I've decided that I want to build an HTPC. This will be my first HTPC build so, I'm trying to feel the waters in deciding what hardware and software I will need.

On my main PC I am dual booting Ubuntu 8.10 and Windows XP. I've enjoyed playing around with Ubuntu so, I've decided that I want to use Linux on the HTPC. I will probably try Mythbuntu unless, someone has a better suggestion.

My goals for the HTPC:
1)Play my DVD collection. I don't have any Blu-Rays at the moment.
2)Play videos stored on the hard drive. Some are 1080p h.264 and mkv.
3)Function as a DVR.
4)Optional – FM Tuner

The only piece of hardware I have on hand for this build is an ATI 3850 that is capable of HDMI output.

Here are the hardware specs I am considering:
1)CPU: AMD X2 4850e
2)Motherboard: Biostar TA790GX A2+
3)RAM: 4GB DDR2-800
4)HD: Seagate 1.5TB
5)Case: Apevia X-MASTER-BK/500 (It has a 500W PSU)
6)TV Tuner: Need Suggestion (The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 looks good)

Please provide feedback on the software and hardware specs. Remember that I am a newbie so, feel free to give a detailed explanation in you replies.

Short answer- you want Nvidia video vs ATI at the moment.

For motherboard IGP video, Nvidia 6100, 6150, 7025, 7050 or 9xxx based boards are all good. The 9xxx boards will get you VDPAU if needed, though a fanless VDPAU capable PCIe card is simple to add for about $30 at any time in the future, 8400GS and 9400GT at the moment.

See my picks at

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1115037

Good call on the case- best price/performance media PC case available, IMO. I just bought my second one.

Seagate is having quality problems at the moment- go with WD, Samsung, or anything but Seagate/Maxtor.

RAM- get 2x 2GB DDR2-800, brands like OCZ, Crucial, Corsair, GSkil. I like Gskil and OCZ at the moment for balance of quality/cost.

I think you want this CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103289

per the other thread discussion.

See my motherboard picks in other thread.

Do you want analog cable DVR only, ATSC/QAM HDTV only, or both?

Last I heard the drivers for the Hauppauge 2250 were not ready for linux yet. I bought the hauppauge 1250 for $50 and it works great for OTA HD. The analog inputs do not work though.

Stick with Nvidia, the support for linux is better than ATI from what I've read. I had no problems getting the latest 180.22 drivers installed. i'm using IGP 8200 nvidia over HDMI.

I'm also using the 4850e processor on an Asus motherboard, so I can verify that it has enough oomph for OTA HD. (RGB which thread discussion about the 4850e are you referring to, maybe something I should look at?) It hangs around 60% usage during live TV. Also, I am not using VDPAU at all. I have a mythbuntu distro so I don't use the svn source which I think you may need if you want to enable vdpau.

Matt

Thank for the reply Rgb.

Short answer- you want Nvidia video vs ATI at the moment.

For motherboard IGP video, Nvidia 6100, 6150, 7025, 7050 or 9xxx based boards are all good. The 9xxx boards will get you VDPAU if needed, though a fanless VDPAU capable PCIe card is simple to add for about $30 at any time in the future, 8400GS and 9400GT at the moment.

Is it possible to get the ATI 3850 working in Linux? If it's going to be a huge headache, then I'll forget about it.

I looked on Newegg for AM2+ motherboards with Nvidia 9000 series chipsets but could only find the 9000 series chipsets on Intel socket motherboards.

Good call on the case- best price/performance media PC case available, IMO. I just bought my second one.

Seagate is having quality problems at the moment- go with WD, Samsung, or anything but Seagate/Maxtor.

RAM- get 2x 2GB DDR2-800, brands like OCZ, Crucial, Corsair, GSkil. I like Gskil and OCZ at the moment for balance of quality/cost.

I'll check out some other brands for high capacity hard drives.

I notice that you only recommended 2GB of RAM. Wouldn't it be best to get as much as possible? I can get 4GB of G-Skill RAM 5-5-5-15 for $40 or 4 GB of Crucial 4-4-4-12 for $48. Do you think I will notice the difference in performance?

From what I've read it looks like the AMD 4850e is working okay on PC's with Windows for the OS. Is this due to better video drivers for Windows? I saw you recommended the 5400BE. Do you think I would be better of splurging on the AMD 7750? It Should be easy to overclock to 3.0GHZ. What is the tallest CPU fan/heatsink that will fit in the Apevia case?

Do you want analog cable DVR only, ATSC/QAM HDTV only, or both?

This is an area where I need more education. I only have basic cable so, I don't think it's HD. Can you point me to some good discussion on the above?

Thanks!!! :)

I only have basic cable so, I don't think it's HD. Can you point me to some good discussion on the above?


It's quite possible that even with basic cable you would be able to watch some HD channels; mostly national channels like NBC, FOX or ABC.

Thank for the reply Rgb.

Is it possible to get the ATI 3850 working in Linux? If it's going to be a huge headache, then I'll forget about it.

I looked on Newegg for AM2+ motherboards with Nvidia 9000 series chipsets but could only find the 9000 series chipsets on Intel socket motherboards.

I'll check out some other brands for high capacity hard drives.

I notice that you only recommended 2GB of RAM. Wouldn't it be best to get as much as possible? I can get 4GB of G-Skill RAM 5-5-5-15 for $40 or 4 GB of Crucial 4-4-4-12 for $48. Do you think I will notice the difference in performance?

From what I've read it looks like the AMD 4850e is working okay on PC's with Windows for the OS. Is this due to better video drivers for Windows? I saw you recommended the 5400BE. Do you think I would be better of splurging on the AMD 7750? It Should be easy to overclock to 3.0GHZ. What is the tallest CPU fan/heatsink that will fit in the Apevia case?

This is an area where I need more education. I only have basic cable so, I don't think it's HD. Can you point me to some good discussion on the above?

Thanks!!! :)


I recommended 2x 2GB= 4GB.

The 4850e is fine- I just mentioned the x2 5400 Black Edition as an option for easy 3.0Ghz+ overclocking with no effort.

The Apevia case can't take tall heat pipe coolers like the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro. The Arctic Cooling Alpine 64 should be fine.

Basic cable means analog cable and usually the free over the air (OTA) channels sent as QAM.

THe best way to handle these is two cards- a Hauppauge PVR150 and a Kworld 115 or similar.

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

may give you an idea of what unencrypted QAM channels you can pick up free and clear with a digital QAM capable tuner, like the kworld 115 as RGB mentioned. You can also check AVS for your area thread for local cable service provider and someone there may be able to tell you what stations area available via QAM. Your provider likely won't tell you or the CSR you talk to won't know. Most places send the HD locals and a few other stations through unencrypted QAM.

An analog tuner like the PVR-150 will be able to tune all of your analog basic cable stations.

I will also be constructing a Mythbuntu-based HTPC in the near future.

I've read the linked threads, and the recommended hardware from the "Guide to Building a HD HTPC..." thread. So, I think I have a fair grasp of what I need and will likely end up with one of the AMD/Nvidia integrated boards in a micro ATX case. And I'll list whatever I come up with when I get closer to buying.

So, I have a few questions:
- I currently use a Logitech Harmony 880 for HT control. It appears I can get it to play nice with LIRC, but I'm unclear on what to do for an IR receiver. I'd love to have a case with IR built in - can anybody recommend a mid-priced example that will work? How do the receivers work with Ubuntu - I assume there is some background process that gets installed?

- What is the easiest/cheapest way to get DVR functionality (hardware)? I suppose I'll need two tuners so I can watch one and record another. Am I better off with some combination of internal cards? USB sticks? Or, the HDHomeRun? I have no need to stream TV across ethernet, so that feature of the HomeRun is a non-issue, but if it's still the easiest, no problem.

I will also be constructing a Mythbuntu-based HTPC in the near future.

I've read the linked threads, and the recommended hardware from the "Guide to Building a HD HTPC..." thread. So, I think I have a fair grasp of what I need and will likely end up with one of the AMD/Nvidia integrated boards in a micro ATX case. And I'll list whatever I come up with when I get closer to buying.

So, I have a few questions:
- I currently use a Logitech Harmony 880 for HT control. It appears I can get it to play nice with LIRC, but I'm unclear on what to do for an IR receiver. I'd love to have a case with IR built in - can anybody recommend a mid-priced example that will work? How do the receivers work with Ubuntu - I assume there is some background process that gets installed?

- What is the easiest/cheapest way to get DVR functionality (hardware)? I suppose I'll need two tuners so I can watch one and record another. Am I better off with some combination of internal cards? USB sticks? Or, the HDHomeRun? I have no need to stream TV across ethernet, so that feature of the HomeRun is a non-issue, but if it's still the easiest, no problem.

Use Ubuntu 8.04.2 or 8.10 and then install mythbuntu-desktop from Synaptic ("Add/Remove Programs"). Do not use the Mytbuntu standalone distro.

For lowest cost and ease of use, use the Packard Bell FastMedia serial port receiver, available for a couple of dollars with the remote from several web vendors

http://www.google.com/products?q=fastmedia%20remote&oe=utf-8&rls=com.ubuntu:en-US:unofficial&client=firefox-a&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wf

You don't need to use the included remote. Be sure to get a motherboard with at least a serial port header on the board, if it doesn't have one on the back.

Do you want to record just HD over the air, or analog cable, too?

Good question. I was planning on just digital OTA and/or clear QAM. I've grown used to HD programming. Let's just say OTA for now. QAM support would be nice, but not necessary, and analog I'll tackle later if needed.

Use Ubuntu 8.04.2 or 8.10 and then install mythbuntu-desktop from Synaptic ("Add/Remove Programs"). Do not use the Mytbuntu standalone distro.


I am curious of why you recommend this. Not that I disagree. My theory is that I want to get the operating system up well with my equipment before working on they Myth software. Do you have similar reasons or something else?

Unfortunately my Myth project is currently on back burner, but I can still mentally prepare :D

Here are the updated hardware specs:
1)CPU: AMD X2 4850e
2)Motherboard: ASUS M3N78 PRO AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8300 HDMI
3)RAM: 4GB DDR2-800
4)HD: 1TB (Samsung/Wester Digital/Hitachi) Whichever is the best deal atm
5)Case: Apevia X-MASTER-BK/500 (It has a 500W PSU)
6)TV Tuner: Still researching

TV Tuner :confused: - I guess it would be best if I got two tuners capable of NTSC/ATSC/QAM so, I can be prepared for the future. It looks like the Haup HVR-1800 may work okay along with the DIVCO FusionHDTV7 with some tinkering. I would really like one that works out of the box without to much trouble setting it up.

I bought the hauppauge 1250 for $50 and it works great for OTA HD. The analog inputs do not work though.

Maybe I should get two of these. My research continues... :)

Use Ubuntu 8.04.2 or 8.10 and then install mythbuntu-desktop from Synaptic ("Add/Remove Programs"). Do not use the Mytbuntu standalone distro.

Why don't you like the Mythbuntu standalone distro? That's what I was planning on going with.

I am curious of why you recommend this. Not that I disagree. My theory is that I want to get the operating system up well with my equipment before working on they Myth software. Do you have similar reasons or something else?

Unfortunately my Myth project is currently on back burner, but I can still mentally prepare :D

I assumed you wanted tuners/Myth from the get-go. You don't need to install mythbuntu-desktop if you don't have tuners installed. You can add tuners and mythbuntu-desktop later.

Why don't you like the Mythbuntu standalone distro? That's what I was planning on going with.

Nothing "wrong" with the Mythbuntu distro liveCD, but I think it's better to use the base Gnome Ubuntu for several reasons.

There is more software installed by default in Ubuntu.

At this time, the Gnome desktop has become the "standard" desktop across the Linux space, due to the controversy with KDE 4.x. Yes, Gnome had a reputation for bloat/slowness, but I don't think that's as much an issue any longer with cheap, fast single and dual core CPU's and standard dual channel RAM. By the end of the year or into next year, KDE 4.x may be ready for prime time, but not now.

Mythbuntu uses XFCE for the desktop manager, but most useful Linux software uses either Gnome or KDE libraries, which generally run under XFCE. However, the Gnome/KDE libraries get loaded into RAM regardless of desktop environment, so there is no real benefit to running a so called "lightweight" desktop like XFCE if you're always loading Gnome or KDE components just to run common apps often.

With regards to the question of 2Gb or 4GB of RAM, if you have money to waste buy 4GB, but be aware that you will be struggling to ever make use of even 2GB with Linux (unless you run multiple virtual machines or a corporate server, but that's nothing to do with a HTPC).

I would rather use the money for something more useful than 4GB of RAM, Linux is not Vista!

However, the Gnome/KDE libraries get loaded into RAM regardless of desktop environment, so there is no real benefit to running a so called "lightweight" desktop like XFCE if you're always loading Gnome or KDE components just to run common apps often.

Unless you actually prefer XFCE! my personal favourite is still KDE 3.5 (and as long as I can still install it, I will keep using it) but other than that I prefer XFCE to Gnome, XFCE is more user configurable, IMHO.

With regards to the question of 2Gb or 4GB of RAM, if you have money to waste buy 4GB, but be aware that you will be struggling to ever make use of even 2GB with Linux (unless you run multiple virtual machines or a corporate server, but that's nothing to do with a HTPC).

I would rather use the money for something more useful than 4GB of RAM, Linux is not Vista!

Agreed, but with DDR2 at historically low prices and the imminent changeover to DDR3 which is more costly now and in the near term, paying $40 or less for 4GB good quality DDR2-800 isn't a bad thing. You always want to buy DDR2 in pairs for dual channel, and the savings between 2x 1GB and 2x 2GB at the moment is often only $10-$15.

Plus the RAM doesn't hurt when working with 8-10M pixel photos in GIMP, scanning photos, and editing HD video, which are media PC tasks.

Unless you actually prefer XFCE! my personal favourite is still KDE 3.5 (and as long as I can still install it, I will keep using it) but other than that I prefer XFCE to Gnome, XFCE is more user configurable, IMHO.

That's a valid reason to use XFCE- you prefer its design and functionality.

Using XFCE in the belief iit will make your PC faster or have less bloat doing typical things you use a PC/HTPC for is not a valid reason to use XFCE.

Here are the hardware specs I just bought:
1)CPU: AMD X2 5050e (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103298)
2)Motherboard: ASUS M3N78 PRO AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8300 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131320)
3)RAM: Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220293)
4)HD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 1TB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152102)
5)Case: Apevia X-MASTER-BK/500 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144231) (It has a 500W PSU)
6)TV Tuner: Pinnacle 800i (http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Pinnacle_PCTV_HD_Card_(800i)) (Quantity = 2)

My friend is letting me borrow the tv tuner cards to see if I like them.

I hope to have it built this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes. Got my fingers crossed!!!

I too am getting ready to build my first HTPC (leaning towards Ubuntu). Between this thread and the other that RGB linked, I think I have a ton of stuff to research to start putting together a final shopping list. One quick question though - which case would you recommend? Looking for small footprint, good looks, and low noise. Don't mind spending an additional $25 to $50 for separate cooling (again, pls recommend one). Thanks.

I too am getting ready to build my first HTPC (leaning towards Ubuntu). Between this thread and the other that RGB linked, I think I have a ton of stuff to research to start putting together a final shopping list. One quick question though - which case would you recommend? Looking for small footprint, good looks, and low noise. Don't mind spending an additional $25 to $50 for separate cooling (again, pls recommend one). Thanks.

The Apevia X-Master 500 media PC case is impossible to beat re: price vs build quality at the moment.

The included PSU is quiet with a slow 120mm fan.

This case is the absolute smallest external dimensions while still allowing standard components- full height cards, full ATX PSU, and even takes a full ATX (or mATX) board vs mATX-only for other cases its size.

Assuming you don't need a VFD or other display screen included, NOTHING can touch the Apevia XM-500 for under $100, and it beats cases up to $200-$300 IMO.

...
6)TV Tuner: Pinnacle 800i (http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Pinnacle_PCTV_HD_Card_(800i)) (Quantity = 2)

My friend is letting me borrow the tv tuner cards to see if I like them.
...


So, do you like them? I'm looking for some "real life" opinions.

I've basically taken all of RGB's recommendations and have put together the following spec. My objective is to have a fully functionally single machine HTPC that I can use for watching and recording TV (via OTA antenna and/or cable outlet, i.e., no cable subscription), playing videos/movies/music from hdd, and watching DVDs).

Ubuntu 8.10 (plus mythbuntu-desktop from Synaptic)

Case Apevia Bk/500 ATX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144231

CPU AMD 5400 BE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103289

MoBo ASUS M2N68-VM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131355

Video ASUS EN8400GS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235

Memory G.Skill 2x2GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122. I take it that this is a better choice than the Patriot Viper ....

HDD Samsung 1TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152102

DVD Blu Ray LG GGC-H20L 16X http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133

Keyboard/Remote TBD

TV Tuner Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1800 MCE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116016. This is where I need some help. Probably the single most important use of my HTPC will be to watch and PVR, I want to be sure that I make the right decision here. So, please advise .....

Thanks

Another option for RAM-

OCZ 4GB DDR2-800 (PC-6400) DIMM Memory Kit (Two 2GB Memory Modules) $30 after $10 MIR
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0264254

For IR wireless keyboard, nothing can touch this one-
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/sk7500wireless.html

The IR Keyboard thread has suggestions for RF wireless.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1108400

For hand held remote that works plug-play with Myth, probably the best for first-timers-
http://www.google.com/products?q=fastmedia+remote&hl=en

The receiver is an excellent general purpose Lirc compatible IR receiver.

In the longer run, you want a JP1 remote, then program it with the IR keyboard remote codes-


http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Programming_Remotes_as_Keyboards

What is JP1?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JP1_remote

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php

Once you learn the Jedi ways of JP1, you can program yourself a Harmony-killer for $30 or much less, brand new ;)

re: tuners-

It's tough to beat the Kworld 115 (OTA ATSC + QAM clear cable) + Hauppauge PVR150 (analog cable) combo at the moment.

The dream card is the Hauppauge 2250, with dual ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners, but no Linux support yet. The day that happens, the dream low power/heat Myth box will be upon us. :D

Don't know how well the HVR-1800 is supported on Linux/Myth- you'll need to do some googling.

Good call on the Samsung hard drive- always had good luck with Samsung drives- cool, quiet, no failures to date.

Another option for RAM-

OCZ 4GB DDR2-800 (PC-6400) DIMM Memory Kit (Two 2GB Memory Modules) $30 after $10 MIR
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0264254

For IR wireless keyboard, nothing can touch this one-
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/sk7500wireless.html

The IR Keyboard thread has suggestions for RF wireless.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1108400

For hand held remote that works plug-play with Myth, probably the best for first-timers-
http://www.google.com/products?q=fastmedia+remote&hl=en

The receiver is an excellent general purpose Lirc compatible IR receiver.

re: tuners-

It's tough to beat the Kworld 115 (OTA ATSC + QAM clear cable) + Hauppauge PVR150 (analog cable) combo at the moment.

The Kworld-115 can do analog cable also. Only problem is if you use two of these cards in the same machine, only one analog tuner can be used. So instead of four available tuners, you have to settle for three. If analog cable is a priority, I'm not sure if another brand of card has this same issue.

The Kworld-115 can do analog cable also. Only problem is if you use two of these cards in the same machine, only one analog tuner can be used. So instead of four available tuners, you have to settle for three. If analog cable is a priority, I'm not sure if another brand of card has this same issue.

Yes, it's possible to use the Kworld 115's analog tuner and a PVR150 analog tuner at the same time.

Another option for more ATSC/clearQAM tuners is to add an HDHomerun, which has two ATSC/QAM tuners and connects on your Ethernet.

Two PVR150's and an HDHomerun would give you the functional equivalent of a Hauppauge 2250, with the benefit of all machines on your network seeing the HDHomerun tuners.

The dream card is the Hauppauge 2250, with dual ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners, but no Linux support yet. The day that happens, the dream low power/heat Myth box will be upon us. :DFor some background, see here and related links:
* http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-media@vger.kernel.org/msg01765.html
* http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-media@vger.kernel.org/msg01822.html

The Kworld-115 can do analog cable also. Only problem is if you use two of these cards in the same machine, only one analog tuner can be used. So instead of four available tuners, you have to settle for three.Apparently fixed now; see David's report here: http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-media@vger.kernel.org/msg01464.html

The changes have been pulled into the master v4l-dvb mainline. See the other thread (which I'll locate and update in a minute) for some more details .

RGB, you are a wealth of information.

Another option for RAM-

OCZ 4GB DDR2-800 (PC-6400) DIMM Memory Kit (Two 2GB Memory Modules) $30 after $10 MIR
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0264254

For IR wireless keyboard, nothing can touch this one-
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/sk7500wireless.html

The IR Keyboard thread has suggestions for RF wireless.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1108400


Thanks for the suggestions regarding RAM, KB, and Remote. I will definitely take a closer look at these.


Regarding tuners, I am a little hesitant to plunk down money on an analog-only tuner that will become defunct in the near future. Given CityK's posts, will two KWorld 115's do the trick for me (simultaneously watch and record digital/analog tv OTA antenna/cable outlet)?

One last question, is the system spec'ed above adequate enough for all this and other HPTC-related tasks? Anything seem inadequate (future expansions?) or perhaps overkill?

Will I be ok w/o any additional cooling should I add another internal HDD?

Thanks again.

Regarding tuners, I am a little hesitant to plunk down money on an analog-only tuner that will become defunct in the near future. Given CityK's posts, will 2 KWorld 115's do the trick for me (simultaneously watch and record digital/analog tv OTA antenna/cable outlet)?

The Kworld-115 is a "hybrid" dual tuner. You can only use one tuner on the card at a time. So if you want to be able to watch live tv and record at the same time, this would be possible with two of these cards. You would want to use your second card for recordings if you want to watch live tv at the same time. If you need to do multiple recordings at the same time, you will not be able to watch live tv. What I usually do when this happens is watch a recorded show or a movie while the recordings are running.

Apparently fixed now; see David's report here: http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-media@vger.kernel.org/msg01464.html

The changes have been pulled into the master v4l-dvb mainline. See the other thread (which I'll locate and update in a minute) for some more details .

CityK,

Can you please post instructions on how to resolve this issue?

TIA

Regarding tuners, I am a little hesitant to plunk down money on an analog-only tuner that will become defunct in the near future.

The analog tuner will be useful for analog (unscrambled) cable for many years, depending on your cableco.

Given CityK's posts, will two KWorld 115's do the trick for me (simultaneously watch and record digital/analog tv OTA antenna/cable outlet)?

I trust CityK's judgement, so it appears so...

One last question, is the system spec'ed above adequate enough for all this and other HPTC-related tasks? Anything seem inadequate (future expansions?) or perhaps overkill?

It's more than enough, but not overkill- Just Right ;)

Will I be ok w/o any additional cooling should I add another internal HDD?

You want to add an inlet fan on the side of the Apevia XM500 case, either 80mm or 120mm. Otherwise, there's plenty of cooling.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186015

Add a fan filter so you won't have to open the case to clean it-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=fan+filter&x=0&y=0

(the first two)

If it were my build, I would use the 1TB drive for recordings/media, and get a 2.5" notebook SATA drive for the OS/data- no heat/noise. low power-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822116093

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152093

Another option would be to replace the 1TB 3.5" drive with one or two 500GB 2.5" notebook drives, but the 1TB Samsung will probably be cool and quiet- be sure to check the reviews.

To mount notebooks drives in a desktop case, all you need are the rails from
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=HD-108&cat=HDD

one set per drive.

notebook SATA drives use the same power and data connectors as 3.5" hard drives.

The analog tuner will be useful for analog (unscrambled) cable for many years, depending on your cableco.

This bears careful investigation. In this area Comcast is now getting rid of analog for everything but SD locals and public access channels. I predict that in a few years even those remaining channels will go digital.

This bears careful investigation. In this area Comcast is now getting rid of analog for everything but SD locals and public access channels. I predict that in a few years even those remaining channels will go digital.

..that's why I said "depending on your cableco" ;)

WoW cable in SE MI has stated they have "no plans" to shut off analog cable. I am guessing we have 3-5 years or more here, more than enough to make it worthwhile to do a Myth build with analog tuners.

http://content.wowway.com/apps/wowwaycontent/DTVFAQs.aspx

At this time, WOW! does not have plans to remove analog broadcast signals from our channel line-up. As long as you have a cable connection (to the wall), or a set top box, either analog or digital, you will still receive the same programming you enjoy today.

Given the state of the economy, there's no way that WoW would shut off analog cable and force subscribers to rent set top boxes and DVR's. I am certain they will wait until well into a recovery before attempting it.

A good compromise when the time comes would be to put all current clear analog cable channels on SD clearQAM. They could continue to encrypt HD channels (except OTA locals sent over clearQAM).

Given the recent annoucement that some cablecos may start streaming all channels to subscribers over the web- you log in with your username/password, and get to view all the channels you subscribe to via the web, with months or seasons of shows available, the whole broadcast/tuner model is on the way out.

http://technewsworld.com/story/web20/66261.html

Within 5-10 years, there will be only closed set top boxes for cable/sat and web streaming (and OTA broadcast, of course). The days of RF tuners for anything but OTA are certainly numbered...

Anotehr good use for analog tuner cards with Svideo/composite inputs is for converting/capturing video from VCR's, video cameras, capturing recordings made with set top DVR's, etc.

Well, I am getting ready to build this puppy. Regarding cooling, I did not get a cpu cooler (AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400 does not come with one). Should I get one, and possibly something like the following that RGB recommended in another thread?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186010&Tpk=alpine%2064

Second, the video card I picked out, 8400GS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235, does not have HDMI. Is there one someone would recommend that has HDMI and supports VDPAU? Or, should I just go ahead and use the component video breakout and a separate audio cable?

Third, :o this is pretty much my first PC build from scratch and my first Ubuntu install on a new pc. Anything I should watch out for - order of putting in components, drive partitioning, FAT vs. NTFS, cables I may need that are not included, ... I don't know - anything else?

Thank you all for you help thus far ....

Well, I am getting ready to build this puppy. Regarding cooling, I did not get a cpu cooler (AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400 does not come with one). Should I get one, and possibly something like the following that RGB recommended in another thread?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186010&Tpk=alpine%2064

Second, the video card I picked out, 8400GS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235, does not have HDMI. Is there one someone would recommend that has HDMI and supports VDPAU? Or, should I just go ahead and use the component video breakout and a separate audio cable?

Third, :o this is pretty much my first PC build from scratch and my first Ubuntu install on a new pc. Anything I should watch out for - order of putting in components, drive partitioning, FAT vs. NTFS, cables I may need that are not included, ... I don't know - anything else?

Thank you all for you help thus far ....

Yes- buy the Alpine 64 cooler. There is no better non-pipe cooler for AM2.

Just use a DVI-HDMI adapter or a DVI to HDMI cable. There will be no functional difference.

Just boot the LiveCD and go through the install wizard and let the installer partition/format the drive automatically, if you don't have experience with custom partitioning.

You can come back and ask specific questions if you have specific issues during the install.