HTPC Spec recomendations.

[Chunce DeLeone]

I have an HP 6000DV laptop, an "entertainment laptop" that really dissapoints when playing video vga out to my 50 inch Plasma.  Every kind of video I play, DVD MKV AVI etc.,  has artifacts and has a hroizontal tearing.  The video is the NVIDIA 8400m GT.  Maybee there is something I can do to get better quality and smooth out all the artifacts  and tearing but I have not found a solution so I am thinking of getting a Desktop HTPC going.  I don't want to, and don't need the craziest most expensive stuff out there but I want perfect quality video playback.  What kind of specs should I get.  Stand alone video card, or and onboard solution?  What are some of your HTPC setup?  Also does your HTPC play DVD's as good or better than a Standalone Regular DVD player?  If you look close to mine you can see everything is little squares.   

[ark_ader]

I get that too on my laptop when I use the large screen TV.  Mine is a Asus F3 with a 8400gm.  I get the same issues as you do, even with the DVI connection.

I would look at getting something with a HD graphics card.  Prices are in free fall at the moment, so I would get something that looks good, and has no thermal issues.  Best going to the store and checking out the HTPCs, and putting you hand at the rear of the case.  Some of them can cook at the back.  I prefer to go to the mom & pop stores than buying online.

Nothing to stop you making your own case.  Check these guys out for ideas.

[lcddream]

you're better off asking that question on an htpc forum rather than an arcade forum...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26