The 2nd MythTV System
November 16th, 2006
Looking like it’s going to be a VIA EPIA, likely the CN13000G or SP13000.
Well, maybe not. Looking on MiniMyth, there is talk about an A8N-VM/Athlon64 3200+, and that’s cheaper than the EPIA. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
The CN uses the new CN700 video chipset, but there is an uncomfortable level of talk about unsupported features, namely MPEG2 decoding. The SP uses the CN400, lots of support talk with OpenChrome.
Add a half gig of RAM, a 250 GB HD and we’re just about in business.
A good howto on this configuration is here.
This MythTV installation will be a bit different. This will be a frontend-only machine, connected to the existing backend. Also, it will be connected to a TV through a JVC Receiver S-Video and S/PDIF.
November 16th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
I’m totally curious about this. Can you elaborate on what the roles of the frontend and backend boxes will be in your setup?
November 16th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
The frontend box uses the SQL db from the backend, and uses the stored data from the backend as well. All it really does is play the media and accept user input.
These guys say it better: http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Front_End
In my setup, I’ll have a frontend/backend system driving an LCD monitor, and other frontend systems driving TVs and TVs with home theater systems.
November 16th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
nice! i never really ever did the frontend/backend thing.. very cool indeed.. do you have any pics of your setups? :)
November 17th, 2006 at 12:04 am
Yeah, I was wondering when we’d get to see it, too.
November 17th, 2006 at 8:53 am
Gee, I don’t think you really want to see that! Case with no cover, an, well, let’s say engineered processor air duct, etc.
I’ll see what I can do for a photo, might be good for a laugh!
November 18th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
Oh, yeah. Now we’ve *got* to see it! Nothing better than necessineering..
November 27th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Just in case anyone has missed it, I’ve posted some pics to the blog. Enjoy, and keep the snickering to a minimum…..