[mythtv-users] commercially-produced mythboxes -- an idea

[Maverick]

While I do agree that a reference design would be fantastic,
especially for newcomers, but my point is: What can an unsupported
$1000 piece of hardware do someone that they can't just do for
themselves? Current PVR makers (Tivo, Replay, etc) have an advantage
software/setup wise because all the hardware for each model is the
same. Obviously us Myth'ers don't have that advantage, but we do have
the hardware database as a reference of what has worked for other
people. I think what might be more of a contribution to the community
is a current listing for "buy this hardware, use this setup guide &
scripts" and you'll have a working machine, baring that you can
assemble the hardware. Quite frankly, it's highly likely that if they
can't assemble the hardware and install the software, they will goto
the local electronics store, spend $200 on a tivo, buy a lifetime
subscription, and leave the other $500 in the bank.

I just don't see an advantage in marketing pre-assembled or "canned"
hardware to geeks who have the knowledge to make their own exactly the
way they want.

I do think a list of exactly what to buy if you want certain features
would be great. Maybe even worth having a page on mythtv.org about it.
Could even have different "models" if you will at various price
points. The $500 model would have basic hardware (350), and the $1000
model could have the HDTV added, etc.

Just my 2 cents,
-Kenneth

> Dude, you didn't read far enough.
> 
> Later on he says, "Then you, as knowledgeable mythtv admins can turn
> around and offer your consulting services to prospective interested
> parties to help them set up the mythbox (and will let you instruct them
> in setting up their own personal account at zap2it, and explain how the 
> surveys work, etc.)."
> 
> In other words, you could turn around and resell it along with your
> support.  Or sell your services and the box at cost, or do it all for
> free and they only pay for the hardware - whatever!  I think that it is
> a cool idea.
> 
> In fact, I like the idea of a "reference design".  Hardware that has
> already been deemed the best combination for a mythbox packaged up along
> with the inital install and burn in.  Could offer some options such as
> multiple tuners, bigger disks, and so on...
> 
> I know that many people agonize over what hardware to get - look at all
> the questions on this list.  I know that I did and I certainly ended up
> with more work than I planned once I tried to put all mine together and
> get all drivers working together nicely.  Admittedly, I went a harder
> route with a streamlined Gentoo install (still working on it - heh).
> 
> Hell, newbies on list might opt just to pick up one of these
> "preapproved" setups - could link to it directly from the mythtv site if
> it is a truly altruistic offer.  At least they won't be bitten by
> unexpected problems such as a PVR-250MCE requiring patches, messing with
> lirc, and so on.  I'd buy one (assuming it looks good and specs are
> nice) if I hadn't already sunk my $1000 building my own from scratch.
> 
> Also, if they source everything at cheaper bulk prices, it would be the
> best bang for your buck.  Most of us are stuck with buying parts retail
> or reusing old hardware.
> 
> So far the only negative points I have are:
> 1) you're stuck with the hardware offered.
> 2) if you aren't using one yourself, it makes it more difficult to
> administer someone else's (recover from catastrophic disk crash, for
> example)
> 
> Ian.
> 
>