MCE, Vista, Media Portal (which so far looks the most promising) What combination of programs is the most common for most HTPCs?
I also have a couple of other questions:
-Is onboard mobo sound good enough when it is simply being exported to a receiver for processing, or will a soundcard be beneficial?
-Is HD content from a satellite source able to be saved and/or manipulated on a PC?
Thanks a lot for any insight you can give
Ben
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