Build a Mini-ITX Personal Video Recorder

Building a PC for your Personal Video Recorder, or PVR, is pretty easy these days. IDE hardware to do video capture is fast and stable. Plus, there are various options for MicroSoft- or Linux-based software.

The problem is that no consumer wants to see PC hardware--or hear fan noise--in their living room or den. That's where Mini-ITX hardware shines. Built in a case that looks more like a set-top box than a PC, Mini-ITX supports both major operating systems and runs PVR software cool and quiet.

In this article, I will detail all the parts you need to build your own sleek looking PVR. I will explain some of the detail about video capture hardware, as well as provide some tips about a popular Linux software selection and its configuration.

Having PC power as a part of your entertainment center opens up a whole world of computing possibilities. And the build is clean and simple with Mini-ITX. Let's begin.

WHAT IS MINI-ITX?

At the heart of our PVR is a mini-ITX mainboard, what standard PC builders would call a motherboard. In fact, it's much the same as a standard ATX motherboard, though with a few notable exceptions: It's obviously smaller; processors are not upgradable, there are typically fewer expansion slots, and it's typically a bit pricier than a common motherboard.

For most mini-ITX applications, these are not major issues. Rather, they can be thought of as the trade-off for a compact and quiet system.

Mini-ITX's ultra-compact (6.7 x 6.7 in.) mainboard form-factor was developed by Via Technologies. The company remains a leader in mini-ITX innovation and manufacturing.

The highly integrated features of mini-ITX make these mainboards popular for building information and entertainment systems that are powerful, quiet and, of course, small. Less than one third the size of the FlexATX motherboard--the smallest of the ATX family--to be exact.

Innovative cases and power supplies allow these systems to be used in cars, kiosks, digital signage and other places. Essentially, they permit embedded applications and appliance computing where you need the power of a PC, but not the size, noise and heat.

Here is a summary of the good points about mini-ITX:

• Ultra Compact: Form factor of just 170 mm. x 170 mm. (6.7 in. x 6.7 in.).
• Highly Integrated: Boards carry an onboard processor, integrated I/O, etc.
• Efficient: Low power consumption, cool operation.
• OS-Compatible: Supports both Microsoft and Linux operating systems.
• Modular: Integrates with standard components.
• Secure: Features onboard encryption technology.
• Quiet: Smaller means less noise. Fanless mini-ITX offers even less noise.
• Compatible Interfaces: Supports SATA drives, DIMM memory, PCI cars, USB and Firewire peripherals, etc.

Things to consider before implementing a mini-ITX solution:

• Not Upgradeable: To reduce cost of manufacture, CPU and board are one. The ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket on most modern motherboards makes up a significant part of the manufacture cost. The EPIA mainboards, like the one in this Recipe, have an integrated CPU to reduce costs and streamline production.

• Limited Expandability: Typical cases have limited real estate. It's the cost of going small. Power supplies can be as small as 60 watts, limiting the addition of peripherals. Boards have minimal PCI slots available, too.

• Costs More: An integrated mini-ITX mainboard is likely to be more expensive than a comparable ATX motherboard/CPU bundle.