I want to build a multimedia center from scratch

[needlern1]

First, if this has already been addressed, please point me to the posts as I seem to have missed them in my searching.

It's been two to three years since I built my last pc (a mid-tower, amd box). I've kinda been following the SFF boxes for the past six months or so and just read a Tom's Hardware review of this SFF box - TriGem's Kloss KL-I915a http://www.tomshardware.com/firstlook/20050117/ . I like its looks and the way it's built. I've also been reading up on MythTV. I've also looked at the Hauppage PVR-350 card and have, of course, ruled out ATI (at least for the time being).

Here's what I own: a Mitsubishi WD52725 (dlp) tv. [/url]http://mitsubishi-tv.com/televisions/details.asp?id=39[url] , with a built in HD tuner. From one of my linux boxes I'm going to take out a 4x dvd - r/rw(unless there's a compelling reason to buy something else). There aren't many movies I feel I must watch, let alone record!

I think I'll need to purchase two video cards, one or more of which are nVidias? A sound card of some kind. I have an excellent 2-3 yr old Yamaha dts 5.1 sound a/v receiver.

What is the minimum processor size and the min. memory? What are the ideals for each?

Here's what I'd like to be able to do: be a couch potatoe with a remote control and just watch tv and use an open source type program listing service;
work/play/surf with my laptop and view results on the tv;
occassionally record to disk (dvr functions) then burn to dvd.

Ideally all of this can be done under gentoo. If not, what must be done using, say, m$ or some other linux distro?

TIA and I look forward to all your good inputs, as may many others to follow me.

Bill
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Gateway NV78 notebook(dual core, x86)
linux user #241871

[iverson0881]

This guide isn't too bad.
http://home.comcast.net/~alf_park/mythtv.html

There is also one at http://www.gentoo-wiki.com

[needlern1]

Thanks, iverson0881, for the first link to the alf_park site. It's a good, detailed, overview of what I'll need to do. I did not find much on the wiki, except the howto's for dvd, fbsplash and ALSA. Did I miss it?

Bill
_________________
Gateway NV78 notebook(dual core, x86)
linux user #241871

[iverson0881]

I believe you did =)

here you go:

http://gentoo-wiki.com/HARDWARE_Setup_MythTV

[needlern1]

Thanks. That also is a good HowTo. Now all I've got to do is buy everything. Bill
_________________
Gateway NV78 notebook(dual core, x86)
linux user #241871