MrAlex

Well, there are a few things I want to clear out before I consider using a HTPC.
At the moment we have a Dreambox, and we pay to watch TV and lets just say that is all I'm going to say .
Now:
1) Is it possible for the HTPC to act like a Dreambox and watch Satellite TV? But not just freeview.
2) Are there an 'special' OSs for HTPCs, sort of like Windows Media Centre, but JUST WMC without the other stuff like desktop etc.

Thanks

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Tator Tot

1.) I don't quiet get what you mean here. What does Dreambox do and what do you need it to do?

2.) Yes, check out MythTV and this Guide to a Linux HTPC

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MrAlex

Dreambox is a satellite receiver to watch TV.
Could a HTPC do the same?

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Tator Tot

Well, you would still need a Satellite box to get your TV signal, but you can hook it up directly to an HTPC and view all your media on it.

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MrAlex

What 'device' would you need to do that?

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Tator Tot

What do you mean device?

In your normal HTPC setup, you'll need the HTPC, a TV, and the source for your TV, albeit either Cable, Satellite, or OTA shows.

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MrAlex

Sorry, I feel like such a noob
A HTPC is just a PC but that you connect to your TV, and uses weaker hardware? So to connect the receiver to the HTPC...would you need extra hardware, or just a cable to connect them together? After you connect them how do you watch TV from the HTPC?

Thanks for the help.

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7hm

An HTPC = home theater PC it doesn't have to be weak hardware, and yes you would need a coverter pci but why would you connect your sat to your HTPC O_o do you want to record ? but if you're planning to just watch TV why don't you just directly connect the sat to the tv...? most people make an HTPC to just browse and watch movies on their tv that they have on their hard drive or music or w/e

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Tator Tot

It's kay We all start out as "just a noob."

The concept of an HTPC is simple, you build a small, low power unit that will record & play all of your media files (Music, TV, Pictures) and hook it up directly to your TV.

Most of the time, since people don't bother with Over the Air TV, they connect a Satellite box or Cable box to their HTPC for the TV source.

Usually what you'll need in an HTPC is

- Small case (usually half height models are the choice for being slim)
- Remote (Logitech Harmony or Hauppauge WinTV remotes are good)
- A motherboard with a strong IGP (HD3200, GeForce 8400/9400, or GMA 4500HD)
- Low Power Dual Core (E5xxx CPU's, Athlon 64 x2's)
- 2GB of RAM (2GB DDR2 800 is usually the standard)
- A TV card (ATi's All-in-Wonder & Hauppauge WinTV are good choices)
- A power supply (if not supplied with the case)
- A large Hard Drive, usually in the 500-1TB variety.

It's all up to you on how much you want to spend. Some people like to add in Sound Cards so they can use their Home Theatre setup. (The fancy ones.)

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lilraver018

Hmm well as far as satalite hooked up to your htpc is dueable.

But there recently has been news of people modding a cable card and have used it hooked up to a htpc, which is probbly what your looking for.

But as far as availability, your out of luck due to no company has picked the tech yet

http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/d...equipped-htpc/

link for more info.