HTPC :: Steps for a Beginner

Greebow

Right off the bat, I apologise for any idiotic comments that I am bound to make in the following post. I’m new to the scene so please be gentle.
I’ve recently taken a voluntary redundancy package from the place I worked, so I find myself with a little extra cash and some spare time! I’ve decided to build a HTPC.

I’ve examined the posts here and I have to say they have all been very informative and have really whetted my appetite to jump right into this project. I am a little technical; however my brain seems to freeze as soon as someone mentions motherboards and media tanks. In fact, one of the main reasons I’m embarking on this project, is to give me a bit of exposure to this sort of thing.

Has anyone come across HTPC guide that would be useful for a beginner? I’d really appreciate any links that other people have come across and found useful. On top of this I’ve a few questions that I haven’t seemed to nail down:

1. I have an NTL digital box. Can I hook this up to the HTPC and watch live TV. Is there any drastic drop in quality?

2. Will I have access to all of the NTL channels that I am subscribed to?

3. Is there some way to add an NTL EPG?

4. Can a user boot straight into the HTPC software, or would I need a mouse and keyboard to launch the application every time I started it up

5. Have other people found this set up to be “girlfriend friendly” (actually, this is one of the highest priority questions!)


I’d really appreciate any help on this one, and I think other users that are starting to think about setting this up would find a beginners section to be a big help. At lease until we get used to the strange new acronyms!
Thanks!

dingdong1234567

Here's a great start: http://www.projecthtpc.co.uk/

Great guide to HTPC basics and tips from experienced builders.

Myself, i have:

Antec Fusion case
AMD Dual core
gigabyte MB with HDMI out
Mini Ninja cooler
VMC with Media Browser add on (this blows mymovies to touch IMHO!)
Hauppauge WinTV NOVA HD S2 for free sat: http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/products/data_novahds2.html

All connected to my Sammy 37'' along with Sammy 5.1 sorround sound system.

No experience with NTL but there will be someone on here or avforums.com that will scratch that itch!

spartacus93

Hey man, didn't read your full post, i'll reply properly 2moro

1. I have an NTL digital box. Can I hook this up to the HTPC and watch live TV. Is there any drastic drop in quality?

Yes, easily done just run a scart to RCA cable, like so from your NTL box to your TV card.


2. Will I have access to all of the NTL channels that I am subscribed to?

Yes

3. Is there some way to add an NTL EPG?

Vista MC comes with an EPG that you can customise to display all the channels you're subscribed to. A bit fiddly at the start to set up but works very well after.

4. Can a user boot straight into the HTPC software, or would I need a mouse and keyboard to launch the application every time I started it up

Yes they can, Media Centre can be set to launch once windows starts. Would advise you to get a good wireless keyboard, even better one with a trackpad so you can surf the web and use youtube etc.

5. Have other people found this set up to be “girlfriend friendly” (actually, this is one of the highest priority questions!)

Yes. Very easy to use, even made one for home for the parents and they're in no way computer minded

hth

Greebow

Champions!

Thanks for that folks. Very helpful