[mythtv-users] Seeking frontend advice

[mailing at biased.org]

> That Dell isn't going to be quiet, it is designed for an office with a 
> certain
> amount of ambient noise to cover the fan.

> I'd suggest replacing the TV.  I did that earlier in the year for my
> mother.  SVideo really doesn't work very well any more.

Thanks everyone for advice!

Unfortunately I know my parents will not replace the TV, even if I buy 
them a new one - it's in good working order and they don't care about 
quality like we do.  I can't stand their TV, but that's their decision.  
They just want a new PVR as they current one is very unreliable.  I'm 
doing the separate frontend/backend as we may have multiple frontends, 
and I want their frontend to be as quiet as possible.

OK the Dell isn't quiet enough - what would be a better alternative?  I 
need to be able to have a video card with S-Video out, either onboard or 
added-in.  It also need to be powerful enough for 1080p as I have some 
films I'd like them to watch and the CPU need to be powerful enough to 
downscale that to PAL.  The power would be useful for future 
expandability when they finally upgrade to a better TV.  DVD drive would 
be nice, but not necessary.  The total cost shouldn't be much more than 
$200.  I'm happy to buy second hand parts and build a computer, or 
already bundled.

Many thanks again!

Cheers - Piers