Newbie - Best Hardware Options

[elvisimprsntr]

BACKGROUND

I have an antec fusion case, 3GHz P4 prescott, nvidia 8600 GT dual DVI w/component output.    I am capable of installing nvidia drivers, kernel re-compiles, etc.  I normally use this machine for the basics and using RDESKTOP into work application servers.    I use debian etch on this machine since I have found over the years that in general debian recognizes more hardware interfaces than stripped down derivatives of debian.   

I tried installing MCE 710 which it did not recognize my sound and LAN interfaces.   


DELIMA

I don't have to be stuck with the hardware I already have, since i use it for more then an HTPC.    Obviously there are way too many different hardware configuration that MCE can support for it to work out of the box.  I have read posts about MCE on apple TV and even mac mini.  Ideally I would like to have a single dedicated machine with is the center of media and home control.  Obviously this is what MCE is all about.  The question is give the millions of different hardware options, what should I look for.  Ideally, I would have an mac mini with external USB hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1950, and air remote.  One limitation is that since apple does not yet embrace blu-ray and the mac mini does not have the DRM hardware, I would never be able to play blu-ray DVDs.   The other option would be to add an internal hauppauge card, add a blu-ray dvd drive to my existing hardware.


QUESTIONS

1. What mATX mobos are best for LinuxMCE?
2. What internal/external hauppauge tuners does MCE support (single/dual tuner, analog and digital)?
3. Can I install nvdia drivers?  If so, then how do I first install the kernel source, headers, gcc, libraries to compile the kernel module?
4. Does LinuxMCE support BD disks?
5. What air remotes and IP to IR devices are supported?

Thanks,


Elvis

[tkmedia]

1. nvidia onboard  6.x  7.x mobo seem to work well
2. PVR 150, 250,350,500 for analog (HD Homerun for digital)
3. With a 6.x or 7.x  driver will be installed oob
4. Linuxmce has the same BD support as linux in general
5. Many remotes are supported from MCE remotes to N800 AIR Mouse , Webdt 366 all can use learned ir codes. ( ir code learning requires a usburit)


HTH


Tim

[elvisimprsntr]

FOLLOW UP

In looking at the various HD digital tuner cards and the lack of support for various models and chip sets, is it better to go with an external USB tuner link Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1950 which theoretically eliminates the compatibility issues?

[tkmedia]

The Digital Tuner for the US  that works PnP with linuxmce is a dual tuner connected via ethernet.
Like I posted above HDHOMERUN

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815327005&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Video+Devices+++TV+Tuners-_-SiliconDust-_-15327005


Tim

[elvisimprsntr]

Thanks