Friday, July 02, 2004
It's Been Awhile
It's been a while since I updated the HTPC Blog -- Right now I have a very nice, high performance PC -- It's not an HTPC yet, but will be ........ eventually.
What's missing is the hardware/software to provide the HD & Video Time Shift (TIVO) functionality. That along with several pieces of software to manage audio & image files.
Actually, the key component that holding up progress on this project is lack of a High Definition TV/Display/Monitor. I've pretty well settled on the Samsung DLP unit and have been waiting on the latest model release, the HLP series. The primary driver in this decision is my desire for the largest viewing area in the smallest physical space. You see, I have a custom built(read very expensive) "Entertainment Center" that we purchased several years ago. The maximum width that will fit in the cabinet is 43/44 inches(very short-sighted on my part). It so happens that the Samsung DLP (Tantus Model-Thin Bezel) in the 46" size is just under 43" wide. The next size up (50") is 46" wide. So, it looks like the 46 is the display for me. Size aside, this TV picture quality is superb especially in HD. Now here's the rub ---- the HLP (latest) models are just now being released and the thin bezel Tantus model will not be released until (my guess) the September/October time frame. I am however, pretty insistent on this display.
So, that's the dilema, and the delay. Until I get the display, the HTPC project will go on hold and lie dormant (sorta) until the fall. I just insist on doing this project (for me) the right way and minimize compromises. Time will tell how well I stick to this plan.
As I said, this project will pretty much lie dormant for awhile with only sporadic updates as new information on the display becomes available. I may also post any new findings from my continued research into new hardware/software components that may add value to the HTPC.
What's missing is the hardware/software to provide the HD & Video Time Shift (TIVO) functionality. That along with several pieces of software to manage audio & image files.
Actually, the key component that holding up progress on this project is lack of a High Definition TV/Display/Monitor. I've pretty well settled on the Samsung DLP unit and have been waiting on the latest model release, the HLP series. The primary driver in this decision is my desire for the largest viewing area in the smallest physical space. You see, I have a custom built(read very expensive) "Entertainment Center" that we purchased several years ago. The maximum width that will fit in the cabinet is 43/44 inches(very short-sighted on my part). It so happens that the Samsung DLP (Tantus Model-Thin Bezel) in the 46" size is just under 43" wide. The next size up (50") is 46" wide. So, it looks like the 46 is the display for me. Size aside, this TV picture quality is superb especially in HD. Now here's the rub ---- the HLP (latest) models are just now being released and the thin bezel Tantus model will not be released until (my guess) the September/October time frame. I am however, pretty insistent on this display.
So, that's the dilema, and the delay. Until I get the display, the HTPC project will go on hold and lie dormant (sorta) until the fall. I just insist on doing this project (for me) the right way and minimize compromises. Time will tell how well I stick to this plan.
As I said, this project will pretty much lie dormant for awhile with only sporadic updates as new information on the display becomes available. I may also post any new findings from my continued research into new hardware/software components that may add value to the HTPC.
