[sllug-members]: Building MythTV Front end systems

[u235sentinel]

I appreciate your comments on this.  I've been wondering about the case 
looking like a computer and the noise is a factor.

Basically I'm looking at building an appliance that ties into my MythTV 
back end through the network.  We're upgrading to Gig Copper now so 
bandwidth shouldn't be a problem.  I also remodeled our main floor a 
couple years ago and I ran extra power and network cables to our 
kitchen.  The idea is to run Myth Recipe along with Myth Video.  I'd 
like to have all our favorite recipe's online basically (text and FoodTV 
shows we've recorded).  My wife is pretty excited about this project :-)

If it works out then we're building another one in our bedroom.  Would 
be nice to have access to our ripped DVD's and let the kids watch TV in 
our family room.  Yeah, I think I'm getting a little crazy now but it's 
been fun :-D

I'll check out those cases.  I appreciate the suggestions.  Is there a 
place local that sells them?  Just curious.

thanks again




Chad wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> The thing I don't like about the Shuttle (especially for a frontend)
> is that it *looks* like a computer.  If I am going to build something
> that looks like a computer and put it next to my TV, I really don't
> need what the shuttle is offering.  And for roughly the same cost you
> can build a barebones using a larger selection of parts.  But by and
> far the best advise I can give you is that you don't want to skimp on
> the case or power supply.  The second best piece of advise is do your
> best to find a case that doesn't utilize anything smaller than an 80mm
> fan, and preferably nothing smaller than 92mm.  An ugly case will
> negatively counter any positive experience your MythTV system
> provides.  Furthermore it will deter others from potentially looking
> into setting one up and/or asking your help in the process (maybe
> that's a good thing :D).  The case fans are purely a noise thing; more
> noise = a drop of several magnitudes in the usability factor.  If you
> can hear it when the TV is on, it's way too loud.  If you can hear it
> from more than 1-2 feet away when the TV is off, it's too loud.
> Larger fans pass more air without creating a significant amount of
> noise when compared to smaller fans trying to push the same amount of
> air.  At the same time, you don't want your system to overheat, so be
> sure to look into really good fans that can be strategically placed to
> blow across very large heatsinks.
> 
> I've had very good luck with the SilverStone cases and I recently have
> been customizing a few systems that utilize a Cooler Master RC-280 and
> it is really a VERY nice case; but it might be outside your budget
> since it is just the case and pushes what you have posted above in
> terms of cost for the whole barebones system.
> 
> Either way, good luck!
> 
> -Chad
>