[mythtv-users] Why cant we make a STB?

[Robert McNamara]

On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 5:40 AM, Andrew Gallatin <gallatin at cs.duke.edu> wrote:
> Robert McNamara [robert.mcnamara at gmail.com] wrote:
>>
>> It's pretty much just the Sigma chip (as expected, the sigmas chip is
>> meant to be a "total package.")  Obviously some RAM, an HDMI
>> controller, etc., but the only real "meat" to the system is the Sigma
>> chip, which makes it unsatisfactory for any (non-uPnP) myth purpose.
>
> You keep saying that a Sigma chip is unsuitable for any non-uPnP myth
> purpose.  Why?  Because of a legal hurdle, like Sigma won't give out
> documentation to port MythTV's front end without a restrictive NDA
> which would prevent source distribution?  Or because of some technical
> hurdle, like insufficient RAM, no way to draw the GUI/OSD etc?
>
> Drew
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users at mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>

There are still numerous realities being ignored by the people the
people desperate to do this, all of which have been mentioned already.
 I'll try to distill them yet again here.  First, Sigma would have to
allow the source for controlling their board to be open sourced and
distributed freely.  Second, someone would need to volunteer to do the
hardware design.  Third, someone would need to express the
desire/capability/time to adapt myth to the platform.  Fourth, someone
would need to front the cost of prototype device fabrication.  Then,
someone would need to pay for any governmentally mandated
testing/certification necessary in EACH locale where one would want to
sell them.  Finally, someone would need to step up and agree to be the
"liable" party (if it burns down someone's house, who gets sued?  You,
me, the devs?).

Each of these has a varying degree if liklihood, from "*maybe*
possible" to "Hahaha you must be joking."  IMO the things which I will
grant you as remotely possible are finding devs to do the software and
hardware work pro-bono.  The things which I think you will hear either
crickets or laughter on are volunteers to take on the manufacturing
costs, testing costs, and legal liability, and from Sigma in open
sourcing the API for their chip.  When those things happen (all of
them) I will eat my hat and order five.

But I'm not anticipating eating my hat.  ;)

Robert