Page 2: Loading and Testing, Conclusion
<B>Load it up</B>:
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The next thing to do is to install the OS. Once that is done, make sure to get all the drives and updates. It is still a normal PC, with all the vulnerabilities. After you did all that, load the support software and test it.
<B>A box dammit</B>:
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</center>
Remember, I choose function before form. I needed some POS thing to put the parts in until I find a good small case (or make one up). I found this box that I'll use and it worked well.
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</center>
Once it is all connected, it was time to test the HTPC.
<B>Testing</B>:
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</center>
Make sure the unit is set for TV out and then plug it into a TV. See if the unit works, make sure you get all the settings for color and resolution right. I choose 720x480, it looked the best on my TV (larger one that pictured). I am using NTSC and the TV isn't new, so it isn't as good as a new TV would be with S-Video.
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</center>
Pop in a DVD and make sure the playback isn't jerky. If it is, you have a problem. Try to fix it by adding more Ram or even getting a less bloaty OS. If you still have trouble, maybe your software isn't taking advantage of the hardware MPEG decoder. Once you get the DVDs working, try playing some MP3s and DivX. If those work, you are all set.
<B>What's Next?</B>:
The next step is to find a case to put everything in. The hardware aside, the case is the one of the most important aspects of the HTPC. It is taking the place of a DVD player, CD Player and other media players. It will be the center of attention and must be nice to look at and not loud!
<B>Wrap it up</B>:
Building a HTPC is pretty simple with the right components. Most of you will choose form before function, but it has to work right? Always testing the components before. Too slow might be the death of the HTPC for you. Don't skimp on the speed, get the fastest board and CPU that you can afford. Stick around for Part 2 of the guide soon. If you have any ideas for a case, or know of places that sell nice ITX cases, let me know.
<center>
</center>The next thing to do is to install the OS. Once that is done, make sure to get all the drives and updates. It is still a normal PC, with all the vulnerabilities. After you did all that, load the support software and test it.
<B>A box dammit</B>:
<center>
</center>Remember, I choose function before form. I needed some POS thing to put the parts in until I find a good small case (or make one up). I found this box that I'll use and it worked well.
<center>
</center>Once it is all connected, it was time to test the HTPC.
<B>Testing</B>:
<center>
</center>Make sure the unit is set for TV out and then plug it into a TV. See if the unit works, make sure you get all the settings for color and resolution right. I choose 720x480, it looked the best on my TV (larger one that pictured). I am using NTSC and the TV isn't new, so it isn't as good as a new TV would be with S-Video.
<center>
</center>Pop in a DVD and make sure the playback isn't jerky. If it is, you have a problem. Try to fix it by adding more Ram or even getting a less bloaty OS. If you still have trouble, maybe your software isn't taking advantage of the hardware MPEG decoder. Once you get the DVDs working, try playing some MP3s and DivX. If those work, you are all set.
<B>What's Next?</B>:
The next step is to find a case to put everything in. The hardware aside, the case is the one of the most important aspects of the HTPC. It is taking the place of a DVD player, CD Player and other media players. It will be the center of attention and must be nice to look at and not loud!
<B>Wrap it up</B>:
Building a HTPC is pretty simple with the right components. Most of you will choose form before function, but it has to work right? Always testing the components before. Too slow might be the death of the HTPC for you. Don't skimp on the speed, get the fastest board and CPU that you can afford. Stick around for Part 2 of the guide soon. If you have any ideas for a case, or know of places that sell nice ITX cases, let me know.