Difference between revisions of "Hybrid"

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(New page: A hybrid is a PC that performs both the functions of the LinuxMCE Core server as well as the function of a Media Director. There can only be one Core server in a LinuxMCE home aut...)
 
 
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{{versioninfo|710Status=Relevant info|710UpdatedDate=2nd June 2011|710UpdatedBy=purps|810Status=Relevant info|810UpdatedDate=2nd June 2011|810UpdatedBy=purps}}
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[[Category:Cores]]
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[[Category:Media Directors]]
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[[Image:Diagram2.jpg|200px|right]]
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A hybrid is a PC that performs both the functions of the LinuxMCE [[Core]] server as well as the function of a [[Media Director]].
 
A hybrid is a PC that performs both the functions of the LinuxMCE [[Core]] server as well as the function of a [[Media Director]].
  
There can only be one Core server in a LinuxMCE home automation/multimedia network. Therefore, a hybrid will take the place of the Core server -- there cannot be another Core or hybrid on the network. There can be, however, other Media Directors.
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There can only be one Core server in a LinuxMCE home automation/multimedia network. Therefore, a hybrid will take the place of the Core server -- there cannot be another Core or hybrid in the network.  
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The LinuxMCE system allows for other MediaDirectors, however, in addition to the hybrid. While the secondary Media Directors can netboot, the hybrid always boots from the hard drive (as does a Core).
  
A hybrid is usually meant to be in your main entertainment area, connected directly to your [[AV devices]] in that area.
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While a dedicated Core can be hidden in some out of the way location, a hybrid is usually meant to be in your main entertainment area, connected directly to your [[AV devices]] in that area. As such, it is closest to a true Home Theater PC, and has almost identical hardware requirements.  
  
As such, it is closest to a true Home Theater PC, and has almost identical requirements.
 
  
 
Because it serves as the Core, it needs the hardware components of a core PC:
 
Because it serves as the Core, it needs the hardware components of a core PC:
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:*A fast processor with lots of RAM.
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:*Large hard drive capacity, or an external hard drive, or a NAS storage device in the network or directly attached.
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:*A TV video card.
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:*A second NIC card for connecting to the rest of the home automation/multimedia network.
  
Fast processor with lots of RAM
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Obviously, you will need lots of expansion slots in a hybrid PC.
Large hard drive capacity, or an external hard drive, or a NAS storage device in the network or directly attached.
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TV video card.
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A second NIC card for connecting to the rest of the home automation/multimedia network.
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Obviously, you need lots of expansion slots.
 
  
 
In addition, since it is sitting in your living room (usually), it must have the characteristics of a Home Theater PC:
 
In addition, since it is sitting in your living room (usually), it must have the characteristics of a Home Theater PC:
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:*Stylish case.
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:*Low heat emission, if possible.
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:*Quiet fans, or better yet, a fanless heat sink.
  
Stylish case
 
Low heat emission, if possible
 
Quiet fans, or better yet, a fanless heat seak
 
  
 
Also, as the Media Director, it provides all the output to the AV devices and therefore requires:
 
Also, as the Media Director, it provides all the output to the AV devices and therefore requires:
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:*a good video output card (nVidia recommended), preferably with an S video output jack or other appropriate video out jack.
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:*a good sound card with the appropriate surround sound output (5.1 or 7.1 jacks)
  
a good video output card (nVidia recommended), preferably with an S video output jack or other appropriate video out jack.
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It requires a DVD drive, of course.
  
a good sound card with the appropriate surround sound output (5.1 or 7.1 jacks)
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Lastly, it will provide the input for that room, so ports for wireless, infrared, Bluetooth, or USB-UIRT remote controls must be integrated or available on the hybrid PC.
  
Lastly, it will provide the input for that room, so ports for wireless, infrared, bluetooth, or USB-UIRT remote controls must be integrated or available on the PC.
 
  
In short, a hybrid Core/Media Director has the requirements of both, so must be a super-duper media computer. The highest end Home Theater PCs are advisable if you choose a to run a hybrid PC in your LinuxMCE system.
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In short, a hybrid Core/Media Director has the requirements of both a Core and a Media Director, so must be a super-duper media computer. The highest end Home Theater PCs are advisable if you choose a to run a hybrid PC in your LinuxMCE system.

Latest revision as of 15:35, 19 December 2014

Version Status Date Updated Updated By
710 Relevant info 2nd June 2011 purps
810 Relevant info 2nd June 2011 purps
1004 Unknown N/A N/A
1204 Unknown N/A N/A
1404 Unknown N/A N/A
Usage Information
Diagram2.jpg

A hybrid is a PC that performs both the functions of the LinuxMCE Core server as well as the function of a Media Director.

There can only be one Core server in a LinuxMCE home automation/multimedia network. Therefore, a hybrid will take the place of the Core server -- there cannot be another Core or hybrid in the network.

The LinuxMCE system allows for other MediaDirectors, however, in addition to the hybrid. While the secondary Media Directors can netboot, the hybrid always boots from the hard drive (as does a Core).

While a dedicated Core can be hidden in some out of the way location, a hybrid is usually meant to be in your main entertainment area, connected directly to your AV devices in that area. As such, it is closest to a true Home Theater PC, and has almost identical hardware requirements.


Because it serves as the Core, it needs the hardware components of a core PC:

  • A fast processor with lots of RAM.
  • Large hard drive capacity, or an external hard drive, or a NAS storage device in the network or directly attached.
  • A TV video card.
  • A second NIC card for connecting to the rest of the home automation/multimedia network.

Obviously, you will need lots of expansion slots in a hybrid PC.


In addition, since it is sitting in your living room (usually), it must have the characteristics of a Home Theater PC:

  • Stylish case.
  • Low heat emission, if possible.
  • Quiet fans, or better yet, a fanless heat sink.


Also, as the Media Director, it provides all the output to the AV devices and therefore requires:

  • a good video output card (nVidia recommended), preferably with an S video output jack or other appropriate video out jack.
  • a good sound card with the appropriate surround sound output (5.1 or 7.1 jacks)

It requires a DVD drive, of course.

Lastly, it will provide the input for that room, so ports for wireless, infrared, Bluetooth, or USB-UIRT remote controls must be integrated or available on the hybrid PC.


In short, a hybrid Core/Media Director has the requirements of both a Core and a Media Director, so must be a super-duper media computer. The highest end Home Theater PCs are advisable if you choose a to run a hybrid PC in your LinuxMCE system.