Well I have tried making a linux HTPC before but have not been completely sucessful. The problem has always been I would be at about 85-90% functional but my primary use is as a OTA PVR and that is also where I had the hardest time. I always reverted back to a XP & Sage (and more recently VMC) install that I could just run and everything would work. Maybe not work quite as well as one would like, but it would at least be functional.
Ok--so on to my build and requirements. I actually have 2 HTPCs to use right now. A newer dual core Intel and an older dual core opteron. For right now I think I will be using the Opteron box for the HTPC. It has a Geforce 8500GT in it. I have an Aver 180 card and a Pinnacle HDTV Stick I can use. Both of those give me multipath issues at my location--which have been solved with a Aver PCIe card. For now though, this will be my test/learning box and would like to eventually install Linux on the other machine.
What I want to do with the HTPC:
Record and Play OTA HD 80%
Play CDs 5%
Play DVDs 2%
Play my collection of FLAC files 13%
Functions I hope to have (or wish to have)
Use my bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse
Use a Remote Control
And the trickiest part (I think):
I would like to use the computer as a fully adjustable parametric EQ for all audio going out of the computer--preferably out the analog outs but if digital outs are easier I can do that. I have a WII connected to inputs I would also like to apply these filters too--is that possible as well?
Ok--my linux knowledge level is pretty minimum. I have used it on and off the past 10 years or so. I can usually get my way around but usually need pretty specific directions (and have gotten pretty good at spending hours searching the internet for such directions)
Which Distro? I have used Ubuntu the most. I have it installed on 5 of the computers I am responsible for maintaining at the school I work at. I have a dual boot here on the computer I am working on. I tried installing mythbuntu but really didn't like how it made Myth seem the primary function and the OS as secondary. I prefer to have an application that I just load--more like MCE or Sage. I was leaning towards Kbuntu just because I have heard a few recommendations for it, I like trying something new, and it sounds like there is excellent documentation.
Suggestions?
Ok--so on to my build and requirements. I actually have 2 HTPCs to use right now. A newer dual core Intel and an older dual core opteron. For right now I think I will be using the Opteron box for the HTPC. It has a Geforce 8500GT in it. I have an Aver 180 card and a Pinnacle HDTV Stick I can use. Both of those give me multipath issues at my location--which have been solved with a Aver PCIe card. For now though, this will be my test/learning box and would like to eventually install Linux on the other machine.
What I want to do with the HTPC:
Record and Play OTA HD 80%
Play CDs 5%
Play DVDs 2%
Play my collection of FLAC files 13%
Functions I hope to have (or wish to have)
Use my bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse
Use a Remote Control
And the trickiest part (I think):
I would like to use the computer as a fully adjustable parametric EQ for all audio going out of the computer--preferably out the analog outs but if digital outs are easier I can do that. I have a WII connected to inputs I would also like to apply these filters too--is that possible as well?
Ok--my linux knowledge level is pretty minimum. I have used it on and off the past 10 years or so. I can usually get my way around but usually need pretty specific directions (and have gotten pretty good at spending hours searching the internet for such directions)
Which Distro? I have used Ubuntu the most. I have it installed on 5 of the computers I am responsible for maintaining at the school I work at. I have a dual boot here on the computer I am working on. I tried installing mythbuntu but really didn't like how it made Myth seem the primary function and the OS as secondary. I prefer to have an application that I just load--more like MCE or Sage. I was leaning towards Kbuntu just because I have heard a few recommendations for it, I like trying something new, and it sounds like there is excellent documentation.
Suggestions?
