[mythtv-users] Advice on a HTPC configuration

[Robert Currey]

Hi all,

I'm setting up a box as a HTPC and would appreciate some advice on using
MythTV as my interface.

I'm still reading as much as I can (and starting the configuration of
MythTV), so bare with me if I pose a FAQ. I'm hoping some advice on the
realistic nature of my goals. I don;t have a problem getting my fingers wet
in the code, so even if MythTV doesn't do exactly what I'm thinking, a
pointer to what is close in mythtv could help me ...

My goals for this ...
0) no need for PVR capability on the HTPC
1) A media platform that can be remote controlled
2) mp3 playing on local card and/or streamed to various desktops
3) video playing (of mpegs extracted from a tivo)
4) extras like weather/news/etc on the screen
5) remote web interface (or remote X11 interface)
6) burning mp3 cd's, audio cd's, video dvd's (dvd menu authoring done at a
desktop)

MythTV seems to have much of this covered, but some are question marks (till
I delve further). I'd appreciate any comments about ...
#1, got my IR working (but need to pick the remote I'll configure for)
#2, streaming to my LAN?
#3, the extracted (and muxed) tivo streams are dvd compat mpeg, so this'll
work right?
#5 is the interface restricted to the local display? what are the options
here?
#6 I saw the dvd ripper/player module ... so that should cover off loading
media when needed.

The hardware is ...
A P4 2.43 with 1gb memory
2x80gb drives
    - 40gb as RAID 0 (for speedy "temp" access),
    - 60gb as RAID 1 (for redundant storage of media/os)
Pioneer A06 DVD recorder
Current video card is a Radeon 7500 (have a G400, but may just buy a newer
card anyway)
CMedia sound chip on board, coax digital output
2 e-net nics, firewire card, extra serial ports
1 free pci slot left!

TV is a pioneer rear projection, and can hook up VGA to it.
A DirectTivo (my PVR), with net card/hd upgrade and extraction working.

Only real Q on hardware would be the video card ... use the VGA to the TV,
or get a supported card with s-video out (component out?).

Thanks in advance to those MythTV users that can advise this newbie.

Rob