Geez…no updates…until today!
I’m still alive but have been both extremely busy and extremely lazy since the new year. Actually, part of my “excuse” is that my notebook’s hard disk died during Christmas and as you all know, I rely heavily on my notebook to get any work done even though I have plenty of desktop systems.
I have been spending time with my HTPC that I built before the holidays and researching a new HTPC that I will be building soon. My first attempt at building a HTPC was an eye-opening experience and I’ve definitely learned a lot about building one and what one needs to truly think about when putting one of these together.
My first “prototype” HTPC consists of the following setup:
- Shuttle SK83G Barebones System
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (2Ghz, 512KB cache)
- 1GB DDR DRAM PC2700
- 200GB Maxtor 8MB cache 7200RPM
- NEC-3510A 8x DVD-RW/+RW/DL
- ATI Radeon 9600SE 256MB AGP Video Card
- Hauppauge WinTV PVR250 PCI Capture Card
- Phillips MCE Remote
- Windows Media Center 2005
It’s connected to my Zenith/LG L23W36 23” LCD TV (1280x768) via my VGA connector and it’s a solid setup. The system is actually pretty powerful for a HTPC. Most HTPCs don’t really need to be all that powerful but of course it depends on what you want to use it for. I’ll have a full write up about it soon before I start my HTPC 2 project next month.
