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
Hi Colin,
I’ve built a media center using one of these shuttles, fantastic machine, don’t forget to check out this thread for hints & tips http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=610412
Good Luck!
May 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Well nearly 2 months have passed and I’m almost ready to start. Hopefully the final component will be turning up today and I’ll start putting together the PC next week
July 4th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Have you made any progress?
July 27th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I have - in fact that article is now complete here:
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=68337
I didn’t actually get time to post here whilst putting together the PC, but the final product is well worth investigating.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:14 am