[mythtv-users] The perfect HTPC frontend?

[Another Sillyname]

Hi All

I noticed on the list there's a lot of debate about what is the
perfect frontend and I believe I've found it (I bought a few of these
earlier in the year but it's taken me a while to get all the niggles
sorted out.)

The unit in the UK was known as an Advent X22 but it was actually an
Intel reference design that was manufactured by Elite Computer Group
(ECS) and known in the states as the P60 (badged by various different
brands).

Now why would you think this was the perfect FE?

1.  Dual Core Processor Support - Normally comes with a T2300
2.  Small Form Factor Case with DVD support (about the size of a Hardback Book)
3.  Wifi Built in 3945 Intel - Bad antenna though - I'll come onto this.
4.  Bluetooth Built In.
5.  Irda built in
6.  SAA 7163 Tuner built in - Now supported native in Kernel 2.6.25
(F9 sees and detects native).
7.  DVI Output
8.  Memory up to 4GB (but I run a FE with 1GB under F9 gnome no problem)
9.  Standard Portable 2.5" SATA drive - Usually comes with 100GB which
is plenty as an FE.
10. 2 USB2 Ports
11. Memory stick reader

Having configured these now so that all the above are working
correctly under F9 I have to say they are great boxes.  I use the MCE
remote to drive the system and a Perixx Bluetooth keyboard/trackball
for any 'PC' related issues.

I run it using MythTV 0.21 and it works well.

Now the downside is that when these were launched they were over £1000
($2000) each.  However you can pick them up off E-Bay for a couple of
hundred quid and you could upgrade the processor if you needed (though
frankly you don't need to - I've spooled HD stuff of my backend and
output as 720p no problem).

If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask and if you come
across any I'd recommend grab em if you can.

Regards