Hello, I am new to the HTPC arena. I am trying to build a low cost (not cheap) HTPC. I am planning on using winXP pro and i will incorporate remote control and wireless keyboard and mouse. I need someone to help me with the type of video card i will need and also the direction for software needed for this project. I would like the unit to be able to record live tv, of course, and be able to burn it to dvd or vcd. I would also like it to interface with my home thearter stereo so i can play mp3's and movies through it's speakers. BTW- i was going to use a athlon 1.33 Ghz CPU with at least 256 if not 512mb or ram. Any help on this subject would be great!

Funny, I just mentioned this in another post. I use hauppage PVR (Personal Video Recorder) connected (with svideo) to my digital TV receiver. I can get some good quality recordings this way. With Pinnacle as my editor I can turn out some good quality disks (complete with dolby surround sound) that can be used in my home theater system.

Here's a copy and paste from another forum about a month and half ago... "My wannabe htpc is gettin' closer; "$20 APEX case w/ 300w psu MSI K7T Turbo2 2400+ @ 143x15 @ 1.625v 256Mb generic PC133 ram (needed the matching stick for my PIII667) Gigabyte 9600se video @ 430core/243memory MSI tv@nywhere plus 19" Viewsonic A90f+ crt monitor 20Gig WD + 6.4Gig WD hdd's Memorex 24-48-24 16x DVD ROM Aerogate 3 fan speed controller w/80mm intake and 80mm exhaust fans set at minimum rpm (can't hear this thing at the most quiet part of the night) EverCool WC300 water cooling (small self contained unit) SolidTek ACK-571 ir keyboard/mouse $79.95 AudioVox stereo for sound AirLink USB wireless for network and DSL This thing does a great job as is for tv, dvd's, and music while folding 24/7. Wireless mm kybd and MSI remote work just fine. I might add an inexpensive dvd writer this month but, don't have any real plans to take it any further." Like I said, it works 24/7 folding at 100% cpu and is always available for dvd's, tv, and video capture. Low dollar and works as intended is a good deal for me. Software also includes pinnacle 8.0...works like a champ. Skip

i use this http://www.leadtek.com/multimedia/winfast_tv_usb2_1.html very happy with it

Thanks everyone for your posts. I am looking for an all internal solution. What are the requirements of the vid card i need? What type of outputs are required? Do i need to purchase a top of the line vid card as well as sound card? I want it to be able to play through my existing home thearter setup.