[mythtv-users] suggestions for mini-itx mainboard for front end

[Paul Shepherd]

> I would only use it as a front-end, so storage is not a problem. 
> 
> Desired features:
> 
> - mini-ITX form factor
> - DVI/HDMI video output
> - S/PDIF (TOSLink)  sound output
> - capability for full HD resolution (1920x1080, right?), so both
> decoding power and graphics card have to support it
> 
> My case (Nexus Psile) can handle one PCI card, so I could get an
> external video card, but then the mainboard probably needs an
> PCI-express slot.
> 
> I don't mind installing things or editing xorg.conf files to get it to
> work, but I don't want to apply kernel patches or build special drivers,
> that just scares me :-)
> 
> Questions:
> 
> 1) Would you go for a new mainboard or an out-of-the-box solution (of
> so, which?)
> 2) Can anyone recommend a good mainboard that meets the specs and has
> decent driver support in linux (pref ubuntu 8.04/8.10)?
> 

I have been looking to build a mini-ITX system and found this thread on 
avsforums helpful:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=85

The Zotac mobo seems a good choice which supports vdpau although there 
are one or two minor caveats on fan control and usb wake-up:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1111996

regards, paul