Converting my server to a Set-Top box!

[mkenyon2]

So, I'm going to do it! I'm going to convert my server to a set top box. (It is server only in the fact that it holds the videos and records.)

So, I orderd a new case, and a gamepad (for GameZone). Future upgrades will be to add a Hauppauge 500 (dual tuner) and 500Gb SATA drive. (Currently has 120 and 160 Gb drives.)

I've enjoyed the Media MVP connection, and will probably move that upstairs to my bedroom TV. But there were just things I couldn't do over the MVP. For instance, GameZone. And DRM movies rented/purchased over the Net.

I hope to continue development of a plug-in to interface MovieLink or Netflix. This would have one part display a listing of movies to rent, and another to list the downloaded movies. Since I haven't found Web Services to display the information... I'll have to continue down the line of getting a Web browser control to work in GBPVR. (I have a beta that shows a hardcoded link on the screen, even on MVPs, but you can't scroll the screen.)

Has anybody else built or converted a box for set-top use? What are some considerations? What are some 'gotchas' you've experienced?

[amckee]

Well...some things that I've run into while making/maintaining my box.

1. Noise is a huge issue in the living room. I've been wanting to get rid of the hard drives and just use a solid state drive for booting windows and running gbpvr while recording on my NAS that's located in another room. I haven't gotten around to actually testing to see if recording over gigabit ethernet would work. Since I just moved though, I don't have wired ethernet access to my PVR now, so that's kind of out of the question now.

2. Still along the noise issue. Make sure your power supply can support full standby (or if you're just going to use hibernation). Maybe it's my lack of finding the settings, but my power supply still runs the fans while my computer is on standby. Kind of annoying. If you're buying parts, you might check into a fanless PSU. Problem with that though, is still need circulation at the back of the box and that might be minimal with your cabinet setup.

3. Keyboard control when necessary. It's really nice to be able to exit out of gbpvr and mess around in XP. I use a wireless keyboard with a mouse builtin that's pretty nice (and cheap too!). I got it from newegg. It's the BTC 9019URFIII. It takes a little while to get used to the mouse, but it's fun when you do.

That's all I can think of right now....I'm sure others will bring up other things

[-Oz-]

Remote control!

That was my biggest most important feature. I do mine with a homemade IR receiver which was fun to make but a lot of people use the MCE one or usb-uirt, etc.

[elite]

Any chance of keeping the server in a cupboard/understairs (with enough airflow...) - Then you could just run the cables for a/v and controllers/remotes if the runs aren't too long??

[stustunz]

i have mine behind glass doors under tv with back of cabinet removed
it has 3 big fans ducted to cool the right places first never go under 80mm with fans they are to noisey
get passively cooled video card
and get the biggest case you can (not ugly)better airflow
i have a silverstone case everyone asks if its a amp
pvr500 get real hot, well mine does(but i think it was/is a dud one)
yes i recommend the mce remote its just easy


and thats its

[soccerdad]

I went to a STB, then back to my MVP for the moment. The WAF started to dip while I tried to get all the video settings worked out. The MVP is much easier. I watch a lot of racing and getting things like the scroll right just killed me. I now use the cable box tuner directly to the TV for most viewing and the MVP for all the recorded stuff. Watching through the PC was great and GBPVR was a lot faster and more feature rich, but the tradeoff was getting the video to work as well as the cable box directly to the TV. All standard def btw. I will try it again some day when I get a TV that will take the DVI out. Also note that I have onboard vid which may or may not make a difference. Have fun and good luck!

[carpeVideo]

As to the standby fan issue - there are several stand by modes - if the fan is running its saving almost no power - basically the monitor is off. You may have to change BIOS settings to get the correct mode to work (I can't remember if it's S3 or S1) I highly recommend hibernator to get to standby rather than using windows settings.

I use the most aggressive standby mode but unfortunately it won't wake by remote or wireless keyboard or mouse so I have to walk up to my PC to start it.

[mkenyon2]

Thanks for the info... good things to take into consideration...

Remote... I only have the MVP one... I forgot that.

I'm running XP Pro... will the MCE remote you talk of still work? What remotes do you folks use?

[-Oz-]

I'm running XP Pro... will the MCE remote you talk of still work? What remotes do you folks use?

I use a Logitech Harmony remote since it will also control everything else. For the receiver I use a homemade one: http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Hardw...echHarmony

And the MCE remote will work with XP Pro.

[amckee]

I'm running XP Pro... will the MCE remote you talk of still work? What remotes do you folks use?

I have the Zalman HD-160. It has a builtin receiver and comes with an MCE remote. I just got a Harmony 880 though, and still programming it. Haven't had a chance to really sit down and play with it like I need to