Author Topic: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies  (Read 24184 times)

jvizueta

  • Regular Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 20
  • "Software is like sex; it’s better when it’s free"
    • View Profile
LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« on: December 10, 2007, 05:26:22 pm »
Choosing your hardware is the very first thing you need to do to build your HTPC box (the second really if you count having to choose between LinuxMCE, Mythbuntu, Mythdora, Freevo and so on...) , is it really an easy task? What I think is really easy is to get overwhelmed with all those options you find. Update: Fiire is not really an option, because then you wouldn't really be building anything, would you?  :D

What I really think LinuxMCE lacks (and please correct me if I'm wrong) is a very basic, affordable and specific hardware configuration recommendation (2 or 3 kits, combos, packs or whatever you want to call them, with brands and models, stores with best prices or something like that) maybe in the form of a step-by-step installation guide, put whit a link on the very first page of it's website, and I don't mean a Minimum Requirements sheet or a Compatible Products forum full of interesting threads which I know it already has, but a very basic known-working unexpensive list of hardware that wouldn't lead us (newbies) to confusion or frustration, if you are like me you don't want to read a lot of pages about working hardware.

I think that's why Mc Donald Combos do exist, too many options bring you to confusion, you go to a place like that just because you want to eat, you don't want to know about all their products on their list before you choose your meal, then you wonder "Combo 1, 2 or 3? ...Yeah, 3 is the one for me", if you want something extra like a sundae you order it, but the very basic was already picked, that's something that I think we IT people generally don't see, that's why Microsoft and Apple have such a big market shares, because they have whole departments that care about those topics.

But don't believe me, that's just my opinion, I would like to know yours
« Last Edit: December 10, 2007, 05:49:51 pm by jvizueta »
"Which mindset is right? Mine, of course. People who disagree with me are by definition crazy. (Until I change my mind, when they can suddenly become upstanding citizens. I'm flexible, and not black-and-white.)"
      - Linus Torvalds

Zaerc

  • Alumni
  • LinuxMCE God
  • *
  • Posts: 2256
  • Department of Redundancy Department.
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware kits for newbies
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2007, 05:39:49 pm »
I guess that's one of the reasons why I never go to mcDonald's (not to mention that I can't stand their "food").  And I think you're plain wrong about m$ and apple.  Also I think we already have just that in the form of fiire delivering complete systems including support.

As this is an open community, please feel free to contribute those things you see a need for.

By the way, higlighting text like this is very annoying to read.
« Last Edit: December 10, 2007, 05:42:07 pm by Zaerc »
"Change is inevitable. Progress is optional."
-- Anonymous


jvizueta

  • Regular Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 20
  • "Software is like sex; it’s better when it’s free"
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2007, 06:09:17 pm »
Sorry, I was modifying my post when a message ("Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post.") came up, as you can see above my update was exactly about Fiire, and even Fiire shows their products like Mc Donalds shows their combos on their website.

I respect your opinion, I don't like Mc Donalds food much either, but I think you're missing the point there, I guess most of the people who get to linuxmce.com are computer geeks (or computer geek wannabes) and I think they would not buy fiire, they would want to build it on their own, but not every computer geek is a linuxMCE hardware specialist, that's the point I'm trying to make

"Which mindset is right? Mine, of course. People who disagree with me are by definition crazy. (Until I change my mind, when they can suddenly become upstanding citizens. I'm flexible, and not black-and-white.)"
      - Linus Torvalds

Zaerc

  • Alumni
  • LinuxMCE God
  • *
  • Posts: 2256
  • Department of Redundancy Department.
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2007, 01:11:57 am »
Well you don't really get to make your own hamburger at mcdonalds either now do you?  :D

Like I said before: feel free to contribute these things, as I doubt anyone is going to do that for you.
"Change is inevitable. Progress is optional."
-- Anonymous


DeadPenguin

  • Veteran
  • ***
  • Posts: 134
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2007, 05:48:47 am »
Thread making me hungry for Double Quarter Pounder Value Meal. (*with a Diet Coke of course.)

I think that between the wiki Hardware pages and the posts in this forum most people should be able to put together a compatible system. There ae minimum requirements posted on the wiki. If you want a kit buy the Fiire products. I have made my purchases based on "known working" products on the wiki. The only issue I have right now is my CCTV card that is Linux compatible,but I still am having trouble with in Motion.

I am waiting on some hardware and the 710 release and I will add to the wiki.  Can we add a user page with a list of hardware we are using. Like "http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/DeadPenguin"?

Regards,
Blair


Zaerc

  • Alumni
  • LinuxMCE God
  • *
  • Posts: 2256
  • Department of Redundancy Department.
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2007, 06:15:18 am »
...
I am waiting on some hardware and the 710 release and I will add to the wiki.  Can we add a user page with a list of hardware we are using. Like "http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/DeadPenguin"?
...

Even better, when you sign up with that username, you will get this one: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/User:DeadPenguin automaticly as your personal page.
"Change is inevitable. Progress is optional."
-- Anonymous


mcysr

  • First post!
  • Posts: 1
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #6 on: December 18, 2007, 03:11:31 pm »
It would be nice to get back to the original thread topic. 
The replies do not contribute a lot of useful information.

tkmedia

  • wants to work for LinuxMCE
  • **
  • Posts: 937
    • View Profile
    • LMCECompatible
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2007, 04:31:29 pm »
I am trying to put together some kits and some pre-installed setups to offer online.
Any one interested please PM me to discuss. (Located in New England USA).





Tim
My Setup http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/User:Tkmedia

For LinuxMce compatible  systems and accessories
http://lmcecompatible.com/

jgaffney

  • Douchebag
  • Veteran
  • *
  • Posts: 138
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2007, 05:58:06 pm »
I think it's a great idea to have at least of list of recommended hardware.  I've just discovered linuxMCE and just started researching what it will take to set one up.  I don't want to spend $800+ for a pre-built Fiire system.  I have the ability to do it for much less, plus it's much more rewarding to tell people that "I built this".

I've already spent hours trying to determine what I will need browsing through the Wiki's and message boards.  It would be nice if there was a list of some possible combinations to use describing the differences in using the cheapest from to the most expensive.


jvizueta

  • Regular Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 20
  • "Software is like sex; it’s better when it’s free"
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #9 on: December 21, 2007, 08:42:18 pm »
I think it's a great idea to have at least of list of recommended hardware.  I've just discovered linuxMCE and just started researching what it will take to set one up.  I don't want to spend $800+ for a pre-built Fiire system.  I have the ability to do it for much less, plus it's much more rewarding to tell people that "I built this".

I've already spent hours trying to determine what I will need browsing through the Wiki's and message boards.  It would be nice if there was a list of some possible combinations to use describing the differences in using the cheapest from to the most expensive.



That's my whole point
"Which mindset is right? Mine, of course. People who disagree with me are by definition crazy. (Until I change my mind, when they can suddenly become upstanding citizens. I'm flexible, and not black-and-white.)"
      - Linus Torvalds

dragon_788

  • Regular Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 15
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2007, 09:22:17 pm »
While I agree guys that it is possible to build a system a little bit cheaper than a Fiire system (a couple hundred dollars, which can be a big deal) the benefits of a Fiire system vs building your own is GUARANTEED compatibility for the base system, and also the fact that Fiire does contribute code back to the LinuxMCE project if you for example had a card/device with Linux drivers but that didn't play well with LinuxMCE yet. If you are talking about a core system, go ahead and build your own, they actually posted the EXACT parts and specs they use in a thread around here, but if you are going for an MD, I'd recommend using one of theirs, its hard to argue with the size (and the nice hardware acceleration capabilities) not to mention again the guaranteed support. I know there are a few users on this forum that are also building compatible systems for different regions which is awesome. Fiire, if I read their post correctly actually negotiated directly with VIA to get some discounts plus some special drivers, so for the MDs you really might have a hard time building a comparable system, but if you just want DIY cheep and works, check the wiki.

mitcoes

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2007, 01:49:24 pm »
I would like a LIST with alternatives, prices, and features, and some configurations from cheaper to better.

Cases:
Mobos:
Processors:
Ram:
Cable card:
Sat card:
TDT (DVB-T) cards:
Analogic tuner cards:
Combo tuner cards:
Remote controls:
Audio cards:
DVD (&+) devices:
Upscaling cards:
Video cards:
Silent fans or coolers:
Infrared devices for stations:
Web cams:
Wifi cards:
Speakers:
Some other hardware:


Marie.O

  • Administrator
  • LinuxMCE God
  • *****
  • Posts: 3675
  • Wastes Life On LinuxMCE Since 2007
    • View Profile
    • My Home
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2007, 04:48:16 pm »
[..]
Speakers:

You must be kidding.

Regarding the other things on your list: Do some homework and use the http://wiki.linuxmce.org. Search for hardware and you should get a long list of things for you to pick and choose.

Regarding fiire at the beginning of this discussion: You have two choices. Build your own and do the research, or go to fiire and get a mostly ready made solution. I don't like their MD cases, so I will build my own, based on the cases from http://www.hifiatx.com/hfx.php?lang=EN (Caution: Flash Alert). The hfx Classic looks mighty nice, IMHO.


rgds
Oliver
rgds
Oliver

jvizueta

  • Regular Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 20
  • "Software is like sex; it’s better when it’s free"
    • View Profile
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2007, 05:01:30 pm »
I want to build a modest system based on this:

Motherboard: VIA PC-1 PC2500e (from $60) which comes with integrated processor, video and audio (not proven to work yet but closely, still getting feedback)
Video capture card: Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 MCE (from $49.99)
Remote control: Microsoft Remote Control ( from $31.00)

These are the most problematic hardware pieces I think, the rest like RAM, hard drive, case, etc I think is up to you and your pocket


You must be kidding.

Regarding the other things on your list: Do some homework and use the http://wiki.linuxmce.org. Search for hardware and you should get a long list of things for you to pick and choose.

Regarding fiire at the beginning of this discussion: You have two choices. Build your own and do the research, or go to fiire and get a mostly ready made solution.

[/b]Fiire is not really an option, because then you wouldn't really be building anything, would you?  :D
...
What I really think LinuxMCE lacks (and please correct me if I'm wrong) is a very basic, affordable and specific hardware configuration recommendation (2 or 3 kits, combos, packs or whatever you want to call them, with brands and models, stores with best prices or something like that) maybe in the form of a step-by-step installation guide, put whit a link on the very first page of it's website, and I don't mean a Minimum Requirements sheet or a Compatible Products forum full of interesting threads which I know it already has, but a very basic known-working unexpensive list of hardware that wouldn't lead us (newbies) to confusion or frustration, if you are like me you don't want to read a lot of pages about working hardware.

"Which mindset is right? Mine, of course. People who disagree with me are by definition crazy. (Until I change my mind, when they can suddenly become upstanding citizens. I'm flexible, and not black-and-white.)"
      - Linus Torvalds

hari

  • Administrator
  • LinuxMCE God
  • *****
  • Posts: 2428
    • View Profile
    • ago control
Re: LinuxMCE Hardware packs for newbies
« Reply #14 on: December 23, 2007, 06:24:37 pm »
Cases:
Core: 2xHP DL380 + Netapp FAS2020
MD: Sliverstone LC19
Quote
Mobos:
Core: included with the case
MD: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/ABIT_AN-M2HD
Quote
Processors:
Core: included with the case
MD: AMD BE2400
Quote
Sat card:
Nokia DBOX2
Quote
TDT (DVB-T) cards:
Cinergy T XS Hybrid
Quote
Remote controls:
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Nokia_N800
Quote
Audio cards:
RME Multiface 2
Quote
Upscaling cards:
VP50 (external device)
Quote
Video cards:
included with core and md mobo
Quote
Infrared devices for stations:
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Gc100
Quote
Web cams:
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/D-Link_DCS-5300G
Quote
Wifi cards:
Cisco Aironet Series
Quote
Speakers:
ALR Jordan

other Hardware:
Slimdevices (Logitech now) SqueezeBox, Transporter
Cisco 7970 Phones
KNX
...
rock your home - http://www.agocontrol.com home automation