Hardware suggestions needed

[sleonard]

My dad wants me to build him a PVR this Christmas to replace his ReplayTV. I've used Sage for years and wouldn't want anything else but I'm not 100% convinced that it's ready for an Average Joe user so I'm going to try it as an experiment and to get feedback on Sage.

I need some help with some of the latest hardware such as motherboards, chipsets, video cards, etc.

I believe he has a cable subscription with some premium channels (HBO, maybe others) but does not use any cable boxes. He currently plugs the co-axial from the wall to his ReplayTV. SDTV only, no HDTV at all. He wants 4 tuners but 3 would be acceptable. I'm hoping to use 2 dual-tuner cards with the Vixs chip but I need to know I can get both cards working in Sage.

Nice looking, functional HTPC case. The Origen X-10 or X-11 are at the top of my list but PCAlchemy has only the X-15 listed anymore and there may be a gotcha with the built in IR reciever (I want to try the MCE remote as well as the MCE Keyboard). Also I need to know more about how to set up the VFD on a Sage system.

For the processor I'm looking at a Core 2 Duo but am not current on chipsets or motherboards. I think a saw that the latest Nvidia chipsets support Intel now.

Video card. I'm leaning strongly in favor of Nvidia. It will be connected to a Sony 1080p LCD via DVI or HDMI but playing back only 480i video in Sage unless it supports HD-DVD/Blu-Ray in the future. I'll get him the Nvidia Decoder for DVD's. Must have silent cooling. Any suggestions?

I'm going to use 2 hard drives. One for the OS and Sage and one for the PVR. Silent, and possibly models designed for 24/7 use.

Quality power supply, silent, modular cables. Suggestions?

Silent cooling for the processor. Any good choices that will fit either the X-10 or X-11?

One last thing. He does not have broadband so will need to use a modem to connect for Program Guide updates. Sage can dial, connect, and d/l automatically right? Hopefully I can talk him into getting a DSL line.

I will be having all the parts shipped to his house by Christmas when I will be flying in. I will only be there a week to put it all together so I really want the hardware to be rock solid dependable and a configuration known to work together.

Scott

[blade]

Silent components are designed to run fanless in a well ventilated case and you can sometimes run into problems when using HTPC cases or setups with very little airflow. Also some of the silent graphics cards won't fit in some HTPC cases. You probably already know this, but I wanted to mention it just in case. I'd hate for you to end up with all silent components and no airflow and then have heat problems.

I've been very happy with my Seasonic S12 power supply. Not totally silent, but very quiet and provides a modest amount of airflow.

I always highly suggest checking out Silent PC Review if you haven't already.

[eehtpc]

It's often easier to build a server and a client even if only one set is going to be serviced. You rid yourself of a thousand problems that go along with building small form factor including, of course, anything heat or noise-related.

[jamjam]

Just put to gether a new HTPC using a few old parts from a previous PC.


Purchased a new case and HD

Seagate 250GB SATAII/300
Antec Fusion MATX MediaCenter Case

Very impressed with the case its a bit big but really quiet, VFD works fine with the smartie plugin.

THe HD is rated for 24/7 operation.


JJ

[Kimper]

I hate to be negative, but unless you want to turn into a tech support line do not build computers for relatives, especially when some function that we take for granted (watching tv) is involved.
Call the cable company, most have a HD DVR that you can rent for 15 bucks a month. Or do Tivo.

IMHO PC based PVR's (even MCE) are not ready for non-computer literate people.

[paulbeers]

I built a dual tuner sage box for my parents about a year ago and they love it. Unfortunately that was right before the MVP's came out. If I could have done it differently I would have built a "cheap" server and an MVP. For cost difference between the expensive case, and cheap video card, I could have purchased an mvp and it would have been completely silent and somewhat more stable (not that their current rig isn't stable, but it would have been even more). My mother loves it.

[PGPfan]

Originally Posted by jamjam

Antec Fusion MATX MediaCenter Case
Very impressed with the case its a bit big but really quiet, VFD works fine with the smartie plugin.
JJ

Awesome case indeed! I use the NSK2400, which is the same thing minus the VFD (but MUCH cheaper) and LOVE it. I'd use this case in a heartbeat for the project sleonard is planning.

Look for a m-atx board (if using this case) with an Nvidia chipset. Since it is SD only, get one VistaView Saber2020 (dual tuner, PCIe) and one Nvidia DualTV. They will work fine together, and stable. The MCE keyboard and mouse combo is nice, but the keyboard "mouse" will take some getting used to. The remote, however is near perfect.

For video, get a fanless Nvidia card of the 7600 series (or save money and get a fanless 7300GT, but only if you are SURE that HD isn't in the future).

The stock (included with this case) power supply will work great and the whole thing is dead quiet.

-PGPfan