[mythtv-users] Building HTPC with Mythtv on weak configuration

[FeNiX]

> I really depends on the recording resolution/quality.  I have a backend 
> that
> is a P2-333 and a frontend that is a Celeron 433 and I don't have any
> problems.  I am however recording all my stuff at 352x240.  I have a 20" 
> tv,
> so better resolutions just don't help, they just eat Hard Drive.
>
> You will probably want more memory though.  Add another 128, and you'll be
> fine.
>
> With a low spec machine, you REALLY need hardware encoding.  I wouldn't 
> bother
> doing software unless you have a very zippy box.
>
> If you plan an on transcoding to mpeg4, don't spend the extra money on a
> pvr-350. It only decodes mpeg2.   350's are also annoying if you want a
> separate frontend/backend.  If you rely on the hardware decoding, you need
> one for each box.
>
> If you are a real sucker for punishment, you could try to find a Rainbow
> Runner G to go with that G400 of yours. Its what I use in my backend, and 
> it
> encodes in hardware making really HUGE mjpeg files that have to be 
> transcoded
> before they are watched.  Even a Athlon XP 2000+ frontend can't decode the
> mjpeg files to watch them smoothly, thus I can't do livetv.  Its is also 
> an
> incredible pain to set up correctly.

I'm not thinking buying PVR-350 it is too expensive and I allready have G400 
for TV out so PVR-250 should be enough. Btw. Is there a big difference in 
picture quality on tvout between PVR-350 and PVR-250 with G400 tvout? I 
heard that G400 DH is one of the best solutions for tv-out.