This is a great system based on the Intel D945GCLF2 Essential Series Mini-ITX Integrated Atom Dual Core Processor. the system will be housed in a small, attractive case with a230w power supply. make it $400 if you want a TV tuner card (optional ). With so much free programming free online nowdays, you might want to re-think the tuner, but I will suggest it as an option.
The Intel® D945GCLF2 Motherboard is designed to support Internet-centric computing, delivering incredible capabilities in the new flexible Mini-ITX form factor. Featuring the integrated 45nm dual-core Intel® Atom™ processor 330 and the Intel® 945GC Express Chipset, this board is an energy-efficient solution for home users as well as for unique vertical markets. Designed with Intel’s leading edge 45nm Hi-k metal gate processor, this board delivers incredible opportunities to communicate, listen, watch, play, and learn via Internet connectivity.
The Western Digital Caviar Blue 250 GB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 3.5 Inch, 8 MB Cache, 7200 RPM SATA will give you plenty of room for he Os, 200 movies and TONS of games.
This DVD will allow for watching DVds.
With the Ubuntu OS and K9Copy program, you can make copies of your DVD movies easily. The program will allow for putting a dual-layer movie onto a single-layer DVD
This Video card is a PCI card that will fit into the Intel® D945GCLF2 Motherboard. The card will allow for connection to a Hi-Def Tv using the DVI out and a HDMI adapter. The card will also give you some additional video processing foe 3D games. If you are a big gamer, then I'd think about one of our other builds as the power supply will not easily handle the extra power for a bigger card.
A trackball, wireless keyboard that is perfect for an HTPC- 15.1 x 7 x 1.9 inch (385 mm x 178 mm x 50 mm) Receiver - 3 x 0.8 x 0.39 inch (78mm x 21.5mm x 10mm)
This tuner has been reviewd and it works well with Linux. you can use the program Kaffine to run the tuner and the DVR funtions.
* TV tuner allows for viewing and recording of television on PCs via USB 2.0
* Compatible with both digital and analog television signals
* Accepts video feeds directly from a camera or satellite box
* Small size makes it easy to carry and ideal for laptops
* Includes Personal Video Recorder software for scheduled recording of programs and remote control
