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View Full Version : Recomendations on a low profile frontend

codeblue2k
May 5th, 2008, 06:18 PM
Hey all,

So I am completely new to MythTV, but completely intrigued with all of its features. Its what I have been looking for a while now. I will be building a new PC in a few weeks and thought about turning my old one into a MythTV back end. Now the wife wont let me have my old PC out in the living room, so I need a front end that is low profile and easy to use. Something that can go in our entertainment unit or on the side but dosn't stick out like a thumb. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!
OldGaf
May 5th, 2008, 06:41 PM
lol.... she won't "let you"?

... maybe you should get a low profile wife!

Just kidding :-$


I have had a desktop PC under my TV for a few years now. Its an Antec NSK2400 (http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=92400)

It is a master & frontend so I need some room in the box.
Not exactly low profile, but it works for me.

However... if it is only going to be a frontend, you don't need much. I would go with a second hand notebook with good TV out. I have an eee-pc that has a fontend on it. I can do mythtv easly over the wireless.... if I hookup the cat5 it could handle quite a load... a "real" notebook should be fine.
OldGaf
May 5th, 2008, 06:46 PM
Of cource, it also depends on your TV. I have an LCD TV so I just use the VGA. I could use HDMI, but I get a more usable resolution for regular desktop usage with VGA.
codeblue2k
May 5th, 2008, 07:21 PM
You know what... Now that I think about it I might be able to get away with something like that if I get rid of my AV receiver, the thing is about shot anyways. If I did something like that I could also set it up so I could rip my movies and CDs right from my media center. That has some interesting possibilities. Thanks for the idea!!

How what about going ultra small form factor, like a MAC Mini for example? A buddy of mine said that he read somewhere that it could be used as a front end, is this true?

Anyone else have any ideas?
tgm4883
May 5th, 2008, 07:37 PM
One of the mini-itx via boards should work. There is a thread for mac mini's too, if you check the sticky for testers wanted, the link should be in there.