new HTPC build with HD support

[PebbleMatt]

I want to put together a new HTPC, I'd like it to be capable of playing HD content (blu-ray disks, and H.264 encoded videos), and also be able to record two channels simultaneously. If possible I would like for the tuners to support HD viewing and recording (for which I guess I'd need a DVB-T2 tuner).

I currently have a Hauppauge WinTV Nova-T PCI, if a DVB-T2 tuner is not an option for now, then would re-use my Nova-T, would it be better to purchase an additional WinTV Nova-T PCI to have two tuners, or would a single dual tuner card (such as the Nova-TD-500) be a better option? Are dual tuner cards as good as getting individual tuner cards (any advantages/dis-advantages)? Would anyone recommend a different DVB-T card instead of the Nova-T or Nova-TD-500? Does anyone also have any opinions on the USB tuners over internal cards, do they perform as well?

For the other components I was looking at something along the lines of an Intel Core i3 540 3.06GHz with 4GB (2x2GB) of RAM. Still undecided about the motherboard, but will depend on whether I end up going for a dual tuner or two single tuners, and whether the tuners are PCI or PCI-E, depending on those points will need to look at a relevant board that has enough PCI or PCI-E slots.

I considered an Atom based system, but wasn't sure whether that would be able to handle a situation such as playing a HD movie while recording two channels, or would it? Also looked at the Athlon II range, they seem well priced and a little more energy efficient than the i3's, but

Is the integrated GPU on the i3s good enough for H.264 content decoding or would I need to look at a purchasing a dedicated graphics card?

Would appreciate any ideas or suggestions, thanks.

[ShiningDragon]

The integrated GPU of the i3 is even enough to play Street Fighter IV @ SD (PAL) with medium settings (the ION is not capable of this); yes it is strong enough for .h264.

I wouldn't buy a pure ATOM. Without graphicscard/ION it's capabilities as standalone mediacenter is limited. Looking at Athlon II processors i can only recommend to look for native am3 mainboards, if buying one cpu from the regor family (otherwise it were possible to get multiple 'hyper transport sync flood errors').

As cpu i would take the i3 550 instead the i3 540. It has a newer stepping (k0) and better capabilities in energy efficency. The mainboard is a good question: I would look for a H55 chipset based motherboard. H57 were interesting too, but more expensive (and not ever useful... raid support and more usb are not something needed for mediacenters).

Personally i prefer the following mainboards based on socket 1156:
ATX formfactor: Intel Media Series DH55HC
µATX formfactor: Intel Media Series DH55TC
ITX formfactor: Intel Media Series DH57JG

I have the DH55TC bought 2times and the DH57JG 2times too. They're both very reliable, stable and energyefficient mainboards. As RAM i would suggest you the Kingston Value RAM lineup with DDR3-1333 (no need for hyper-duper-oc-kiddie-d4r4l03 ram like G.Skill or OCZ junk).

[b00sfuk]

I'm also looking to revamp my setup with HD. There are 2 DVB-T2 cards out so far and internal PCI-e Blackgold one (BGT3620) and an external USB PCTVSystems one (Nanostick T2), both around £80-100. The Blackgold one appeals to me as it is dual tuner and supports analog (and does DVB-T so could replace your Nova).
I would stay away from the TD-500 as when I had one it only supported intel based systems but that was some time ago. (though the T-500 is fine and I use one now).

I am waiting to find out if the cards are supported in NPVR before I splash out. sub has said they should if they present as a DVB-T card but nobody has confirmed it yet.

[imilne]

Someone (can't remember the details) has already posted about using DVB-T2 with NPVR. As far as I can recall, it's working fine, but there were problems with finding suitable decoders for the HE-AAC audio that some of the HD channels use.

[aardwolf2]

I'm using NPVR with a Nanostick-T2, as said the HE-AAC audio is an issue, but only because I use a PCH-A100, from the sounds of it you'll be using the HTPC for playback so you just need the appropriate HE-AAC codecs.

<edit>If you do go for T2 and don't get the HD channels, do an all regions scan rather than transmitter specific </edit>

[Tower]

The integrated GPU of the i3 is even enough to play Street Fighter IV @ SD (PAL) with medium settings (the ION is not capable of this); yes it is strong enough for .h264.

Is that ION statement the original ION, the Next Gen ION (12 core) or the NG ION (16 core)? I've been looking at the ASUS AT5IONT-I which has the full 16 core NG ION. ION Comparison I was hoping to have this as my new frontend (with cardreader + DVD), and move the bulk of the HW to a backend and perhaps add another frontend for another TV in the house.

[PebbleMatt]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

@b00sfuk, yeah I'd seen the Blackgold BGT3620 and the PCTV nanoStick T2. I'm surprised the nanostick is cheaper than the BGT3620, thought USB tuners were usually more expensive, but I've seen it for around £75.43 (with delivery) on Dabs.com. and the BTG3620 for £116.70 from the Blackgold store (haven't found anywhere else in the UK yet where I could buy them). I may wait a little longer in that case and just to stick with my current Nova T until maybe there are some more DVB-T2 products on the market.

@ShiningDragon,
Good to know the i3 integrated GPU will be enough, probably going to shelve the ATOM idea for as I'm not sure if it would meet all my needs.

I had a look on the Intel site, it does look like i3 530 and 540 are also available with the K0 stepping, but only on "trays", not retail box (I assume this means only when being bought in bulk possibly). I've not really seen any details regarding the changes to power efficiency the K0 stepping brings

The Athlon II energy efficient models still look interesting, especially the 245e model which is about 60% the cost of the i3 550 (may be slower, but still probably more than enough for what I need). I'm still undecided on this though.

Do you prefer Intel designed boards for any particular reason as you've gone for the DH55TC and DH57JG? I was considering a Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H though, more than enough SATA ports (5), and not interested in RAID for my HTPC setup.

@aardwolf2, yes, the HTPC would be used both for recording and playback. Are there generally any disadvantages with going with USB TV tuners as opposed to an internal tuner card? I currently have an Silverstone LC16M, nice case but kind of large, so I'm considering either going for a small case, or possibly paying a bit more and going for a partially pre-built system (something like the Asrock Core 100HT-BD) and then using a USB tuner, but I'm curious of any disadvantages with USB tuners if that is the way I go.

Thanks again for the responses.

[PebbleMatt]

Tower, as you have a PVR-500MCE, I assume you are using both tuners on the card? Do you ever record two channels and watch a DVD or recording (or possibly any high def files)? If so, do you find it performs well without stuttering or any other issues on the i3-530?

[Tower]

I do use both tuners, though they are rarely both recording simultaneously anymore, as most of the recording comes via the HDHomerun tuners. I can't say I've noticed an issue with that scenario specifically, but I can give it a try tonight.

I've also ended up using yadif in ffdshow-tryouts for deinterlacing, since I gave up trying to get good (vector/motion) SD deinterlacing with the Intel HD Graphics.

[SickBoy]

I do use both tuners, though they are rarely both recording simultaneously anymore, as most of the recording comes via the HDHomerun tuners. I can't say I've noticed an issue with that scenario specifically, but I can give it a try tonight.

I've also ended up using yadif in ffdshow-tryouts for deinterlacing, since I gave up trying to get good (vector/motion) SD deinterlacing with the Intel HD Graphics.

How are you using the tuners on the PVR500 anymore? I gave up on using mine about 2-3 months ago when comcast up here in the cities retired their analog cable signals.