XBMC HTPC
A few months back, I finally got around to setting up a proper HTPC solution. I originally planned on using MythTV, but with only one frontend, and no cable subscription, I found XBMC to be more appropriate, and ultimately went that route. I had an extra small form factor core2duo with HDMI lying around, so I choose that for my hardware. My setup went something like this:
- Installed XBMC-Live onto the HTPC
- Updated the system
- Copied / over to a NFS share
- Removed hard drive
- Netboot from NFS share
And this all works pretty well. However, the box has an intel chipset, and a lot of trouble playing back 1080p content. So two days ago, I ordered a new motherboard, 4GB RAM, and a new case, for a new frontend that I plan on building. And the parts are Out for Delivery as of 9AM this morning.
So over the next few days and this weekend, I am going to create a writeup for a netboot XBMC system. The backend (where the system and media files reside) will be a FreeBSD 8.1 box.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: I've written my tutorial.