HTPC+HD TV+cable box?

[sarlen]

I want to put together a new HTPC and buy a 42”+ LCD HD TV but I’m having trouble figuring out what I need for connections on the TV and computer. My local cable company requires their tuner box to receive HD channels so I have to throw that thing into the mix as well. Does anyone here have experience with such a build and if so what is your best advice for connection types from video out of the PC to the TV and also how does the cable box work into all of this?

[Winnow]

I want to put together a new HTPC and buy a 42”+ LCD HD TV but I’m having trouble figuring out what I need for connections on the TV and computer. My local cable company requires their tuner box to receive HD channels so I have to throw that thing into the mix as well. Does anyone here have experience with such a build and if so what is your best advice for connection types from video out of the PC to the TV and also how does the cable box work into all of this?

Here's my connection setup for HTPC:

HDTV (4 HDMI inputs)

PC to TV (use DVI to HDMI cable) (most video cards have 2 DVI outs)
HD Cable Box (HDMI to HDMI)
PS3 (HDMI to HDMI)
360 (HDMI to HDMI) (if you have the newer 360's with the HDMI)

There's probably no sense in running your cable through your PC because of the encryption/cable card issues

Remember, audio plays a part. All of those inputs also have ToS links for audio that have to go to your Home Theater Receiver if you want the quality audio (or to your PC if you're hooking speakers up directly to it)

My particular 9600GT has it's own HDMI out along with the two DVI ports. It also has a ToS link in so that the HDMI cable can carry an audio signal to the TV via HDMi without need for a separate cable. That's only needed if you want to use your TV's speakers for sound.

[sarlen]

Well this may sound crazy but I want the cable to go thru the PC so I can use it as a DVR and have all of my movies stored on the PC. The PC will run Vista for the media center functionality, the ability to seamlessly move from music to stored movies to recorded TV shows and live TV is my major requirement for the project. The problem becomes unless I'm missing something (I'm sure I am) I dont see how the HD cable box will pass thru the PC.

[Aardor]

Well this may sound crazy but I want the cable to go thru the PC so I can use it as a DVR and have all of my movies stored on the PC. The PC will run Vista for the media center functionality, the ability to seamlessly move from music to stored movies to recorded TV shows and live TV is my major requirement for the project. The problem becomes unless I'm missing something (I'm sure I am) I dont see how the HD cable box will pass thru the PC.

It could, if you got the proper input card on your PC to accept the signal, but those are probably really expensive. Also, the HD content would be encrypted, and this makes it rather difficult to store on your PC in a way that is rewatchable (difficult, but doable, i believe). I recommend just getting a DVR from your TV provider, and saving yourself a massive headache. Dish Network even allows you to install external HDDs to their DVRs, through USB, to have a greater capacity.

[sarlen]

anyone in the know able to give an opinion on this tv?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=8477431

For the price and features it seems not to bad at all.

[Winnow]

anyone in the know able to give an opinion on this tv?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=8477431

For the price and features it seems not to bad at all.

I tried to search for this product on AVScience forums but found nothing. "VW42LFHDTV10A"


The 5000:1 contrast is really sub par compared to most new LCDs (means you'll get washed out blacks)

No other comment besides that for the moment.

[sarlen]

anyone in the know able to give an opinion on this tv?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=8477431

For the price and features it seems not to bad at all.

I tried to search for this product on AVScience forums but found nothing. "VW42LFHDTV10A"


The 5000:1 contrast is really sub par compared to most new LCDs (means you'll get washed out blacks)

No other comment besides that for the moment.

Well the reason I'm asking is they got one at my local store on clearance for $750.00 that was the display model (no box i think) seems like a pretty good deal even if it just ends up in my bedroom.

[Winnow]

Well the reason I'm asking is they got one at my local store on clearance for $750.00 that was the display model (no box i think) seems like a pretty good deal even if it just ends up in my bedroom.

Eyeball it. If it looks good to you, grab it.

Is it turned on with an HD feed so you can see how it looks? 750.00 is a great price. Check the inputs, etc to see if it meets your needs. Check the viewing angles, etc.

The set may not have a good scaler so non HD content may look worse than on a higher end set. That kind of stuff. The more you can play around with it the better so you can determine if it will work for your needs.

[sarlen]

They didn't have an HD source to check it out with and the one they had on clearance was missing the box, remote and had a few scratches on it so I got a new one. I'm pretty impressed with it so far. My vista box hooked up easily to it and it looks incredible, I'm getting a little static on a few channels through the vista box that I haven't quiet figured out yet but working on it.