[mythtv-users] What's the best HD frontend only hardware?

[Brian Wood]

On Feb 28, 2008, at 5:33 PM, Richard Bronosky wrote:

> I'm looking to convert my FE+BE system to a BE only since it cannot
> handle HD playback in a satisfactory manner.  In doing so I will be
> building a dedicated FE from scratch.  If you had this opportunity
> with today's hardware, what would you choose?
>
> Here is how I'm leaning:
> 1. Must be able to handle (USA) OTA HD, aka: MPEG2 TS
> 2. Must have DVI or HDMI video output.  (optionally via a ADD2 card)
> 3. I would prefer it to be able to handle H.264 is in
> http://images.apple.com/movies/us/hd_gallery/gl1800/1080p/bbc-blue_m1080p.mov
> 4. I would prefer onboard Intel video in gratitude for there
> contributions to Xorg and OSS.
> 5. I would prefer a low power consumption system.
> 6. I would prefer a Micro-ITX or other SBC
> 7. I would prefer to use a CF instead of an HDD.


Other than # 4 a Mac  Mini would come close, though I agree with your  
sentiment about Intel's video.

Why a CF? size? quietness? I have seen CF form-factor hard drives  
("micro-drives") large enough to hold an OS for around $20, they are  
faster than CF devices, don't have the wear-out problems and are just  
as silent.

(Now I'm going to have to try and remember where I saw them for that  
price, I remember being surprised by how cheap they had become)

beww