HDTPC Sneak Peaks and Status Report

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  • JonMarsh
    Mad Max Moderator
    • Aug 2000
    • 15261

    HDTPC Sneak Peaks and Status Report

    Well, folks, Santa's elves have been busy in the CA computer video workshop, and we going to just take a few minutes to fill you in on what's happening, just in case you're getting a little burned out on all the shopping, Egg Nogg, Christmas carols, and general seasonal fun.

    The software for the HiPixx HDTV card has gone "Gold"; this was the gating issue on shipping the first batch of boards, so now the boards are expected to ship by the 21st or 22nd. For those of you who haven't heard about this interesting product yet, a very brief rundown:





    Telemann's HiPix DTV-200 HDTV Card is first of it's kind release of a PC based ATSC Tuner/Decoder for Digital Over-The-Air transmission of standard and high-definition. Based on TeraLogic's hardware decoder chip, the HiPix delivers 1080i or 480p broadcasts to the Windows platform for use in the HTPC based home theater. It can be ssed in conjunction with existing graphics card as pass-thru, or run independently to a seperate HDTV compabible input. Supported display modes include 1080i/540P, and for computer/fixed pixel displays, 1024X768.
    The HiPix eliminates the requirement for high-performance CPU, providing simple upgrade path for the ultimate in home entertainment. With the HiPix, the user is able to record incoming MPEG-2 stream of Over-The-Air HD broadcasts on their hard disk for time shifted playback. The DTV-200 comes packaged with Electronic Program Guide and a Remote Control.
    Note that an extra slot is required for the additional I/O capability of this board, and that a remote control is included, standard. Are you getting the idea this isn't your father's PC?


    The PC we're building around this concept is using an ABIT KT7 RAID motherboard, with RAID striping to combine two 60GB disks into one 120GB partition. Below is shown the removable motherboard/expansion slot platform with the installed motherboard, 900 MHz Athlon CPU (under $200- it cost less than the chasis!), and ELSA Erazor X video card, and SB Live 5.1 audio card.






    The chasis is a Cooling Master ATC-201, with an Antec 400W ATX 2.03 supply installed. It is equipped with bays for 4 internal 3-1/2" HD's, two external 3-1/2" drives (640MB removable Magneto Optical shown installed, and Floppy disk (not yet installed), with an ACER 16X/40X DVDROM drive, and the SB Live Platinum 5.1 LiveDrive tray. The live drive tray support coaxial and optical SPDIF inputs and outputs, and has the IR sensor for the remote control. Yup, this puppy is going to have two remote controls, already. Sounds like a job for ProntoMan, to me.





    More updates later this week, plus we'll have a writeup on the complete assembly and fine tunning, which will be available in PDF format for download.

    Merry XMAS, everyone!

    -Jon




    Earth First!
    _______________________________
    We'll screw up the other planets later....
    the AudioWorx
    Natalie P
    M8ta
    Modula Neo DCC
    Modula MT XE
    Modula Xtreme
    Isiris
    Wavecor Ardent

    SMJ
    Minerva Monitor
    Calliope
    Ardent D

    In Development...
    Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
    Obi-Wan
    Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
    Modula PWB
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    Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
    Just ask Mr. Ohm....
  • ThomasW
    Moderator Emeritus
    • Aug 2000
    • 10934

    #2
    For those wondering about the cool case here's the URL for the company. BTW $$$, without power supply





    theAudioWorx
    Klone-Audio

    IB subwoofer FAQ page


    "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

    Comment

    • Andrew Pratt
      Moderator Emeritus
      • Aug 2000
      • 16507

      #3
      Don't mind me I'm just slobbering uncontrolably all over myself...drool




      Comment

      • JonMarsh
        Mad Max Moderator
        • Aug 2000
        • 15261

        #4
        Stage One is up and runnning, with DVD at 1280X720P inlcuding DOlby Digital playback up and running.

        ThomasW provided a link to a very handy site for anyone working with the ABIT KT7 Motherboard:

        Flock, the best team communication app and online collaboration platform, comes with team messaging, project management and other great features that improve productivity and boost speed of execution.


        Todays tasks are some re-configuring and fine tuning, plus setting up the RAID array for HDTV recording storage. When this is all done, I'll write up a conceptual walk through, so you won't have to go down some of the dark alley's and cul de'sacs I've visited in this project. So far, working quite well!

        Regards,

        Jon




        Earth First!
        _______________________________
        We'll screw up the other planets later....
        the AudioWorx
        Natalie P
        M8ta
        Modula Neo DCC
        Modula MT XE
        Modula Xtreme
        Isiris
        Wavecor Ardent

        SMJ
        Minerva Monitor
        Calliope
        Ardent D

        In Development...
        Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
        Obi-Wan
        Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
        Modula PWB
        Calliope CC Supreme
        Natalie P Ultra
        Natalie P Supreme
        Janus BP1 Sub


        Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
        Just ask Mr. Ohm....

        Comment

        • KennyG
          Moderator Emeritus
          • Sep 2000
          • 745

          #5
          Jon, what software are you using?
          I'm using PowerDVD, but I may be experiencing a few glitches with it, the problem seems to happen when changing discs...I get a red ghost that can ownly be removed by rebooting the computer.
          This doesn't happened every time I change disc, it's happened twice in two days.

          Comment

          • JonMarsh
            Mad Max Moderator
            • Aug 2000
            • 15261

            #6
            Hi Kenny,

            Actually, I "Pre-sponded" to you over on your thread regarding your projector installation. I have both PowerDVD and WINDVD, but usually use the latter, except an occasional disk with "difficult" authoring. PowerDVD has some issues with red decoding, it's not as accurate as it could be (Ravisent Cinemaster has the same problem); WINDVD has the best picture quality, but sometimes new disks with strange authoring tricks don't work. The version I'm currently using, 2.35, has been very solid, plays back pretty much anything.

            Regards,

            Jon




            Earth First!
            _______________________________
            We'll screw up the other planets later....
            the AudioWorx
            Natalie P
            M8ta
            Modula Neo DCC
            Modula MT XE
            Modula Xtreme
            Isiris
            Wavecor Ardent

            SMJ
            Minerva Monitor
            Calliope
            Ardent D

            In Development...
            Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
            Obi-Wan
            Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
            Modula PWB
            Calliope CC Supreme
            Natalie P Ultra
            Natalie P Supreme
            Janus BP1 Sub


            Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
            Just ask Mr. Ohm....

            Comment

            • KennyG
              Moderator Emeritus
              • Sep 2000
              • 745

              #7
              Jon, are you doing any sound deadening inside this unit?
              If so I've got some great stuff that might work better than anything...we used to use it for deadening the interiors of high dollar aircraft modifications.
              It's got an outer layer of very thick aluminium foil, so it's easy to shape, then a layer of asphalt rubber type stuff, and lastly the adhesive...so after application what you really have is two layers of aluminium with a dampener in between.
              If you want to do a little "before and after" type thing, let me know I'll sent you enough to do your unit, all I want is a report as to the effectiveness.
              Kenny

              Comment

              • Lexman
                Super Senior Member
                • Jun 2000
                • 1777

                #8
                Nice writeup, and that case, looks like F1 material.

                We are waiting with baited breath, the outcome of this project. Well, most everyone. We probably have one or two just waiting with bad breath. lol.

                Lex





                <A HREF="http://www.catcables.com" <IMG SRC="http://www.htguide.com/lexman/other/sm_logo.gif"

                Comment

                • JonMarsh
                  Mad Max Moderator
                  • Aug 2000
                  • 15261

                  #9
                  Kenny, your offer sounds interesting- it sounds like some of the automotive sound damping stuff. That would be good for the panels. Next weekend I'll try to get a reading with my HP/B&K mic setup for what the baseline noise is- I haven't "quietened" down the fans yet, they haven't been as bad as I expected, plus not running the front panel fans yet. The 400W Antec supply is pretty reasonable, actually.

                  The HiPixx cards are heavily backordered, and DC may not get more until February. They're kind of PO'd, because they were promised 220 boards in December, and only got about 50. My guess is February or March (no Superbowl in HD unless I pop for a DTC-100- did you know my local Radio Shark has those in stock? Can you beleive!?!)

                  So, I'm going to have to "limp" along in DVD for a while- I'll finish writing up everything done to date, and post soon, with a PDF as soon as the T-3 site changes are sorted out.

                  Regards,

                  Jon




                  Earth First!
                  _______________________________
                  We'll screw up the other planets later....
                  the AudioWorx
                  Natalie P
                  M8ta
                  Modula Neo DCC
                  Modula MT XE
                  Modula Xtreme
                  Isiris
                  Wavecor Ardent

                  SMJ
                  Minerva Monitor
                  Calliope
                  Ardent D

                  In Development...
                  Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
                  Obi-Wan
                  Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
                  Modula PWB
                  Calliope CC Supreme
                  Natalie P Ultra
                  Natalie P Supreme
                  Janus BP1 Sub


                  Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
                  Just ask Mr. Ohm....

                  Comment

                  • KennyG
                    Moderator Emeritus
                    • Sep 2000
                    • 745

                    #10
                    Jon, I've never seen automotive dampening with an aluminium side to it.
                    Anyway if you e-mail me your address I'll send some out to you. I just did mine...and the panels, and motherboard mount went from that 'tin ring' to a nice dull thump.

                    Kenny

                    Comment

                    • JonMarsh
                      Mad Max Moderator
                      • Aug 2000
                      • 15261

                      #11
                      Kenny,

                      I don't have your email, and they aren't posted on profiles. I'll post in the Moderator Forum, with my email, if you want to send me your email address. Thanks for the offer!

                      Regards,

                      Jon




                      Earth First!
                      _______________________________
                      We'll screw up the other planets later....
                      the AudioWorx
                      Natalie P
                      M8ta
                      Modula Neo DCC
                      Modula MT XE
                      Modula Xtreme
                      Isiris
                      Wavecor Ardent

                      SMJ
                      Minerva Monitor
                      Calliope
                      Ardent D

                      In Development...
                      Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
                      Obi-Wan
                      Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
                      Modula PWB
                      Calliope CC Supreme
                      Natalie P Ultra
                      Natalie P Supreme
                      Janus BP1 Sub


                      Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
                      Just ask Mr. Ohm....

                      Comment

                      • KennyG
                        Moderator Emeritus
                        • Sep 2000
                        • 745

                        #12
                        Oh shoot...sorry about that.

                        Comment

                        • JonMarsh
                          Mad Max Moderator
                          • Aug 2000
                          • 15261

                          #13
                          Notice to Bargain Hunters!

                          You can build a very nice HTPC using the "last generation" Athlon, and some of these are available in combos at bargain prices. I just ordered a 750 MHz with ASUS MB and 128 MB of SDRAM, for $249 plus tax and shipping. Hard to beat, that was from http://www.aberdeeninc.com
                          But you may find comparable or better prices using the online pricing search sites.

                          Regards,

                          Jon

                          PS. They way NOT to build a great HTPC for the money would be to buy one of the new INTEL 850 based MB for Pentium IV for $269, and a 1.4 GHz PIV processor for $879. With current software, you'd have performance that an Athlon 1.2 GHz can beat, which is about $150 for a good MB, and $329 for the CPU.




                          Earth First!
                          _______________________________
                          We'll screw up the other planets later....
                          the AudioWorx
                          Natalie P
                          M8ta
                          Modula Neo DCC
                          Modula MT XE
                          Modula Xtreme
                          Isiris
                          Wavecor Ardent

                          SMJ
                          Minerva Monitor
                          Calliope
                          Ardent D

                          In Development...
                          Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
                          Obi-Wan
                          Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
                          Modula PWB
                          Calliope CC Supreme
                          Natalie P Ultra
                          Natalie P Supreme
                          Janus BP1 Sub


                          Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
                          Just ask Mr. Ohm....

                          Comment

                          • rudee
                            Member
                            • Oct 2000
                            • 37

                            #14
                            boy o' boy is that a nice setup! So Jon the 750 can handle the needs of a HTPC? I can get a 750 with an Epox Mb for $179 local add $65 for 128 meg ram. Thanks for sharing the detailed info- I can't wait to see the finished product.

                            rudee

                            Comment

                            • Lexman
                              Super Senior Member
                              • Jun 2000
                              • 1777

                              #15
                              Rudee, the Asus board is likely the better deal. But that's just my opinion from what I have heard.

                              Jon, that is a sweet deal for a 750! I am considering ordering 1.

                              Lex

                              Comment

                              • ThomasW
                                Moderator Emeritus
                                • Aug 2000
                                • 10934

                                #16
                                rudee

                                Yes a 750Mhz is more than adequate for HTPC.

                                My HTPC is a hand-me-down from Jon. It has a 300 Mhz Celeron, overclocked to 450Mhz, and it works great




                                theAudioWorx
                                Klone-Audio

                                IB subwoofer FAQ page


                                "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                                Comment

                                • JonMarsh
                                  Mad Max Moderator
                                  • Aug 2000
                                  • 15261

                                  #17
                                  Yes, Rudee, the 750 is plenty of go power. With the right video board, software, and setup, a 450Mhz to 500 MHz system can work very well, but it has to be tuned a little more carefully to make sure there are no system bottlenecks that you're using raw CPU power to overcome.

                                  For HDTV, software decoding is likely to require 1GHz or better. The Teleman HiPixx card uses hardware decoding, but still seems to work bests with at least a 500 MHz CPU, though they are claiming lower minimum requirements.

                                  MB stability is an issue for me, having worked with a number of brands over the years. I don't have any experience with the Epox board you mention, have worked with several Athlon MB vendors; ASUS and ABIT are currently my preferred choices- but then they are Anand's and Tom's, also, so I'm hardly being original!

                                  Regards,

                                  Jon




                                  Earth First!
                                  _______________________________
                                  We'll screw up the other planets later....
                                  the AudioWorx
                                  Natalie P
                                  M8ta
                                  Modula Neo DCC
                                  Modula MT XE
                                  Modula Xtreme
                                  Isiris
                                  Wavecor Ardent

                                  SMJ
                                  Minerva Monitor
                                  Calliope
                                  Ardent D

                                  In Development...
                                  Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
                                  Obi-Wan
                                  Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
                                  Modula PWB
                                  Calliope CC Supreme
                                  Natalie P Ultra
                                  Natalie P Supreme
                                  Janus BP1 Sub


                                  Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
                                  Just ask Mr. Ohm....

                                  Comment

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