Brad, thanks for the chuckle :) I'm sure you know that the term just means that you are 'blind' to which signal comes from which source (i.e., you 'a-b' the sources without knowing which is which)

I know, thanks for the benefit of the doubt.

Randy,

The quality of the DVD experience via an HTPC is dependant on many factors. You have processor power, software player used, and audio card in use. It is also dependant on the type of display to which you are outputing.

I would agree that an HTPC output to a 27" TV via svideo or composite will not have a stunning result. In fact I would venture to say it would look worse than a $129 player.

But a HTPC running the latest version of PowerDVD, output to a HDTV or FPTV via the RGB inputs can't be touched by any store bought DVD player yet. This is including the progressive players on the market. An HTPC has the ability through scaling to display non-enhanced discs better than I have ever seen. In a blind test I am sure you would see the difference on a 100" screen. I know I have on my 53" HDTV! Using a soundcard that has a digital output, the sound, to my ears, is equivilent in both DD5.1 and DTS.

The only problem I have with the HTPC solution is the noise of the fans cooling my Athlon 600. It is distracting with my currnt setup because it is not enclosed in an A/V cabinet.

A reasonably priced remote that could control my HTPC would be beneficial as well.

Have fun!

Mike

I could definately see the logic in what you just said, but the hang up is "output to a HDTV or FPTV". That adds at least $5-10 thousand! I'd GUESS that the chap who started the thread wanted to know about using his computer's DVD to SAVE money :-)

Agreed :)

There is nothing inexpensive about integrating a HTPC in an av system. Hell, the RGB cable costs more than the aformentioned $129 dvd player!

Ouch! That puts things in perspective!

Have to interject again. There are HD-FPTV for $5000 - $10,000( and $40,000 too !) But there are also very high quality HD-RPTVs (without HDTV tuners) for around $2000 like the Toshiba TW40X81 among others. These will do progressive and are reasonably priced.

As for the hyperbole about the RGB cables, good component RGB cables can be had for $40 and under.

All told, the cost is still LESS than integrating a stand alone Progressive DVD player into your home theater.

-oliver

Oliver,

If you can find me a good RGB cable that spans my required 45' for $40 dollars, I'm game.

Well that's another story. But when you say:

"the RGB cable costs more than the aformentioned $129 dvd player!"

you can't assume people need a 45' cable.

I mean how many people do you know who have 45' of distance between their DVD and TV? That being said, its really irrelevant to the cost of integrating a HTPC into your HT. If you went with a stand alone Progressive DVD player, your cable costs for a 45' set of good component cables would be about equivalent.

-oliver

Ok, I'm with you. I used the example for it's shock value. I would just like to stress the draw to HTPC is the performance advantage not the cost savings.

Mike