Building a media center

[synack]

I know there is a thread on this already, but I want something slightly different.

I'm planning on building this in stages. First off, I'm going to be building a box that willbe running linux and Boxee. (I've seen it running and it's quite frankly awesome). I small ish box, but it should have enough space for a decient gfx card with HDMI out, two hdd's if possible and a wireless networking card.

I would also like to at some stage, expand the box to do other functions, like PVR. Also is it possible for me to hook up my PS3 via the box, as my TV only has one HDMI port.

So suggestions for a chassis, gfx card and the like, I'd like everything to be rather quiet too.

Thanks

Syn

 

[bar1]

Have you seen, http://www.boxee.tv/box?

Personally, i am gonna go for the asrock ION, http://www.asrock.com/news/events/2009ION/index.asp

running XBMC.

you can add an USB tv tuner for PVR.

 

[d0b33]

If you want USB tuner spend the extra on a hardware encoder, I got a software wintvHVR and it use about 10% of my quadcore on my core2 duo it used about 20% and this is a "good" software tuner. Also the hardware encoders are mostly supported by linux, software encoders require propriety codecs.

 

[EchoZA]

Personally, i am gonna go for the asrock ION, http://www.asrock.com/news/events/2009ION/index.asp

Who sells these locally? I'm very interested in one

 

[synack]

Who sells these locally? I'm very interested in one

I don't think anyone does yet, as it says coming 2010.

Done some searching around and atm, probably looking like I'll go the Antec route, but deciding on which route still

Antec NSK2480

Antec Fusion Remote

I'm leaning toward the Fusion for a couple reasons. It is more expensive, but if you factor in that the NSK does not have a remote nor any IR receiver. Then after buying all that, the price goes up to what the Fusion would be too. Also, once you put a drive in there, it's not so stealthy and I would prefer it to look clean.

Does anyone know if the Fusion's remote is a universal at all?

If I go the NSK route, can anyone recommend a remote package that doesn't cost the earth?

Syn

 

[ToxicBunny]

universal in what respect?

Like controlling your TV and stuff? If so, then no.

I have the Remote Fusion Max at home which has the same remote control and I've got myself a Logitech Harmony remote to control everything.

 

[EchoZA]

I blew the budget today and ordered a Thermaltake DH103

 

[d0b33]

If you want to take the OSX route....

Mac mini + wii remote + remote buddy + "eyetv" or "the tube" tv tuner pack.

I tested this for a few days, works great.

I like the tube software, looks really nice and professional.

 

[synack]

If you want to take the OSX route....

Mac mini + wii remote + remote buddy + "eyetv" or "the tube" tv tuner pack.

I tested this for a few days, works great.

I like the tube software, looks really nice and professional.

You're looking at like R15k plus there. I can build a very very nice media pc for under R10k, with HDMI output, 2tb of storage and 4gb ram. Boxee is free so the only thing remaining would be to get a nice universal remote and a infared reciever for the machine.

 

[d0b33]

You're looking at like R15k plus there. I can build a very very nice media pc for under R10k, with HDMI output, 2tb of storage and 4gb ram. Boxee is free so the only thing remaining would be to get a nice universal remote and a infared reciever for the machine.

Cheapest mac mini locally is about R7000 so you could still set it up for around R10000 (no need for a wii remote and remote buddy if the tuner comes with a remote), it would be low spec yes unless you choose the hackintosh route.

Would interest a mac enthusiast though.

 

[Mier]

I blew the budget today and ordered a Thermaltake DH103

I have a DH101 and I'm very happy with it. It's really well constructed.