There is a lot of HTPCs for windows, but what if you have MAC os system?

what would be the best way to set up a Mac Mini as a HTPC? How do I integrate an iphone or ipodtouch as a remote to manage HTN in the home.

Thanks,

J.C.

Problems with Home Theater Connection

 

 

I just purchased a Yamaha RX-V463 AV Receiver to replace a JVC RX-D402 AV Receiver in my home theater system.  The rest of the system consists of a Samsung  HL-R6168W DLP TV and a custom made HTPC running Windows XP Media Center which contains all of my music CDs on the hard drive, a DVD drive , and a Blu-Ray drive.

            All of the connections before and with the Yamaha receiver are via HDMI cables. I have attempted to get the TV to recognize input from my HTPC connected via HDMI through the Yamaha receiver but the TV does not recognize the signals from the new connections at all.

 

What connections and settings should I employ to connect the HTPC to the TV through the Yamaha receiver?  Thanks for your assistance.

 

Barry Thompson

I have a sony kds60A3000 hdtv, Bose 321 gs II, latest SA 8300 cable box and new 80 gb Sony PS3.  I need to know how to connect this all together for the best picture and sound.  I want to  use the Bose dvd player for regular dvds and the PS3 for games and blue ray dvds.  As you are probably aware the Bose has component hookup and 1 optical audio output. Please no nays for the bose, its the only thing that works in the space available.  That  said I would appreciate the correct info to put all of this mess together.  I have ordered a 3 way opitcal audio switch and 3 good optical cables and I have a good hdmi cable.  The bose is connected to the tv presently using monster component cable.  Any expert help would be appreciated with this setup. Thanks in advance.

I am current in the design phase of a network for the whole house and I have a few basic questions to all that can answer.
1. Looking at the wiring diagram I see there are TV DirecTV tuners in each room. Is it necessary to have tuners in each room you want to have TV? Could I place my DIRECTV tuners by the main frame with TV tuners for each device and the video streamed to a HTPC on the network?
2. Is there any quality loss of the data (audio, video and HD) that is streamed from the wired not wireless network to the HTPC?
3. What is the best performing motherboard for media networking?
4. My goal is to have a wired network host with media storage, HD DVD, Blu-ray, and DirecTv receivers attached to individual rooms with HTPC, A/V receiver and LCD panels. What am I missing in my design?

Dvldwg

I note in the diagram text (tips) for the ‘ideal home theater’ that it is suggested:

 

·  If your HDTV has a VGA interconnect, then you might want to connect your HTPC straight to the VGA port instead of the receiver. This will help solve any video scaling issues that may arise.

 

Of course, most (if not all) LCDTVs have a VGA input on them.  In my new setup, I have the LCDTV hanging on the wall in the family room.  On the other side of the room is my PC (nothing special, but I suppose it could be rebuilt some day to be a real HTPC).  In any case, as a PC it has video out in the form of VGA.  Of course I do not want a bit VGA cable running through the room, so my hope is to put some sort of jack on the wall by the PC and another on the wall behind the LCDTV.  Connect from the respective devices to the respective jacks will be easy enough (i.e. by use of standard VGA cables).  What confuses me is how to connect these jacks such that I have the best quality video from the PC to the LCDTV.  I intend to run whatever cable is necessary between these jacks down the walls and under the floor which is exposed below.  Could you help me to understand what might be the best strategy in terms of cabling and jacks to get to such a solution?

So where does one start when entering the world of Home Theater set-up and getting the proper equipment? What I would like to do is have all my music, movies, entertainment in one location, controllable through a wireless network.

So there is the HTPC, NetGear Digital Entertainer HD, Apple TV, and now I just read the XBOX 360 Elite will do all this for you as well. I’m sure there are others.

Which is the best way to go? One big criteria for me is expandability, or at least knowing that what I invest in today will last and stay current for awhile (if that’s possible). I know technology does not stand still, but it would be nice to know what I buy today won’t be outdated in a week!

My current set-up consists of a Mitsubishi WD52725 Diamond Series 52″ DLP HDTV, an old Kenwood KR-V6050 dolby digital receiver, a new Toshiba D-VR5SU VHS/DVD Player/Recorder, and a Pioneer PD F1007 301 CD JukeBox. The cable HD DVR Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD from BrightHouse. Also a set of Bose 301 speakers. I tried connecting an HDMI cable directly from the DVR to the TV, but only got audio, no video! Currently do not have an HDMI output on my receiver, so I definately think I need to upgrade my receiver to newer technology. Once I do that I think I will add 2 rears and a sub to get the surround experience, which I want to do. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Back to my original question…which way to go as far as having control of all my media wirelessly, and able to play music and videos from my PC.

Thanks in advance!

GK (That’s me in the TV screen taking the photo…)

This Kenwood is ancient, but has been a workhorse. I plan on upgrading this piece with an HDMI ready unit. I’ll use this somewhere else in my home.

This Toshiba is pretty nice, very slow in powering up and opening the DVD platter though, don’t like that about it. Otherwise does just fine…has all the latest connections.

This Pioneer has aslo been a good performer. I want to get away from physical media, I want all my content available from my PC…one source.

I have a 3 year old Dell I’m thinking of connecting to my HDTV. Can a regular PC be a HTPC? How do I connect the two?

Have a question on how to setup a Home Theater Network or a question on HDTVs, HTPCs, routers, receivers, speakers, DVRs, cable/satellite boxes, PDA phones, Slingboxes, or video, audio, data cables? Then post a question in the HTNquestions category, and someone from the HTN community will help you out.