[Solved] First time HTPC build for 1080 HD Output

Alright, here is the deal: I have been scouring the internet trying to do research on building an HTPC. I have come across a lot of great information but am still at a slight loss as to what to choose in the realm of Motherboard and CPU.

I am not locked down to AMD or Intel. Although from what I can tell, the i3; i5; i7 processors dominate the HTPC build community, although if AMD is better, I would like to know it.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the Next 6 Months
BUDGET RANGE: $500-1000
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Television Viewing; DVR functionality; Video Ripping & Encoding.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Need everything except monitor. Completely fresh build.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: No real preference as long as they are trustworthy. I regularly use Newegg.com; Zipzoomfly.com; and Amazon.com.
PARTS PREFERENCES: Nothing firm atm, just want the most bang for my buck.
OVERCLOCKING: Don't see a need for it.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Don't see a need for it.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080; HD resolutions for a 40" LCD, with future expandability for a larger screen.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I don't need nor necessarily want on board graphics, I am fine with an add on card for that job, although I am open to the idea of on board graphics if it will be able to handle what I need it to. I do need it to output both HD video to 1080 AND HD audio. I am also looking to have 4 TV tuners so a good recommendation for that would be superb. I have been looking at a Micro-ATX form factor board.

I have built gaming rigs before, but I am unsure on the nuances of HD video playback and encoding. I know that type of stuff uses much more CPU power, but I am unsure on what to look for in the rest of the components. I appreciate everyone's help on this.

Onboard graphics can handle 1080p perfectly fine. What kind of computer case are you looking for?

Most people, myself included, use a microATX case that looks similar to a regualr receiver you'd find in an entertainment center.

That is unique, having built a microATX HTPC myself I strongly recommend a modular power supply.

Room will be cramped as it is, and being able to remove unused cables is a huge plus.

The InfiniTV 4 is (will be) a single card with four tuners. It was supposed to have been released by now, but continues to be delayed.

-Wolf sends

Thank you for that info jaguarskx, quite helpful. One more quick question for the community though. I want to digitize my entire movie collection so I don't have to rely on inserting dvd's to watch a movie, while DVD's aren't really an issue I haven't been able to figure out how to transfer a Blu Ray while preserving it's full HD quality (essentially playing the movie from a file but essentially being the same as if I had inserted the disc). Are there any programs or methods that make it possible to do this?

http://www.networkedmediatank.com/ [...] ?tid=13569

This link seems to have some interesting information relevant to your last question.

Regarding the quad-core for encoding + discreet video card, have you decided how you'll address heat issues in a small case in your entertainment center?

Yes, more than likely I will be using a liquid cooling system. I currently use a Zalman RESERATOR 1 V2 in my gaming rig and even during gaming sessions it keeps my CPU cool enough I can actually touch it without feeling much heat, so I may be using that for my HTPC as well. The case I plan on using is supposed to actually have great air flow as well.

The case will be anything but standard, it has room for a full ATX board and still has lots of room in the case for full size Video Cards and the Reserator actually has a VERY small footprint.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 63938&SID=

That is the link to the case I will likely be using.