Help Me Build/Understand HD HTPC…!

Hey guys,

My last computer build was probably about 1 year ago for an HTPC that would record SD. Since that time, I am looking to record HD and am wondering what my options are. I’ve been so far out of the game that I am unsure the difference between “this and that” when it comes to HD.

Let me start first with my current HTPC specs:
[list]
[*]Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 780G Micro ATX
[*]CPU: AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5 GHz AM2
[*]RAM: G.SKILL 2 GB (2 x 1 GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800
[*]Optical Drive: ASUS 20x DVD Burner with LightScribe
[*]TV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600
[*]OS: Windows Vista (using MC on it)[/list:u]

Ideally, what I am hoping is that I can do a few simple upgrades to get my PC back on par. Namely, should I upgrade my processor or will my CPU properly handle HD content? Same for the RAM? As for optical drives, I do not have plans at this time to do Blu-Ray.

I will definitely want a second TV tuner. If not for anything else, I want to at least be able to record/watch live TV simultaneously. But as I mentioned before, I might as well get into the HD game at this point in time.

I’m sure some of you guys would disagree, but I actually like Windows Vista. And my fiance likes the VMC UI… (Does that make it a FAF, instead of WAF?!?! ;D)

Okay, on to what I want to do…

1. Media Library: Currently, I have my computer connected to a Drobo. (I beta tested; it was cheap to buy.) All of my pictures, videos, and music, as well as some of my DVD collection, is on the Drobo. I access the media through VMC and would like to continue to do so.

2. HD Content: From my research, I know that I have a few options. (Again, I’ve only done SD in the past, so please forgive my ignorance on these topics.)

a. I currently have a STB/HD Receiver/PVR from a local company (they’re pretty much like Cox in every way). I actually got HD service and a HD/PVR at a promo rate… that ends up being cheaper than the basic SD service… go figure! In any case, the cost will eventually be higher than necessary. But I’ll ask the question anyway: Is it possible for me to connect from the STB to my 1600 plus a new card and be able to record HD through the STB? If so, how?

b. Would OTA HD be a better idea? “Free” (excluding cost of antenna) is always a good way to go. What kinds of antennas are available and how easy is it to set up for rooftop mount?

c. What about Clear QAM? Depending on the channels available, chances are this is what I will end up doing. How do I find out what is available Clear QAM (plug HDTV into wall?, call cable company?)? And if I want to use the VMC interface, is TV Pack the *only* thing that would make this work?

d. If/when I end up with 2 or more TV tuners, would it be best using one card for OTA and another for Clear QAM? Or would it be better to split to the 2 cards from 1 source? I know this is largely dependent on my own preference, but I’m wondering how everyone else is set up and your take on it.

Thanks in advance for any help that is provided. It always seems that I am behind the time and trying to learn and catch up.

Anthony