[mythtv-users] New system advice

[PJR]

On 22/06/12 20:10, Damian wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Due to a garage conversion, I giving away my my old MythBox (which
> makes a lot of noise, but sits behind a wall in a different room) and
> want to replace it with a new system that can sit on a book shelf,
> near an Audio Amp and an old VHS player.
>
> Although I've built most of my computers in the past, I'd like to buy
> a pre-built system if it's financially viable.
>
> Here's a list of what I'm wanting from the top of my head:
> - To buy it in the UK (for no reason other than shipping costs)
> - Needs to be quiet .. almost silent! (My wife is incredibly sound
> sensitive)
> - The machine will also be the house network server, so needs at least
> a 1TB HD and will be left turned on all of the time.
> - I only need to access the 'Freeview' channels through a standard
> ariel. We don't pay for any extra channels.
> - The 'screen' of the machine is currently a 480p projector. I'll
> upgrade to a HD one at some point, but probably not until this one dies.
> - The system doesn't need to do anything other than play films, TV,
> music and be a network server.
> - That said, I do REALLY like Compiz and the effects that come with
> it, so enough power to run that smoothly would be a bonus if it
> doesn't add to much to the price.
> - I want the machine to 'feel' fast and feel fast enough for a few years.
> - I'll be running Ubuntu with Mythbuntu added on top (I've tried
> installing Mythbuntu initially, but didn't like the UI)
> - It would be nice to have a simple remote control for the system. I
> currently use a very nice full keyboard and touch-pad which is no
> bigger than a remote control. This is great for us, but not so easy
> for relatives and baby sitters to use.
> - Finally, I'd like to buy a machine for as little money as possible :-)
>
> Any tips?
>
> Thanks
> Damian
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I'm using a dual core, 1.8GHz ION2 (Nvidia graphics) m/b with 60GB SSD
for s/w and some expensive but quiet 1TB HDDs as a RAID1 for holding
myth media files, a USB PCTV nano stick for DVB-T2 (ie HDTV) as a mythtv
FE/BE. It runs cool and quiet and plays back HDTV with no problems
including 7.1 sound and is low power so could be left running all the
time but I use wakealarm to power it down until needed for a recording. 
This suggests a pre-built system such as a Zotac ION2 could be the basis
for meeting your requirements. For remote I use an Android tablet
running Mythmote (for mythtv) or XBMC Remote (for XBMC connected to the
mythtv BE, this results in a highly functional remote).