Category: Budget

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What Year is it Again?

Hello internets. Forgive me for sounding a little too excited, but I’ve been having many (good) flashbacks of some great times in open source development and projects I used to work on.

Even though this was something I absolutely was not going to do, it just looked too damn good to pass up. A centralized location for an antenna, program guides, scheduled recordings, and a trip to Dinosaur World (Clifford reference) to pick up hardware… Micro Center, “the only place where a boy like me can be happy”. Umm. Yes.

So the project was a networked TV source, frontends/backend server/clients, just like yesterday. The difference is, I am not using a satellite/cable feed this time, but a mere household antenna. Very similar to rabbit ears. 50+ Channels with info, guides, like a good old cable receiver…plus the “dvr” option.

We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here, actually we’re using the updated software of yesteryear. Did someone say xbmc is still around (kodi)? And mythtv? Say whhaaaattt? And they play together nicely, fluently? Sign me up!

The “big” pc, is now a backend server, the rebuilt Opti5050 a client/frontend. With another frontend in the mix.

Can’t believe I’m saying this in August of 2026, but if you’re looking for a DIY PVR or simply looking for a way to network an OTA antenna feed, give kodi + mythtv a shot.

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Absolutely Enthused (Five-0, Five-0)

Allow me to start with something very important. This processor/setup DOES NOT support the AV1 codec. Furthermore, hardware cannot be upgraded to support the AV1 codec. Software decoding must be used to handle the “heavy lifting” with such files. The best (micro/card sized), and most budget friendly set up, to handle this file type is the Radxa X4, equipped with an N100 cpu. Good luck finding one. If you do, good luck getting it at the original $60 price tag.

A few options on the 2017 Dell OptiPlex 5050 Micro (mini)

Budget Buys?

  • -No OS, No HDD, No Power Cord, i5-7500T = $60-$70 w/ 8GB RAM (eBay) (Option 1)
  • -No OS, No HDD, No Power Cord, i7-7700T = $99 w/ 8GB RAM (eBay) (Option 2)
  • -Only Motherboard – $25 (NewEgg) (Option 3)

Upgrade?

  • -Go i7-7700T
  • -RAM (Upgradeable to 32 GB)

Whatever choice you made above, you are going to AT LEAST need two additional items.

  • A hard drive (m.2 SATA, SATA, or both).
  • Power cord

Because RAM is getting very expensive, Option 1 and 2 seem much more attractive.

Why is this worth it? First, form factor. Approximately 7 x 7″ and very capable of running Linux systems, as well as performing as a frontend htpc. Second, price (especially in current economy). It is not a gaming pc, nor a graphics designing/video editing juggernaut. It is what it is, doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

Where to begin (assuming you went option 1, go to next step for option 2).

-Upgrade the CPU to an i7-7700T by following these steps.

Next, we are going to install an M.2 SATA drive, follow this wonderful gentleman’s tutorial. He’s as enthusiastic as I am!

Wow, love that dude. We speak the same language! “NEVER TOUCH THE GOLD CONNECTOR PINS!”

We are up and running!

What’s next? How about an OS (x86_64)?

Libreelec
Gentoo
CachyOS
LinuxMint
Ubuntu
Fedora
ArchLinux

Use your favorite disk imaging tool to create a bootable USB. Boot, install system as directed by your chosen OS. All should run fairly well, without unreasonable expectations.

Have Fun! I know I will.

Updated 07/21/26: Added pictures and clarified a few statements. Do not want to jinx it, but this little (outdated) PC is running wonderfully right now. Small, cool, quiet, efficient.

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Back to Testing (Revised)

Regarding the Odroid M1S and xbmc/kodi:

As I was doing further testing, realized this OS is probably not ready for the masses. Testing is looking good, and very promising. However, I was doing my initial testing over cat5, a keyboard, and mouse. No adapters or awkward components were tested yet. Video played fine through a few streaming services (add ons) while checking things out.

And that’s what stage this OS is in. Testing.

Looks promising and hopefully some snags will be fixed soon. Again, to the developers, thank you for your dedication. You guys are awesome!

Updated 7/12/26

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The Fifth.

As previously noted/anticipated, switched to a “dumb” computer monitor for the majority of my TV viewing time. The challenge was local news, and without a tuner card, seemed nearly impossible. XBMC (now kodi) offers several add-on’s, one named “Local Now” (you may be familiar with it).

Local Now, offers local newscasts from ocean to ocean in the US, plus more. And it’s great that it runs on xbmc/kodi, because it removes the need to set up a networked antenna, utilizing a networked tuner card. Or to be logged into an account.

Great commercial/advertising skipping, at times, also.

So what are we dealing with here (from an old backup, custom built computer)?

This is wonderful. For a while I was missing my morning news with my coffee. Not any more.

**Updated links to reflect the correct products.

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Distro Hopping.

Doing a little distro sampling. Currently on CachyOS, and let me just say… it just “feels” nice. Very fast boot time and seems light and responsive.

My vpn client (app) is supported “out of the box”. Network config was no issue, and automatically detected at boot. Both wired and wireless network are working flawlessly.

Bluetooth speakers picked up and paired quickly, listening to some music while writing.

The whole system just seems solid, efficient, and easy to use.

ArchLinux always seemed like a steep hill to climb. And to get to this sampling of the OS, went through several downloads of another distro…opening the physical shell of my pc…swapping SATA boot drives…and lots of wiping internal and external disks.

Also involved going into the bios and changing quite a few settings.

The CachyOS made the whole iso preparation/installation process simple. It’s light and very easy to use if you are familiar with basic terminal (CLI) commands and also have a basic understanding of linux systems.

Signing off (for now), from CachyOS.

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Automobiles

Isn’t it funny how objects, things, products, follow patterns? Back in the day, about 20+ years ago, I started driving my “favorite” or “dream” car. Boxey, that European design, bended at the corners. Sleek, tight steering, those big rings in the middle, facing oncoming traffic. It was European excellence. Design, driving, comfort. Did I mention that “tight steering”?

I can remember the Volvo station wagon we had as kids. Similar style, boxey, tight steering, and enough room for everything. Like my “dream” car listed above, had great pick up. The “get up and go” factor.

At a certain point though, European went “muscle car”. Circular, rounded… to me unappealing. The look that says, “we don’t create trends, we copy them”. It made my “dream” car (and brand), a thing of the past. And since then, have gained much more respect for manufacturers such as BMW, Volvo, and Honda. All maintaining a “brand” look and identity.

I found another “dream” car. Loved it for about a decade now, started driving recently. It has elements of the Volvo, and also the original “dream” car. It’s lucky that we picked it up when we did. Seems the company thought a re-design (modernization) of their staple model was a good idea. I strongly disagree.

What’s next? Who knows? This car drives well, looks good, and has a reputation for surviving many miles and years. Sturdy. And that won’t change.

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Back to Reality

At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.

Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.

Oh, you wanted Back to Reality in a song?

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Varsity Blues

Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).

The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.

When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.

We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.

100% Human (Feeling, Emotional)
0% Machine

LTC? Learn to human.

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Distractions.

As the news continues to be dismal, isn’t it time for distraction? Like, A LOT of distraction? In the second hour of war coverage the other day, newscasters were covering the economic side.

They were going through the numbers and costs of the current actions in the Middle East. I am no jeanyis, but I imagine you could purchase many copies of “Jungle Fever” (Wesley Snipes/Annabella Sciorra) for the price of one Tomahawk missile. Not to mention, some forbidden sweet snacks. Oreos (that vanilla layer between chocolate cookies). Wouldn’t it be great to switch over to some old favorites, and get away from the war coverage?

OTA channels are notorious for picking up old movies, and every once in awhile, you find great ones.

So some suggestions (if anyone is paying attention):

Edit: My God! I forgot A Bronx Tale!!!