[mythtv-users] Low End MythTV

Brad Templeton brad+myth at templetons.com
Mon Mar 7 07:31:39 UTC 2005


On Sun, Mar 06, 2005 at 09:00:14PM -0800, Andrew Lynch wrote:
> 
> I think it would be great if old PCs could be
> converted into PVRs rather than tossing them in
> landfills or third world toxic waste dumps.  That is
> such a waste.  I regularly see cheap TV tuners for $20
> or less.  Add one to an old PC + free/open source
> software and presto cheap PVR!
> 
> Thanks!

Indeed.  But there are limits.  I mean at some point it doesn't
make sense to put a $130 pvr-250 in a computer which is worth
$50, if that, on the open market.   You are happy with 320x240 but
now that I am watching a lot of HDTV, I find 720x480 to be blurry.

When you see them selling a Sempron 2200 lindows system in Fry's
for $180, you really have to ask what your time is worth trying to
make it all work on a really ancient PC.  Ancient PCs of course also
tend to not have USB, or AGP.

Generally, you really want to record either 240 or 480 lines, though
I guess you can go below 240 because once you convert to 240 you no
longer have interlacing issues the same way.  240 lines is considered
the resolution of VHS tapes, but good broadcast has the full 480
(interlaced) and a DVD has the full 480 progressive if you have
the right setup.


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