Jay_S wrote:dougz wrote:
Besides the price and the idle current issues, there is no slot for a TV tuner. (E.g., Mythbuntu frontend/backend box.)
True, but there are plenty of USB tuners.
dougz wrote:Therefore, a Sempron or Celeron solution, using either onboard video or a (relatively) cheaper PCIe video card seems to be the better option.
The Atom CPU has its place, but I think Anandtech is right in saying that is being used for applications where better solutions exist. YMMV.
The OP seems pretty firm on the mini-ITX form factor, and specifically mentioned the atom in the original post.
The OP was firm on mini-ITX. Intel preferred (not required) and Atom was mentioned as a possibility.
So, a Celeron or Pentium socket 775 mini-ITX would be out of line? Possibly with better integrated video than the 945? Fits the OP, despite not being Atom. What's wrong with pointing out possible alternatives? After all, another poster suggested an AMD solution!
The 945GCLF2 has strengths and weaknesses in this application. Remember, the OP is looking for "h264 1080p playability." That may not be possible with the Atom, as Anandtech found out. PowerDVD and Blu-ray was a problem in his testing. (Bad version of PowerDVD?)
What's wrong with considering the plusses and minuses of slot vs. USB tuners before making a final commitment?
Remember, the OP was looking for h264 1080P. He has a "blue-ray player." I'm not sure I see how he would use a "player," as opposed to a SATA "Blu-ray drive" in this application. Specifically, where is the decoding down and how would the the player/drive interface to the HTPC box? Makes a big difference.
I think the OP needs to describe the "player" and his intended usage. It might also be useful to know what software is planned. A Windows solution will have far better hardware-decode support than a Linux solution. Therefore, a Linux solution requires more CPU horsepower.
Will the HTPC have a tuner? Single or dual-channel? Will it be used as (Myth terminology) frontend, backend, or both? Makes a difference in how much CPU is needed.
It might make some sense to define the requirements before specifying the CPU, video chip, or box size.
To the OP, don_quixote -- You might want to think through your requirements and post more information. If HTPC/PVR stuff is new to you, there is lots of info on the net. Unfortunately, a lot of it is obsolete because there is rapid change. A free book that can get you started thinking about hardware requirements is
http://www.mythbuntu.org/documentation/ ... lation.pdf
It is reasonably current and has a decent hardware section. Can be quite useful
for planning purposes even if you plan to use Windows and/or have no interest in Myth.
1080P in a mini-itx with low wattage is kind of ambitious. I'd go slowly and carefully. I would also not choose a CPU that can just barely do the job. If there are any changes in codecs, DRM, or your interests, you might find that you have painted yourself into a corner.
I have nothing against Atom. I own an Atom-powered netbook. However, I'm not convinced that it is the right CPU for 1080P. Neither is Anand Lal Shimpi, who is far smarter than me.