The Ultimate Home Cinema PC
I’m starting a new project for DVDTimes - I am going to build ‘The Ultimate Home Cinema PC’ using top of the range components and will take you through all of the steps needed to build a system capable of running anything you wish to throw at it. There will be no limitations on format - DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD will all be compatible and regions won’t be a restriction.
I’ll cover the hardware, software and configuration of the system and to top it all, the finished PC will be given away in a competition on DVD Times. The total retail cost is expected to be nearly £1,000.
In the run up to the article I will also update my
FilmJournal with my progress. This is an exciting project, both in terms of scope and the ability to play all formats and I hope you all find it useful.
The First Component
The first component is here - the stunning Shuttle SG33G5M. This gorgeous piece of hardware specifically designed for media centre use - it comes with every connection you need, supports all of the hardware and software we will be using and even ships with a remote control.
The Criterion news means that I’m riveted already Colin; bring it on.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:12 am
This sounds like a really interesting project, Colin. I’ve just bought an HD DVD/Blu-ray combo drive myself (an LG “Super Multi Blue”). Unfortunately, the system I’m using at the moment is a Shuttle with only two SATA connectors on its motherboard, both of which are being used for hard drives, so I won’t be able to use it until I get a new machine this summer. Still, it’s great to have an affordable solution to HTPC Blu-ray and HD DVD playback - this was only 85 quid including VAT and shipping from Saverstore.com, and comes with PowerDVD for Blu-ray/HD DVD.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Sounds great, Colin, especially if you spell it out in simple terms and great detail! Anything too technical and I’ll be lost immediately…
May 11th, 2008 at 5:55 pm