Help me build a Divx system please

[cablejuggaloz]

Ok I want to build a slimline Divx machine that can go in with my home theater system. I would like it to look as close to a stereo component as possible. I need help finding:

1. Slimline case that looks like a stereo component (would like usb in the front so it is easy to get at if I need to hook up a keyboard)
2. A motherboard that will fit it
3. A video card that handles Divx but also has TV in and time shifting software and composite out (no s-video, my tv and VCR ony have composite). Will not game on this system so don't need a gaming chipset.

Can anyone direct me in the right direction here?

[cablejuggaloz]

I found this at Newegg, I think it is exactly what I need. Anyone see anything better than this yet?

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....130-129-02.jpg

[WaRmAsTeR]

Hi,

Looks like a really nice case, but could you please post a link to the site so that we can see the specifications and maybe recommend other components to complement it...

Looks like a cool project...
I think first thing would be to determine what kind of hardware/software you are going to use...

I think WinXP is a good choice for that kind of system...
As for the hardware part, I would be tempted by a Mini-ITX board, but you would first have to analyse your requirements and see wheter or not that kind of system can offer the performance you need...

[AverageJoe]

I would deffiantly check out the mini-itx format if you're just looking for a divx system. The latest one, the Nehemiah M10000, is powerful enough to play all types of video formats without skipping. Check out a review of it here.

This is what I would get, all from newegg:
VIA Motherboard and Integrated CPU Model# EPIA-M10000 NEHEMIAH - RTL
$178
KINGSTON KVR266X64C25/512 512MB DDR PC2100 - OEM
$58
Seagate 40GB 7200rpm EIDE Hard Drive OEM Barracuda 7200.7 ST340014A
$67
Casetronic Mini ITX-2677R (Black) Desktop PC - Retail
$68
LITE-ON XJ-HD166/XJ-HD 165H 16X DVD ROM Drive BLACK- OEM
$33

TOTAL: $404 + S/H

You can gut almost $15 if you get a WD or maxtor HD, but I chose a seagate since it's the quiestest of the three.

[Tripitz]

Just to point something out in case you haven't had it mentioned yet, but the next generation of HD films/movies and broadcasts are very cpu intensive. There is already a push going forward towards releasing movies in HD format. (There are some out). This is going to pick up momentum pretty quickly and unless you are buying top of the line equipment, you will not be able to play back any of this stuff. (My pc hooked up to my HDTV is a p4 2.0 with gf3 ti500 and 512mb pc800 rdram cannot handle any of the higher resolutions for playback of media). It would make sense to use your pc to playback this higher level of media since it looks better and is often much cheaper to do it on the pc than on a stand alone back. Something to consider....

[qweryujo]

You could look into the MSI or Shuttle mini barebone systems. The MSI has some issues with airflow, and it has orange accents which may be a bad thing. The Shuttle from what I've heard is a bit on the loud side. Anyways, you don't have to worry about getting something very fast because you are connecting it to your tv via composite. Because of this, I assume you aren't using a very high end tv, so the image quality and demands of the new HD-DVD's won't concern you since they won't give a noticeable quality increase anyways.

[OS-Wiz]

I'd choose the following case and a microATX mobo, at newegg.com

Cooler Master ATC-620C-BX1 ( Black ). 5-Bay Desk Top(Micro ATX) Case - Retail. Specifications: Material: Aluminum Alloy Bezel with steel body Drive Bays: External 2 x 5.25", 1 x 3.5" Internal 2 x 3.5" Expansion Slots: 4 USB/IO: 2 x USB, 1 x IEEE1394 (Firewire) Case Fans: 1 x 60mm (rear see pics) Power Supply: ***No Power Supply*** Approx Dimensions: 16.6" (W) x 5.5" (H) x 17.5"(L) Model#: ATC-620C-BX1
FedEx Saver Shipping $12.00
$128.00

[AMD Soldier]

Originally posted by cablejuggaloz
Ok I want to build a slimline Divx machine that can go in with my home theater system. I would like it to look as close to a stereo component as possible. I need help finding:

1. Slimline case that looks like a stereo component (would like usb in the front so it is easy to get at if I need to hook up a keyboard)
2. A motherboard that will fit it
3. A video card that handles Divx but also has TV in and time shifting software and composite out (no s-video, my tv and VCR ony have composite). Will not game on this system so don't need a gaming chipset.

Can anyone direct me in the right direction here?

I just replied in this thread here... http://sharkyforums.com/showthread.p...hreadid=194459

That should help you steer the right way.

I was in much the same boat your in now. Having just built our house and finishin up the theater room, I needed a small nice HTPC. The Shuttle has been great thus far.

In the end I also found out it wasn't as expensive as I thought it would me. For Divx, all you really need is a 1gig Duron paired with 256mb DDR. Mine came out costing me under $400 for the complete box. (bare bones is $320 at newegg, you can imagine how cheap the other parts were )

Anyways, the playback is great, it's pretty quiet, great features (S/PDIF output), and highly mobile.

Hope this helps.