[mythtv-users] Newbie Question(s)

[Andrew Close]

On Thu, 13 Jan 2005 11:44:37 -0500, Michael Haan
<michael_haan at hotmail.com> wrote:
>  
> 
> I am currently collecting the HW I will use to build my MythTv box.  One
> point i am unclear on is regarding the need for a video card.  I've already
> purchased a WinTv PVR-350 - do I also need a regular video card?  I'm
> planning on using SuSE 9.1.  Do I need a video card to do the OS install, or
> can I do it with just the PVR 350 and a TV (I think the answer should be
> "no")?  

the install on the tv might be difficult.  if you want to go this
route you should probably just stick an old video card in the system
for the install and config.  then yank the video card if you're only
going to be using a tv.  of course, this assumes you're using the tv
out on the 350.

> If I have a video card, do i even need a TV - can I just stream the
> video to a nice flat-panel LCD and be rid of the TV forever?  

you could.  in this case you may want to consider the cheaper PVR-250
since you won't need the tv out on the 350.
you may also want to check out the quality of video on LCD tvs before
you make this decision.

> Finally, what video card would you recommend I use? 

i think you'll find a lot of video cards listed in the archives.  i
don't remember the specific model, but the nVidia cards seem to be
rather popular.
and this will also depend on whether you go with only a tv, or an LCD
tv or want the ability to hook it up to a monitor at some point...

> For that matter, how about sound cards?  I'd like Dolby 5.1, THX...

will you be running the sound directly to your tv?  i'm guessing no if
you want 5.1 sound.  most likely your going to your stereo or
something that already has some sound processing ability.  if this is
the case you i think you can get any sound card and let your stereo
handle the sound processing.  i don't believe the sound card will
strip out the 5.1 signal so your stereo can still process it.  or you
could look for a sound card that has a pass-through option (more info
in the archives - i'll refer you here since i may not know what i'm
talking about :)

> specs
> 1) AMD64 3800+, 1G RAM, 1.2T SATA HD, WinTv PVR-350 

if this is going to be solely a MythBox then this is a bit of
overkill.  you should need more than 512MB RAM and the processor is
overkill as well.  actually, check the archives again.  i believe a
couple ppl have been working with the AMD 64's to get them working
with Myth and they are having varying results.

just for comparison i'm (will be) using the following setup:

Chaintech 7NIF2 - onboard audio/video/LAN
Athlon XP 2800
512MB RAM
PVR-250
KnoppMyth

i still need to put it together ;)
this system 'should' work out of the box as it's basically the
KnoppMyth Reference Platform.


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