Ok, so about three years ago I built my first projector. Been using it ever since, with zero problems, but the panel is old, and there's been a lot of advances in projector building since then. So, I'm gonna start a new PJ. I'm thinking 17" vertical, nice and tall, with extra room inside for a computer.

I've built plenty of windows machines, but want to try something new. I've seen some talk about mythTV, and I want to try that. So, I need help choosing a distro, getting hardware compatible with it, and setting it up. Who's game? Remember, I know nothing about linux. I'd like to keep it free, at least for now, so I can decide whether or not I want to stick with linux.

I'm looking at 500GB SATA for now, possibly two of them for a terabyte. Depends what kind of a deal I can find. Also looking at getting a dual core AMD processor/motherboard. I'll get one with a PCI express slot, of course, haven't decided on a video card yet though. Anyone have any suggestions? Don't want to run into any compatibility issues. Also, just incase I change my mind later, I want to make sure that everything I buy will work for windows too. That probably won't be an issue though.

I would start off with a KnoppMyth forum to see who uses what for hardware with MythTV.

http://www.mysettopbox.tv/phpBB2/

You'll need to register first though before you can even view it.

I've built a number of myth boxes based on Fedora Core and Jarod's Guide. At this point, it sounds like Mythdora 4 (linked from Jarod's guide) works pretty well now too. It's a mythtv setup on Fedoar Core 6 all ready to go.

As far as parts go, are you looking to do HD, SD, what? I'd recommend Nvidia for the video card. I think they're all supported now in current drivers. The 8500/8600 cards should do well for you - 8800 if you're planning on doing any serious gaming.

I'm currently using a pair of Hauppauge PVR150s, a PVR350 and a Dvico Fusion5 RT Lite. All work very well under Linux (although I've heard that the Dvico card has issues with Dual Core setups). I've also heard that the HVR-950 has linux support now which I'll be testing out soon. I like the Dvico card though because it's got QAM tuning capabilities, the HVR-950 doesn't.

Edit: I should note though that Ubuntu has become very popular for building Mythtv systems with, but I haven't done it myself yet (if it ain't broke and all that).

I tried to do it, I tried really really hard. But after several days of frustration, I went to Windows MCE. Myth has a lot to offer being free and all, but if you are heavy into Windows, you may have problems switching over.

Jim

Linux is stable and easy to use, once you get it configured and set up. that is the dificult part. Ide love to help but i dont know much about linux myself. My dad hase been using unix since '83 so i have him walk me through how to do it. neather of us have tryed Myth tv though so i cant help with that.

I use openSuse for my HTPC box. It's running on an AMD Athlon64 3200+ with 1GB memory and 500GB hard disk space. I am using an Nvidia FX5500 for the output via DVI which goes to a 42" Plasma. ATI is really just a pain with Linux.
I also use SPDIF out from the motherboard for digital sound to the Home Theater receiver, and an external DVD drive connected via USB (the HTPC is actually in the basement), There is also a very small IR receiver for remote control. The only cables coming from it to the viewing room are: DVI cable, Coax for Digital audio, USB cable for DVD and Serial cable for IR receiver.

I run MythTV as the only HTPC app. It's the only application we ever see when we switch to the HTPC input on the Plasma TV because I have it start automatically on boot up (in case the machine loses power or whatever).
Right now I am using 3 Hauppauge PVR150 cards so we can record up to 3 shows at a time. We also store music on it, and use it to play rental DVDs. Most of the DVDs we own are stored on disk on the machine, so that we do not have to actually insert those into the DVD drive to play them.
I will probably add some HD tuner capabilities later this year.

Ok, now, if you know nothing about Linux, quite honestly, I wouldn't do it.... Unless you are very willing to put in what can be long periods of time getting it all working the way you really want it to.
Or, you can go with, like pointed out, something like KnoppMyth.
Honestly tho, it really took me months to get everything to the level where the wife could deal with it daily, and, now she does. She uses it a lot mroe than I do. (and I have actually been using Linux regularly since the early 90's)
Of course, you may be able to get it all done in a few days.

Good Luck!

Hi, I am the newbie here, But Ill throw in my two cents as I am a Linux User as well as a Winslow User (pun intended)

My recommendation would be to try out Geexbox http://geexbox.org/en/index.html.

Also; Ubuntu is a tried and true stable version ( though Fedora, Slackware etc, etc are fine choices among many other Linux based OSes) of Linux if you would like to try out Gnome. The Ubuntu Forum offer a Vast amount of Free help for DIYers so Jump in!

I am using Geexbox on a old 700Mhx that I found out in the rain, cleaned it up, threw 300+ Mgs of Ram in it and a 8G HD and it works like a charm for Audio. (Geexbox recommends a 1g processor for video) I am Steampunking a Old Wood radio and throwing in the Geexbox including a PSone LCD screen!! http://www.gearlive.com/index.php/news/art...puter_05110831/

So join the Linux and Ubuntu forums and you will probably find what you are looking for and a whole lot more!
http://www.ubuntu.com/support/community/webforums

Note: as mentioned above by our fellow forum friends, you will have to invest alot of reading, but; for a DIYer it can be quite rewarding!

I hope my two cents helps!

Sincerely, MrSteampunk

I say take the plunge, the os is free, no activation, you can also set up a dual boot. so you can ween your self. with 500g you have plenty of room. So go for it, linux is great.

There is a new MythTV Distro out.

http://www.mypclinuxos.com/doku.php/mythtvos


I've played with the Myth install & it seems to work fine.
I just have to set up my own remote & channel changer.

I've always had problems with Mythdora & Knoppmyth not properly recognizing some piece of hardware & the limited OS kept this Linux Newbie from fixing it.

So that is why I prefer PC LinuxOS

Having used Linux and many various distribution, for many years now since the CLI days. I would say one thing, for a new user switching from Windows to Linux, I would say Ubuntu is most friendly, it's based from Debian, therefore it has a very large collection of softwares. It can import current windows accounts, and software, drivers, plugins is easier to install than ever, even easier than Windows. Check out www.distrowatch.com and see all the Linux distributions, and try them out and decide from there.