I have a set of requirements for my "htpc", I use htpc loosely as we all have different goals and definitions and I'm not sure I can do this using Linux. At least not without learning more about configuration files than I care to.
My "needs":
Fanless, I know I can get almost silent with fans but I don't want to.
Playback of avi files up to 1080p. I'm guessing this actually covers a lot of different formats.
Streaming web content in HD. Typically youtube and the TV-channels in my country (Sweden if anyone cares). This means I do not need Netflix that I have heard can be a beast to run.
Small footprint (also a reason for fanless).
Bluetooth mouse (or other wireless that do not need line of sight).
Logitech DiNovo Mini keyboard.
HDMI/DVI for picture
Digital out for sound.
Low power.
I do NOT want a frontend like XMBC. Since I share the time between viewing media and surfing and also reading ebooks a frontend is just an obstacle as far as I'm concerned.
Given the fanless, low power small footprint requirements I'm looking at a system with built in graphics on a CPU with low TDP. AMD or Intel does not matter. However, most of my uncertainty comes from the fact that from what I'm reading you "need" a NVIDIA card for HW acceleration when using Linux and that is not an option for me.
My reason for wanting Linux is mostly to save me the cost of a Win7 license. I don't mind putting some work in to it, especially on the investigation phase, but there also comes a point when time is money so it can't be too much work.
If anyone could point me to good sources where I can read up on this I would be grateful.
Basically I need to know what CPU/Motherboard/Linux dist I need to make this possible.
I have tried to search for this but I'm still confused about what is and is not possible.
My "needs":
Fanless, I know I can get almost silent with fans but I don't want to.
Playback of avi files up to 1080p. I'm guessing this actually covers a lot of different formats.
Streaming web content in HD. Typically youtube and the TV-channels in my country (Sweden if anyone cares). This means I do not need Netflix that I have heard can be a beast to run.
Small footprint (also a reason for fanless).
Bluetooth mouse (or other wireless that do not need line of sight).
Logitech DiNovo Mini keyboard.
HDMI/DVI for picture
Digital out for sound.
Low power.
I do NOT want a frontend like XMBC. Since I share the time between viewing media and surfing and also reading ebooks a frontend is just an obstacle as far as I'm concerned.
Given the fanless, low power small footprint requirements I'm looking at a system with built in graphics on a CPU with low TDP. AMD or Intel does not matter. However, most of my uncertainty comes from the fact that from what I'm reading you "need" a NVIDIA card for HW acceleration when using Linux and that is not an option for me.
My reason for wanting Linux is mostly to save me the cost of a Win7 license. I don't mind putting some work in to it, especially on the investigation phase, but there also comes a point when time is money so it can't be too much work.
If anyone could point me to good sources where I can read up on this I would be grateful.
Basically I need to know what CPU/Motherboard/Linux dist I need to make this possible.
I have tried to search for this but I'm still confused about what is and is not possible.