This weekend I have been working on my Media Center with another Pi.
First I installed OpenElec, which is after some tests, much faster than Raspbmc. You can find here how to install it. Then I overclocked it a little to get Xbmc smoother (tutorial here). I choose the Medium overclocking configuration which runs perfectly well and is very stable on my Pi.
Concerning the integration, I wanted it hidden behind the Tv, but it had to look good (no cables everywhere…). I have looked for a long time for a proper case in aluminium but without success… So I finally decided to use an external hard drive case 3,5″‘. The internal dimensions are sufficient for installing the Pi and the cables. The case is also ventilated by may holes on the side panels, so the Pi will not get too hot inside.You can find it on amazon for 22 euros.
For powering all this I used a switch Mausberry Circuits to be able to power ON/OFF the Pi correctly. But the inconvenient is that you have to do it manually 😦
On others occasions, I noticed that the USB port on the Tv is ON when the Tv is ON and OFF when the Tv is in Standby (I have a Samsung UE55F6400). So I came up with the idea of replacing the original interrupter by a relay commanded by the USB port. I simply connected the coil to the 5V of the USB and put a diode (1N4007) to protect the USB Port. On the interrupter circuit I only added a small capacitor (4,7µF) for the relay bounces.
When I power ON the Tv, the Pi starts automatically and when I put the Tv in Standby, the relay goes OFF with the USB port and the script installed on the Pi send the shutdown request.
This works perfectly !!
Anim4Bot 
Looks like you have a great little setup there. Don’t forget all the great add-ons to enhance this (e.g. if you’re in the UK the iPlayer and 4OD etc).
Also thanks for the mention of our guide 🙂
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Thanks ^^ You’re welcome, your guide is well done and very hepfull, so it’s normal for me to share it, instead making another one equal 😉
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