The one you build on your own, without a doubt. Check AVS Forums, there are tons of threads there filled with posters that would love to help you. The link at the bottom is to user renethx's guide (dated in August) to multiple builds, as well as performance standards. renethx is an amazing guy, and if you post in that same thread your proposed build he and other very capable members will point out where you could improve, save money etc.
I know it's daunting to build your own machine but seriously, it's well worth it. Read up about it online -- it's incredibly simple to do now-a-days. If you're really scared, I bet you know someone geeky enough to help. You should know living in the HD world that "high end" pre-build components cost a hojillion dollars. This is one area where you can absolutely tackle it yourself, learn a little bit and really be proud of your result. That's the route I took and I'm extremely glad I did!
There isn't a difference. Any pre-fabbed HTPC that any manufacturer churns out can be cloned in a build-it-yourself setting. You can add your own tuners (for "premium cable" the cable company will have to send the cable over ClearQAM or provide CableCard), often many more than the pre-fabbed folks offer.
You can't view premium digital channels on a DIY machine. Maybe you didn't get the memo, but cable card decoders only work on cablelabs certified bios/mainboards.
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The one you build on your own, without a doubt. Check AVS Forums, there are tons of threads there filled with posters that would love to help you. The link at the bottom is to user renethx's guide (dated in August) to multiple builds, as well as performance standards. renethx is an amazing guy, and if you post in that same thread your proposed build he and other very capable members will point out where you could improve, save money etc.
I know it's daunting to build your own machine but seriously, it's well worth it. Read up about it online -- it's incredibly simple to do now-a-days. If you're really scared, I bet you know someone geeky enough to help. You should know living in the HD world that "high end" pre-build components cost a hojillion dollars. This is one area where you can absolutely tackle it yourself, learn a little bit and really be proud of your result. That's the route I took and I'm extremely glad I did!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=85
I guess I was thinking that a true HTPC is one that includes the ability to tune premium digital cable.
There isn't a difference. Any pre-fabbed HTPC that any manufacturer churns out can be cloned in a build-it-yourself setting. You can add your own tuners (for "premium cable" the cable company will have to send the cable over ClearQAM or provide CableCard), often many more than the pre-fabbed folks offer.
You can't view premium digital channels on a DIY machine. Maybe you didn't get the memo, but cable card decoders only work on cablelabs certified bios/mainboards.