[mythtv-users] New system spec -- seeking comments.

[Kevin Kuphal]

On Mon, Jun 9, 2008 at 4:29 PM, Allen Edwards
<allen.edwards at oldpaloalto.com> wrote:
> I posted a system spec some time ago.  I got lots of good feedback
> that convinced me not to buy it..  There were also good ideas for how
> to get what I needed.  I have since spent considerable time
> researching a new spec that I think will meet my needs.  However,
> there are several line items I can't nail down and some questions on
> others.  As always, there is the fear I have missed an elephant, as
> they say.
>
> Presently, I am using a P4-2.4GHz and it just doesn't have the power I
> need.  For example, when mythcomflag is running, the video stutters
> (even though max jobs is set to 1 and CPU set to low).  It has,
> however, allowed me to run tests that help clarify what I need.
>
> I posted the results of my research below along with the options for
> each line item where I am still undecided.  Comments, opinions, and in
> general all feedback is appreciated both on individual line items and
> on things I may have missed overall.
>
> To get S-Video, I decided I needed a video card so on-board video was
> undesirable.  To get S/PDIF, the most economical solution was to get a
> higher end MB with it built in.  That also gave me a better MB than a
> cheap MB with an external sound card.  I have a VGA to S-Video
> converter that I tried, but the quality isn't there.

Just my 2 cents.  I'd avoid motherboard SPDIF out.  Personally I've
never found one that did the optical header on the board or had the
right header module to buy even though they all said "SPDIF onboard".
I have had zero issues with a simple Turtle Beach Riviera PCI card
running optical SPDIF to my receiver.  Cheap and easy.

Kevin