HTPC vs. seperate components

[cjv998]

Hi everyone, I've been debating the idea of an HTPC all-in-one media/PC system for a while now. Basically, I'd like to use a PC to feed (and as a source of) all audio and video signals to a 42" 1080p plasma (which I don't own yet) and an amp and 2.1 stereo system (I've got that part covered, but I may upgrade to a 5.1 system and new receiver later). Alternatively, I guess you could say I want to use the plasma as a PC monitor (yeah, I know...burn-in, but the Panasonic I'm looking at does pixel-wobbling, so I'm not super-concerned about it) I have a few concerns with this, however, which is why I'm here.

1. How would the image quality be when using a standard PC DVD drive to play a DVD on that large of a screen, where artifacts, etc. would be more noticeable?

2. How would sound quality of a decent consumer-grade sound card (ohh, let's say an M-Audio Revolution 5.1, because that's what I have ) compare to a decent 5.1 (or higher) receiver? I suppose using digital-out to the receiver is a possibility here too.

So basically, do you lose out on A/V quality by using a PC as a source vs. using individual components (e.g. stand-alone consumer-grade DVD players)?

It just seems really logical to combine home theater and PCs, and I don't get why this hasn't caught on more. I mean, the PC already plays A/V material, and with the newer hard drives, they have the potential to store loads of media.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Sta!nless]

So basically, do you lose out on A/V quality by using a PC as a source vs. using individual components (e.g. stand-alone consumer-grade DVD players)?

Compared to $30 walmart DVD players, HTPC is the way to go. I can't really comment on high end upscaling players. And it's really nice having tons of media at your finger tips.

I don't think HTPC's will ever catch on to the masses. There really isn't a lot of people that have the patience or the know how when it comes to building one yourself. I know you can buy pre configured media PC's, but I think they are pretty expensive.