MVP vs. GB-PVR Client vs. Dedicated HTPC

[zehd]

The MVP is considerably cheaper, but lacks the performance of a real computer. Assuming that you had to pay for a client computer, I'm thinking 3-400 dollars for one instead of the 100, it's an obvious choice if price is the point.

I love the MVP. It's simple and easy to buy and install. (Now!) I'm just glad the wife hasn't seen how fast the remote responds on my dev PC with the MCE remote...

I suspect if she did, we would be getting a Client computer for the Living Room.

[zehd]

i would pick that you could create a gbpvr server with really basic video and enough cpu to run commvercial skipping and transcoding.

And then a client, with little hard disk storage, average cpu (depends on your upscaling requirements) and then the biggest/nastiest video card you can afford for pushing out the HD signal to your tv.

But value for money would be the MVP

HD is actually new to me. I was waiting for the new year before I even think about it...

But when you say 'nasty', what are we talking about? How does one connect a HD TV to a Video card... Is that what that fancy DMI port on the back of mine is? Just how much power is needed for HD?

[zehd]

It is actually extremely easy. I utilize GBPVR through a MVP and basically if I am flipping through the guide and I see a show that I would like to record all I have to do is highlight it in the guide and hit play. Then bam I'm watching the show and I have a time-shift functionality as well (pause/rewind/etc.) It really could not be any easier.

I do have a dedicated HTPC as of last week, but I have yet to get a remote that would allow me to control GBPVR without the MVP. I'm not running a high speed video card (radeon 7000), but the picture quality it great.

Pickup the MCE2005 Remote...

http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Hardware/MCERemotes

[stefan]

Goals: My goal is to use as much of the GB-PVR functionality as possible from the couch, including scheduling recordings and recording live tv, watching videos, etc. Most bang for the buck. I'm no audio/videophile but why do this if the quality isn't better than a VCR?

One other reason would be easability (does that word exist? hope you know what I mean). It's a lot easier using the computer to record stuff than to use a vcr. No more "where *is* that darn tape?"

1. wMVP, $150 - I'd use the wired nic but the SPDIF seems nice.

Remember, the wireless doesn't do encrypted wireless traffic well. Just so you know.

2. Client (if possible?), $0 - I have a spare fanless board ( forget the brand, but slower than a VIA M8000 and graphics card w/ DVI out, etc

Slower than a VIA M8000 is not very... nice. GBPVR needs a bit more horsepower to let you navigate the menus smoothly. It uses GDI, which is a resource hog. Depending on your graphics card, you might get reasonable playback, though. You'd probably have problems with HD material.

3. Server, $450 - New mobo, processor, case, ram, psu.

HD? NIC? Graphics card? Sound card?

[stefan]

But when you say 'nasty', what are we talking about? How does one connect a HD TV to a Video card... Is that what that fancy DMI port on the back of mine is?

Yes, your typical HDTV will have DVI in or HDMI in (which is DVI with sound integrated, you'll find adapters from DVI/sound card to HDMI)

Just how much power is needed for HD?

To give you an idea about the graphics card, here is nvidias capabilities:
http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo_support.html

[zehd]

Yes, your typical HDTV will have DVI in or HDMI in (which is DVI with sound integrated, you'll find adapters from DVI/sound card to HDMI)

To give you an idea about the graphics card, here is nvidias capabilities:
http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo_support.html

:eek:

[stefan]

*smile*

[psycik]

and don't even look at the cost of them. I think the best one at the moment is the ATI x1900 which has dvi and supports hdcp. I dont think any of them actually have an hdmi plug on them, and I think this might be the only one with hdcp support, which means later on if you get yourself a blue ray drive it may not play at the full screen resolution.

It's all a bit blurry at the moment.

[Filip]

Thanks guys. Let me clarify:

Location: Living room with Sony Wega 50" LCD TV (bought from a friend at a great price).

1. wMVP, $150 - I'd use the wired 10/100 (not wireless) nic but the SPDIF seems worth the $50 bump once I get a receiver.

2. Client (if possible?), $100? - I have a spare fanless board (forget the brand, but slower than a VIA M8000 and graphics card w/ DVI out, etc). I also have a PIII 750 I'm using now that does OK, but as Stefan said, the menus of GB-PVR aren't super responsive. I would also need some better fans and a case (Silverstone LC13 comes to mind) when I think about it.

3. Server, $450 - New mobo, processor, case, ram, psu.

HD? NIC? Graphics card? Sound card?

No Sir. Planning on using this microATX board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813131014
ASUS M2NPV-VM for $85 with onboard NVIDIA GeForce 6150, Gigabit NIC, and 6 channel audio (ADI AD1986A) coupled with something like a Athlon XP 3500+. Can't find the MSI board in stock that everyone is raving about. And I have the HD's too. Obviously this would perform the best.

I dont think any of them actually have an hdmi plug on them, and I think this might be the only one with hdcp support, which means later on if you get yourself a blue ray drive it may not play at the full screen resolution.

http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.ph...04fb8071b5
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.ph...04fb8071b5


I think I will get the MVP and deal with the slower live TV. Once I get some more cash I can always start buying components for a second server in the livingroom and throw the MVP in the kitchen or bedroom. Thanks for the input everyone.

Now I just need to find something to do with the 3 antique pc's... Time to look into linux so I can make a server. Any tips on a distro or prepackaged server for the newbie? I feel so bad just letting even ancient hardware collect dust...

[stefan]

Sounds like you have a plan Go for it