Suggestions for cheap 1st HTPC build

MarVeL

I'm looking to build a HTPC and am wondering whats the least I can get away with given the following requirements:

• Must be able to copy from Sky+ box
• Will be used for file share (possibly printer too) over exisiting LAN
• Can stream DivX to TV
• Can burn DVDs
• Possibility of RAID 5 for backups
• QUIET and either small or not too gaudy (no LEDs on the fans or windows on the case)
• Output to old telly (probably SCART)
• Easy for non-IT people to use

Most of my experience is Windows but I'm fairly OS agnostic, indeed I would quite like to try Linux for the build as a learning exercise. I've lots of old kit lying around I'm hoping to repurpose (E.g. PIII and Athlon1700)but I need to know what the bare minimum build would be.

Thanks

SouperComputer

Must be able to copy from Sky+ box

If you mean pull recorded stuff from the box, its not going to happen in any simple way. You can connect it to the HTPC and use it for live/recorded TV that way though. From that perspective, you might want to send the sky+box back and get 2x "traditonal" boxes.

Will be used for file share (possibly printer too) over exisiting LAN

Any modern (and many archaic) OS can do this with ease.

Can stream DivX to TV

Depends on what you are using on the "TV" end as a client. Generally this is done via a simple file share, like the one you mentioned above.

Can burn DVDs

Add a 40 euro DVD burner, call it good.

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# Possibility of RAID 5 for backups
# QUIET and either small or not too gaudy (no LEDs on the fans or windows on the case)

It really depends on what you call quiet, RAID 5 = minimum three drives, this is not always quiet and of course requires extra cooling if you want the drives to be happy.

Depending on the scale of the network you plan, it might be an idea to build a seperate RAID 5 file server (your PIII is perfect) for big storage and a nice 500/750GB drive in your HTPC that stores your recorded TV.

Case wise, there is a LOAD of options, have a look around, keep good airflow in mind when choosing.

# Output to old telly (probably SCART)

Graphics card with TV out. Cost from 15euro upwards.

# Easy for non-IT people to use

From that perspective id run either Windows MCE 2005, Vista or MediaPortal. MythTV (linux) is a great PVR, but it can be a PITA to setup the non-pvr functions are pretty naff right now and the interface is (for whatever reason) harder for non technicalliy inclined people to use.

If you want to play with linux, put it on your file server using clarkconnect community edition, again the PIII is well up to the job of this, and more.

Spec wise, for non-HD playback, a P4 1.7 or equivilant with 512MB of RAM is your starting point. HD playback, means 2.8Ghz (1.8 core2) or better.

Start setting something up with the AMD 1700+ until you know excatly what is going to work in your home, then spend money on nice cases, quiet fans etc etc. The software you use is the biggest puzzle and its pretty personal. Get that figured out first and you are in good shape.

MarVeL

I thought (assumed) you could use the copy function to move stuff over to the htpc from the sky+. If not then I'm in trouble from the start alright. If you can what sort of TV card would I need and what sort of processor and RAM would be needed to allow it to do this?

On the RAID I was thinking of having 4 discs initially. 3 in RAID 5 for archiving and one as the live disc for recording but on thinking about it it does make more sense to set up a separate file server. Thanks

HD isn't an issue as yet and it's not something I'm going to be looking at for a few years yet so I think I'll try it on the 1700.

Now not wanting to start a holy war or anything but what is the best/easiest distro to use for a linux HTPC?

SouperComputer

thought (assumed) you could use the copy function to move stuff over to the htpc from the sky+. If not then I'm in trouble from the start alright. If you can what sort of TV card would I need and what sort of processor and RAM would be needed to allow it to do this?

AKAIK you cannot copy already recorded content from the sky+ box to a PC at least not with Windows and with Linux either so im fairly sure this applies ot Sky+'s STB of choice. You could play it from the sky+ box and record on the PC. It depends on how much you could be bothered TBH.

From that perpective, view your HTPC as a rather slick replacement for sky+, get rid of the box and get two traditional sky boxes.

On the RAID I was thinking of having 4 discs initially. 3 in RAID 5 for archiving and one as the live disc for recording but on thinking about it it does make more sense to set up a separate file server. Thanks

Definately the way to go from a variety of standpoints. Clarkconnect or CentOS are two ways to get setup with a nice linux based server. Google mdadm for info on linux software/kernel RAID.

HD isn't an issue as yet and it's not something I'm going to be looking at for a few years yet so I think I'll try it on the 1700.

Bang on, try the software out and see what works for you. The 1700 is ample, 512MB RAM is a good figure to aim for, if you have more great.

Now not wanting to start a holy war or anything but what is the best/easiest distro to use for a linux HTPC?

Fedora Core and Knoppmyth are two of the easiest ones to get up and running with. FC has a great guide here. Also lookup LinuxMCE. Looks like it's come a long way but I havent had time to try it yet.

.edit, I forgot about MythDora, look that up too. I think start with LinuxMCE. Ive slated it in the past as I thought it was WAY overhyped, but it looks like it has come a long way.