Recommend HW for Linux?

[amt]

Hello,

I have a Linux based SageTV server, and currently have dual tuner HDHR which works well. I would like to add some sort of satellite or cable source, and I want to keep the server Linux. I was wondering what my best options were for this. I am currently a DirecTV customer, and I hate their DVR with a passion (one of the reasons I started looking at SageTV). I would consider integrating DirecTV, or my local cable provider, Time Warner. Do any Linux users have recommendations for HW? Is the HD PVR the best option? I would even consider a SD source (SD DirecTV or cable). Any good solutions for that?

Thanks,

-Andrew

[MrD]

Use a supermicro server board, stay away from their desktop boards.

Make sure you get one with on board video and *without* on board sound. The X8SIA-F looks nice. I also recommend a low power CPU.

[RocKKer]

I run my Linux server with the hardware in my sig, it works for me. I've never used anything but standard desktop motherboards and they've always been fast/reliable for me.

I run comskip while recording with no impact.

I have toyed with the ides of an hd-pvr for my dishnet, but I have no plans to pull the trigger.

[Nelbert]

I'm busy building on a HP Microserver (AMD N36) and it runs rings around my WHS C2D E4700 performance wise.
No more spinning rings on the HD300 when setting the BR corner in the overscan and general scrolling around the EPG, Movies is snappier. That could just be down to the Linux being a bare bones install with as little as possible installed. If I did a Linux desktop install it might be a different matter.

For actual cards, if you want a simple life, go with something that is tried and tested in Linux. The Hauppage Nova cards are generally straight forward and have drivers well tested enough to be stable.

You haven't said if you're wanting PCI, PCIe or USB tuners... bus choice can immediately limit your options, especially if you're wanting PCIe or USB DVB-S

[amt]

Thanks for the replies. I am open to PCI-E or USB devices. I already have a Gigabyte MB and a AMD X2 255 w/ 2 GB memory, running on Unbuntu 10.10 server, and it seems to be great.

What I was really wondering was what type of capture devices would be best for Cable or Satellite. I take it the HD PVR work son Linux. I guess that's the direction I will go, unless someone thinks there is a better option.

FWIW, I really wish there was a device to input component video (and digital audio) and just stream it over Ethernet, kind of like the HDHR devices. That would be so convenient.