[mythtv-users] Sony Vaio, perhaps?

[Brian Wood]

On Thursday 02 April 2009 07:36:20 Daniel Dunning wrote:
> I'd love some feedback regarding a configuration I am considering.  I am
> thinking about purchasing a Sony Vaio (from Costco online).  Obviously, I
> would trash Windows add an external HD.  Is this a configuration that would
> work, I would love to see feedback.  The specs are as follows:

Are you thinking of a combination FE/BE system? If so,

The video hardware will not do VDPAU (you need 512MB).

The CPU might be marginal for high bitrate h264 software decoding. I'm not 
sure, but it should be looked into.

You will not be able to play Blu-Ray disks with Myth, so why buy the drive? 
They can only get cheaper.

An external USB drive might not be the best solution for HD storage, some here 
have stated it's not fast enough, though I have used them for SD without 
problems. Of course you could replace the internal drive with a larger one.

It's best to have a separate drive for the OS and database, not possible with 
a single-drive system.

What sort of TV tuner? It's not specified. Do you really want or need NTSC 
(analog)? Is there a baseband (composite or S-Video) input? I don't see it 
mentioned. If you want to use a satellite receiver or cable STB, you don't 
want to have to use an RF input for it. I see an "A/V cable adapter", is that 
for input or output? No guarantee the tuner is usable with Myth, and hard to 
verify without a model #.

I don't see a serial port, for an IR blaster or direct control of some 
devices. The "IR output" may not be LIRC compatible.

While wireless can work for video, it's not the best answer. If you really 
want WiFi a (draft) 802.11n setup might be better.

I'd like to see a Gigabit NIC, though it's probably not necessary.

You're paying for Vista Home premium, if you're going to throw it away, I'd 
try to get the cheapest version available (Home Basic).

Just some thoughts. You didn't mention the asking price, but Sony is in my 
experience over-priced. I think you could do better for your money. Look 
especially at the graphics H/W, the video capture and the network 
interface(s).

Looks like no empty expansion slots, so you would have to use an HDHR or a USB 
device to add tuners, nothing wrong with that, but be aware of it.

I'd start by defining your needs, how many tuners and what type? How about 
interface to STBs (control and capture)? Drive capacity? Start with the 
requirements for the system, not with a pre-decided machine configuration.

I might buy it if the price was really great, but that's pretty much up to 
you.

-- 
beww
beww at beww.org