My First HTPC build

[nemesis]

Hi Folks
Been browsing the forum for the last few days and hopefully have picked up some of the stuff I need to know.
I am about to take the leap and build myself an all singing all dancing gaming HTPC. I have no problems with the hardware spec for the PC part as I have built many pc’s and am A+ certified. However, I am a complete newbie at everything else so any help I can get will be gratefully received. I know this is not going to be the easiest of journeys and understand that this should be treated as an ongoing project that will probably never end but I am up for the challenge LOL.
So far in reading the forums I have come to the conclusion that to be able to have v*cable running on my htpc box to be, I probably need the following items to get started:
To enable encryption of channels on the pc.
FloppyDVTV C/CI Card
A CAM (Blue Zeta or Icecrypt)
CAS 3+ Programmer
Funcard 3,4 or 5
Could someone kindly confirm that this is correct?
I will obviously be reading further on how to flash, what to flash etc as I get further into the build.
A Few early questions:
If I am going down this route for cable TV ( I will add freeview or freesat abilities later) what will be the best options with the least hassle for a newbie with the following choices:
Operating systems
XP, Vista, Win7?
32 or 64 Bit?
Media Centre Application.
Microsoft Media Centre, Media Portal, XMBC or something else?
Thanks in advance to anyone prepared to give their advice.
Nemesis

[MortUK]

Hi Nemesis,

Welcome to the forum..

I've been using Windows Media Centre since the first build on XP in 2004. I've tried a few different HTPC solutions but always come back to Media Centre. It's a good, sturdy interface, It doesn't do everything that the competition does but it's nice and simple and looks good..

The latest version in Windows 7 is extremely stable and work exactly how it should. The previous versions in XP and Vista always had bugs. I'd recommend it.

As far as 32bit or 64bit goes i know that the Media Centre App is a 64bit application within windows. Whereas Media Player is 32bit.. So if you have a 64bit processor it definitely go for the 64bit version.. The driver support appears to be all sorted now unlike with Vista.

You appear to be on track with the cable tuners.. The tricky bit will be getting hold of a Cam with the Joker 79 F/W.. and I think the Floppy DTV's are pretty hard to get hold of too.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Mort..

[nemesis]

Thanks for the reply Mort

Thats great, I wanted to go the win7 route as I am not happy with Vista and XP is a bit boring for this app.

I am already starting to find that getting hold of this kit is going to be a difficult task at best. The other problem even if I do find a floppy dvt c/ci is there will obviously be no support available should I have a problem with the manufacturer closed for buiness.

Are there any viable alternatives?

Thanks for your help.

Nemeis

[MortUK]

To be honest I'm not sure how the other routes/cards work out.. I'm using the FloppyDTV so haven't experimented.

Have a look Here:

Windows 7 MC + DVBVIewer + DVB Link . Finally...cable TV within Media Centre

It might help if you can't get hold of the hardware.. Haven't tried it myself..

[bilbo1161]

I'm using a TT-1501 c with softcam and running MediaPortal and its as sweet as a nut.

[nemesis]

Thanks Guys

I will investigate further

Regards

Nemesis

[nemesis]

Hi Bilbo

"I'm using a TT-1501 c with softcam and running MediaPortal and its as sweet as a nut."

Which softcam are you using? And what other software is needed?

Thanks

Nemesis

[safe-cracker]

ive not used it but try the vplug thread up top.

[nemesis]

Thanks Safe Cracker I will have a look.

Regards

Nemesis

[N2h221]

good build mate, looking forward to some pics