[mythtv-users] Zotac ZBOX front end - input needed

[MythTV MythTV]

On Tuesday, December 11, 2012, Nick Rout wrote:

>
>
> On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 7:20 AM, Jason <jason at wkrp.com <javascript:_e({},
> 'cvml', 'jason at wkrp.com');>> wrote:
>
>> **
>>
>>
>> I wanted to get some input on using a Zotac ZBOX as a Mythtv front end.
>> Either the ID11 or ID41 I think is the way to go since they have the NVIDIA
>> ION in them.
>>
>> I am currently rebuilding my backend and it will support HD video now so
>> I need to upgrade my front end, which is an OLD 8+ year old system.  The HD
>> video will be recorded from a HD-PVR.  I may keep a PVR-500 around for a
>> while until I add a second HD-PVR.
>>
>> I do plan on converting the video for long term storage using mythical
>> librarian.  I also play videos off the backend system using Plex on Roku
>> and a Samsung TV Plex app.
>>
>> Also do the ION systems work well with Live TV?
>>
>> I would like any advice on if this is the way to go or if I should look
>> into something else for a front end.  I have the back end worked out I
>> think.  I just need some help on the front end since I've always just went
>> with an old PC that didn't support HD video output...  Or am I better off
>> going with an older LGA775 motherboard, a decent video card, small hard
>> drive (or netboot), and a duo core processor with a couple gig of memory?
>> I could see using that but then Ilike the idea of a small all-in-one system
>> for the bedroom that's quiet.
>>
>>
>
> My (revo) ion1 and ion2 systems work well. Many will tell you that they
> have little cpu power for the video files that do not have hardware
> support, but frankly if you get ion2 you won't find much video it doesn't
> handle.
>
> specs often don't tell you if it is ion1 or ion2, but ion2 is usually
> coupled with the d525 processor.
>

I bought a ZBOX ID41 for my kitchen about a month ago.  I upgraded the
ZBOX memory to 4Gig at the same time.  I run Linux Mint (Maya) 64 bit on
it.  I installed all the MythTV dependencies using apt, used git to get the
MythTV 0.26 fixes branch and compiled Myth and MythPlugins from scratch.
 Everything works perfect for me - Live TV, Recordings, and an occasional
Air Play.  I use NVidia VDAPU Normal and I see only about 15% CPU use when
playing back.  For a remote I use LIRC with the StreamZap remote that is so
nicely supported by mythbuntu LIRC installer.  BTW I do not actually use
a Mythbuntu Installation, I just used their quick and easy LIRC installer.
 Very happy with the ZBOX.
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