[mythtv-users] Max number of DVB channels per usb tuner

[Gary Buhrmaster]

On Sat, Dec 21, 2013 at 2:22 PM, Mike Perkins
<mikep at randomtraveller.org.uk> wrote:
....
> Of course, since the whole multiplex is available, and the filtering is done
> in software,

Actually, depending on the hardware, the filtering can be done
in the hardware tuner.  Note that hardware filtering is by PID
(although can sometimes be set by program) and a program
(usually) consists of multiple PIDs.  MythTV has support for
hardware filtering selection for (at least) some devices.

Any (reasonably) recent "real" computer has no problem keeping
up with the bandwidth requirement and associated software filtering
processing of any (commonly deployed to consumers) stream, but
those trying to use systems with slower/less capable CPUs, or
with limited I/O bandwidth (*cough* SOC *cough*) can find hardware
filtering to be of great benefit (and for those who are trying to save
a few joules, less CPU processing can save one a few
milli-bitcoins/day).

As with much else, the MythTV implementation hides the
details from the user.