Beyond Link & Small Hardware?

[BigBill]

I am looking for a small setup to run beyond tv link that will play the HDTV shows I've recorded on my main server. Has anyone created any small formfactor setups using EPIA or other really small motherboards and small cases? Needs to be able to push 1920x1280 to push my high def tv's.
I don't want another huge server in the house. What is everyone else doing? -Bill Connell

[pwlong]

Originally Posted by BigBill

What is everyone else doing? -Bill Connell

HD-capable Link box? Small /and/ quiet? This USFF Dell Optiplex works for me; check out specs on my BTV Clients page.

[Greg Caulder]

I use a case by HiperMedia that is about the same size as a CAble Box, or DVD player.

Here is the link to it, it uses MiniATX, and standard componets. It is quiet, and can definatley be customized to your specific needs. HD or SD.

HMC-1S53A

And here is a 2nd generation of the case.
This case is the BEAST of them all. Offering the most for the package size.

HMC-2K53A-H1,HMC-2K53A-H2,HMC-2K53A-C0,HMC-2K53A-A0



I build these systems for several of my customers and they are very pleased with their performance and size.

[BigBill]

Originally Posted by pwlong

HD-capable Link box? Small /and/ quiet? This USFF Dell Optiplex works for me; check out specs on my BTV Clients page.

So the onboard video can push your HDTV? Does it have a DVI connector for the onboard video? And it can do 1900x1024.

[tscales]

Originally Posted by BigBill

So the onboard video can push your HDTV? Does it have a DVI connector for the onboard video? And it can do 1900x1024.

I'm the one that started the USFF quest

Yes, it will do either DVI or VGA. The computer has a DVI out and you use and adapter for VGA.

You don't want 1900x1024. You want 1920x1080, which is 1080p and what your set will do. If runs that happily with HD content. I have one on all of my HDTVs.

Tom

[BigBill]

Thanks Tom, can you clue me in to the hardware you use for BTVlink pushing HDTV. I need to build 2 of them and put my current two tuner server closer to the antenna.

Thanks, Bill

[tscales]

I use the Dell Optiplex GX620 USFF. That's the Ultra Small Form Factor version. You can find them on ebay for under $300 if you're patient. Cheaper, easier and more reliable than building your own. Very small and flawless at both 720p and 1080p. I own a bunch of them.

[pwlong]

I picked up my GX620 solely on Tom's recommendation, and have liked it very much.
He's the USFF evangelist, I'm just a disciple...

[RiderFan]

http://www.pricecanada.com/detail.ph...uct_id=486253#

This looks pretty interesting.

[tscales]

Originally Posted by RiderFan

http://www.pricecanada.com/detail.ph...uct_id=486253#

This looks pretty interesting.

I've seen one and it is nice looking, but I can't rationalize over $600 for a BTV Client.

[Greg Caulder]

Originally Posted by RiderFan

http://www.pricecanada.com/detail.ph...uct_id=486253#

This looks pretty interesting.

Still too much $$$.

Originally Posted by tscales

I've seen one and it is nice looking, but I can't rationalize over $600 for a BTV Client.

I agree.