The Linux portion wasn't long at all, it's just a matter of putting files on an SD and unpacking other files to a second SD or flash drive with Linux, then it just boots (if you already have BootMii installed). Probably about half an hour.

Installing HomeBrew Channel and BootMii is another story, I did that last year and don't remember how long it takes. I can look for the guide I used and post it here when I find it (Pretty sure it was this). This part is also pretty straight forward iirc, but I'm not sure if/how things have changed.

I would totally recommend it! It's shockingly responsive / usable and it seems like the devs have a ton of packages compiled for it in the repos.

I've been hoping/mildly trying to get a terminal on a CRT TV for years without buying hardware and this is an awesome implementation, especially with the component cable. Gonna turn it into a jukebox with CMUS or something.