Build a Mini-ITX Personal Video Recorder

Assembling a mini-ITX box follows all the same principles as a standard ATX PC build, but with particular attention to space and some different looking parts. For example, while mini-ITX mainboards may support a PCI card, most cases are styled too flat to support the card's full height. To address this issue, cases come with a horizontal riser to reorient the card horizontally.

It's clear that most mini-ITX cases are built to take full advantage of the small format to present a correspondingly small footprint. This means that, as with PCI cards, components like media drives are frequently located directly over each other and perhaps the mainboard, as well. This presents a dense configuration of parts and close quarters in which to work. The result, however, is a powerful, compatible system in a small and stylish package that looks and works well.

Mini-ITX is cool and quiet. An interesting difference from standard ATX formats is that mini-ITX components are designed to run cool and, unless you have a special application, e.g., constant drive access or limited access to outside airflow, systems can run with minimum cooling and, in many cases, no fan at all!

Here are the 13 steps to assemble our mini-ITX PVR:

(Before you begin assembly, it's a good idea to download Via's detailed product manual. Only Quick Start directions come packaged with VIA's mainboard.)

1. Install Memory: First, unlock the DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Next, align a DIMM on the socket w/notch over break in the socket. Then firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until retaining clips engage. Repeat for the second DIMM.

2. Install IDE Cables: Connect the drive cable with the red stripe aligned with pin 1 on the socket. Repeat for the second device.

3. Remove both the case cover and the drive filler panel.

4. Remove the media drive holder from the case. Then install the media drive on the holder.

5. Remove the hard-drive holder from the case. Then install the hard drive on the holder.

6. Install the mainboard and I/O gasket (back panel) in the case.

7. Connect the pinheader.

8. Locate the mainboard in chasis to connect LEDs, reset switch, etc.

9. Connect the power supply.

10. Connect and mount the media drive with holder.

11. Connect and mount hard drive with holder.

12. Inspect all connections carefully. Then replace the cover.

13. Connect PS/2 keyboard, mouse and monitor.

INSTALL iMEDIA LINUX

Installing iMedia Linux is very simple due to its menu driven installation. Just follow these 6 easy steps:

1. Download the software from iMedia, and create an ISO CD image.
2. Insert the CD in the PVR, and power-up the system.
3. Choose the architecture type (target machine hardware). Installation shows the size of the minimal installation.
4. Choose a device on which to install the distribution (typically, the hard drive).
5. Choose to format the drive, and it will be automatically partitioned.
6. Select software to install.

At this point, users can choose to install sets of software support or custom-install individual packages. During the installation, a progress bar will show you the progress of each package's installation.

Once the software packages and Linux distribution has been installed, you will be guided through these final 3 steps:

1. Set up networking, choosing dynamic address assignment (DHCP) or static.
2. Add more users, change settings, or add options for password, Linux shell, home directory, etc.
3. Make any additional changes to the system with iMedia's sysadmin package to configure your system options or add/update packages.

At this point the installation is complete. Your mini-ITX PVR will boot up iMedia MythTV software.

To learn more about how to use MythTV, view this iMedia documents list.

LEARN MORE: VALUABLE MINI-ITX RESOURCES

Here are a few of my favorite mini-ITX related sites and documents:

• Download this white paper for VIA's original definition of the mini-ITX form-factor.

• Mini-ITX.com: Visit this site for mini-ITX news and projects. You'll also find comprehensive coverage of mini-ITX hardware, along with a mini-ITX FAQ.

• LinITX.org: On this portal for running Linux on mini-ITX solutions, you'll find forums, information, news, downloads and more.

• Running Linux on mini-ITX hardware is ideal for DVD/MP3 players, firewalls, mail servers, Web servers, DNS servers ... the list is endless! Find more information on this Linux Devices mini-ITX page.

• Mini-Box: Here you will find a great resource for software (including iMedia), innovative Mini-ITX and other hardware.

• Epiacenter: FAQs and forums about all things related to the Mini-ITX.

• Logic Supply: This supplier of all things for mini-ITX also provides a great FAQ and nifty power-supply calculator.

ANDY MCDONOUGH is a professional musician, composer, voice actor, enginee, and educator happily freelancing in New Jersey.