[mythtv-users] mediaMVP or mini-ITX?

[Steve Smith]

On 22/07/07, Hans P Halvorson (hhalvors at Princeton.EDU) <
hhalvors at princeton.edu> wrote:
>
> I could use a recommendation about a MythTV frontend: Do I go ahead and
> get a mediaMVP (for use with mvpmc), or do I save my pennies to build a
> mini-ITX box (for use with MiniMyth or something similar)? This would be my
> only MythTV frontend; my backend is on a Intel E4300 (1.8GHz) with 2GB RAM
> and 750MB HD, running Ubuntu. Essentially, I want to replace the old TiVo
> series 2 to which dear wife is addicted -- i.e. to play recordings, fast
> forward, rewind, pause, schedule recordings (while at the television). By
> the way, I am not much concerned with High Definition versus SD.
>
> Also, the frontend needs to be wireless. The cnet review says that the
> wireless mediaMVP is flaky in terms of connection strength. Would it be
> better to get a wired mediaMVP, and to connect with an ethernet-wireless
> gaming adapter?
>
> So, does mvpmc do enough now to make it a satisfactory replacement for
> basic TiVo functionality, or should I go with mini-ITX? Any recommendations
> and advice would be most welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Hans
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Hans,

Whilst I'm a great fan of the mediaMVP (I've got one myself!),probably it's
biggest weakness at the moment is the lack of
a full Myth GUI. Although the mvpmc software does have facilities for live
tv and scheduling, they are not really comparable to a full Mythfrontend. So
if you're after a TIVO, mediaMVP doesn't yet have the GUI part of this. It
is also limited to mpeg1&2 content, anything else has to be transcoded on a
backend.

Having said that in its favour is:
      * Very low power consumption.
      * Extremely responsive.
      * Excellent playback interface (courtesy of the hard work of the mvpmc
people).
      * Extremely good TVOUT (much better than any graphics card's TV Out),
has options for Composite, SVIDEO and if you're in Europe
         RGB Scart.

But if it's a TIVO you're after the mini-ITX is you best option. If you are
in SCARTland use an VGA->RGB Scart adaptor lead.

Cheers

Steve
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