[mythtv-users] Want some advice on first MythTV build

[Mache Creeger]

For a client only, if you are not doing HDTV, I would seriously 
consider using an Xbox.  Versions after the initial 1.0/1.1 have only 
one fan, are relatively quiet.  They have mpeg decode hardware, can 
be netbooted, are in an attractive case, have a DVD player, and used 
on eBay or Craigslist are around $100 or so.  Avoid the Xbox 360.

You would have to put some additional effort at implementing a "soft 
mod" (or $ and do a "chip mod") to allow it to boot Linux, but the 
web is full of discussions on this.  There is a MythTV package 
specifically for Xbox.

-- Mache Creeger

See http://bit.blkbk.com/

At 08:45 AM 6/16/2006, Intense Red wrote:
>  > Case (something that I can put in my living room) -
>
>    This is always a tradeoff.  Small and quiet is nice, but small generally
>equals heat issues.  I can't offer any advice on this point but it does amaze
>me at how expensive HTPC cases are...
>
>  > Mobo -
>
>    Avoid VIA chipsets.  There's a page in the MythTV wiki or docs that lists
>out some mobo cautions.
>
>  > RAM (not sure how much to get) -
>
>    I'd recommend 1 GB as a nice, round number.  But 512 would do if you're
>careful; this all depends on your GNU/Linux distro and specific
>configuration.
>
>  > Video card (thinking one of those fanless GeForce FX5200) -
>
>    That'd be a good choice as it's got both free and non-free drivers.  One
>question is TV-out?  Do you need it?  If so, do you use it on the video card
>or built onto the tuner card?
>
>  > DVD burner -
>
>    Generic; most seem to work fine with Linux.
>
>  > PS (thinking about a seasonic 330W) -
>
>    Another trade-off issue between power and noise.  Be aware that some PSs
>lie about actually giving their full amount of power they claim on the
>sticker.
>
>  > Tuner card (don't have an HDTV) -
>
>    Myself, I like the Happauge line (check the list archives, there are good
>discussions on the various Happauge models).  I have a PVR-350 and 500 and
>don't regret that purchase.  The 350's TV-out is nice.  If I didn't need the
>TV-out a 500 would be a nice solution to give 2 tuners on one card.  (Be
>advised that these are not "mini" cards; this could be an issue if you go
>with a tiny case.)
>
>    And FWIW, since these PVR cards do encoding and/or decoding on the card
>itself, your 2.4 GHz CPU will be overkill.  I'm in the same boat, but the way
>I look at it that just gives me more CPU cycles to use for BOINC seti at home
>processing. :-)
>
>--
>"You know, when I was growing up, or other Baby Boomers here were growing up,
>we felt safe because we had these vast oceans that could protect us from
>harm's way." -- George Bush, Jan. 11, 2006. Was Bush lying again or simply
>displaying that in his youth he had never heard of nuclear missiles or
>airplanes that drop bombs?
><http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/01/20060111-7.html>
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