[mythtv-users] Getting Started

Thu Jan 20 15:04:31 EST 2005

I find the Asus DigiMatrix to be very appealing, though I have no idea
how realistic its performance would be for a myth box.

On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 14:39:39 -0500, Mark L. Cukier <mark at pemicro.com> wrote:
> I used that coolermaster case and I'd just like to say it's fantastic.
> It has a solid build (all metal, no junky plastic), looks great, and
> fits into my home theatre really well (it is a little deep, though, so
> beware if you have short shelves). It's not QUITE 2 vcrs tall... more
> like 1 VCR + a relatively small DVD player. :-)
> 
> The case won't disappoint anyone who likes things that look awesome. :-)
> 
> - Mark, he who likes things that look awesome.
> 
> Andy Long wrote:
> 
> >You may have troubles building one the size of a VCR, simply because
> >there are not (as far as I know) any good MPEG2 encoder cards that are
> >small (they make some half-sized cards for NIC's and stuff, but not
> >encoders). Thus, right off the bat you're going to have something that
> >might not be a lot wider than a VCR, but is still taller (like 2 vcrs
> >stacked).
> >
> >Personally, I would recommend a micro-atx based case that supports
> >full-sized PCI cards and that allows you to put in your own power
> >supply (the power supply part isn't necessary, just handy if you plan
> >on adding much to your PC.  Plus a lot of the power supplies that come
> >with cases aren't good).
> >
> >(NOTE: I'm not trying to plug newegg.  They just have pictures and
> >decent product desriptions for the stuff I'm talking about).
> >
> >I myself use this case from Coolermaster (around $80)
> >http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-119-024&depa=1
> >
> >One of my friends has the Antec Aria and loves it (it comes with a
> >power supply, but Antec makes pretty good ones). It's around $95
> >http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-146&depa=1
> >
> >These are both just a matter of preference.  You might check around
> >Newegg just to get an idea of what micro-atx cases are available.  You
> >can also google for HTPC and you'll see quite a few nice (but
> >expensive ones).  Companies like Athenatech (see newegg) make some
> >that look nice and are pretty cheap, but I don't know much about them.
> > Other people like epia systems, but I know nothing about them either.
> >
> >For fans, get big ones that spin slow.  They move a lot of air but
> >make very little noise.  Zalman fans seem to be well liked for being
> >quiet.
> >http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=62&manufactory=1647&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1
> >
> >I personally like speeze fans b/c they're cheap, quiet and do a good
> >job.   You can find them on Newegg too.  You could also go with
> >watercooling, but pumping liquid around electronics makes me a bit
> >nervous.
> >
> >A lot of people like motherboards based on the nForce chipset because
> >they have fewer DMA problems.   However, many people also have no DMA
> >problems on boards with VIA
> >chipsets.  It just seems to be a matter of preference.  For small
> >size, you'll want a microATX board.
> >
> >Athlon 64 CPUs seems to be well liked.  Great speed, not a lot of
> >heat, and Linux actually supports utilitzing 64bit processing.  For
> >price/performance, I'd go with one of those.
> >
> >This is all my 2-cents.  I know everyone out there has different
> >opinions, many of which differ from mine.  I'd just try to do some
> >research and use stuff that works well for other people.  You might
> >also check out Jarod's guide, as he lists the equipment he has in
> >several systems running mythtv.
> >http://wilsonet.com/mythtv/fcmyth.php   (see section 2: hardware).
> >
> >-Andy
> >
> >
> >
> >On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 08:26:44 -0600, Bill Williams <billw at knology.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> >> I'm new to the list and MythTV!
> >>
> >> I'm just starting to build a list of components to construct my first
> >>MythTV system.  I'm an old guy in the IT business – been in it for 35 years
> >>(yes, I worked with hand-wired core memory computers) – and built a lot of
> >>my own systems.  However, I haven't built a system in about 10 years, so
> >>right away I have to admit I'm totally out of touch with the mobo and case
> >>market.
> >>
> >> My goal is to build a PVR that's not much (if any) larger than an average
> >>VCR, has the power necessary to really do the job, but also has low noise
> >>and doesn't generate excessive heat.  My last system build experience was
> >>with an Athlon Thunderbird and I'm not itching to build another system that
> >>requires tons of cooling help – plus, cooling usually translates to noise,
> >>which I don't want.  This machine is going into my stereo rack and a noisy
> >>box will mess up our viewing fun.
> >>
> >> I'm looking for pointers on a mobo and case that will get the job done.
> >>Cost matters less than hitting the noise, heat, and size targets because I
> >>plan to take my time and buy components over a period of months.
> >>
> >> I haven't had time to read through the archives.  I'm sure this question
> >>has come up before, but if ya'll don't mind this will be a great opportunity
> >>for those willing to recap and update whatever has gone before.
> >>
> >> I look forward to hearing your recommendations and experiences.  Thanks in
> >>advance for your patience with a noob!  :-)
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Bill Williams
> >>_______________________________________________
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> >>mythtv-users at mythtv.org
> >>http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>
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> >>
> >>
> 
> 
> --
> 
> --
> 
> ____________________________
> *Mark L. Cukier*, /Design Engineer/
> P&E Microcomputer Systems
> 710 Commonwealth Avenue
> Boston, MA 02215
> _________________________________
> e-mail: mark at pemicro.com <mailto:mark at pemicro.com>
> phone : (617) 353-9206 x19
> fax   :   (617) 353-9205
> _________________________________
> 
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