| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| tahir |
Linux HTPCOK, the missus wants a PC for the kids so I've decided to make my existing XP machine their PC and build a new one to eventually be an HTPC but initially just to record my radio programmes off a terrestrial digi card, surfing, and be my music server.It should be silent and low power consumption. I'm thinking Ubuntu with a m/board that uses a mobile processor, no idea on TV cards that might work in such a setup. Any ideas? |
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| orangepippin |
Can't help re Linux but http://www.gbpvr.com/ runs on XP and supports lots of cards e.g. Hauppauge. Nice bit of software and a nice helpful community and wiki. | ||
| tahir |
Looks good. Hmmm, windows, linux??? I really fancy having a Linux machine.... | ||
| orangepippin |
I only use Linux for basic desktop and firewall stuff. I think the problem you will find is that Linux drivers for a really smooth media experience are a bit thin on the ground. Windows Media Center edition has been out for many years and that is what the hardware manufacturers tend to aim for. I am sure you will have a lot of fun trying to do it on Linux, but if all you want to do is click "record" then the various Windows-based solutions might be easier. | ||
| dougal |
Of course if you want it easy, there's a very nice GUI on (BSD) UNIX these days, and a very nice little, ("mini"), near as dammit silent, mac to run it on... 
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| MarkS |
Cant agree. there are lots of linux/open source stuff for tv/audio. Ultimate set top box ? Dreambox - what is it ? linux. depending on what you want (HD? dvb-s/t/c?) and how much you want to spend do you need CI slots etc? there is plenty to choose from. linuxtv, mythtv etc are all good and the high quality cards have generally good linux support. I would tend to avoid the usb stuff but I've had several tv cards working well on linux |
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| tahir |
I just want DVB/T, maybe HD at some time in the future. At the moment all it'll be doing is serving my Squeezeboxes (www.slimdevides.com) and recording Radio 4, plus backups of important stuff off my work PC.
I might at some stage rip my DVDs to it to, but not just yet. |
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| skedone |
geexbox http://geexbox.org/en/index.html mate its linux small runs from a dvd or cd so no need for a hardrive plus supports most tv cards etc [/url] | ||
| tahir |
How's this look?
http://efficientpc.co.uk/desktops/ori/ |
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| orangepippin |
It seems a bit expensive. I checked on the Dell website and I think you can get a better spec. Dell for that kind of price.
Anyway, it is the media software that is most important thing. I find the most useful feature is the ability to log in to the PC through a web browser (ie when you are at work etc) and tell it to start recording something. The Nova-T card is good, I use that on my (windows) HTPC. Playback through your main TV is also a useful feature. Have a look at http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/pages/products/prods_mvp.html - let's you connect your TV to the PC network. You'll like it, it is a Linux O/S. |
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| MarkS |
spec isnt everything though. Noise (or lack of) is a big issue - I would want to know more about the noise levels. Something that doesnt sound noisy in an office can be really annoying in the corner when you're watching a film.
Dougals point about the mac mini is good. you can run linux on macs or use the bsd based mac os/x. There are also some nice bits of kit for the apple's. although I dont think you can put an internal card in a mini ? (perhaps there is room for a small card?) |
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| dougal |
A usb2 external dvb/t stick (or older s/h box) is the obvious addition. The only slot is for wireless network and bluetooth. Standard now. Built-in no-fuss everything except the tuner... even gigabit ethernet. It really is quiet. And tiny - 2 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches . The eyeTV2 software generally sold with the usb tuners is pretty well loved. http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetvmain "Fans of radio programming, take note: EyeTV also enables you to record and edit DVB radio. " But I suppose you'd need to put something like vnc on it though to set it recording from afar. |
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| fallscrape |
I bought a PC off www.efficientpc.co.uk (from their ebay store) which runs ubuntu and has mythTV installed. Works like a dream, very quiet and has a very good power consumption. Records film4 everyday so I have a stash of decent films and TV for free. Probably the most user friendly version of linux, but that aside you still need some setup and things aren't always 100% stable! Saying that though it's much better than my windows machine - I generally leave it running as it is constantly recording. The uptime so far since last switch off was 59 days and that's only because I was installing a new plug socket on the wall! | ||
| bagpuss |
does anyone know much about linux laptops, it would be nice to have one and they have got to be cheaper than the apples? | ||
| MarkS |
I've run various flavours of linux (and before that SCO) on various laptops. Mostly from Fujitsu. I still have a little B2154 which is a nice ultra portable, and Im typing this on an FS S6120/ubuntu.
Fujitsu Siemens used to certify all their laptops with Suse - I dont know if thats still the case. IBM used to certify theirs with (i think) redhat. Dell will supply with linux or maybe they wont - experiences seem mixed. For modern laptops I would check the chipset has good drivers available. Intel used to be a bit poor with their support google the model you are interested with 'linux' and see what you get. there are various linux laptop web sites. |