Build/config for LinuxMCE connected to a TV

[johnlon]

I have a SumVision box that I use for storing media.
I hate the interface and lack of features and was hoping to replace it with a notebook running LinuxMCE, relegating the 1TB drive of the SumVision to simple storage.

I assume its possible to have LinuxMce display its interface on the TV (I just want to leave the notebook sitting under the TV table) by adding some kind of TV playback card to it, and I want to control it remotely.

I there a tried and tested build for such a setup?

FYI I am connected to Virgin Media cable and broadband and concievably I'd want to record TV from the cable from time to time - but this is not a major requirement.

[purps]

By "TV playback card", do you mean "TV card", or "graphics card"?

Obviously you will need a TV card for the notebook (to receive TV via an aerial), I would recommend the KWorld USB stick (look at the wiki).

With regards to hooking it up to the TV, what video out ports/sockets are there on the back of the notebook? VGA is the norm, which should be OK for an HD TV. If the TV is SD, it might be more difficult as I would say that s-video/component/composite is more rare on the back of notebooks.

[bongowongo]

If you only want TV and media, go for mythbuntu, or any other. This is overkill

[johnlon]

It's really playback I'm interested in rather than recording.
The TV is an old Sony Trintron with UHF, Scart sockets and composite video inputs.

[phenigma]

If you only need playback and no recording or home automation, check out XBMC or Boxee.  They are both wonderful media access/playback products (Boxee is actually based on XBMC with additional features) and install easily on most linux flavours.

J.