Build Your own "Set-Top" Box

slakdrgn writes "I'm looking into building my own set-top box using Linux. Unfortunately I've only been able to find Windows programs for this, for certian reasons (cost mainly, I like to stay legal ;), I can't go to windows for this. My current setup is a Duron 700 with 512MB ram and a TNT2 w/TV Out, how would you go about building your own set-top box? I've searched all around, would like to build something using a simple UI with a nice remote control. I've tried adapting some car audio programs with no luck." We've dealt with cases for set-tops, now what about stuff to put into it (hardware) and the code that will run on it (software). For those of you who have done this, what suggestions would you like to give for those who will follow in your footsteps?