tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 I built a server pC earlier this year and used a normal case. I want to upgrade to a desktop/home theater type case with a remote control that will control itunes. Can you steer me in the right direction? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPM Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1507 Your one-stop-shop for all computer needs. You can also try www.newegg.com, they have a great selection of stuff, too. Happy Thanksgiving! William Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 23, 2006 Author Share Posted November 23, 2006 I'm looking for a specific case. The Thermaltake Bach looks good, but I can't find the remote anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPM Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 PC cases 25 and 26 have remote controls (page 3 of the link). William Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 24, 2006 Author Share Posted November 24, 2006 PC cases 25 and 26 have remote controls (page 3 of the link). William The $189 case looks good. I was hoping to buy a 19" monitor and hang it on the wall and run iTunes. It seems that these cases only run their software. Are their any good forums to look for to check this stuff out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPM Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 Hmmm, we're talking about a pretty niche market here. Most people probably didn't even know home theater computer cases even existed. With that said, you could try the Tom's Hardware website (www.tomshardware.com). Perhaps even Sharky Extreme (www.sharkyextreme.com), and last but not least, C-Net (www.cnet.com) . Between these three websites you should be able to find what you are looking for. William Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 Thanks. I was at a friends house and he has a Mac laptop with a remote. When playing iTunes, the screen looks like an Ipod and he uses teh small remote to scroll through songs just like an Ipod. That woudl be my goal if I could mount a 2" monitor on the wall and use a remote to select music (assuming that I can read it from across the room). Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meagain Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Tiger - I just got an iMac desktop and will hopefully get a Macbook soon (both my windows units died at the same time recently so I went Mac). That's called "Front Row". The way Front Row manages songs (like an iPod) is the same as a Squeeze Box by Slim Devices. But since you have a PC, isn't the Media Center stuff about the same? Then you can link it to a TV. Is that possible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 Tiger - I just got an iMac desktop and will hopefully get a Macbook soon (both my windows units died at the same time recently so I went Mac). That's called "Front Row". The way Front Row manages songs (like an iPod) is the same as a Squeeze Box by Slim Devices. But since you have a PC, isn't the Media Center stuff about the same? Then you can link it to a TV. Is that possible? Meagin, Thanks! I just read up on both formats and the Media Center is just what I am looking for. The features look great. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meagain Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Tiger - The new MS Vista operating system to replace XP will have Media Center included in it (I'm 99% sure). It'll also be HD capable (I think). So when you upgrade to Vista, you'll not only get the Vista coolness (designed to be 'pretty' like a Mac user interface, and flat out steals from it IMO), you'll also get that Media Center automatically. I believe Vista will be out in January. There's vids up on Youtube from the Developers who already have it. Hope it's not buggy like their past offerings. Esp. prior to XP. (someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I have this right). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScorpsFan Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Here's a link to an HTPC site with reviews and an active forum, hope it helps. http://www.htpcnews.com/index.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 If I use the media center (or vista) what video card and sound card will I need? I'd liek to be able to hook up my TV and a monitor for video and for audio I want digital out to an outboard DAC and hopefully teh ability to hook up an HT receiver too. What do I need? Thanks, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meagain Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Tiger - I'm not well versed on Video cards, but do know if you do intensive Gaming, you need something pretty killer. Are you into gaming? That's the big question, and "I think" the deciding factor as to what level of vid card you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 No gaming. I just want to be able to hook up my TV (probably using an S cable) and a separate monitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meagain Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 Tiger - For the computer, we use VGA out for video, and digital out for audio. If you want to use S-video, you need a video card with an S-video out. But are you SURE you want S-video? S is inferior to VGA (from what I understand).... I just asked my husband about this and he says: "In order: Composite, S-Video, Component, DVI, HDMI." (someone jump in if in disagreement). Tech is moving too slow for me. I want my DVR and Tivo to 100% talk to my computer. If I had an Ipod, I want to put a few shows on it (it would be nice if it was HD from my HD DVR, then carry it on a plane to my destination, and plug it into the hotel TV to watch my show. And I want a cellphone/iPod/camera/video option like the iPhone will hopefully do. And I want Klipschorn/Jubilee sound in a small pretty little speaker. Good luck Tiger. Linking computers, etc. to the TV is a wonderful thing. Like, I just found a torrent of a well-done concert (sound off the mixing board). Downloaded that on my Mac in my office, husband sucked it into the TV computer (which is also linked to his laptop, and hopefully my new Mac soon) from way across the house, Boom - full concert on 56 inches of DLP splendor. We have a cute little wireless keyboard & mouse too. TV show quality is based on what you can find out there, but alot of it looks great. Like, our DVR missed an episode of Prison Break - nice quality! Can put up great screensavers. (Electric Sheep is off the hook!). Husband loaded all our CDs on iTunes for convenience/non-critical listening while reading the paper, etc. I'm excited for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScorpsFan Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 Here's a good thread from the computer section on the main page of this site re: Sound Cards http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/thread/752574.aspx Here's a listing of components and prices: http://www.custompcguide.com/high-end_htpc.html Here's another great forum to peruse, this is there HTPC apps page: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=091be79be9118019e779607fc12e24c9&t=399319 Another good forum for "silent pc's" : http://www.silentpcreview.com/ Good place to check parts: http://www.digitalconnection.com/ and finally, a site for just about any kind of remote you could ever want: http://www.remotecentral.com/ Best of Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted November 26, 2006 Author Share Posted November 26, 2006 What video card are you using? What audio card are you using? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuNat Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 my favorite HTPC cases are made by silverstonetek.com... I use a nvidia 6600 card for video output, nvidia has the best driver and HDTV support... I use a audigy 2zs for my audio card. for a remote control i use an origina ati remote wonder, it works with winamp and theatertek(my dvd software) by default. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScorpsFan Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 In my haste to answer, I forgot (sorry) Scooterdog's HTPC, good thread with a list of the components he used. http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/thread/822631.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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