2005-07-18, 08:39 AM
Hey guys, been doing alot of research over the last week or so,
Just wondering if you guys wouldnt mind going over the limited items i have picked so far and help me make some decisions
Basically what im after is something that can do the following:
* Windows based PC
* Record both Digital and Analog TV. We currently watch the analog at the moment, but we will switch over to digital in the not to distant future.
* We have Cable TV (Satellite actually) with a set top box. We will need to be able to record off this and change the channel (im assuming that i will
need an IR Blaster). I'm not sure what brand to get or what to spend (advise?)
* EPG for Foxtel Digital i think i saw something on here in another post about this?
* Not too fussed about playing games but the card i've got will suit if i change my mind.
* Playback stored files eg mp3 jukebox and video player. i collect alot of MP3s and AVIs DivX/XviD etc.
Case: Ahanix MCE601 http://www.ahanix.com/ahanix_product.asp?pid=25
Like the idea of 3 drive bays + a slot for a Card Reader and its all consealed ~$375AUD
Fans: SilenX 60mm Fan 16dBA http://www.pccasegear.com/prod1616.htm ~$23AUD
These are to replace the 2 x 60mm fans in the case
I may modify the case to install a low speed 80mm fan to suck cool air in and over the heatsink.
DVD: LG DL DVD Burner ~$80AUD (sourced already)
HDD: 2x 250GB SATA Samsung drives if i can FIND them in australia. Or 2x 250gb SATA 2 Seagate 'cuddas. As this is the next quietest thing from what i have read. Plus a 40GB Seagate OS+Software Drive.
MOBO/RAM/CPU: This is the hardest thing to choose, I have looked at a stack of new boards and i cant decide on which way to go..
So i figure I will recycle this computer (my ASUS A7N8X-E and my Barton 2500+ with the massive xp-, 2x 1GB 3200 sticks ) and buy a notebook for myself instead
The motherboard has 5.1 onboard via the coaxl? so if i want to upgrade to 7.1 i will buy a pci sound card and whack that in. i may buy a 1.4v processor as this will run cooler as well.
Graphics card: i have an Asus 9600XT. This card has VGA, DVI, and VIVO... The plan is to plug into the Rear Projection TV via SVIDEO and the Projector via VGA (it is a data projector may upgrade this in the future to a proper DLP Projector but it was free so not complaining) We also may be replacing the Rearpro with a plasma soon too.. tax cheque is on its way so i assume i can use the DVI connection of the card instead of the S-Video then.
Tuner Card:
im having alot of problems deciding on what tuner to go for, but it appears that the VideoMate DVB-T300 is the only analog+digital card around...
A pair of Compro VideoMate DVB-T300 http://www.pccasegear.com/prod2370.htm
and obviously posting on this board im looking at GB-PVR.. from what i have read it will support the features im after
I have been looking at either a pair of PVR-150's or PVR-500 (not sure how it will differ between the 2 cards other then 1 PCI slot VS 2) but they dont support digital...
Anything i have missed?
Any input would be greatly appreciated..
thanks guys
vsixtyfour
Just wondering if you guys wouldnt mind going over the limited items i have picked so far and help me make some decisions
Basically what im after is something that can do the following:
* Windows based PC
* Record both Digital and Analog TV. We currently watch the analog at the moment, but we will switch over to digital in the not to distant future.
* We have Cable TV (Satellite actually) with a set top box. We will need to be able to record off this and change the channel (im assuming that i will
need an IR Blaster). I'm not sure what brand to get or what to spend (advise?)
* EPG for Foxtel Digital i think i saw something on here in another post about this?
* Not too fussed about playing games but the card i've got will suit if i change my mind.
* Playback stored files eg mp3 jukebox and video player. i collect alot of MP3s and AVIs DivX/XviD etc.
Case: Ahanix MCE601 http://www.ahanix.com/ahanix_product.asp?pid=25
Like the idea of 3 drive bays + a slot for a Card Reader and its all consealed ~$375AUD
Fans: SilenX 60mm Fan 16dBA http://www.pccasegear.com/prod1616.htm ~$23AUD
These are to replace the 2 x 60mm fans in the case
I may modify the case to install a low speed 80mm fan to suck cool air in and over the heatsink.
DVD: LG DL DVD Burner ~$80AUD (sourced already)
HDD: 2x 250GB SATA Samsung drives if i can FIND them in australia. Or 2x 250gb SATA 2 Seagate 'cuddas. As this is the next quietest thing from what i have read. Plus a 40GB Seagate OS+Software Drive.
MOBO/RAM/CPU: This is the hardest thing to choose, I have looked at a stack of new boards and i cant decide on which way to go..
So i figure I will recycle this computer (my ASUS A7N8X-E and my Barton 2500+ with the massive xp-, 2x 1GB 3200 sticks ) and buy a notebook for myself instead
The motherboard has 5.1 onboard via the coaxl? so if i want to upgrade to 7.1 i will buy a pci sound card and whack that in. i may buy a 1.4v processor as this will run cooler as well.
Graphics card: i have an Asus 9600XT. This card has VGA, DVI, and VIVO... The plan is to plug into the Rear Projection TV via SVIDEO and the Projector via VGA (it is a data projector may upgrade this in the future to a proper DLP Projector but it was free so not complaining) We also may be replacing the Rearpro with a plasma soon too.. tax cheque is on its way
so i assume i can use the DVI connection of the card instead of the S-Video then.Tuner Card:
im having alot of problems deciding on what tuner to go for, but it appears that the VideoMate DVB-T300 is the only analog+digital card around...
A pair of Compro VideoMate DVB-T300 http://www.pccasegear.com/prod2370.htm
and obviously posting on this board im looking at GB-PVR.. from what i have read it will support the features im after
I have been looking at either a pair of PVR-150's or PVR-500 (not sure how it will differ between the 2 cards other then 1 PCI slot VS 2) but they dont support digital...
Anything i have missed?
Any input would be greatly appreciated..
thanks guys
vsixtyfour
