2010-05-16, 12:00
Hello,
I currently use a Linux file server to store movies and stuff; my HTPC, running XBMC on Linux, streams content from it. Fairly standard config there.
But I was wondering which is the best configuration to incorporate PVR: a TV Tuner in the HTPC (the one connected to the TV), or a TV tuner in the server?
I'm currently in the planning stages of building a Mini-ITX system specifically as an HTPC -- I'm currently using an old Pentium 4 in a full ATX tower. This question popped into my head when looking at motherboards. If I install it via the HTPC, then that means I have to find a motherboard that has an expansion slot. Then I have to find a Mini-ITX case that supports expansion slots, and take into consideration the profile allowed (low or normal profile cards). I don't see very many compact mini-ITX cases that support expansion slots, so this will be fairly difficult.
So, I thought, why not centralize everything and stick the tuner in the server, and have the server stream content. Well, the main problem with this is: what if I install more HTPCs throughout the home? Will 2 or 3 clients be able to stream different TV shows at the same time? My guess is no, which leaves me with the first option...
Can anyone shed some light on the subject? thanks!
I currently use a Linux file server to store movies and stuff; my HTPC, running XBMC on Linux, streams content from it. Fairly standard config there.
But I was wondering which is the best configuration to incorporate PVR: a TV Tuner in the HTPC (the one connected to the TV), or a TV tuner in the server?
I'm currently in the planning stages of building a Mini-ITX system specifically as an HTPC -- I'm currently using an old Pentium 4 in a full ATX tower. This question popped into my head when looking at motherboards. If I install it via the HTPC, then that means I have to find a motherboard that has an expansion slot. Then I have to find a Mini-ITX case that supports expansion slots, and take into consideration the profile allowed (low or normal profile cards). I don't see very many compact mini-ITX cases that support expansion slots, so this will be fairly difficult.
So, I thought, why not centralize everything and stick the tuner in the server, and have the server stream content. Well, the main problem with this is: what if I install more HTPCs throughout the home? Will 2 or 3 clients be able to stream different TV shows at the same time? My guess is no, which leaves me with the first option...
Can anyone shed some light on the subject? thanks!