[mythtv-users] MythTV as a Gift (Hardware Recommendations)

[Dan Ritter]

On Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:02:43AM -0500, Bill Omer wrote:
> > Antec Fusion 430
> > Asus P5B-MX
> > (1) Hauppauge PVR-500
> > (1) PCHDTV HD-5500
> > (1) Intel Core 2 Duo E4500
> > 4 GB PC2 5300 (too much?)
> > 20X DVD+/-R
> > (2) 750 GB SATA drives
> > Microsoft MCE Remote
> 
> 4 gigs of ram is over kill.  And I would opt out of the pchdtv hd-5500
> and go with an hd homerun.  That way you aren't using up any more pci
> slots and you're getting dual hd tuners.  The pvr-500 comes with an
> mce remote and usb receiver if you get the retail box.

You know, 4GB is overkill -- but PC25300 is cheap stuff these
days. If the box is eventually repurposed for something else,
it might be nice to have the RAM.

I agree about the desirability of the HDHR over the HD5500, and
note that it gives you a reliable IR input as well, which saves
some money on an OEM PVR-500 box. Then you can get a nice $20
remote to program up.

> One thing you are forgetting is a video card.  What kind of display
> will this be connecting to?  Either way, an FX5200 is all you need,
> and most come with s-video and dvi.

The P5B-MX has an Intel 945-series graphics card integrated. If
he's outputting to a VGA or DVI HDTV set, that should do the
job, especially with that CPU.

> > I think I'm going to make the leap and buy this all this weekend so if
> > there's anything you think I should consider?  What about a
> > keyboard/mouse?  Is that typically needed or do you guys just SSH into
> > your MythTV boxes?
> 
> A wireless keyboard and mouse is handy some times.  But be sure you
> can ssh in the box from remote to offer support when the time comes.

For setup, and when an emergency strikes, having a wireless
keyboard that plugs into the PS/2 port is invaluable.

-dsr-

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