Need the final ok.

[GreggWG]

After way to long of debating I've finally decided to bite the bullet and build the damn thing. Below is a list of hardware I have, and intend to buy to build my first HTPC. What I'm looking for is any advice as far as issues I might have using any of the hardware. I have a bunch of giftcards for Best Buy and a friend who works there and can get me the stuff at cost with his employee discount...

Intel 865GBF mainboard Here (Part I already have)
Intel Celeron 2.6Ghz (Part I already have)
512MB Corsair 3200LL DDR (Part I already have)
Ahanix D5 HTPC Case Here
ATI 9600XT Here
Maxtor 300GB IDE HDD Here
2x Hauppage PVR-250s Here
USB-UIRT IR Blaster Here
Dual IR Emitter Here

I've been told the dual emitter should work perfectly with the UIRT IR Blaster to allow me to control two Charter Digital cable boxes. Will that work properly? Ofcourse the system will be using SageTV, and more then likely WinXP Pro since I have a copy lying around that I'm not using. I was also curious if the 9600XT would be enough to do VRM9 without any issues? I'm going to be plugging it into a Toshiba 24AF43 using an ATI component adapter. I haven't decided what type of dvd drive is going into it or whether or not I'm going to toss a dvd burner in yet. I also am already using a harmony remote to control my current equipment and I'll probably use that on this as well, any input would be greatly appreciated guys!

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by GreggWG

I was also curious if the 9600XT would be enough to do VRM9 without any issues? I'm going to be plugging it into a Toshiba 24AF43 using an ATI component adapter.

Maybe, maybe not. I used a ATI 9600 (not XT) via component out for 7 months and never could get quite satisfactory VMR9 results. Switched to GeForce MSI NX9600GT AGP, mucho better IMO.

[salsbst]

My 9600 non-pro just barely gets by with VMR9 at 1776x1000i on a P4 2.6 GHz. I'd go for something stronger than a 9600 (any kind of 9600) if you want HD-level VMR9.

[GreggWG]

Originally Posted by salsbst

My 9600 non-pro just barely gets by with VMR9 at 1776x1000i on a P4 2.6 GHz. I'd go for something stronger than a 9600 (any kind of 9600) if you want HD-level VMR9.

Sorry I should have been specific, the TV is not an HDTV. So it will be running 480i. Does that make any difference?

[kny3twalker]

does your TV have component input?

[GreggWG]

Originally Posted by kny3twalker

does your TV have component input?

Yes absolutly, my DVD player is currently plugged into it, that will get removed.

[salsbst]

At 480i, I would expect a 9600 (any kind) to have no trouble with VMR9.

[SHS]

That dual emitter will not work with zone becuases what you pick only has mono mini plug which is not a stereo 1/8 so unless Charter Digital cable allow for remote address assign you pick the wrong stuff I do belive.

[heffe2001]

OK, you have about the same as my initial system (different HD sizes, and I had Conexant BB tuners). What I would do, is scrap the idea of using the USB-UIRT for your cable boxes, and go with direct serial control. Trust me you'll be much happier in the end. It's at least 2 times as fast as the UIRT, and has way less errors in switching channels. As far as I know, all Charter boxes have serial control enabled (both mine do, and I'm going to be adding at least one more and possibly a HD digital box with the Universal encoder project software if I can make it work). If your board is like mine (with only one serial port), you can always grab a USB-Serial convertor, which work just fine with the DCT2000 plugin http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1606.

You also don't have to worry about zones or ir blasters with the serial control, and it even checks after it's done to see if it hit the channel it changed to, if not it'll do it again (I assume, it's never missed a channel change on me yet).

[salsbst]

Definitely try serial control.... but it may very well not work. Many cable companies disable the serial port.

[heffe2001]

It's been my experience though, that charter does have them enabled. If not, just thell them you hvae a Tivo you want to use, and they'll turn it on.

[JUC]

my 9600xt works great with VMR9. No problems what so ever.

[rich_l]

9600xt passively cooled
hard drive at newegg

I use that card and it works pretty good in use with a computer monitor. The biggest plus is it is passively cooled, thus no annoying fan. i tried setting it up to my tv using the video out on it. it was somewhat lacking. When switching to the tv as main monitor, it was definitely improved, but was still lacking. (Toshiba 20" flat screen, not flat panel) I have not tried the component adapter, but it has to be better than the regular tv-out.

Oh yeah, when you buy things, newegg generally has much better prices than best buy.

[salsbst]

The component output (at 480i) is light years ahead of the S-video or composite output.

[GreggWG]

Originally Posted by heffe2001

It's been my experience though, that charter does have them enabled. If not, just thell them you hvae a Tivo you want to use, and they'll turn it on.

Ok thats good to know since my understanding was Charter disabled alot of those Atlantic 3000 series cable boxes. I will definatly try that prior to the UIRT. As far as New Egg vs. BB, I get the stuff at cost over at BB since my friend works there so prices are usually the same if not slightly less, and I obviously pay nothing for shipping. The nice thing is if I buy the 9600xt there, and it doesn't work damn near perfectly I can take it right back without any issue or time from shipping back and forth.

Thanks a lot for all the input guys, makes this much easier. Hopefully with what little time I have off this time of year I can get everything ordered and assembled in the next couple weeks and then let you guys know how everything works, or doesn't .

[heffe2001]

All the Charter Digital boxes here in Hickory are now the newer DCT222x Motorolas. If you don't have Digital, I'd pay the up charge if you get the newer boxes. I'll give you the exact model number when I get home this evening.

[korben_dallas]

If the case doesn't come with them, get some quality wound cables for hard drive, cd/dvd drives, and floppy. This will save space, be better organized, improve airflow, and eliminate potential interference.

Here's the ones I bought:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=316702
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=315014

[GreggWG]

Originally Posted by heffe2001

All the Charter Digital boxes here in Hickory are now the newer DCT222x Motorolas. If you don't have Digital, I'd pay the up charge if you get the newer boxes. I'll give you the exact model number when I get home this evening.

Thanks, I'll have to call tech support and find out what they are distributing down here right now. The two older boxes I have a Scientific Atlantic, they are digital, but they were both from about a year ago, who knows they could have switched.

Originally Posted by korben_dallas

If the case doesn't come with them, get some quality wound cables for hard drive, cd/dvd drives, and floppy. This will save space, be better organized, improve airflow, and eliminate potential interference.

Definatly will do that, thanks for the suggestion.