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New PC build/Play HD movies on my new TV (LC-37LE320E)

I am looking to build a new pc that I can use to watch HD 1080p films directly from my recently purchased Sharp AQUOS LC-37LE320E TV. I assume that the main ingredient here would be the graphics card. So my question is:

Which graphics card should I buy and which connection to the TV should I use to get the best quality experience when watching these films? and to compliment this card, which other components should I buy (Mobo, processor etc). My main requirments of the pc are as follows:

I mainly will use the pc for internet and watching films (no games)

I want the pc to run fast.

I want a quiet case.

I don't mind spending a bit to get a decent machine but I'd like to keep the cost of the box under a £1000.

Thanks in advance

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Cesar Aracena

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droyden

I would go for a Acer Revo, they have dedicated NVidia GPU and are running a dual core atom processor. All decoding/playing is pushed onto the GPU. They are also very small and quiet.

You can install xbmc on these and they are great HTPC's (www.xbmc.org)

Unless you are planning on gaming etc on this PC you do not require anything more than one of these.

SOLUTION

CHutchins

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droyden

Revo + XBMC has a huge support community, I run xbmc on a custom built AMD (AM2) HTPC. If I was to do it again I would get a revo without a second thought.

The Revo will of course not capture TV although I'm not sure if that was a pre-req. It will push audio out over hdmi and I believe it has spdif for optical if you have an amp

Darren S

ASKER

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Lots to think about.

The revo looks to be a bit too purpose built and low spec. I am hoping for quite a good spec pc so I'm much more drawn to a HTPC with something from the "i" range of processors and an nvidea graphics or similar.

I will have a shop about and see what kit I can get hold of within my price range.

Thanks again

droyden

The Revo pushes the video decoding onto the GPU, which is why a i-series processor is overkill. good luck in your build tho