"Value-minded" system configuration (was Re: [mythtv-users] Looking
for your experience)
Michael T. Dean
mtdean at thirdcontact.com
Tue Sep 7 12:59:41 EDT 2004
On 09/07/2004 10:57 AM, Ryan Steffes wrote:
>Just for fun I took some of the suggestions on the list and put them
>into the wishlist at toyla^H^H^H^H^Hnewegg.com and come up with this:
>
>
http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=956036
(corrected URL based on Ryan's followup post)
>Clocking in at just over $800 it certainly isn't the cheapest way to
>go but I think it covers most of the basics, as well as having parts
>chosen for silence.
>
>
Great idea. To further the cause, I--being a cheapskate--came up with a
"value-minded" system configuration based on my experience building
systems for myself and friends.
http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=956198
For the value-minded.*** A $602 dual-PVR-250 combined frontend/backend
system. For additional storage, buy a second 160GB HDD for an
additional $86, making the system cost $688. If you only want to record
one channel at a time, drop the PVR-250MCE to save $128, making the
system cost $474. Buying only one hard drive or tuner card now, you
will still have the option to add additional ones in the future.
This system was created to provide full functionality, but price was
considered more important than aesthetics. The system is not quiet, but
no amount of additional money spent on low-noise components can compete
with the absolute quiet you'll get from putting the system in another
room/closet and passing the cables through the wall. And, for aesthetic
appeal, nothing beats moving all your components (A/V receiver,
cable/satellite receiver, VCR, DVD player, etc.) to another room and
leaving only a TV and speakers in your main viewing room. Then, using a
LIRC transmitter, you can configure your Myth box to control all your
components and relegate all your remotes--save one--to a shoebox in a
closet.
The SiS chipset is inexpensive, but far more stable with PVR-x50's than
Via chipsets (at least the older, less expensive Via chipsets). The
PVR-250 provides a fully functional IR remote control for those not
wanting to delve into electronics construction, and the long wire on the
IR receiver can be routed through a wall allowing you to place the
system in another room. The PVR-250MCE provides an FM tuner (although
radio is not yet supported in MythTV, it's there in the event radio
support is added). Although you could replace the PVR-250MCE with a
frame-grabber and save nearly $100, IMO the picture quality achieved
with the PVR-x50's warrant the additional cost--especially for those
with good quality digital feeds (satellite/digital cable users).
***Although I have built systems with all these components working as
stable MythTV machines, I do not guarantee that this system will work
for others. ;)
Mike
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