Previous
Windows 7 media center review
Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 review
HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?
How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center
DISH Network launches remote DVR control
Engadget HD Podcast 157 - 09.29.2009
Paradigm SUB 25 subwoofer review
Engadget goes behind the Dolby logo
Breaking news Feed
- Best Buy partnering with CinemaNow to stream first-run DVDs to 'all web-connected devices sold'
- Netflix coming next month to PlayStation 3
- Toshiba details CELL REGZA LCD TV, coming December to Japan (update: video!)
- Intel announces Atom CE4100 for insanely powerful cable boxes and Blu-ray players
- Media Center CableCARDs freed from OEM requirement
- Samsung's LED TV Couple packs a 7-inch tablet remote for streaming TV and so much more
- Toshiba BDX2000 Blu-ray player coming November for $250, gives HD-DVD the final cold shoulder
- PS3 Slim bitstreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last
- Xbox 360 officially the only console to stream Netflix -- sorry, PS3 and Wii
- Toshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon
Featured stories Feed
- Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray mini-review
- Ask Engadget HD: Is it (still) a good time to buy a TiVo?
- Pace and Rovi work together to make a standard set-top a true multi-room DVR
- Ready or not, the latest 3D technology is coming home
- How to automatically skip commercials in Windows 7 Media Center
- Ask Engadget HD: How do you evaluate HDTVs in-store?
- Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN impressions
- Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for gaming?
- TDK's heavily stacked 320GB disc shows its nearly-clear face at CEATEC
- Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder seen behind three-dee glass at CEATEC
- 'Street Fighter' Tattoo Takes 'Chic' Out of Geek Chic, Maybe 'Geek,' Too
- Just Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room
- Phoneride the Whip: Drive Your Car With Your iPhone
- Pizza Hut iPhone App Bringing in the Dough, Google Offers Storage Discounts
- Google 'Caffeine' to Jack Up Your Searches
Resources
Sections
- Announcements
- Ask Engadget HD
- DIY
- Features
- Industry
- Misc
- Podcasts
- Polls
- Regulatory
- Reviews
- Blu-ray
- Cables
- Camcorders
- Displays
- DVRs
- HD DVD
- Media PCs
- Media streamers
- Other formats
- Other hardware
- Players
- Ports
- Receivers
- Recorders
- Remotes
- Set-top boxes
- Speakers
- Switches
- Tuners
Hardware
Manufacturers
WIN Network
- Autos
- Technology
- Lifestyle
- Gaming
- Finance
- Entertainment on AOL
- Lifestyle on AOL
- Sports on AOL
- Travel on AOL
- Also on AOL
Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Big John @ Nov 14th 2008 12:50AM
The one you build on your own, without a doubt. Check AVS Forums, there are tons of threads there filled with posters that would love to help you. The link at the bottom is to user renethx's guide (dated in August) to multiple builds, as well as performance standards. renethx is an amazing guy, and if you post in that same thread your proposed build he and other very capable members will point out where you could improve, save money etc.
I know it's daunting to build your own machine but seriously, it's well worth it. Read up about it online -- it's incredibly simple to do now-a-days. If you're really scared, I bet you know someone geeky enough to help. You should know living in the HD world that "high end" pre-build components cost a hojillion dollars. This is one area where you can absolutely tackle it yourself, learn a little bit and really be proud of your result. That's the route I took and I'm extremely glad I did!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=85
Nate @ Nov 14th 2008 9:36AM
I guess I was thinking that a true HTPC is one that includes the ability to tune premium digital cable.
Big John @ Nov 14th 2008 9:59AM
There isn't a difference. Any pre-fabbed HTPC that any manufacturer churns out can be cloned in a build-it-yourself setting. You can add your own tuners (for "premium cable" the cable company will have to send the cable over ClearQAM or provide CableCard), often many more than the pre-fabbed folks offer.
Nate @ Nov 14th 2008 2:35PM
You can't view premium digital channels on a DIY machine. Maybe you didn't get the memo, but cable card decoders only work on cablelabs certified bios/mainboards.