Basic HTPC?.

[jon bda]

Hey all, as i've got a spare Shuttle sat here doing nothing i was wondering about using it as a basic/low cost htpc to test the water so to speak. I don't fancy laying out a load of cash on a proper 'bells and whistles' build to find i won't make use of it enough but if i have a whole pc here spare i figure i may as well give it a try!.

So, i have...

Shuttle SK41
XP2400+
1gig Samsung PC2100
120gig Seagate hdd
18x NEC dvdrw
64meg Radeon 7000 or 256meg Radeon 9600XT

So, i assume the basic setup will be somewhere near good enough to use?. What should i be adding/removing and so on and so forth.
HELP!!!.
:D

[LSG501]

Personally I would add a tv tuner (either usb or pci) and possibly more ram (personal thing)

Maybe a new os which is more media centric like ms media centre.

A decent codec pack

[SoX2000]

I'd also stick a TV tuner in there. If you're testing the water, no need to get a dual tuner, simple DVB one will do fine. I use a Kworld model.

Software-wise I personally love Media Portal (http://www.team-mediaportal.com/). It's free and has loads of great plugins. I think the last.fm plugin is excellent.

Apart from that I think your system should be fine.

[nicky munchkin]

DELETED
If you intend on using XP, then get one of them. They work pretty well and the software that comes with them resembles Microsofts MCE.

[sf37]

WIBBLE
If you intend on using XP, then get one of them. They work pretty well and the software that comes with them resembles Microsofts MCE.

Now why would you link to THAT site, out of all of them? Even if KPCs don't sell something equivalent (which I am sure they do), it is never a good idea to suggest people buying from them....

I think this is a must-have:

http://www.trust.com/products/product.aspx?artnr=14272

Purely because it is so small and convenient. Although you will probably get one with your TV tuner anyway.

[nicky munchkin]

Why do you all loath PCWorld? I know there salesmen know next to nothing (which is why I rarely enter the shop premises) but I've never ever had a problem with their service at all- I order something and it usually comes in 4days max although they say 5- 7 days.

[sf37]

Well personally, I dislike them because most of their stock is made by weaker or poor manufacturers and yet they still charge prices that are in line with better components from better retailers. I have bought a Logitech mouse from them though, as you can collect from store and save on delivery - much cheaper than buying in store.

[SoapSud]

<SNIP>
If you intend on using XP, then get one of them. They work pretty well and the software that comes with them resembles Microsofts MCE.

Come on Nicky, even you should know by now that linking to competitors is against the forum's rules.

As for jon, the system sounds fine mate, just whack in a tv tuner card (like some others have said, any one will do if your not fussed) and your laughing :D

[TriggerHappy]

If you are getting a TV tuner make sure it supports WMCE or you will be forced to use the poor software that most of them come with. Also considering they cost around the same you may as well give yourself the chance to upgrade MCE should you want to. This is also true of Vista :)

[nicky munchkin]

I know its a competitor but kustoms dont sell it- they have some decent tv cards though http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_TV_Cards_58.html

[six5tring]

just add a tuner... nothing else needed :) as ever i'm an MCE man. - six

[jon bda]

Cheers for the thoughts peeps. I'll keep my eye out for a cheap tuner card and let you know how i get on...aka, i'll be screaming for help getting it all working right!!!.
:D