[Bathroom TV hack] TFT Monitor PSU capacity - adding ARM board as media player

[faekjarz]

Hey there, Enginerds and DIY afficionados!

I really like watching videos while enjoying a hot tub in my bathroom. I happen to have an old Samsung 940NW (click "SEE FULL SPECS") TFT Monitor which i'd like to convert into a VESA wall mounted media playback appliance according to the following spec:

• some low power ARM board, what for running the operating system
• "SJW/Linux" OS with X GUI for VLC, MPV or Kodi on a low-spec desktop env like openbox or xfce
• capable of 720p60 playback, preferably 1080p30 minimum (up/downscaled to [1440x]900p, the native TFT res)
• ARM board has VGA output (i haven't researched the TFT input board yet, for now that's the only available input)
• maybe use of a (bus-powered) external HDMI-to-VGA converter
• wireless LAN, what for mounting my main rig's storage via sshfs …onboard or external via USB dongle?
• tiny USB keyboard, maybe touch panel and on-screen-keyboard, capacitive, none of that resistive rubbish
• all powered via the original TFT monitor PSU ...preferably
• i might even tap the mains supply and add a secondary PSU for that ARM board ...just in case the TFT PSU isn't strong enough
• boot from USB or SD card
• i'm not afraid of crimping / soldering stuff
• i'd even replace the TFT / LVDS input board to accommodate a non-VGA ARM board video output
• ...composite to VGA converter? (least favourite option / last resort)

Experiences / comments?

• I'm sure a RaspberryPi is one of the first recommendations, thank you …what else?
• Is it feasible / could the PSU have sufficient reserves to power an additional ARM board?
• Which in-spec low-power ARM board would you recommend?
• Links to existing projects / logs?
• Maybe a furious rant about my utter stupidity, followed by a tremendous spillage of enlightened wisdom …LOLMUHARHARHAHAHAROFLMAO

…the project progress (my decisions) will be logged in this thread (with photos and explanations).