For my case, after doing some research and what most other HTPC users are using, I decided to get the Hauppauge WinTV PVR-150 Media Center Kit, with PCI video input card, a Media Center remote controller and and best of all, an InfraRed (IR) Blaster that can send IR signal directly to the Astro decoder to change the channels. This is very important to be able to do scheduled tv recording.
Setting up the WinTV-PVR 150 is pretty straight forward, just install the software and detect the tv input signal. For my case, I use S-Video for video input ( better picture quality ) and RCA left & right for audio input.
On the Astro decoder output, I have multiple options for audio and video out. For digital audio, I connected the SPDIF optical cable directly to my AV receiver. For analog audio, I use a pair of Y-RCA splitter to split the L+R audio RCA connectors, one pair to the HTPC as mention above and another pair directly to my plasma tv.
As for the video output, I use the RCA video connector to my plasma tv and S-Video into the WinTV card. My HTPC connection to the plasma tv is via a HDMI connection.
Buying a home theater will of course cost you a lot but you’ll also be able to enjoy its benefits. Once you buy a home theater you need to design your room accordingly. This will help you get the actual movie experience.
ReplyDeleteIs those item on the right of the remote control is the ir blaster
ReplyDeleteYes & no, that is the IR receiver to USB but it have a long wires to connect to the set top box / satellite receiver to change the channels..
ReplyDeleteIt is a 2 in one, IR receiver and IR blaster...
Is there any new card or development on htpc build with astro beyond? It seem this blog is due long for new updates, so I am more curious on how to setup a htpc with astro beyond..
ReplyDelete