Trusted
How you say?
There will of course be some comprimises.
I have used pricing from one supplier to make it easy in case one needs to purchase.
200 MB, 8200 based, http://qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?108255
90 cpu, AMD 3500+, http://qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?104969
40 2gb, http://qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?108004
16 2gb flash drive, replaces hdd, http://qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?105680
80 uATX case, http://procase.co.nz/pc/cs5118.htm
50 usb DVB-T + remote, http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Components/Other/auction-203603664.htm
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$476
As a backup if the 8200 does not work
75 8400gs, http://qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?106993
135 MB ,http://qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?108537
Cases are a very personal choice.
That one was chosen for best potential airflow.
Others that may be ok.
http://procase.co.nz/pc/pccases_00.htm#matx
From experience the psu is good quality and quite.
Is the 8200 enough GPU for the job?
Last test say no.
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=84&topicid=24361
But that was 6 mths ago, maybe drivers have improved.
I might borrow one to try when time permitts.
Will the cheap usb tuner work? Is it sensitive enough?
It should do from reading about other cheap tuners.
As for sensivity, don't expect too muh for the price.
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=25011
Potential power issue with usb sticks
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=26530
Good tips re making everything fit in a small case
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=84&TopicId=25528&page_no=2
General low cost HTPC thread
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=84&TopicId=21622
Once windows is install ontot he flash drive, you would use a write filter system to extend it's life and speed up the system.
Best case sceneairo for this box? XP/Media portal combo
-Recieves Freeview DVB-T HD and displays with no stutter
-Displays EIT EPG, Now/Next (maybe full day). If internet connection available then full epg via XML.
-Low noise as is.
-Expandable as user's budget permitts. PVR is already supported, just add more storage.
-HD via Component, with suitable DVI cable
-More flexible than and STB, play sll those crazy youtube videos you downloaded.
Cons
-No MHEG5 EPG
-More power required than a STB
-No antenna passthrough
Potential problems, unknowns.
-Is the 8200 enough? Price does not matter but we may loose some features with a discrete video card.
-Will the cheap tuner work?
-How limited is the remote? Standard MCE or it's own program only.
-How long will it run for without a reboot?
My parents are looking at a new TV so might get a chance to try this build out for them.
