[mythtv-users] Hardware advice required

[Piers Kittel]

Hi guys,

Sorry, I'm asking something that has been discussed to death but I'm 
hoping for some much appreciated advice!

I used to have a MythTV setup a few years back and then I started to get 
turned off broadcast TV and abandoned my setup.  My parents still watch 
live TV and they are fed up with their misbehaving Humax PVR which never 
worked.  I thought I should build them a MythTV setup - I know on-going 
support is essential, however recently, I've moved next door, I should 
be able to support them through any issues.  Silky smooth SD video is 
essential and from memory, I never had perfectly smooth video with 
HTPCs, I suspect it's due to the video cards I've selected in the past. 
  I'd like to have a computer with a low power/low heat CPU so I would 
be able to install a fanless heatsink to minimise noise from the system.

What I've got:

* Small hard drive - however I can do netboot if necessary.
* DVD drive
* Silverstone LC04 case & PSU

My current plan is to forget what I've got, and instead get a ready 
built SFF PC and repurpose that for mythTV.  For example, this one looks 
decent:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251373342555

I'd add on:

* 500GB hard drive
* VGA - S-Video adapter
* Wireless keyboard
* Hauppauge WinTV Nova 500 PCI card (with low profile bracket)

Is this a good path to take? Or should I be considering using the LC04? 
  Would the onboard video of the Dell be sufficient for smooth video 
playback?  Should I get an add-in graphics card?  Am I missing anything 
else?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Regards - Piers