[mythtv-users] What to replace the AppleTV - but with?

[Brian Wood]

On Thursday 08 April 2010 06:42:08 pm Brad Fuller wrote:
> I've been using the ATV, modified Apple TV, for my front room FE. I'd
> like to upgrade it to a small unit but with a bit more power. Any
> suggestions? ION boards are what I've heard of and researched a while
> back, but that's been about a year now. ZOTAC ION are still the best
> bet? Anything better out there? What about a complete system? Are the
> ZOTAC computer systems any good? I'd like a fanless system.

Lots of options, let me put in my vote for a Revo 1600. The internal drive is 
slow, but can be replaced, or used in conjunction with an eSATA drive, or you 
can netboot it.

It's got at least a little bit of future-proofing: it can take a CrystalHD 
module, should that ever develop into a better solution. Other mini-PCIe 
modules may come along as well.

You need to add some RAM, so you can give VDPAU all it wants, but for $230 
total it's still an  economical choice IMHO.

I'm sure others have other suggestions, you're certainly right that the ION is 
no longer cutting-edge hardware, but it works well, doesn't draw all that much 
power (especially netbooting) and isn't as bad looking as some electronics 
often is.