[mythtv-users] Raspberry Pi as a slave backend server

Gary Buhrmaster gary.buhrmaster at gmail.com
Sun Mar 22 22:27:40 UTC 2015


On Sun, Mar 22, 2015 at 9:27 PM, Dave MythTV <dave.mythtv at gmail.com> wrote:
> .... I'm still
> thinking/wondering if it might be possible with local storage to the SD card
> when recording

I suspect you would have to test, test, and, of course, test.  The
more expensive higher speed SD card write speeds are technically
capable, although their lifetime may be questionable under sustained
write activity (and the regular file system flushes result in additional
demands).

Note that at least some of those USB tuners really suck regarding
sensitivity (actually, almost all of the PC tuners suck, just differently),
especially in comparison to a good TV tuner from a major manufacturer.
If your signal is in fact really in the fringe range, I would go with the
preamp(s) even if I placed the tuners in the attic.  While it is
possible to overload the amp or the tuner, more signal (less noise)
is rarely a problem (note that you may need single channel amps
with a bandpass filters if there are stong local signals).

Also note that powerline ethernet might also be an option to minimize
the challenges with wifi (although that has its own set of issues).
And, of course, if you do run coax, or ethernet, consider conduit
or a pull string for the next time....  There will be a next cable.
There is always a next cable.

And I will say that while your attic is likely different than the ones
I have visited, you may have heat issues (and early heat death)
with any electronics not designed for industrial locations.  Most
PC's and SoCs do not work well in 65 degrees (Celsius) ambient
(which an attic can reach in summer).

All in all, I suspect that a preamp on/near the antenna and a
coax downlink to reasonable location is going to make things
easier for you.


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