User talk:The SB
Q:
hi all - can any one refer me to a guide for dummies ? I want to understand what kind of equipment I need for dissent home theater based on LinuxMC.
A: (by TSCHAK)
well, i'm working on that document right now, doing copy. It will be at least a few more days before I pass the copy to be approved and read here in the channel. but.... basically, I can give it to you in a nutshell :-)
you need two computers: 1. a core, 2. media director 3. periphreals and interfaces.
The core
The core acts as your internet gateway and firewall. The core itself, isn't a very special computer, it just needs to have enough storage space to hold movies, tv shows etc.. The core needs two network cards:
- One network connection going to your internet modem.
- The other going to a switch, connecting all the computers in the house.
Media Directors
Media Directors (MD) are diskless PC's that you attach to the TV's. MD hardware should include:
- 1GB of memory
- dual core cpu (at least 2.13Ghz per core) - if you are doing ANY form of HD.
- high end NVIDIA card, 6xxx series at least.
(Do not mess with anything else unless you know what you are doing.)
periphreals and interfaces
periphreals and interfaces can be attached to either the core or any media director in the system, and LinuxMC will find them. For example, you may choose to put your tuner card in the MD, because that's where the cable TV connection comes in. In order to interface your AV gear, you'll need at least:
- one TV tuner, (Hauppauge WinTV PVR 150/250/500/USB2) - the tuner card, is what brings TV transmissions into the computer.
- one IR transciever (use the USB UIRT..don't mess with anything else.)
The USB UIRT, is an IR transmitter/recieve, it both recieves pulses from an infra-red remote control, and it can transmit them too.. so it can behave like a remote control.
- Xantech 286 double emitter, to control two AV devices via infra-red.
This attaches to the back of the USB UIRT, and gives you two little dangly bits, that you affix to the IR windows on your gear.
- HDHomeRun - For over-the-air HD reception.
you need this, if you intend to watch live TV on this setup.
