I highly suggest that you visit several sites related to what are called
HTPC's (Home Theater PC).

Here's an FAQ:
http://multimedian.com/school/htpc.html

There's some projects discussed on the avsforum:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

Amptron and several others build HTPC's:
http://www.amptron.com/html/HTPC.html
http://www.ez-hometheater.net/

The Digital Connection is the best site to look for components and complete
systems:
http://www.digitalconnection.com/shopper_htpc.asp

I would definitely use a video card capable of performing the the DVD
conversion like a recent GeForce or ATI card.
Your required level of quality for Audio/Video is something you need to
determine your self. All it takes is money.
Available Linux tools include xine, and xinerama for DVD and video playback.
Pick the distribution that floats your boat.
Personnally, I would forget wireless speakers and stick with good quality
wire.

Hope this helps.
Donn Shumway


----- Original Message -----
From: "Lisa Winkler" <lmw@po.cwru.edu>
To: <plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us>
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 10:34 PM
Subject: Entertainment center box - recommendations?


> Hello again,
>
> I would like to put together a box to hook up to my entertainment system
for the
> purpose of watching dvd's/avi's, playing mp3's, and just generally geeking
from
> the comfort of my sofa.  It will not be networked right away but I will
probably
> be able to put a drop in in the near future.  I figured a few of you are
> probably experienced with this and can give me some recommendations.
>
> Requirements (must-have):
> - SVideo out used as the monitor
> - Audio output that I can feed into my receiver
> - Quiet
>
> Wish list:
> - Remote control/Wireless mouse/keyboard (preferably I don't even need to
use a
> keyboard to do something simple like play a DVD)
> - Case that looks decent in my entertainment center
> - Cheap
>
> Some questions that come to mind:
> - Do I want hardware or software DVD decoder?
> - Are the onboard audio/video outputs that come on a lot of motherboards
good
> enough, or do I want separate cards?
> - What software is available for linux to make my life easier here (i.e.
support
> for remote control)?  I am actually willing to consider <gasp> Windows if
it
> turns out that there is better software support for what I'm trying to do.
But
> of course, I'm expecting that Linux will meet my needs.  :)  Distro
> recommendations (i.e. smaller, nonstandard distros?) are also accepted as
long
> as you guys promise not to get into one of those distro wars!
>
> I have an old P2-300 with case and 300W power supply lying about that I'd
like
> to make use of if possible (see "cheap") but I'm figuring that is probably
not
> feasible if I want to play avi's and definitely not feasible if I were to
use
> windows.
>
> While we are at it, off topic - does anyone know of a good solution to
hook up
> speakers wirelessly?  So far all I found is something from X-10 so I'd
like to
> know if that is any good or if anyone can recommend other products.
>
> Thanks for the info,
> Lisa
>
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