[mythtv-users] My first MythTv box, first linux box and first build

[Mitch Gore]

On 9/12/07, Chuck Rudolph <rudolph4404 at comcast.net> wrote:
>
>  I'm tired of VHS tapes and multiple VCRs so I've decided to build a
> MythTV box.
> This will be my first Linux machine and my first build.
> I'm looking for recommendations to the following. Over built? Under built?
> Too noisy?
>
> I wanted some room for expansion - more disk and capture cards.
> I'd also like it quite. It'll be in the entertainment cabinet with the TV.
>
> The TV is not digital and wont be for a few years yet.
> I have 3 different inputs:
>
>     - analog cable
>    - cable converter box for scrambled channels - Motorola
>    DCT2224/1662/ACDEG
>       - It has a 9 pin Female D connector labeled data
>       - It has what looks like a phono plug labeled IR
>    - and the afore mentioned VCR - I'd like to get rid of some of those
>    tapes...
>
>
> Here's my current http://newegg.com shopping list...
>
>
>
> *SILVERSTONE SST-LC17-B Black Aluminum front panel, 0.8 mm SECC body ATX
> Media Center / HTPC Desktop Computer Case - Retail
> <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811163055>*
> *Model #:* SST-LC17-B
> *Item #:* N82E16811163055
>


I would suggest going with a mATX case.  especially if you are puting it in
your living room.  mATX cases are the size of stereo recievers so the
'blend' better than a full ATX case.

*$139.99* -$20.00 Instant   *$119.99*
>
> *ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard -
> Retail <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131013>*
> *Model #:* M2N-SLI Deluxe
> *Item #:* N82E16813131013
> *$139.99*   *$139.99*
>

Again...go to mATX.  I would suggest the Asus
M2NPV-VM<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131014>it
a great board.  It has onboard nvidia 6150 graphics card.  Comes with
a
TV bracket so output too S-video, composite, or Component HDTV (480i, 480p,
720p, 1080i).  all of that is configureable in linux.  Plus its only $89.99

*Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 500 MCE White box PCI Interface Personal Video Recorder
> - Retail <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16815116628>*
> *Model #:* 1081
> *Item #:* N82E16815116628
> *$139.99*   *$139.99*
> I picked up a Hauppauge WinTV GO-Plus cheap from my local CompUSA when it
> was going out of business. Don't know if the card will work with Linux or
> not yet, but I figured I could make use of the IR Blaster and remote that
> came with it.
> I'd like to add another PVR 500 in the not too distant future.
>


good choice

*XCLIO STABLEPOWER 500W ATX 500W Power Supply - Retail
> <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817189014>*
> *Model #:* STABLEPOWER 500W
> *Item #:* N82E16817189014
> *$69.99*   *$69.99* - Tried a couple of the online PSU calculators which
> told me I need something at least 440W.
>

may be overkill but with all your HDD wont hurt.

*AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model
> ADA5600CZBOX - Retail
> <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103771>*
> *Model #:* ADA5600CZBOX
> *Item #:* N82E16819103771
> *$149.50*   *$149.50*
>

good choice.  this will give you some great HDTV  when you deside to
upgrade.  Does this support AMD Cool-n-quiet?   Thats a nice feature may
want to look into it.

*Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual
> Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2N5K2/2G - OEM
> <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820134117>*
> *Model #:* KVR800D2N5K2/2G
> *Item #:* N82E16820134117
> *$119.99*
>


overkill in IMHO.  I run 512mb RAM in my FE/BE.  I have 1 pvr, 2 OTA
(HDHomeRun), and firewire HD have never had an issue while all are recording
and I am playing HD.  Thats with a P4 3.4ghz too. (with XvMC)

*$119.99*
>
> *Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard
> Drive - OEM
> <http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148136>*
> *Model #:* ST3500630AS
> *Item #:* N82E16822148136
> *$119.99*  *x3 **$359.97 - *Thinking of software raid 5 with LVM.
>
> *Subtotal:* **
>

 wow, thats alot of storage.  I would stay away from LVM.  also why do raid
5?  You going to loose alot of storage.  is you TV that important to you?  I
would mount each drive on a differant point then add them in storage
groups.  This way if one dies you will only loose that disks recording and
the rest of the system will be fine.

One thing maybe you already have it but what about a DVD burner?  Are you
going to want to rip your DVD collection to your Myth box?  Or archive you
recording to native Myth backups or regular DVD's?


overall good chioces.  This advice comes from lesenser learned from buying
the wrong hardware and suffering or buying the right hardware and then
having to rebuy stuff to upgrade to my needs.  This system will really do
alot and has lots of room for expansion.  For only doing SD now its going to
be way overkill.  When you move to HD it will still be overkill but it will
be nice to get the fast comm flaggin and transcoding.

let me know how it turns out for you

Mitchell
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