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How To Build A Mini-ITX PVR
12:00 AM EDT Mon. Aug. 06, 2007
From the August 06, 2007 issue of VARBusiness
Here's what you need to get started.
What Is a Mini-ITX?
At the heart of a PVR is a mini-ITX mainboard. It's much like a standard ATX motherboard, with a few exceptions: It's smaller; processors are not upgradable; there are fewer expansion slots; and it's a bit pricier than a common motherboard.
Mini-ITX's ultra-compact (6.7-x-6.7 inches) mainboard form-factor was developed by Via Technologies, a leader in mini-ITX innovation and manufacturing.
Innovative cases and power supplies allow these systems to be used in cars, kiosks and at digital-signage sites. They permit embedded applications and appliance computing where you need PC power, but not its size, noise and heat.
The Components
For a quick glance of parts for the compact PVR see "The Ingredients," center.
| The Ingredients: These are the suggested components to build a mini-ITX:
• Motherboard: Via EPIA-SP13000 Compact mini-ITX form factor
|
For memory, Kingston's product is reliable and affordable. The Travla Model c158 with 90-watt power supply and holders for media and hard drive for the case and power supply have a solid construction, power rating and good looks. The Seagate hard disk provides high speed, capacity and reliable data storage.
For the video card, Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 350 with its onboard MPEG encoder/decoder hardware, off-loads much of the work normally done by the processor. The MPEG-1/2 hardware encoder/decoder is a must for operation.
A Slimline CDR-to-ATA adapter is key because the Quanta SDW-082 has a slimline design for laptop and notebook connectors. Also, you'll need a standard PS/2 keyboard, mouse and VGA monitor for software installation and configuration.
PVR Software
The choice for PVR software is iMedia MythTV. The default MythTV template on iMedia Embedded linux automatically installs the drivers needed for MythTV running on a VIA mini-ITX mainboard with a Hauppauge PVR card.
Hardware Assembly
Assembling a mini-ITX box means you need to pay particular attention to space.
Here are the 13 steps for assembly:
• Install memory.
• Install IDE cables.
• Remove case cover and drive filler panel.
• Remove media drive holder from the case, and install media drive on holder.
• Remove the hard-drive holder from the case. Then install the hard drive.
• Install the mainboard and I/O gasket (back panel) in the case.
• Connect the pinheader.
• Locate the mainboard in the chassis to connect LEDs, reset switch, etc.
• Connect the power supply.
• Connect and mount the media drive.
• Connect and mount the hard drive.
• Inspect connections; replace cover.
• Connect keyboard and monitor.
How To Install iMedia Linux
Download the software from iMedia, and create an ISO CD image; insert the CD in the PVR and power up the system; choose the architecture; choose a device on which to install the distribution (typically the hard drive); choose to format the drive; select software to install. You will then be guided through three final steps.
The mini-ITX will boot up iMedia MythTV software.
ANDY MCDONOUGH is a freelance writer based in New Jersey.
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