What would you do if...

Jean-Marc · 2007-04-07, 21:22

I need your ideas and suggestions:

What would you do if you had to install a MP client in each bedroom of a house?
(cost/quality for video). I would like to see a flat screen and nothing else, the lighter installation as possible (a main server is previsted for the whole house for tv, music, etc...) !
I yet have 1 ethernet plug in each room

For bedroom, I have no special need fo the sound, that means that the 2 speakers of a flat screen would be good for me- to keep free space into the room-!

Is there enough free space into a flat screen to install a mother board inside? If yes, ideas of hardware? What about remote control and DVD reader in this case?

Flat screen with embedded xp? But seems expensive and not so good

Laptop? Complicated to install on the wall with the keyboard!

Tablet PC? expensive and small size of the screen...

Well, as you see I am totally lost, so what would you do if you had this problem to solve?

Thank you!! the winner will have a free drink on Copacabana beach!!

funkstar · 2007-04-09, 22:42

I'd look into using mini-ITX systems with minimal small cases.

Have a look at for some idea of what is available
http://www.linitx.com and http://www.mini-itx.com

I know these are UK sites, but they do have a lot of good stuff, so should at least give you some ideas

You should be able to mount some of these cases behind the screen, depending on how big it is of course.

Jean-Marc · 2007-04-12, 20:46

Thank you Funkstar for your answer.

I think that this is maybe the only option. Did you study this option for yourself?
In this case, for you, what is the best hardware combination for MP?
Is is easy to add a remote control on this kind of motherboard?

Thanks again!

funkstar · 2007-04-13, 08:50

Yeah i've looked at them in the past for various application. I only have two locations for Media Portal (living room and bedroom) so i think i'll end up using my laptop for the bedroom client when i replace it.

If i was to go for multiple mini-ITX systems, i would probably get EPIA 12000 based systems. We aren't going to have free to air HD here for a long time so i don't have to deal with that yet. I'd also load them up with RAM and use either a laptop hard drive of a large CompactFlash card to boot windows to keep the noise/heat down.

Remotes aren't a problem, i would use normal USB MCE remotes

mrkaras · 2007-04-13, 10:23

I think some people also use laptop motherboards when space is tight, but if easy to connect is a priority than that might not fit

2007-04-07, 21:22	#1 (permalink)
Jean-Marc Portal Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	What would you do if... I need your ideas and suggestions: What would you do if you had to install a MP client in each bedroom of a house? (cost/quality for video). I would like to see a flat screen and nothing else, the lighter installation as possible (a main server is previsted for the whole house for tv, music, etc...) ! I yet have 1 ethernet plug in each room For bedroom, I have no special need fo the sound, that means that the 2 speakers of a flat screen would be good for me- to keep free space into the room-! Is there enough free space into a flat screen to install a mother board inside? If yes, ideas of hardware? What about remote control and DVD reader in this case? Flat screen with embedded xp? But seems expensive and not so good Laptop? Complicated to install on the wall with the keyboard! Tablet PC? expensive and small size of the screen... Well, as you see I am totally lost, so what would you do if you had this problem to solve? Thank you!! the winner will have a free drink on Copacabana beach!!

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2007-04-09, 22:42	#2 (permalink)
funkstar Portal Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Home Posts: 334 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Country:	I'd look into using mini-ITX systems with minimal small cases. Have a look at for some idea of what is available http://www.linitx.com and http://www.mini-itx.com I know these are UK sites, but they do have a lot of good stuff, so should at least give you some ideas You should be able to mount some of these cases behind the screen, depending on how big it is of course.

2007-04-12, 20:46	#3 (permalink)
Jean-Marc Portal Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	Thank you Funkstar for your answer. I think that this is maybe the only option. Did you study this option for yourself? In this case, for you, what is the best hardware combination for MP? Is is easy to add a remote control on this kind of motherboard? Thanks again!

2007-04-13, 08:50	#4 (permalink)
funkstar Portal Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Home Posts: 334 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Country:	Yeah i've looked at them in the past for various application. I only have two locations for Media Portal (living room and bedroom) so i think i'll end up using my laptop for the bedroom client when i replace it. If i was to go for multiple mini-ITX systems, i would probably get EPIA 12000 based systems. We aren't going to have free to air HD here for a long time so i don't have to deal with that yet. I'd also load them up with RAM and use either a laptop hard drive of a large CompactFlash card to boot windows to keep the noise/heat down. Remotes aren't a problem, i would use normal USB MCE remotes

2007-04-13, 10:23	#5 (permalink)
mrkaras Portal Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 350 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	I think some people also use laptop motherboards when space is tight, but if easy to connect is a priority than that might not fit