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nikos.f at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 11:45 AM

Post #1 of 23 (1515 views)
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recommendations for small frontend
I'm adding a TV to my exercise room and need to build a new frontend -
which is something I haven't done for a while, and I haven't seen any
build recommendations on the list for a while.

My last two frontends were built with Zotac ION motherboards in M350
cases. Other than flash playback, these have worked out great using
VDPAU.

I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.

Thanks
Nick
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zarthan at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 12:37 PM

Post #2 of 23 (1503 views)
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Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 1:45 PM, Nick F <nikos.f [at] gmail> wrote:

> I'm adding a TV to my exercise room and need to build a new frontend -
> which is something I haven't done for a while, and I haven't seen any
> build recommendations on the list for a while.
>
> My last two frontends were built with Zotac ION motherboards in M350
> cases. Other than flash playback, these have worked out great using
> VDPAU.
>
> I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
> characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.
>

Just to help me understand. Why isn't one of the many many dozens of small
internet TV devices a more appropriate frontend for some secondary TVs. I
don't use Myth as a FE and probably only because I use Netflix and Amazon.
I didn't particularly like Myth as a frontend 4 or 5 years ago and only use
the BE for recording. Today we depend on DLNA and Mythweb from a Logitech
Revue to interact with the backend. I don't know the current abilities of
the Roku app for Myth but that would make a great small inexpensive MythTV
viewer. I have a Roku or two so I should give it a try myself. We have a 3D
BD player that does a great job as a DLNA player. It also gives us access
to a great long list of streaming sources. And Smart TVs have DLNA and the
ability to add / build apps.

So wouldn't it be an appropriate time to consider whether the Myth frontend
is the most appropriate device behind our TVs. Just a though.


jedi at mishnet

Jun 12, 2012, 12:42 PM

Post #3 of 23 (1500 views)
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Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 02:37:18PM -0500, Zarthan South wrote:
> On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 1:45 PM, Nick F <nikos.f [at] gmail> wrote:
>
> > I'm adding a TV to my exercise room and need to build a new frontend -
> > which is something I haven't done for a while, and I haven't seen any
> > build recommendations on the list for a while.
> >
> > My last two frontends were built with Zotac ION motherboards in M350
> > cases. Other than flash playback, these have worked out great using
> > VDPAU.
> >
> > I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
> > characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.
> >
>
> Just to help me understand. Why isn't one of the many many dozens of small
> internet TV devices a more appropriate frontend for some secondary TVs. I

Those cheap boxes don't have the ability to play much stuff on their
own and they need a powerful backend PC to make up the difference.

[deletia]
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esarfl at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 12:48 PM

Post #4 of 23 (1502 views)
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Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 1:37 PM, Zarthan South <zarthan [at] gmail> wrote:
> On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 1:45 PM, Nick F <nikos.f [at] gmail> wrote:
>>
>> I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
>> characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.
>
> Just to help me understand. Why isn't one of the many many dozens of small
> internet TV devices a more appropriate frontend for some secondary TVs.

The important features of MythFrontend for me are bookmarks and auto
commercial skipping. I'm in the market for a similar secondary
frontend (quiet, quick, and cheap). I would be interested in
purchasing any hardware that is capable of using these Myth features
(either Roku-like or PC).

My primary frontend is also the backend and I really appreciate the
speed of MythFrontend compared to the testing I've done of DLNA
browsing.

Tom
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Jim at Morton

Jun 12, 2012, 12:51 PM

Post #5 of 23 (1497 views)
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Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On 6/12/2012 2:45 PM, Nick F wrote:
> I'm adding a TV to my exercise room and need to build a new frontend -
> which is something I haven't done for a while, and I haven't seen any
> build recommendations on the list for a while.
>
> My last two frontends were built with Zotac ION motherboards in M350
> cases. Other than flash playback, these have worked out great using
> VDPAU.
>
> I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
> characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.
>
> Thanks
> Nick

If you are happy with your current IONs then stick with that. There
really isn't much quieter, cheaper, smaller.

--
_________________________________________________________

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nelson at tangspace

Jun 12, 2012, 12:54 PM

Post #6 of 23 (1504 views)
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Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 12:37 PM, Zarthan South <zarthan [at] gmail> wrote:
> Just to help me understand. Why isn't one of the many many dozens of small
> internet TV devices a more appropriate frontend for some secondary TVs.

I've considered these before, but none of them support Myth's
commercial-skip, as far as I can tell. (I'd be happy to hear if there
are any that do, though.)

--nelson
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jraymyth at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 1:00 PM

Post #7 of 23 (1495 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 2:45 PM, Nick F <nikos.f [at] gmail> wrote:
> I'm adding a TV to my exercise room and need to build a new frontend -
> which is something I haven't done for a while, and I haven't seen any
> build recommendations on the list for a while.
>
> My last two frontends were built with Zotac ION motherboards in M350
> cases.  Other than flash playback, these have worked out great using
> VDPAU.
>
> I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
> characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.
>
> Thanks
> Nick
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users [at] mythtv
> http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

The IONs are IMO, your best bet, if all you want is a quick cheap and
quiet frontend.
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dmfrey at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 1:04 PM

Post #8 of 23 (1506 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
I have a few listed in the store on http://mythtvcast.com. Check them out
for an example.

Also, i am playing with something like a raspberry pi as well. Also saw a
new small board based on android. form factor is ideal.

On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:00 PM, jr <jraymyth [at] gmail> wrote:

> On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 2:45 PM, Nick F <nikos.f [at] gmail> wrote:
> > I'm adding a TV to my exercise room and need to build a new frontend -
> > which is something I haven't done for a while, and I haven't seen any
> > build recommendations on the list for a while.
> >
> > My last two frontends were built with Zotac ION motherboards in M350
> > cases. Other than flash playback, these have worked out great using
> > VDPAU.
> >
> > I'm looking for a recommendation for a build - all the usual
> > characteristics - quiet, quick and cheap.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Nick
> > _______________________________________________
> > mythtv-users mailing list
> > mythtv-users [at] mythtv
> > http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>
> The IONs are IMO, your best bet, if all you want is a quick cheap and
> quiet frontend.
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users [at] mythtv
> http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>



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tom at redpepperracing

Jun 12, 2012, 1:13 PM

Post #9 of 23 (1502 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:04 PM, Daniel Frey <dmfrey [at] gmail> wrote:
> I have a few listed in the store on http://mythtvcast.com.  Check them out
> for an example.
>
> Also, i am playing with something like a raspberry pi as well.  Also saw a
> new small board based on android.  form factor is ideal.
>

I'm guessing you mean the APC: http://apc.io/product/

I'm on the fence about pre-ordering, but if your new Android client
will work on it, I might be convinced to buy one... :)

Tom
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zarthan at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 1:20 PM

Post #10 of 23 (1501 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 3:13 PM, Tom Lichti <tom [at] redpepperracing> wrote:

> On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:04 PM, Daniel Frey <dmfrey [at] gmail> wrote:
> > I have a few listed in the store on http://mythtvcast.com. Check them
> out
> > for an example.
> >
> > Also, i am playing with something like a raspberry pi as well. Also saw
> a
> > new small board based on android. form factor is ideal.
> >
>
> I'm guessing you mean the APC: http://apc.io/product/
>
> I'm on the fence about pre-ordering, but if your new Android client
> will work on it, I might be convinced to buy one... :)
>
>
There are many similar devices on their way or already available

www.*raspberrypi*.org/


zarthan at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 1:31 PM

Post #11 of 23 (1501 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
> > I have a few listed in the store on http://mythtvcast.com. Check them
>> out
>> > for an example.
>> >
>> > Also, i am playing with something like a raspberry pi as well. Also
>> saw a
>> > new small board based on android. form factor is ideal.
>> >
>>
>> I'm guessing you mean the APC: http://apc.io/product/
>>
>> I'm on the fence about pre-ordering, but if your new Android client
>> will work on it, I might be convinced to buy one... :)
>>
>>
> There are many similar devices on their way or already available
>
> www.*raspberrypi*.org/
>
>
The Logitech GoogleTV device I am using is Android although it uses an
Intel CPU rather than ARM.

My experience with Commercial skipping is limited but it was never always
right. Perhaps I just got good at manual skipping after a dozen years with
Tivo. I can't imagine wasting time with editing a cutlist. The Logitech
device can scroll beginning to end of an hour show in about 10 seconds and
resumes play immediately so skipping a few commercials isn't tough


dmfrey at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 1:34 PM

Post #12 of 23 (1503 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
Tom,
That is the android pc, but the specs are a little lite, especially in
memory. Probably would be fine for HLS, so the app should work on it. I
will have to see if they can send me one to play with to try out with the
app :)

Dan

On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:31 PM, Zarthan South <zarthan [at] gmail> wrote:

>
> > I have a few listed in the store on http://mythtvcast.com. Check them
>>> out
>>> > for an example.
>>> >
>>> > Also, i am playing with something like a raspberry pi as well. Also
>>> saw a
>>> > new small board based on android. form factor is ideal.
>>> >
>>>
>>> I'm guessing you mean the APC: http://apc.io/product/
>>>
>>> I'm on the fence about pre-ordering, but if your new Android client
>>> will work on it, I might be convinced to buy one... :)
>>>
>>>
>> There are many similar devices on their way or already available
>>
>> www.*raspberrypi*.org/
>>
>>
> The Logitech GoogleTV device I am using is Android although it uses an
> Intel CPU rather than ARM.
>
> My experience with Commercial skipping is limited but it was never always
> right. Perhaps I just got good at manual skipping after a dozen years with
> Tivo. I can't imagine wasting time with editing a cutlist. The Logitech
> device can scroll beginning to end of an hour show in about 10 seconds and
> resumes play immediately so skipping a few commercials isn't tough
>
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users [at] mythtv
> http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>
>


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tom at redpepperracing

Jun 12, 2012, 1:35 PM

Post #13 of 23 (1503 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:34 PM, Daniel Frey <dmfrey [at] gmail> wrote:
> Tom,
> That is the android pc, but the specs are a little lite, especially in
> memory.  Probably would be fine for HLS, so the app should work on it.  I
> will have to see if they can send me one to play with to try out with the
> app :)
>
> Dan

Looks like I waited too long, the pre-order is sold out...

Tom
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raymond at wagnerrp

Jun 12, 2012, 2:46 PM

Post #14 of 23 (1488 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On 6/12/2012 16:34, Daniel Frey wrote:
> That is the android pc, but the specs are a little lite, especially in
> memory. Probably would be fine for HLS, so the app should work on it.

Why would you spend a whole crapton of electrical power performing live
transcoding in your backend, just so you could use a slightly smaller
frontend? Seems like it would be easier just to use hardware that could
play the content directly, and if you were concerned about power
consumption, let it go to sleep when not in use.
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nick.rout at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 3:25 PM

Post #15 of 23 (1487 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Wed, Jun 13, 2012 at 8:35 AM, Tom Lichti <tom [at] redpepperracing> wrote:
> On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:34 PM, Daniel Frey <dmfrey [at] gmail> wrote:
>> Tom,
>> That is the android pc, but the specs are a little lite, especially in
>> memory.  Probably would be fine for HLS, so the app should work on it.  I
>> will have to see if they can send me one to play with to try out with the
>> app :)
>>
>> Dan
>
> Looks like I waited too long, the pre-order is sold out...

APC says VIA, I say "yuck"

A poor history of driver releases on mini-itx systems made me avoid
for a long time.
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zarthan at gmail

Jun 12, 2012, 3:38 PM

Post #16 of 23 (1487 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
APC says VIA, I say "yuck"


Will have difficulty with many android apps as well.


pebender at san

Jun 12, 2012, 3:51 PM

Post #17 of 23 (1490 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On 6/12/2012 3:25 PM, Nick Rout wrote:
> On Wed, Jun 13, 2012 at 8:35 AM, Tom Lichti<tom [at] redpepperracing> wrote:
>> On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 4:34 PM, Daniel Frey<dmfrey [at] gmail> wrote:
>>> Tom,
>>> That is the android pc, but the specs are a little lite, especially in
>>> memory. Probably would be fine for HLS, so the app should work on it. I
>>> will have to see if they can send me one to play with to try out with the
>>> app :)
>>>
>>> Dan
>>
>> Looks like I waited too long, the pre-order is sold out...
>
> APC says VIA, I say "yuck"
>
> A poor history of driver releases on mini-itx systems made me avoid
> for a long time.

Definitely stay away from VIA.

I started working on MiniMyth because I wanted a small frontend and
MiniMyth was tailored to the VIA EPIA M mainboard. My initial MythTV
frontends were VIA EPIA mainboards (one M and one SP).

However, VIA dropped the ball. In the seven years since I started
contributing to MiniMyth, VIA has done nothing to make their graphics
hardware available to Open Source applications. As a result, VIA
graphics hardware is useless when it comes to Open Source multimedia
applications such as MythTV.

At this time, I use Atom+ION2 based hardware for small frontends and
AMD+NVIDIA for normal frontends.
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john.baab at gmail

Jun 13, 2012, 10:30 AM

Post #18 of 23 (1466 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
I'll agree with several people here, go ION2, no question.

If you want something prebuilt, zotac makes a number of products:
http://goo.gl/gC0X2

Or for more customizability get a nice antec case: http://goo.gl/kEETe

And throw one of these in there: http://goo.gl/fNWgL
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nikos.f at gmail

Jun 13, 2012, 12:00 PM

Post #19 of 23 (1463 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Wed, Jun 13, 2012 at 12:30 PM, john.baab [at] gmail
<john.baab [at] gmail> wrote:
> I'll agree with several people here, go ION2, no question.
>
> If you want something prebuilt, zotac makes a number of products:
> http://goo.gl/gC0X2
>
> Or for more customizability get a nice antec case: http://goo.gl/kEETe
>
> And throw one of these in there: http://goo.gl/fNWgL

Thanks for all the input. I decided to stick with ION since I've had
good luck to date (although was hoping to get something beefy enough
to play flash).

I ordered this :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173019 at
$269 with rebate which seemed cheaper than building my own around an
ION board.
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jedi at mishnet

Jun 13, 2012, 2:33 PM

Post #20 of 23 (1450 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Wed, Jun 13, 2012 at 02:00:08PM -0500, Nick F wrote:
> On Wed, Jun 13, 2012 at 12:30 PM, john.baab [at] gmail
> <john.baab [at] gmail> wrote:
> > I'll agree with several people here, go ION2, no question.
> >
> > If you want something prebuilt, zotac makes a number of products:
> > http://goo.gl/gC0X2

One nice touch with Zotac is that they include a mounting bracket
with some of their products. I have one of their IONs mounted to a
monitor iMac style. I've seen this setup in offices too.

It would probably work great as a wall mount too.

[deletia]
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dbadia at gmail

Jun 14, 2012, 12:39 AM

Post #21 of 23 (1442 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
ION2 is the way to go. My last SFF FE was from
http://www.habeyusa.com/products.php?id=112, it works quite well and is
very quiet. Just bought the system, dropped in some memory, and setup
netboot.

Dave


nick.rout at gmail

Jun 14, 2012, 1:43 AM

Post #22 of 23 (1438 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 7:39 PM, Dave Badia <dbadia [at] gmail> wrote:
> ION2 is the way to go.  My last SFF FE was from
> http://www.habeyusa.com/products.php?id=112, it works quite well and is very
> quiet.  Just bought the system, dropped in some memory, and setup netboot.


I agree ION2 is great (much better than ION aka ION1)

Your link just took me to their home page, what model number did you
buy? They also don't seem to reveal pricing, can you enlighten?
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dbadia at gmail

Jun 14, 2012, 6:05 AM

Post #23 of 23 (1434 views)
Permalink
Re: recommendations for small frontend [In reply to]
On Jun 14, 2012 4:43 AM, "Nick Rout" <nick.rout [at] gmail> wrote:
>
> On Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 7:39 PM, Dave Badia <dbadia [at] gmail> wrote:
> > ION2 is the way to go. My last SFF FE was from
> > http://www.habeyusa.com/products.php?id=112, it works quite well and is
very
> > quiet. Just bought the system, dropped in some memory, and setup
netboot.
>
>
> I agree ION2 is great (much better than ION aka ION1)
>
> Your link just took me to their home page, what model number did you
> buy? They also don't seem to reveal pricing, can you enlighten?
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users [at] mythtv
> http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

I bought the EPC-6568 last year from amazon but I think that model has been
replaced. Think newegg sells them too.

Dave

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