28 April 2008

Update and Housekeeping

So, I figure that MD and I set up this blog in the spirit of sharing information with other people that would aid in making their lives a little more enjoyable on the one hand, and in the essence of sharing information about our lives with others as well. So, I figure an update is in order (HA!).

HTPC (Home Theatre PC)/Home File Server
Since I've been doing computer work for some businesses and several people, I have accumulated a plethora of computer parts that do not have a home. So, Mary Drew and I have talked about it and are considering making a file server/home theatre PC for our home. We'll put our music, DVD collection, and eventually record tv shows to the computer and have the ability to play back all of those over time (with the eventual ability to watch TV on one channel while digitally recording on two other TV stations!). Right now, we've got our motherboard, processor, and memory from past people's computers (parts is parts, as the saying goes...), so we'll have to pick up a video card that will be able to decode HD content (HDCP compliant, in computer terms). Right now, as far as visual image quality goes, ATI has the best component video cards for the money. We'll also have to buy atleast one TV tuner card (two if we're going to record on more than just one channel while watching a second - there are only two inputs on a tuner card). As far as storage space, I have three fully functioning SATA (serial advanced technology attachment) hard drives. Eventually, if we start coding our DVD collection onto the server, we will have to find larger drive space. Over time, my hope is to provide you all, the reader, with enough information that should you desire to construct (or have constructed by someone such as myself) an HTPC, it is not far from the realm of possibility. So, I will leave you all with this teaser with the promise of providing further information on the build, configuration, and usage of this project (including plenty of pictures for all of you visual learners out there!).

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posted by Herr Breiten @ 16:31 Comments: 0