We use the following configuration(s).
Back-ends are:
What ever is at hand. I went a four core AMD Phenom 2.4GHz - GA-
MA790FX-DQ6 (1.6TB RAID-6) finally [also used as family backup
machine] and Lachlan has a dual core Intel variation (straight 0.6TB
non-raid) running at 2.6GHz. Lachlan was converted to Linux after
spending (more than allowed $ and time) on getting MS-Media Center
running, only to be so disappointed with very poor uptime and control.
His system running MythTV delighted him by providing over a 100%
improvement in flexibility, with rock solid uptime. Lachlan's machine
has 8 channel audio, remote amp, etc. etc..
The back-ends are on seperate networks shared across NFS to allow the
families to cross-view numerous entertainment products. All on 1GB
nets and bridges.
Front-ends are:
Jetway Hybrid J7F2WE1G2E Fanless (and like)
HYBRID-C7-1.2G Fanless micro-ATX based:
- Manufacturer P/N: J7F2WE1G2E
- 1.2GHz VIA C7 nanoBGA2 Fanless Processor Onboard
- VIA CN700 Chipset with Integrated VIA UniChrome Pro AGP Graphics
with MPEG-2 Decoding Acceleration
- DDR2 400 SDRAM
- 1 PCI slot
- ATA 100/133 & 2 SATA ports Support
- VIA VT1617A Audio
- IEEE 1394, 8 USB 2.0 ports & 2 COM ports
- VIA 10/100 Ethernet, TV Out
- Multiple daughter board options
- Mini-ITX Form Factor (170mm X 170mm)
URL: http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.99/.f
You will note that there is h/w MPEG2 decoding acceleration on-board,
and direct TV out from the VIA UniChrome Pro AGP Graphics chipset.
(Following is a backside picture of motherboard taken out as per SLUG
mailing list protocol).
You interface the digital TV via S-Video connection (best) or the
Composite Video connector (worst case).
These motherboards are run using +12V 3A DC plug pack, to remove
switching PSU noise and artifacts from sound and picture elements.
Sound is integrated 6-channel AC’97 CODEC on board which is Sound
Blaster compatible. We paid US$170 including 1GB DDR memory some time
ago - With the free-trade agreement (i.e.: We the americans screwed
us) at least we could get something without GST/Duties below AUD$1000.
I did try running the DTV card in these as well but the processes of
capture, storage and viewing was just too much processing effort for
the little beggars, so they where relegated to front-ends only.
The Digital TV Cards we use are:
DViCO FusionHDTV DVB-T range dual digital 4 (It has onboard 2 digital
channel decoders with front-end RF amps) which allows concurrent dual
channel recording. I have 2 such cards in my back-end which gives me
four concurrent channel recording, with only one external splitter
used on the incoming signal cable (important - ask your RF friends).
Each card was about $170, but I have the older type which where
basically DVICO dual devices running USB emulated on PCI. The linux
driver was developed by Christopher Pascoe (Qld Uni) but he is no
longer in Oz, nor is he involved anymore with the driver. The good
news is Kernel 2.6.24 onwards has the IVTV drivers for chipset used on
this card. Even better, you can get the USB device called the Nano
that is the exact same thing, only truly USB and unfortunately single
DTV channel.
Have a geek @ http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~chrisp/Linux-DVB/DVICO/ for
more information re: 2007.
These cards are out and about for $150 or so now in Oz.
WARNING: There is a new DViCO release of this design interfaced to
PCIe (which would ideally be more useful allowing better bus I/O), BUT
until the linux driver is working 100% I would avoid purchasing it.
You will note that there are now available off-the-shelf Linux systems
already configured like:
URL ---> http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS6422386177.html?kc=LXDEMNL052208
Hope that answers follow up questions.
Grahame--
SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/
Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
