Please check my hardware before I buy

[SloYerRoll]

Hey all,

I just wanted some of the Mythbuntu heads to take a peek at my file server/media center build to make sure I'm as close to set for success as possible.

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=9536828&WishListTitle=Mythbuntu%5FBuild

I'll be setting this machine as both a lightweight file server and media center.

It will be a file server for remote access and file repository purposes since I work on multiple machines. (Mac, PC & *nix)

Right now I only have a ton of movies on my HD which I want to shift over to this machine. After a while, I'll activate my cable and then use it as a tuner. *Still having a hell of a time figuring out which tuner. I've read the Wiki on requirements. But am more interested in overall compatibility and ease of use. **Also interested in what remotes you all use out there.

I'm all ears:)

[tamoneya]

currently that is a non-public wishlist. I find the best way to share a list with someone is to email it to myself and then take the link out of the email. Newegg only updates the public lists every day or so. This means you have to wait a while if you want to send someone the link. Send youself the email and then post the link and I will tell you what I think.

[SloYerRoll]

Here ya go :)

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=9536828&WishListTitle=Mythbuntu%5FBuild

[tamoneya]

I myself would go with 750 GB. They give you the cheapest $/GB currently. Also you should add a TV tuner card so that you can use it to watch and record TV shows.

[SloYerRoll]

I myself would go with 750 GB. They give you the cheapest $/GB currently. Also you should add a TV tuner card so that you can use it to watch and record TV shows.Any recommendations on the tuners? I've looked around and the minimum specs are straight forward. But there are so many to pick from.. I can't even make an educated decision since I don't know tuner hardware.

So you see no major problems w/ me setting up this build as a file server first, then media center, then TV tuner (in that order)??

[tamoneya]

ive got this guy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116024

It works pretty well with linux. I have only been able to get the digital part of it working. But since this is really the only important part because of the upcoming DTV switch I dont really care that the analog doesnt work.

[SloYerRoll]

ive got this guy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116024

It works pretty well with linux. I have only been able to get the digital part of it working. But since this is really the only important part because of the upcoming DTV switch I don't really care that the analog doesn't work.Awesome! Now I don't have to anguish over the right tuner anymore.

I'm ordering this build tonight then :P

One last thing. When I'm setting up the file server aspect of this.. Should I post in here since it falls under a Mythbuntu build? Or should I find the appropriate forum outside of 3rd party apps?

All the best,
-Jon

[tamoneya]

since setting up a file server is not mythbuntu specific I would put it in servers or just general help. It really shouldnt be to hard though. Give it a try and if you run into problems start a post and it should be resolved quickly.

[tgm4883]

If you are just sharing your media, you can activate either NFS (or Samba if you are sharing with windows hosts) from mythbuntu-control-centre.


Also keep in mind that the digital changover in 2009 only applies to broadcast (over the air) transmissions. If you have cable you have until at least 2012. Using a digital tuner you will only be able to receive channels that the cable company sends digitally, which may or may not be a whole lot.

[SloYerRoll]

Also keep in mind that the digital changover in 2009 only applies to broadcast (over the air) transmissions. If you have cable you have until at least 2012. Using a digital tuner you will only be able to receive channels that the cable company sends digitally, which may or may not be a whole lot.I'm probably going to use Direct TV. Does that make a difference?

So do you recommend an analog+digital tuner? If so, any ideas for a decently priced one?

[tgm4883]

I'm probably going to use Direct TV. Does that make a difference?

So do you recommend an analog+digital tuner? If so, any ideas for a decently priced one?

That makes a huge difference. Do you plan on using an over the air antenna for local channels or getting all your channels from your directv box?

If you are going to get channels from an antenna then you will need a digital tuner in Feb 2009. You will also need some way to get the shows from the directv box to the mythtv box. For this you will either need an analog tuner such as the PVR-150 or PVR-500, or if you want to get HD quality you will need something like the Hauppauge HD PVR. You will need one tuner and one directv box for every concurrent show you want to watch/record.

You will also need a way to change the channels on the directv boxes. I myself use just directv boxes and change the channels via usb/serial cables. Much quicker and more reliable than ir transmitting.

[SloYerRoll]

That makes a huge difference. Do you plan on using an over the air antenna for local channels or getting all your channels from your directv box?

If you are going to get channels from an antenna then you will need a digital tuner in Feb 2009. You will also need some way to get the shows from the directv box to the mythtv box. For this you will either need an analog tuner such as the PVR-150 or PVR-500, or if you want to get HD quality you will need something like the Hauppauge HD PVR. You will need one tuner and one directv box for every concurrent show you want to watch/record.

You will also need a way to change the channels on the directv boxes. I myself use just directv boxes and change the channels via usb/serial cables. Much quicker and more reliable than ir transmitting.Thanks very much for the insight. But this sparked another question:

I have this tuner on my build list:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116024

But your recommending a tuner like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=pvr-150&x=0&y=0

Aren't these essentially the same? Or do I need both?

I eventually want to watch and record different shows at the same time. But baby steps here.. I just want to buy the gear first and watch the movies I have on my HD :D

BTW:
I've bought everything w/ keeping a scalable system in mind. So there will be no shortage of add on slots when I get to that point.

UPDATED HARDWARE LIST BELOW:

1
Rosewill TU-155 Black Mid Tower Computer Case + 400W PSU a+Side Panel Window
Item #:N82E16811147001

1
MSI K9NGM4-F V.2 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813130162

1
MSI GeForce 8500 GT NX8500GT-TD256E OC Video Card
Item #:N82E16814127295

1
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Memory
Item #:N82E16820231098

1
Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Item #:N82E16822136073

1
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHz Socket AM2 65W Processor
Item #:N82E16819103213

1
D-Link DWL-G550 PCI High-Powered Wireless Desktop Adapter
Item #:N82E16833127167

1
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1250 MC - White Box 1187
Item #:N82E16815116024

[tamoneya]

The tuner that I suggested has both analog and digital but the analog doesnt work well in linux(at least I couldnt get it to work).

[SloYerRoll]

The tuner that I suggested has both analog and digital but the analog doesnt work well in linux(at least I couldnt get it to work).
I'm thinking I won't need analog anyway. I could care less about local news. That's what my RSS is for.

Now I just need to be sure I understand this tuner thing before I go buying gear :P

[tamoneya]

you should really just look into what is going to your box. I have been able to get digital channels free on my TV/ TV tuner that is why I went with the digital card.

[SloYerRoll]

you should really just look into what is going to your box. I have been able to get digital channels free on my TV/ TV tuner that is why I went with the digital card.That's part of the problem. I have no idea what kind of box I'm going to get. I've never had cable (by choice) and don't know what the offerings are now. The only reason I'm getting it is that momma is gonna have a new baby and although I have an extensive collection of movies. They all get old when your forced to be a couch spud.

So your saying that my question (post #12) is moot? If so, I;'ll just move on w/ your recommendation and pull the trigger on this purchase.

Cheers,
-Jon

[tgm4883]

That's part of the problem. I have no idea what kind of box I'm going to get. I've never had cable (by choice) and don't know what the offerings are now. The only reason I'm getting it is that momma is gonna have a new baby and although I have an extensive collection of movies. They all get old when your forced to be a couch spud.

So your saying that my question (post #12) is moot? If so, I;'ll just move on w/ your recommendation and pull the trigger on this purchase.

Cheers,
-Jon

It's pretty important that you understand what I am saying here. If you get a digital only tuner and get directv your system will not work. There are a few reasons for this depending on which box you have.

1. The only digital signal that any DirecTv box will be over either HDMI or if available DVI (I doubt any have DVI). If you connect the box by either coax or composite (both SD quality) you will need a different card that what you have in your list. Both these will be in analog and are going to work unless you have an analog card. If you want high definition, then you will need to get something capable of receiving a high def signal and encoding it. The only thing currently on the market that will do this is the Hauppauge HD PVR. It will take a component signal and transcode it to mpeg4 on the fly.

Then in order to change the channel you will need to either use an IR blaster or a serial/usb cable. I use the latter as it seems to be more reliable and faster.

Last thing, I couldn't resist. Just FYI there is a Ubuntu Oregon LoCo team meeting this thursday in tualitin. Anyone is welcome to come. The team page is here https://wiki.ubuntu.com/OregonTeam

[SloYerRoll]

It's pretty important that you understand what I am saying here. If you get a digital only tuner and get directv your system will not work. There are a few reasons for this depending on which box you have.

1. The only digital signal that any DirecTv box will be over either HDMI or if available DVI (I doubt any have DVI). If you connect the box by either coax or composite (both SD quality) you will need a different card that what you have in your list. Both these will be in analog and are going to work unless you have an analog card. If you want high definition, then you will need to get something capable of receiving a high def signal and encoding it. The only thing currently on the market that will do this is the Hauppauge HD PVR. It will take a component signal and transcode it to mpeg4 on the fly.

Then in order to change the channel you will need to either use an IR blaster or a serial/usb cable. I use the latter as it seems to be more reliable and faster.

Last thing, I couldn't resist. Just FYI there is a Ubuntu Oregon LoCo team meeting this thursday in tualitin. Anyone is welcome to come. The team page is here https://wiki.ubuntu.com/OregonTeamThanks for taking the time to explain. It makes perfect sense now!

BTW:
I'd totally attend the meeting if I was closer. I live in Bend and it's a pretty serious hike to tualitin. I did notice right away you were from OR though.

Cheers,
-Jon

[tgm4883]

Yep np.

From Salem here. Were trying to have a few events around the state (install parties, etc) so check the page every so often if your interested. We are also on IRC on irc.freenode.net in #ubuntu-us-or

[SloYerRoll]

Yep np.

From Salem here. Were trying to have a few events around the state (install parties, etc) so check the page every so often if your interested. We are also on IRC on irc.freenode.net in #ubuntu-us-or
Bookmarked ;)

[tamoneya]

post 12 isnt moot i was more explaining why even though the card i recommended has analog it shouldnt be considered an analog card.