Creating a full-blown multimedia configuration

[TVeblen]

Hoping that someone is already doing this.
What I am dreaming of is building a PC to integrate into a complete home
entertainment system network. That means connecting my PC to my TV (with all
of it's input/output devices) and my sound system (with all of it's
input/output devices) and back. I would like to play mp3s from my pc on my
sound system, listen to cassette tapes (dating myself) on my PC, watch you
tube videos on my TV, and of course use the PC as a DVR/PVR and watch the
content on my TV. (and a spaceship and a pony....)
I have looked at and understand how to do each task individually (you could
just plug a mini jack into the sound card and split it to RCA into the AUX
jack on the amp to play the mp3s), but I am thinking of a sleeker, seamless,
more built-in setup complete with remote control that works all components
(hidden in cabinets and using an RF transmitter or equal). And of course all
the equipment is far-flung. Computers in my office, sound system in a
closet/cabinet, TV in the Family Room.
The problem I'm having is the wiring/connections/interface. What cables to
use, where to plug them in ( want to use the sound card jack for the
computer speakers and don't want to run a wire from the front panel
connector - haven't seen any sound cards that have multiple output jacks),
and software that can do the job.

Are any of you guys doing this already? Or are we just not there yet as far
as the hardware/software goes? Not really interested in setting up a Rube
Goldberg machine here.

 

[Conor]

Hoping that someone is already doing this.
What I am dreaming of is building a PC to integrate into a complete home
entertainment system network. That means connecting my PC to my TV (with all
of it's input/output devices) and my sound system (with all of it's
input/output devices) and back. I would like to play mp3s from my pc on my
sound system, listen to cassette tapes (dating myself) on my PC, watch you
tube videos on my TV, and of course use the PC as a DVR/PVR and watch the
content on my TV. (and a spaceship and a pony....)
I have looked at and understand how to do each task individually (you could
just plug a mini jack into the sound card and split it to RCA into the AUX
jack on the amp to play the mp3s), but I am thinking of a sleeker, seamless,
more built-in setup complete with remote control that works all components
(hidden in cabinets and using an RF transmitter or equal). And of course all
the equipment is far-flung. Computers in my office, sound system in a
closet/cabinet, TV in the Family Room.
The problem I'm having is the wiring/connections/interface. What cables to
use, where to plug them in ( want to use the sound card jack for the
computer speakers and don't want to run a wire from the front panel
connector - haven't seen any sound cards that have multiple output jacks),
and software that can do the job.

Are any of you guys doing this already? Or are we just not there yet as far
as the hardware/software goes? Not really interested in setting up a Rube
Goldberg machine here.

Firstly, there's nothing you can do about the tapedeck.

If it were me....

LCD/Plasma TV with DVI/VGA in.
PC with DVB tuner TV card.
Soundblaster Audigy or better soundcard.
5.1 surround sound amplifier with optical input.

PC connects to TV via DVI/VGA. As well as showing media, also acts as
the tuner etc.
PC connects to amplifier via optical out from soundcard.
Tape deck connects to PC MIC/Line in.

For the OS, you need Windows Media Centre. It will provide all the
functionality you need for a remote controlled media hub.

 

[geoff]

The only disadvantage with a tv card is if you have digital tv, you lose
many services like pay per view and some channels are encoded, which could
not be viewed.

The only way to restore the services is to run the signal through the cable
company's digital cable box but if you do that, there is no way to make a
connection to the pc. Digital tv cards only have cable as input and digital
cable boxes only have a 3 cable analogue output or dvi.

-g

 

[TVeblen]

Firstly, there's nothing you can do about the tapedeck.

If it were me....

LCD/Plasma TV with DVI/VGA in.
PC with DVB tuner TV card.
Soundblaster Audigy or better soundcard.
5.1 surround sound amplifier with optical input.

PC connects to TV via DVI/VGA. As well as showing media, also acts as
the tuner etc.
PC connects to amplifier via optical out from soundcard.
Tape deck connects to PC MIC/Line in.

For the OS, you need Windows Media Centre. It will provide all the
functionality you need for a remote controlled media hub.

DVB is Digital Video Broadcasting? I just took a quick search at Newegg. No
hits. I'll check more later.
The Audigy card has the CD/AUX IN jack. That's a nice extra feature, but I
still think I need two outputs. Is two cards possible?
The connections are logical, but are they bi-directional?
The tape deck thing relates to converting formats. Currently when burning
old vinyl and tape to mp3 I just use a temporary patch cord that just snakes
across the floor while I'm ripping and I roll it up and put it away when I'm
done. Gotta pull things out and switch plugs and toggles (boo-hoo). I'm
fishing for any better alternatives.
Thanks for your input. Every little bit is helpful. I can't find any
comprehensive info on this, as most web sites on this subject are herding
you towards custom installed home entertainment contractors and stores.
Looking for DYI info and groups.

 

[Frank McCoy]

The only disadvantage with a tv card is if you have digital tv, you lose
many services like pay per view and some channels are encoded, which could
not be viewed.

OTOH, as pointed-out in our newspaper today, the digital signals
recieved "off the air" are usually *much* better than those highly
compressed by the cable company down into only a little better than the
old NTSC standard.

Cable companies just *cannot afford* to host many full-bandwidth HDTV
signals; as about a dozen would take up *all* of the bandwidth they have
available for "regular" channels ... even compressed.

So they cheat; figuring (probably rightly) that most users won't ever
notice.